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Where to go in the USA for a 5 day city break?

71 replies

WhatNextISay · 21/05/2026 14:28

Would appreciate answers please? East Coast? West Coast? Middle? Only one destination required and not driving so needs to be walkable.

Couldn't care less about politics... people who won't go to America at all don't need to reply.

Thanks

OP posts:
Bitzee · 21/05/2026 17:58

I would hands down choose Chicago for 5 days if you’re thinking summer. It has the best vibe of culture, food and beach. Don’t do it winter though!

DirtyBird · 21/05/2026 18:05

New York or Miami

WhatNextISay · 21/05/2026 18:47

Thanks all! I've done NYC and Chicago. NYC was okay, Chicago was outstanding! I think Boston will be next... ❤️

OP posts:
newusername4321 · 21/05/2026 19:04

I liked Philadelphia as well, could be manageable to explore within 5 days.

TomNook21 · 21/05/2026 20:57

New York

BananaPeels · 21/05/2026 21:01

5 days you could easily spend in New York but if you wanted to split it then train down to Boston and spend a few days there.

igelkott2026 · 21/05/2026 21:03

I've not been but Chicago looks great. But probably more to do in NYC or Boston.

Vancouver and Seattle would make a good two centre city break as well.

aster10 · 21/05/2026 21:09

I’d say New York, but many said it already. So I’m going to go with New Orleans. I’m surprised people suggest Washington DC, I thought it was so bland!

timbitstimbytes · 21/05/2026 21:17

Miami, Washington, Austin or Nashville, but not in July or August. Chicago or Boston in summer.

BridgetJonesV2 · 21/05/2026 21:21

My son in law went to Fort Worth for a week last month and absolutely loved it there. He went with his old uni mates, they have a week away every year. They did a rodeo, country music concert in a stadium, shopping.

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 21/05/2026 21:36

@WhatNextISayDon't go in the heat of the summer. Autumn is much nicer! Don’t go west either. Not enough time.

My favourite city is Chicago but you need to like art and architecture. If you do, it’s supberb.

NY has so much to see and do. An obvious choice but brilliant. Plan your days and check accommodation location. The distances are bigger than you think.

Boston has a great history, museums and whale trips. Attractive and easy to get around plus Harvard/Cambridge. Shortest flight time.

Washington - politics, history and museums. World class, easy to navigate and Georgetown is lovely. Go and see the George Washington estate at Mount Vernon is not far.

Miami - haven’t been but worth considering.

I would think about what you want to see most. Iconic buildings, art, historical sights? Food is brilliant - at a price! Tipping culture - out of control. Some of the world’s best cities? Absolutely.

PeonyPig · 21/05/2026 21:39

Another vote for Miami!

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 21/05/2026 21:47

SweetBaklava · 21/05/2026 14:48

If going west, it’s got to be San Francisco 🥰

Totally disagree San Francisco is cold and windy and you’ll be constantly approached by homeless people, constantly.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 21/05/2026 21:47

I would do Miami or New Orleans, also new York is amazing

user6758493 · 22/05/2026 14:11

Boston, but a side trip with a night in Portland, Maine. It's a lovely small coastal city with great restaurants. 2.5 hours by train along the stunning New England coast.

turkeyboots · 22/05/2026 14:44

Is Miami easy without car hire? I hate driving in the US.

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 22/05/2026 14:53

@turkeybootsIve not been to Miami but like nearly every USA city, you need to get to the airport to your hotel. Shuttles operate. Choose a hotel within striking distance of where you want to go and what you want to see. Is it food, architecture, art, beaches? Take Ubers or taxis. Planning your day is important though so you don’t waste time travelling.

ZZTopGuitarSolo · 22/05/2026 15:03

turkeyboots · 22/05/2026 14:44

Is Miami easy without car hire? I hate driving in the US.

I’ve done Miami twice without a car. If you are willing to take Ubers it’s pretty easy.

aintnospringchicken · 22/05/2026 15:07

Boston is lovely.

ApolloandDaphne · 22/05/2026 15:10

Boston is my favourite US city and very walkable.

FourForksSake · 22/05/2026 16:13

I❤️NY so that would be my top pick. But would also consider Toronto or Montreal if Canada is an option.

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