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?

I really loved New Orleans. A mix of old and new. Very different from other us cities and great entertainment in the evenings. I also loved Chicago and the lake location. I wasn’t so keen on Boston.

Boston for a city in the USA, but if you're open to North America more broadly, then Montreal. Loved it there - an amazing city with so much to see and do. Knocked spots of Toronto, which was a city I just didn't 'get'.

Loved San Francisco.

I like NY too though.

Boston is on my list of places to visit.

@Ohmycron

Toronto

I didn't think anyone loved Toronto.

Chicago, do the architectural boat tour in the summer if you get a chance.

@ChicCroissant

Chicago, do the architectural boat tour in the summer if you get a chance.

Oh this is the BEST! I think Wendella Bros? I can’t remember. It’s so so good though- especially the one that ends at sunset.

I like Toronto too!

@StoatMilk

If you’ve been to Minnesota can you tell me what it’s like please?

Well it’s Massive. It’s a typical Midwest state. I lived in neighbouring Wisconsin for years and they are kind of similar. Big farming states, hot hot hot in simmer, fucking cold in winter. The summers are long and so is winter. Seasons are properly defined - you wake up and one day it just IS fall IYKWIM.

People are friendly. You will be part of a community instantly if you have kids in a church school or join a church.

Used to love San Francisco and for work reasons spent a lot of time there 20 years ago but i really dislike it now. I feel it now has an violent edge that is always there.

Love San Diego. Boston is good but a bit dull - the people are quite reserved when you work there!

Austin, TX! But don't come in the summer. It's too hot to do anything!

I love San Francisco, especially on winter.
Boston is lovely.
Phoenix/ not so much for the city, but the surrounding countryside.
Philadelphia is lovely.
Chicago is nice but I don’t love it as much as it’s hyped.
Seattle is beautiful but it rains a lot!
Charlotte is nice in a Deep South kinda way.
Nashville is a fun place.
Denver with its surrounding mountains and clean air.
I actually like New York though. Just wish they’d ban pipping!

I love San Diego too, Boston is lovely, DC is fascinating but rather dangerous.

I wouldn't bother going back to Las Vegas, Memphis, San Francisco, Miami or Milwaukee.

Portland and Seattle are next on my list!

Boston or (better) Washington DC

I've only been to Chicago other than New York but hands down preferred it but then I love architecture and urban planning.

I want to go to San Francisco.

Boston Boston Boston!
But I've never done the west coast and suspect I'd love Seattle.
If you're looking for holiday ideas I really enjoyed touring round the North East...cities, countryside and beaches all in a reasonably compact area.

We did part of the Freedom Trail when we were in Boston which was a really interesting way of seeing the city. We also went to a very dull baseball game. The highlight was singing Sweet Caroline at the top of 7th inning.

San Francisco can be great.. .but blimey, the homeless problem there can be really oppressive and you do get a lot of hassle if you're a lone female.

I liked Boston and Seattle (though Seattle does have its homeless issues, and large tent camps).

Salt Lake City was strange - lots of interesting buildings, great scenery nearby, lots of really polite people. But so LDS.

I find myself coming back to this thread to say that if there is such a thing as a perfect city in the US then it probably is San Diego as others have pointed out. The museums and coast are wonderful as is the climate and the food and it is close enough to other interesting places to visit (including crossing over into Mexico for those seeking a contrast).

If you're looking for holiday ideas I really enjoyed touring round the North East...cities, countryside and beaches all in a reasonably compact area.

Agreed. Loved New England and ate a lot of lobster 🦞!

San Francisco

I loved Chicago much more than I thought I would. The lake is really beautiful, museums really good for kids. Enjoyed a boat trip along the river. We went in May and the weather was low 20s, so perfect but I wouldn't like to go in summer or winter due to the weather extremes.

About 25 years ago went to New York, Seattle, Boston and San Francisco. Enjoyed San Fran the most by far but have heard its gone down hill a lot.

@Soffit

I find myself coming back to this thread to say that if there is such a thing as a perfect city in the US then it probably is San Diego as others have pointed out. The museums and coast are wonderful as is the climate and the food and it is close enough to other interesting places to visit (including crossing over into Mexico for those seeking a contrast).

I thought it was quite boring. Give me San Fran any day. But other friends loved it (we were cabin crew).

We all really didn’t like Boston at all. Wouldn’t ever bother to return. San Francisco was ok. Loved Seattle but New York beats them all hands down.

Has anyone mentioned Santa Fe?
It's wonderful.

Other than that, Austin, Houston, Savannah, Charleston, Chicago.

Also (small cities) Flagstaff, AZ, Ithaca, NY, Portland, ME.

Washington DC ......or...dare I mention that there are some great Canadian cities, especially Vancouver