Traveling has given me an opportunity to experience a wide variety of cities, each with its own culture, atmosphere, and unforgettable moments. From vibrant urban centers to peaceful scenic destinations, every place I’ve visited has offered something unique and memorable. This list highlights my top 10 favorite cities I’ve traveled to, chosen for their attractions, experiences, and the lasting impressions they left on me.
1. New York City, New York
This is a picture of the New York City skyline, with the One World Trade Center in the middle.
New York City is packed with iconic locations you’ve seen in countless films, and visiting them in person makes the experience unforgettable.
Activities:
You can explore classics like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square, Grand Central Station, Broadway, Central Park, the MET, and so much more. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll have even more to enjoy. You can spend a day at Rockaway Beach or Coney Island, catch a game at Yankee Stadium, explore the Bronx Zoo and the Botanical Garden, or watch free outdoor concerts and movies. Visiting around the Christmas season is just as magical. You can wander through the Bryant Park Winter Village, step inside the famous Plaza Hotel, shop at the Union Square Holiday Market, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, or go ice skating at the iconic rink in Central Park.
The picture on the top is the inside of the Richard Rodgers Theatre, where the musical Hamilton is performed on Broadway. The picture on the bottom is in the heart of Times Square.
Lodging:
We stayed at the Pod 51 Times Square Hotel, and we absolutely loved it. Located on 42nd Street, just two blocks from Times Square and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, it made transportation incredibly convenient. It was affordable and allowed us to get around the city quickly and easily, having nearly every major subway line within walking distance.
These are images of the stunning view from our hotel.
Transportation:
Getting around New York is surprisingly reliable and affordable. We purchased weekly MetroCards for just $32, giving us unlimited subway rides for the entire week, which is an amazing deal. While the subway is the main way to travel, the city offers plenty of alternatives when trains are delayed or rerouted. You can hop on an electric bike or scooter, ride the bus, grab a taxi, or simply walk. In many cases, walking is not only the cheapest option but also the fastest way to experience the city like a true New Yorker.
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2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
This is an image of a typical street in Amsterdam, crossing over a canal.
Amsterdam is a city full of charm, history, and unforgettable views.
Activities:
You can stroll through the historic Canal Ring, visit world-famous museums like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House, or explore the charming streets filled with cafés and boutiques. The city is full of independent shops, making the experience even more unique. If you’re visiting in the summer, the city becomes even more lively. You can take a canal cruise, bike through the city, or even explore the iconic Red Light District. During winter, you can wander through the city’s Christmas markets, skate on outdoor rinks, warm up with hot chocolate in cozy cafés, enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival, or admire festive decorations along the canals.
The photo on the top is Amsterdam Centraal Station. On the bottom is a photo of the winding alleys within the city, filled with standalone shops.
Lodging:
There are many hotels near Amsterdam Centraal Station that allow easy access to the main attractions. Being close to tram or metro stops makes it quick and simple to get everywhere you want to go.
Transportation:
Getting around Amsterdam is incredibly easy and beginner-friendly. The trams, buses, and metro are all clean, reliable, and easy to navigate. Most visitors purchase a multi-day GVB pass, which allows unlimited rides for a set number of days and saves a lot of money. Biking is also one of the most popular ways to move around the city, with bike lanes everywhere. If you prefer something more relaxed, you can walk between many attractions, take a ferry across the IJ River, or hop on an electric scooter. With so many convenient options, exploring Amsterdam feels so effortless and fun.
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3. Paris, France
This is an image of the Eiffel Tower towering over the city of Paris.
Paris is a city filled with elegance, history, and world-famous beauty.
Activities:
You can explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Palace of Versailles, the Galeries Lafayette, and stroll along the Seine River for picture-perfect views. Paris is also home to grand architecture, from boulevards to charming side streets filled with cafés, bakeries, and boutique shops. Paris is famous for its food. From buttery croissants and fresh pastries to tiramisu, crêpes, and baked goods of every kind, you’ll find delicious treats on every corner. Fashion and perfume are huge parts of Parisian culture as well. With many brands being more affordable in the city since they are made locally, shopping is an even more exciting part of the experience. The city is also a great place to learn French. Being surrounded by the language helps you pick it up surprisingly quickly.
The picture on the top is a café downtown, and the picture on the bottom is the Galeries Lafayette.
Lodging:
Many visitors choose to stay near central Paris, which offers easy access to major attractions and metro stations. Staying near a metro line makes it simple to reach any part of the city without long travel times.
Transportation:
Getting around Paris is simple and efficient. The metro, RER trains, buses, and trams are clean, reliable, and well-connected. Most visitors buy multi-day transit passes to save money and make travel easier. Paris is also very walkable, with many top sights being close enough to explore on foot.
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4. Frankfurt, Germany
This is a picture of Old Town Frankfurt, which is what the city looked like before it was modernized.
Frankfurt is a dynamic city that blends skyscrapers with historic charm and cultural depth.
Activities:
You can explore famous landmarks like the Frankfurt Cathedral, St. Paul’s Church, Senckenberg Nature Museum, and walk through Old Town Frankfurt. Visitors can stroll the riverwalk or take a scenic boat cruise along the Main River. Food is another highlight of the city, with traditional German dishes like sausages, pretzels, and apple wine, as well as international cuisine from around the world. Because Frankfurt is an international city, it is a great place to start learning German while still feeling comfortable, as many locals speak English. This makes it a perfect balance for travelers who want cultural immersion without feeling overwhelmed.
The image on the top is Frankfurt’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof). The picture on the bottom is Frankfurt’s modernized skyline along the Main River.
Lodging:
Many visitors choose to stay near Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) or in the city center, which provides easy access to major attractions and public transportation. We stayed at a hotel two blocks away from the train station, which is the center of many attractions within the city.
Transportation:
Getting around Frankfurt is simple and efficient. The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses are clean, reliable, and well-connected to areas around and within the city. They offer single-day and multi-day transit passes to save money and travel stress-free. Frankfurt is also very walkable, especially in the city center, making it easier to explore attractions on foot. We were exploring the city on our first day, and didn’t realize we had walked 20 miles through the city center, along the river, and back since the city is so walkable.
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5. Ocean City, Maryland
This is an image of Ocean City Beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
Ocean City is a classic beach destination known for its fun atmosphere, sandy shores, and lively boardwalk.
Activities:
You can spend your days relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, or enjoying water sports like jet skiing or parasailing. The Ocean City Boardwalk is one of the city’s biggest attractions, filled with arcades, souvenir shops, restaurants, and iconic treats like funnel cake and Thrasher’s fries. You can also visit Jolly Roger Amusement Park for rides and games or explore Assateague Island, where you can see wild horses and enjoy nature trails and quieter beaches. During the summer, Ocean City is incredibly lively with beach concerts, fireworks, and events. If you visit in the off-season, the town feels more relaxed, making it perfect for peaceful beach walks and enjoying ocean views without the crowds.
The image on the top is of the Coastal Highway and some of the shops and hotels along the road. The picture on the bottom is the famous Ocean City Boardwalk.
Lodging:
There are many beachfront hotels, condos, and vacation rentals throughout Ocean City. Staying near the boardwalk or along Coastal Highway gives easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions. Many accommodations offer ocean views, which makes the stay much more memorable.
These are some images of the stunning balcony view from our Airbnb.
Transportation:
Getting around Ocean City is easy and convenient. The Ocean City Beach Bus runs along Coastal Highway and the boardwalk, making stops near major attractions and hotels. Many visitors also enjoy biking or walking, especially along the boardwalk and beach paths. With the bay and ocean two blocks away from each other, exploring Ocean City feel more simple and fun to travel through.
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6. Zaanse Schans, Netherlands
The top image consists of the many traditional windmills in a field that is covered with tulips in the spring. The bottom image is a picture with some of the architecture that lies within the village.
Zaanse Schans is a charming village that offers a glimpse into Dutch life and history.
Activities:
You can walk through the village and admire the historic windmills, many of which you can enter to learn how they were used for grinding grain, making oil, and other crafts. Zaanse Schans is also home to small museums, wooden houses, and workshops where you can watch traditional cheese-making, wooden clog carving, and other Dutch crafts. The scenic paths along the river provide beautiful photo opportunities and peaceful views of the countryside.
These images are the outside and inside of the Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans.
Lodging:
Most visitors experience Zaanse Schans as a day trip rather than staying overnight. Hotels and accommodations are available in nearby towns like Zaandam and Amsterdam, which offer easy access to the village by train or bus.
Transportation:
Getting to Zaanse Schans is simple and beginner-friendly. From Amsterdam, you can take a short train ride to Zaandam followed by a quick bus ride or walk. Organized tours are also popular and convenient. Once you arrive, the village is very walkable, allowing you to explore everything at a relaxed pace while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
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7. Cologne, Germany
This is an image of the Cologne Cathedral.
Cologne is a vibrant, welcoming city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene.
Activities:
You can start by visiting Cologne’s most famous landmark, the Cologne Cathedral. It is a breathtaking Gothic masterpiece that took over 600 years to build. Nearby, you can explore the charming Old Town, filled with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, shops, and cafés. There are restaurants of every kind lining the streets, allowing plenty of dining options.
The picture on the top is inside the Cologne Cathedral, and the image on the bottom is one of the many chalk artists right outside of the Cologne Cathedral.
Lodging:
Many visitors stay near Cologne Central Station or in the Old Town, which puts you steps away from the cathedral, museums, and the Rhine River. These areas offer quick access to public transportation, making it easy to explore every part of the city.
Transportation:
Getting around Cologne is straightforward and traveler-friendly. The city has an excellent network of trams, trains, and buses, all clean and simple to navigate. Most visitors purchase day or multi-day passes for unlimited rides at a good price.
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8. Brussels, Belgium
These are images of the architecture that lies within Grand Place, the city center of Brussels. The tall building on the bottom is The Town Hall.
Brussels is a lively European capital known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and incredible food culture.
Activities:
You can explore famous landmarks like the Grand Place, one of the most stunning town squares in Europe, surrounded by luxuriant historic buildings. Nearby, you can visit the Manneken Pis, stroll through charming streets filled with chocolate shops, cafés, and boutiques, or explore the Royal Palace of Brussels. Brussels is also home to many museums, including the Magritte Museum and the Belgian Comic Strip Center, highlighting the city’s artistic side. Food is a major highlight in Brussels. The city is famous for Belgian waffles, chocolate, fries, and mussels, all of which are must-try experiences. In warmer months, you can enjoy outdoor cafés and parks, while winter brings festive decorations and cozy restaurants that make the city feel warm and inviting.
The picture on the top is of the architecture around where the Manneken Pis statue is located. The image on the bottom is of one of the Belgian waffle shops located throughout the city.
Lodging:
Many visitors choose to stay near the city center, especially around Grand Place or Brussels Central Station, which provides easy access to major attractions and public transportation. Staying centrally makes it easy to explore the city without long travel times.
Transportation:
Getting around Brussels is easy and efficient. The metro, trams, and buses are clean, reliable, and connect all parts of the city. Many visitors purchase day or multi-day passes for convenience and savings. Brussels is also very walkable, especially in the historic center, allowing you to explore many attractions on foot while enjoying the city’s atmosphere.
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9. Seattle, Washington
The image on the top is of the Space Needle, a sightseeing tourist attraction that towers over the city of Seattle.
Seattle is a vibrant city known for its waterfront views, creative culture, and beautiful natural scenery.
Activities:
You can visit iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Waterfront, where you can watch ferries, explore shops, and enjoy fresh seafood. The city is also home to unique attractions such as the Museum of Pop Culture, Pioneer Square, and even the first-ever Starbucks, located in Pike Place Market. Seattle’s neighborhoods are full of character, offering coffee shops, boutiques, and local restaurants on almost every corner. Outdoor lovers enjoy Discovery Park, Kerry Park, or walking along Alki Beach for incredible skyline views. In the summer, you can take a ferry to nearby islands, kayak on Lake Union, or attend outdoor festivals. Even in cooler months, Seattle’s cozy cafés, music scene, and scenic views make it an exciting place to visit.
The top image is downtown Seattle. The picture on the bottom is Pike Place Market, located on the coast of Elliott Bay.
Lodging:
Many visitors choose to stay downtown or near neighborhoods like Belltown, Capitol Hill, or South Lake Union, which provide easy access to major attractions and public transportation. Staying in these areas makes it convenient to explore the city and surrounding spots.
Transportation:
Getting around Seattle is fairly easy and convenient. The Link Light Rail, buses, and streetcars connect much of the city, including the airport and downtown. Many areas are walkable, especially near major attractions. Rideshares, ferries, and bike rentals are also popular options, making it simple to explore Seattle at your own pace.
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10. Estes Park, Colorado
This is an image of the view of Estes Park from a wayside overlook in the mountains.
Estes Park is a charming mountain town known for its breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, and peaceful alpine atmosphere.
Activities:
Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can hike scenic trails, spot wildlife like elk and deer, and enjoy incredible mountain views. You can drive along Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in the country, for unforgettable panoramic sights. In town, you can explore local shops, art galleries, and cafés, or visit the historic Stanley Hotel, famous for its architecture and mountain backdrop. During the summer, hiking, fishing, and kayaking are popular activities, while fall brings beautiful foliage and active wildlife. In the winter, Estes Park becomes quieter and more magical, offering snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and peaceful snowy landscapes.
The picture on the top is the beautiful landscape of the city. The image on the bottom is the Stanley Hotel, a haunted hotel where the movie “The Shining” was filmed.
Lodging:
There are many cozy lodging options in and around Estes Park, including cabins, lodges, and mountain resorts. Staying near downtown allows easy access to shops and restaurants, while accommodations closer to the park provide stunning nature views and a more secluded experience.
Transportation:
Getting around Estes Park is simple and relaxed. Many attractions in town are walkable, especially in the downtown area. To explore Rocky Mountain National Park, having a car is recommended for flexibility and access to scenic drives. Seasonal shuttle services are also available to help visitors reach popular trailheads, making it easier to explore the area while enjoying the natural beauty.
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