Other US cities 'better' than New York

[m1shap3]

Inspired by another thread. I've never really fancied New York, although I'd probably go one day just because of the hype. However, I'd love to do some other US cities first. Can anyone recommend where to go?

New Orleans is all you will ever need, no other city comes close

My parents always rave about Boston.

Everyone I know who has been to Washington D.C. has been pleasantly surprised by it - me and DH included.

So much to see, very walkable and lots of great food.

Not been to New York so can't compare, but we really enjoyed Chicago.

Well, I'm not the best person to ask, because I'm one of those "weirdos" who like Los Angeles. And New York too, for that matter.

Agree New Orleans is interesting. Charleston is beautiful, also liked Boston, but wasn't there for long. Chicago - meh.

As with anywhere, it is possible to visit, yet completely fail to get under the skin of a place, so everyone will have different opinions (hence the NYC thread).

Boston, Washington, Chicago.

I loved Boston.

I loved Seattle.

Another vote for Washington

NY is totally overrated, I loved Chicago.

Washington DC for museums and history

Nashville for Music

New Orleans for Music and History

Miami for beaches and architecture

Phoenix - gateway to Sedona and the Grand Canyon

Las Vegas - fun and gateway to the Utah National parks

Seattle for all the water and the Space needle

New Orleans is amazing. Not exactly the safest, but amazing. So different to any other American city.

Boston is nice enough, but I prefer NYC.

I wouldn't say better than because I love New York, but some other cities worth a visit: Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston, Savannah, and New Orleans.

San Francisco. Love the cable cars and the old trams. Alcatraz is worth a visit too.

Oh, and Washington, DC

I love Miami, the Cuban culture, food, beach and nightlife :)

Love Chicago, Boston, DC, Savannah.

Another vote here for Chicago - I don't have anything to compare it with in USA but it's a city I would definitely return to (and I'm not usually a city break type of person).

Boston and Seattle are both great. Both are relatively small compared to NY. They don’t have as much of that skyscraper, high energy feeling that NY does but there is a lot to see and do. I know Boston really well, it’s very easy to get around on foot and by public transport, it feels safe at all times of the day. You can also hop on a commuter train and visit Salem or Concord or some nice seaside towns to get out of the city. I the food, other than seafood is not amazing but there is good food to be had. I would say Boston is a great city for a first visit to the US. Don’t drive in the city centre though!
I have spent a day in Washington and really liked it, so much to do and surprisingly compact. Chicago is OK, more like New York in terms of feel. Denver is dull. San Francisco I really enjoyed. I quite like New York, I was last there in March 2020, but it isn’t my favourite, I find it too crowded (and everyone walks irritatingly slowly when you’re trying to get from A to B).

We really liked San Diego - nice clean city with lots on around it. Plus we went during Comic-Con which was amazing.

I love Chicago. It's a beautiful city. We did a train trip Chicago-Memphis-New Orleans which was fantastic. Loved Memphis. It's small, but lots to see and fantastic food.
I really love Vegas, but it's a bit like being on a space station or something. Nothing like a real city at all

San Francisco is fabulous. Denver is stunning .

I'm not really a "cities person" but I enjoyed Washington DC more than New York.

Washington DC by a mile.