Living in a world where there are extraordinary places — the possibilities are endless. Popular landmarks and historical sights make up parts of this planet. Despite touring and sightseeing, there are locations to gain something out of, such as trying some of their delicious cuisines and purchasing materialistic items for pleasure. With a country like the United States, there are cities built from the ground and up that hold a wide variety of views and distinctive features that make it one of the greatest cities in the country. These cities are known for many of their attractions and landscapes — places that should be on the list to tour around and visit.

1. New York City, New York
For the city that never sleeps, New York City is certainly a place where resting doesn’t exist. Whether it’s business workers or tourists, the place is filled with those rushing and people quickly getting by. For a city this big, it must come with some of their famous sights, such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, the Rockefeller Center and much more. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art and other fascinating museums that are chockfull of art show the artistic perspective of New York City. And let’s not forget downtown New York where a diversity of excellent restaurants and shopping outlets crowd the streets.

© Andrés Nieto Porras

2. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is certainly among one of the largest cities in the Unites States. Just like New York City, Chicago is known for their astonishing skyscrapers and striking architecture. A few of their most popular areas to visit is the Millennium Park (The Bean), Willis Tower, the Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile, Art Institution of Chicago and others. Chicago holds a load full of history and museums like the Field Museum of Natural History, Museum of Science and Industry, Oriental Institute Museum, etc. to share art and history. However, no one can leave without taking a trip to their downtown and trying out some of their famous pizzas and other delectable foods.

© Vanessa Vancour

3. Seattle, Washington
Located on the Pacific Northwest and Washington State’s largest city, Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, bodies of water and mountains. As high-tech as Seattle is, it’s home to many landmarks and views that the city is known for — the Space Needle, Fremont Troll, Washington State Park, Downtown Waterfront, Washington State Ferries, Olympic Sculpture Park, Pike Place Market and many other riveting aspects to the grand city. Museums such as the Seattle Art Museum and the Museum of History & Industry keep the city’s creativity and artistic values alive. Aside from the other large cities in the United States, Seattle is the type of city that should not be missed out on.

© Jonathan Miske

4. Las Vegas, Nevada
When people see Las Vegas, they ultimately think of the array of casinos, luxurious hotels and evening spots. And frankly, it’s all true. This magnificent, dazzling city is the brightest star in the sky with an immense amount of opportunities and fun experiences that come with it. Bellagio, Venetian Hotel, Mandalay Bay, the Mirage, Paris Hotel, Caesar’s Palace and other impressive casino-hotels to stay the night in adds to what Las Vegas has to offer. Sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Fountain Show, the Colosseum, the Strip and the Golden Gate Casino are only a part of this city’s background. For a place so active, it also acquires museums like the Neon Museum and the Mod Museum. This city is the perfect place to take a trip to with loved ones and make the most out of it.

© Andrew Parnell

5. Los Angeles, California
Home to the celebrities, fame and fortune, Los Angeles is one of the most famous cities in the Golden State. Aside from celebrity hunting, there are many main attractions that Los Angeles is known for. The iconic Hollywood sign along with Hollywood Hills, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Boulevard, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, Santa Monica Pier and many other sights that will give anyone an amusing and thrilling experience. Some of their beautiful beaches are perfect spots to soak up the sun — beaches such as Venice, Manhattan, Hermosa, Cabrillo, Santa Monica, Malibu Surfrider, etc. are great getaways from touring. Los Angeles isn’t only the home to celebrities, but a city that consists of wonderful memories.

© Shinya Suzuki

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Cover photo © Tim Shields