Top 3 American Cities (from a visitor perspective)
Jan 19th, 2005 | 06:44 PM
#61
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 84
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Three top picks, in no real order, both for past visits and wanting to go back (or live in, in one case):
--San Francisco
--New Orleans
--Chicago (live here now but was a visitor for many years first)
(runners up are Boston and Portland)
Want to visit in the future:
--Charleston
--Savannah
--San Francisco
--New Orleans
--Chicago (live here now but was a visitor for many years first)
(runners up are Boston and Portland)
Want to visit in the future:
--Charleston
--Savannah
Jan 21st, 2005 | 03:33 PM
#64
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,337
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I'm basing mine on the principle that they're like no other place in world:
NYC
Las Vegas
San Francisco
DC is great, and I'm amazed every time I drive downtown, but other cities (like Paris) do museums and government buildings in a small area better. Plus, the downsides of DC are lengthy.
As great as our cities are, I really think that our open spaces and natural phenomenon are an even better draw. Montana and Arizona, for example, are so complex for all they have to offer someone from outside the US.
NYC
Las Vegas
San Francisco
DC is great, and I'm amazed every time I drive downtown, but other cities (like Paris) do museums and government buildings in a small area better. Plus, the downsides of DC are lengthy.
As great as our cities are, I really think that our open spaces and natural phenomenon are an even better draw. Montana and Arizona, for example, are so complex for all they have to offer someone from outside the US.
Jan 22nd, 2005 | 05:42 AM
#66
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,586
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Alex - your post made me smile b/c I was just talking about this y-day with someone. I live outside Phila. and I think Boston does most everything better than Phila.
The art museum thing is a toss up - both cities have great art museums. Both have airports that are annoying.
Boston has better sports teams. We haven't won a championship in 20 long, miserable years. (But I like the 76ers way better than the Celtics, so Phila. gets my nod there).
Phila. wins in housing affordability and less traffic, which is why we don't live in Boston. (My husband's company is HQ'd up there). And I think you're probably right that we win in restaurants, too. Haven't done much fine dining in Boston.
Boston wins hands down in surroundings (for when you just wannna get outta town). Their beaches (esp. Cape Cod) are soooo much nicer than NJs. The skiing in VT and NH beats the Poconos.
Just my opinion. Your mileage may vary.
The art museum thing is a toss up - both cities have great art museums. Both have airports that are annoying.
Boston has better sports teams. We haven't won a championship in 20 long, miserable years. (But I like the 76ers way better than the Celtics, so Phila. gets my nod there).
Phila. wins in housing affordability and less traffic, which is why we don't live in Boston. (My husband's company is HQ'd up there). And I think you're probably right that we win in restaurants, too. Haven't done much fine dining in Boston.
Boston wins hands down in surroundings (for when you just wannna get outta town). Their beaches (esp. Cape Cod) are soooo much nicer than NJs. The skiing in VT and NH beats the Poconos.
Just my opinion. Your mileage may vary.
Jan 22nd, 2005 | 07:03 AM
#67
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,659
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I suppose it depends who the visitor is on some level. You might think I'm joking but in some ways, but I pick the following for their *uniqueness* factor.
1.Baltimore, Maryland
2.Laredo, Texas
3.New Orleans, Louisiana
1. Don't go to the Inner Harbor (generic), go instead to the Lexington Market, ride the Metro and walk to Fell's Point. Take the Light Rail and ride "the Bug" bus to Hampden. Likely your eyes will be opened.
2. Walk around the downtown and think the words "this is America too".
3. Unique
1.Baltimore, Maryland
2.Laredo, Texas
3.New Orleans, Louisiana
1. Don't go to the Inner Harbor (generic), go instead to the Lexington Market, ride the Metro and walk to Fell's Point. Take the Light Rail and ride "the Bug" bus to Hampden. Likely your eyes will be opened.
2. Walk around the downtown and think the words "this is America too".
3. Unique
Jan 22nd, 2005 | 08:04 AM
#68
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
Daniel,
Interesting list. New Orleans is on my must-get-to list and I'd like to hear more about Laredo. Baltimore certainly has its charm and atmosphere: Lexington Market is fun, although it's tough to beat the location and activities at Pike Place as a great American market.
My top three:
NYC -- So many reason why it's a must see.
San Francisco -- Like no place else in the world? Absolutely not. After spending a month in Sydney, it's clear that city has the more of the qualities most praise S.F. for. Some could make a case for Vancouver as well. But it's certainly unique in the U.S. (And since I'm married to a 5th-gen San Franciscan, I'm on thin ice here.)
Chicago -- As much as New York says world city, Chicago says American city.
Second tier: DC, Boston, Seattle, San Diego. I'm ready to be convinced about New Orleans as well, but I haven't made it there.
I don't see the ``lengthy'' downsides of DC, however. Terrific tourist city burdened unfortunately by a lot of stereotypes.
Interesting list. New Orleans is on my must-get-to list and I'd like to hear more about Laredo. Baltimore certainly has its charm and atmosphere: Lexington Market is fun, although it's tough to beat the location and activities at Pike Place as a great American market.
My top three:
NYC -- So many reason why it's a must see.
San Francisco -- Like no place else in the world? Absolutely not. After spending a month in Sydney, it's clear that city has the more of the qualities most praise S.F. for. Some could make a case for Vancouver as well. But it's certainly unique in the U.S. (And since I'm married to a 5th-gen San Franciscan, I'm on thin ice here.)
Chicago -- As much as New York says world city, Chicago says American city.
Second tier: DC, Boston, Seattle, San Diego. I'm ready to be convinced about New Orleans as well, but I haven't made it there.
I don't see the ``lengthy'' downsides of DC, however. Terrific tourist city burdened unfortunately by a lot of stereotypes.
Feb 4th, 2005 | 08:13 PM
#70
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
OK...I think I could be one of the "Experts" here (very loosely used) BECAUSE I was born in NYC, raised in San Fran, and spent every summer from age 0 to age 18 in New England for summer camp or the Cape or my familia's casa in New HampshAH (to use the local vernacular). My EXPERT[
] opinion is as follows:
1. SAN FRANCISCO...almost as diverse as NYC, but with a certain European charm and snobbery (but in a good way...it's all about food and wine, baby...so, to paraphrase the movie Sideways, don't order any f---ing Merlot here). And the weather...when it's 2 degrees on the East Coast, SFers snicker that they only need to deal with that sh-t when they're schussing down Red Dog at Squaw in Tahoe.
2. NEW YORK...THE center of the universe (sorry, London, but it is). A pace and energy unlike anywhere on Earth. People unfriendly? BS....they just want you to make up your damn mind. Don't sidle up to the counter at Ray's Pizza at noon and spend 5 minutes deciding what you want on your slice, because, unlike some other, faker towns, the guy behind the counter will actually say, "HURRY UP", to the applause of all the people waiting behind you who need to get back to work!
3. TIE!!! Boston and Seattle, with honorable mention to Chicago.
Bahston...Fenway Pahk, Kenmawh Squawh, Quincy Mahket, the Chahles, the accent alone is fun. Plus, the history!
Seattle...green green green water water water mountains mountains mountains ferries ferries ferries, and NO IT DOESN'T RAIN NEARLY AS MUCH AS CALIFORNIANS SAY (I live here, I know this). Plus, the esteemed NY Times rated this city one of the four "essential" dining scenes in the US, with SF, NY, and Chicago as the other 3.
So, go to all 3...or 4...or 5...and be happy.
] opinion is as follows:1. SAN FRANCISCO...almost as diverse as NYC, but with a certain European charm and snobbery (but in a good way...it's all about food and wine, baby...so, to paraphrase the movie Sideways, don't order any f---ing Merlot here). And the weather...when it's 2 degrees on the East Coast, SFers snicker that they only need to deal with that sh-t when they're schussing down Red Dog at Squaw in Tahoe.
2. NEW YORK...THE center of the universe (sorry, London, but it is). A pace and energy unlike anywhere on Earth. People unfriendly? BS....they just want you to make up your damn mind. Don't sidle up to the counter at Ray's Pizza at noon and spend 5 minutes deciding what you want on your slice, because, unlike some other, faker towns, the guy behind the counter will actually say, "HURRY UP", to the applause of all the people waiting behind you who need to get back to work!
3. TIE!!! Boston and Seattle, with honorable mention to Chicago.
Bahston...Fenway Pahk, Kenmawh Squawh, Quincy Mahket, the Chahles, the accent alone is fun. Plus, the history!
Seattle...green green green water water water mountains mountains mountains ferries ferries ferries, and NO IT DOESN'T RAIN NEARLY AS MUCH AS CALIFORNIANS SAY (I live here, I know this). Plus, the esteemed NY Times rated this city one of the four "essential" dining scenes in the US, with SF, NY, and Chicago as the other 3.
So, go to all 3...or 4...or 5...and be happy.
Mar 10th, 2005 | 08:33 AM
#73
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 719
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1. New York City (I never run out of things to see in this place!!!! It's amazing!!)
2. San Francisco (Love all the little sections to explore, and plenty of exercise walking those hills!)
3. 3 way tie- Miami(only been there once, but I found it very interesting and great beaches) and Boston (lots of history) and Newport RI (love those mansions!)
I'm still looking forward to seeing Chicago, and Sante Fe for the first time
2. San Francisco (Love all the little sections to explore, and plenty of exercise walking those hills!)
3. 3 way tie- Miami(only been there once, but I found it very interesting and great beaches) and Boston (lots of history) and Newport RI (love those mansions!)
I'm still looking forward to seeing Chicago, and Sante Fe for the first time
Mar 14th, 2005 | 12:07 PM
#74
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
I haven't been to too many cities yet, but here's my two cents:
Favorites I've been to:
Las Vegas (too much fun)
San Francisco (lots to see)
Santa Fe (great art)
Want to see:
New Orleans (next year vacation)
Boston
Anchorage(hear it's beautiful)
Will not go back:
Witchita (boring & flat)
Grand Rapids (blah)
Favorites I've been to:
Las Vegas (too much fun)
San Francisco (lots to see)
Santa Fe (great art)
Want to see:
New Orleans (next year vacation)
Boston
Anchorage(hear it's beautiful)
Will not go back:
Witchita (boring & flat)
Grand Rapids (blah)
Mar 14th, 2005 | 12:10 PM
#75
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
I haven't been to too many cities yet, but here's my two cents:
Favorites I've been to:
Las Vegas (too much fun)
San Francisco (lots to see)
Santa Fe (great art)
Want to see:
New Orleans (next year vacation)
Boston
Anchorage(hear it's beautiful)
Will not go back:
Witchita (boring & flat)
Grand Rapids (blah)
I live only 2 hours from NY and live in Philadelphia so I can go anytime.
Favorites I've been to:
Las Vegas (too much fun)
San Francisco (lots to see)
Santa Fe (great art)
Want to see:
New Orleans (next year vacation)
Boston
Anchorage(hear it's beautiful)
Will not go back:
Witchita (boring & flat)
Grand Rapids (blah)
I live only 2 hours from NY and live in Philadelphia so I can go anytime.
Mar 16th, 2005 | 04:31 PM
#77
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Assuming the person is staying a short time on a sizable budget, the top cities are, in my opinion:
1. NY
2. SF
3. DC
4. BOS
5. CHI
6. NO
A longer trip:
1. NY/DC tie
3. LA
4. Miami
5. Hill Country (Austin and San Antonio)
6. BOS/PHI/CHI tie
7. SF
1. NY
2. SF
3. DC
4. BOS
5. CHI
6. NO
A longer trip:
1. NY/DC tie
3. LA
4. Miami
5. Hill Country (Austin and San Antonio)
6. BOS/PHI/CHI tie
7. SF
