Top 5 United States Cities – What to Do, See, Eat and Avoid

Let’s face it: the United States is huge. It’s so big, Switzerland fits inside the Grand Canyon. And this makes seeing everything, um… impossible. But don’t fret. Because here’s a list of the most enticing cities in the U.S. Let us guide you to the top 5 cities in the U.S. and recommend what to do there, what to see, and what to avoid in these cities.

Ready? Then let’s roll…

New York, NY:

The Big Apple is a rough-and-tumble introduction to a cross country road trip. And while stereotypes portray New Yorkers as unfriendly, you’ll be hard-pressed to justify it. It’s not that New Yorkers are rude… they’re just efficient.

Ask a New Yorker for help, and they’ll rattle off directions in rapid fire. New Yorkers don’t have time to waste… that’s why it’s called a New York minute after all.

What to see in New York? Enjoy top-of-the-world views from the Rockefeller Building. Skip the Empire State Building; it’s a long wait, costs more and the views aren’t as nice. Seriously.

What to do in New York? Walk through Central Park, watch a Broadway show (discount same-day tickets are available for most of them) and check out the free ferry out to Staten Island.

What to eat in NewYork? Known for its melting pot of cultures, New York’s street food is cheap, delicious and plentiful. Choose from fried noodles, hot dogs, falafel, bratwurst and kebabs (plus many, many more). The most iconic New York dish is unquestionably the deli; Carnegie Deli is among the best.

Washington, D.C.

First-time visitors to the American capital are often surprised at its value. Nearly every major attraction is free, including museuems, memorials and monuments.

What to see/do in Washington, D.C.? D.C. is arguably the number one city for sight-seeing; most attractions are within walking distance of each other. Two not-to-be-missed locations are the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials; if possible, take a ride out to Arlington Cemetary and watch the changing of the guard. <

strong>What to avoid in Washington, D.C.? The Smithosonian museums would be worthwhile in most cities, but with the sheer number of quality attractions nearby, your time is better spent elsewhere.

What to eat in Washington, D.C.? D.C. provides a delectable variety of dishes. Georgetown is known for chic, moderately priced restaurants, while the Adams Morgan district offers up delicious home-style cooking. Be sure to check out Madame’s Organs, a funky soul food restaurant (fried chicken and mac & cheese are personal favorites).

Memphis, TN

Birthplace of the blues, Memphis serves up killer music and BBQ nightly.

What to see/do in Memphis? Walk along Beale Street, and enjoy world-class blues in one (or several) bars.

What to avoid in Memphis? Beale Street is best in the evening… but get out of there by midnight. As the music wraps up, the alcohol fuels patrons beyond their physical limits.

What to eat in Memphis? BBQ. Plain and simple. Note that Memphis BBQ is usually smoked and smothered with a mild sweet sauce. The Commissary is one of the finest in town.

New Orleans, LA

The Big Easy is perhaps the most interesting city in America. Jazz started here (as did Louis Armstrong), and holds strong to this day. Plus, the food in New Orleans is among the best in the world.

Known as “the city that care forgot” New Orleans offers some of the best food, music and nightlife in the country. Delicious Creole cooking – a combination of French, African and Caribbean flavors – can be found throughout the city.

What to see/do in New Orleans: Most first-timers enjoy The French Quarter for its music, cheap drinks and… um… “people watching”. Swamp tours are available outside of town and are well worth it.

What to avoid in New Orleans: Bourbon Street can be a lot of fun… once. After that, it starts to reek of tourist trap. After you’ve had your fun, head out to the Warehouse District for a more local vibe.

What to eat in New Orleans: Everything! New Orleans offers up delicious Creole dishes – a combination of African, French and Caribbean ingredients – around every corner. You MUST try po-boy sandwiches (usually fried seafood on a bun with coleslaw), gumbo, fresh oysters and muffalettas (Italian meats served on focaccia with an olive salad).

I highly recommend the Acme Oyster House and Tommy’s (upscale and delicious) for some of New Orlean’s best.

Austin, TX

Think you know Texas? Think again. While it is the state capitol, Austin is not your average Texas town. In fact, it’s motto is “Keep Austin Weird” (a credo locals try their best to uphold), but Austin’s real draw is from its other title: The Live Music Capital of the World.

It’s not just a name. Austin has more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the world. No matter what day it is, you can enjoy dozens of live music acts – ranging from blues, rock, country, jazz, hip hop and spoken word – within just a few short blocks.

What to see/do in Austin: East Sixth Street is the most famous area for live music. The Warehouse District offers several quality watering holes for the thirty-something crowd (check out the Ginger Man’s incredible beer selection), while West Sixth caters to a more laid-back crowd.

What to avoid in Austin: East Sixth Street gets crowded (and rowdy) after midnight. After then, locals move on to the Warehouse District or West Sixth.

What to eat in Austin: Locals swear by breakfast tacos, but – since this is Texas – you should go out for some real Texas BBQ. Kreuz Market in Lockhart (45 minute drive from Austin) offers the best BBQ, while The Salt Lick in Driftwood (30 minute drive ) is definitely the most fun. Live music, delicious food, and you can bring your own beer… what’s not to like about that?!

So there you have it: a tour guide’s Best of the Best. What did I miss? Let me know in the comments section below!

Topic: Tips