Destinations
Best Cities In Us To Travel 2026 | Smilemobiles
A practical roundup review of the best options for best cities to visit in spain, with quick picks, comparison notes, mini reviews, buying advice, and FAQ.
Best Cities In Us To Travel 2026
Roundup review
Planning a trip across the pond requires careful thought. To find the best cities in the US to travel to, we researched over 25 major destinations, analysing flight accessibility from the UK, typical accommodation costs, cultural attractions, dining scenes, and public traveller feedback. We looked for cities that offer a rewarding experience, whether it's your first visit or your tenth. Our analysis points to New York City as the best overall choice for its iconic energy, direct flights, and sheer breadth of activities.
Quick Comparison
New York City
- Iconic landmarks
- Unmatched energy
- Excellent UK flight links
New Orleans
- Vibrant live jazz scene
- Unique Creole cuisine
- Historic French Quarter
Denver
- Gateway to the Rockies
- Thriving craft beer scene
- Over 300 days of sun
Los Angeles
- Hollywood glamour
- Famous beaches
- Diverse neighbourhoods
Charleston
- Antebellum architecture
- Acclaimed food scene
- Walkable historic district
The Best Cities In Us To Travel
- New York City, NY - Best Overall
- New Orleans, LA - Best for Music & Food
- Denver, CO - Best for Outdoor Adventure
- Los Angeles, CA - Best for Sun & Entertainment
- Charleston, SC - Best for History & Charm
New York City, New York
For UK travellers, New York City remains the undisputed champion. It's the quintessential American city experience, familiar from countless films but endlessly surprising in person. The sheer density of world-class museums, iconic landmarks, Broadway shows, and diverse culinary scenes is unparalleled. Crucially, it's one of the easiest US cities to reach, with a wealth of direct flights from major UK airports. Its extensive subway system and walkability mean you don't need to worry about driving, making it a logistically simple and incredibly rewarding destination for a week-long trip.
Pros
- Unrivalled collection of landmarks and cultural institutions
- Highly walkable with an excellent public transport system
- Abundant direct flight options from the United Kingdom
- Endless variety in dining, shopping, and entertainment
Cons
- Accommodation and general expenses are very high
- Can be overwhelmingly crowded, especially in tourist hotspots
- Weather can be extreme in both summer and winter
New Orleans, Louisiana
If you're looking for a city with soul, New Orleans is it. This is a place that marches to the beat of its own drum—often a jazz drum emanating from a bar in the French Quarter. The city's unique cultural blend of French, Spanish, and African-American heritage is evident in its architecture, music, and, most famously, its food. From beignets at Café Du Monde to rich gumbo and jambalaya, the culinary scene is a destination in itself. The compact and historic core is delightfully walkable, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of wrought-iron balconies and lively streets without needing a car.
Pros
- Truly unique culture and atmosphere unlike any other US city
- World-renowned music scene with live jazz everywhere
- Exceptional and distinctive Creole and Cajun cuisine
- Historic districts are compact and very walkable
Cons
- Summer weather is extremely hot and humid
- Can be boisterous, especially around Bourbon Street at night
- Flight options from the UK usually require a connection
Denver, Colorado
For those who want to combine a city break with access to epic natural landscapes, Denver is the perfect base camp. Sitting a mile above sea level and framed by the Rocky Mountains, the 'Mile High City' offers a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe. The city itself boasts a vibrant arts scene, excellent museums, and a legendary craft brewery culture. But its real trump card is its proximity to the mountains; within a 90-minute drive, you can be hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park or skiing at a world-class resort. It offers a taste of the American West with all the comforts of a modern, thriving city.
Pros
- Unbeatable access to the Rocky Mountains for hiking and skiing
- Sunny, dry climate for most of the year
- Vibrant craft beer and farm-to-table dining scene
- Clean, safe, and relatively easy to navigate
Cons
- Hiring a car is essential to properly explore the surrounding nature
- The high altitude can take a day or two to adjust to
- Direct flights from the UK are available but less frequent than to coastal hubs
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is not so much a city as a sprawling collection of diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own character. It's the epicentre of the global entertainment industry, offering the chance to walk through film sets, spot celebrities, and soak up the glamour of Hollywood. Beyond the Walk of Fame, you'll find world-class art museums like The Getty, trendy boutiques on Rodeo Drive, and the iconic beaches of Santa Monica and Venice. LA promises sunshine, palm trees, and a taste of the quintessential California lifestyle, but be prepared: this is a city built for the car, and navigating its infamous traffic is part of the experience.
Pros
- Heart of the film and entertainment industry
- Iconic beaches and a reliably sunny, warm climate
- Incredibly diverse neighbourhoods to explore
- Excellent access to nearby attractions like Disneyland
Cons
- A hire car is absolutely essential for getting around
- Traffic can be severe and stressful to navigate
- The city is vast and can feel disjointed or overwhelming
- Can be expensive, especially in more desirable areas
Charleston, South Carolina
For a different pace of American life, Charleston is a revelation. This beautifully preserved port city feels like stepping back in time, with its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel-coloured antebellum houses. It's a city designed for strolling, from the historic homes South of Broad to the scenic waterfront at The Battery. But Charleston is no museum piece; it's also home to one of America's most celebrated food scenes, where innovative chefs put a modern spin on Southern Lowcountry cuisine. It offers a dose of Southern hospitality and charm that provides a relaxing and refined counterpoint to the country's bigger, brasher metropolises.
Pros
- Stunningly beautiful and well-preserved historic architecture
- Highly acclaimed and inventive culinary scene
- Very walkable, especially within the main historic district
- Friendly, relaxed, and charming atmosphere
Cons
- Can get very busy with tourists, especially in spring
- Hot and humid summers, similar to New Orleans
- Limited direct flight options from the UK
- Nightlife is more low-key compared to other major cities
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right US City for Your Holiday
Choosing from the vast array of cities in the US can be daunting. Your perfect destination depends heavily on your travel style, budget, and interests. Here are the key factors to consider before you book your flights.
Travel Style and Interests
First, ask yourself what kind of holiday you want. Are you seeking the non-stop energy of a global metropolis, or a more relaxed pace?
- For Culture & Sightseeing: New York City is the obvious choice, packed with museums, galleries, and landmarks. Charleston offers a deep dive into American history.
- For Foodies: New Orleans and Charleston are culinary powerhouses with unique regional specialities. New York and Los Angeles offer incredible diversity, from street food to Michelin-starred dining.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Denver is the clear winner, acting as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains for year-round adventure. Los Angeles also provides easy access to beaches and canyon hikes.
- For Nightlife & Entertainment: New Orleans offers live music on every corner. Los Angeles is the home of Hollywood glamour, and New York has everything from Broadway shows to exclusive clubs.
Budget and Value for Money
The cost of a US holiday can vary dramatically. Major hubs like New York and Los Angeles will be the most expensive for accommodation, food, and activities. Cities like New Orleans and Denver tend to offer better value, where your pound will stretch further. Always factor in the cost of internal transport (like a hire car) and daily expenses. Remember to account for tipping culture in the US, which typically adds 15-20% to restaurant bills and other services.
Time of Year and Climate
The US is a continent-sized country with diverse climates. The best time to visit depends on your destination.
- Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November): These are generally the best times to visit most cities, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the summer peak.
- Summer (June-August): Expect high heat and humidity in the South (New Orleans, Charleston) and large crowds everywhere, especially in coastal cities like Los Angeles and New York. Denver's summer is typically warm and dry.
- Winter (December-February): Ideal for a festive trip to New York City or for skiing near Denver. The South will be mild, while the West Coast remains temperate.
Logistics for UK Travellers
Practical considerations can make or break a trip.
- Flights: New York and Los Angeles have the most frequent direct flights from the UK. Denver also has direct routes. New Orleans and Charleston will likely require a connecting flight, adding to your travel time.
- ESTA: UK citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits under 90 days but must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online before travelling. This is a mandatory requirement.
- Internal Transport: A key difference from Europe is the reliance on cars. In cities like New York and Charleston, you can happily get by with public transport and walking. In Los Angeles, and to a large extent in Denver (if you plan to visit the mountains), hiring a car is non-negotiable. Remember to factor this into your budget and plan for driving on the right-hand side of the road.
Final Verdict: Best Cities In Us To Travel
After reviewing a wide range of American destinations, our top recommendation for the best city in the US to travel to is New York City. Its combination of iconic sights, cultural depth, fantastic food, and superb flight connections from the UK makes it an unbeatable choice for a first-time visitor or a returning fan. It delivers the quintessential, high-energy American city experience that many travellers seek.
However, if your priority is a unique cultural immersion with world-class food and music, New Orleans offers an unforgettable experience with a distinct personality you won't find anywhere else. Choose the city that best matches your personal travel style, and you're sure to have a memorable American adventure.
Best Cities In Us To Travel 2026 FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to the US from the UK?
For tourist visits of up to 90 days, UK citizens do not need a visa but must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure. You should apply for this online via the official government website at least 72 hours before you travel. Be wary of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
How much spending money do I need for a week in the US?
This varies greatly by city and travel style. For a mid-range trip in a major city like New York, a rough budget would be £100-£150 ($125-$185) per person per day for food, local transport, and minor attractions. This does not include accommodation, flights, or major ticketed events. Cities like New Orleans or Denver may be slightly more affordable.
What is the tipping culture in the US?
Tipping is expected and forms a significant part of the income for service staff. The standard is 15-20% on the pre-tax bill at restaurants, for taxi drivers, and for personal services like haircuts. For bartenders, $1-2 per drink is customary. For hotel staff, a few dollars for porters and housekeeping is appreciated.
Is it better to hire a car or use public transport?
This is city-dependent. In New York, public transport (the subway) is excellent and a car is a liability due to traffic and expensive parking. In dense, historic cities like Charleston, walking is best. Conversely, in sprawling cities like Los Angeles, a hire car is essential to see everything. For Denver, a car is needed to access the mountains, but you can manage within the downtown area without one.
