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List of Cities in USA

Covers top U.S. cities, key attractions, airport connectivity, travel facts, planning tips and benefits of travel insurance for USA.

  • 30 Apr 2025
  • 6 min read
  • 1687 views

Updated on - 30 Dec 2025

The United States is a dream destination for travellers, but with so many cities to choose from, planning the perfect trip can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking to explore iconic landmarks, enjoy world-class food or dive into local culture, knowing which cities to prioritise can save time and make your journey more memorable.

This guide highlights some of the top cities in the USA, helping you plan a trip that combines adventure, culture and unforgettable experiences.

List of cities in the USA for travellers

A complete city list in the USA would span dozens of pages. Let’s take a closer look at the top city list in the USA:

City

Area

Must Visits

Connecting Airport

New York

790 sq km

● Empire State Building

● John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

● Statue of Liberty

● LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

● Rockefeller Centre

● Newark International Airport (EWR)

● Times Square

Washington DC

176.7 sq km

● Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

● Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

● The White House

● Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

● Lincoln Memorial

● Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

● National Gallery of Art

San Francisco

121.4 sq km

● The Golden Gate

● San Francisco International Airport (SFO/KSFO)

● Alcatraz Island

● Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (KSJC)

● Pier 39

● Oakland International Airport (KOAK).

● The Fillmore

Chicago

591 sq km

● Art Institute of Chicago

● Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD)

● Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

● Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)

● Broadway

● Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY)

● Cloud Gate

Las Vegas

251 sq km

● Bellagio Fountains

● Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

● Las Vegas Strip

● Henderson Executive Airport (HND)

● Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

● North Las Vegas Airport (VGT)

● Hoover Dam

Boston

119 sq km

● Museum of Fine Arts

● Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

● Boston Public Garden

● Worcester Regional Airport (ORH)

● Fenway Park

● Hanscom Field (BED)

● Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

Los Angeles

1207 sq km

● Hollywood Sign

● Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

● Universal Studios

● Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

● Hollywood Walk of Fame

● Griffith Park

Memphis

764 sq km

● Graceland

● Memphis International Airport (KMEM)

● Stax Museum of American Soul Music

● General Dewitt Spain Airport (KM01)

● National Civil Rights Museum

● Beale Street

Atlanta

357 sq km

● Atlanta Botanical Garden

● Hartsfield - Jackson Atlanta International Airport (KATL)

● Atlanta History Centre

● Centennial Olympic Park

● Georgia Aquarium

Portland

345 sq km

● Columbia River Gorge

● Portland International Airport (PDX)

● Latourell Falls

● Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

● Portland Steel Bridge

Austin

845 sq km

● The Moody Theater

● Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

● Lake Travis

● Circuit of the Americas

● Blanton Museum of Art

Columbus

552 sq km

● COSI

● Port Columbus International Airport (CMH)

● Legoland Discovery centre

● Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)

● German Village

● Ohio Statehouse

Philadelphia

350 sq km

● Liberty Bell

● Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

● Philadelphia Museum of Art

● Franklin Institute

● Longwood Gardens

Denver

401 sq km

● McGregor Square

● Denver International Airport (DEN)

● Coors Field

● Denver Art Museum

● Clyfford Still Museum

San Diego

963 sq km

● USS Midway Museum

● San Diego International Airport (SAN)

● Balboa Park

● McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)

● Petco Park

● Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (MYF)

● Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Nashville

1287 sq km

● Centennial Park

● Nashville International Airport (BNA)

● Music City Walk of Fame

● Tennessee State Museum

● Grand Ole Opry

Seattle

217 sq km

● Pike Place Market

● Kenmore Air Harbor Seaplane Base (LKE)

● The Space Needle

● King County International Airport (BFI)

● Museum of Flight

● Seattle Art Museum

Baltimore

238 sq km

● Baltimore Museum of Art

● Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

● Oriole Park

● Federal Hill Park

● Maryland Science Centre

New Orleans

516 sq km

● National WWII Museum

● Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

● French Quarter

● New Orleans City Park

● Sazerac House

Orlando

122 sq km

● Walt Disney World

● Orlando International Airport (MCO)

● Sea World

● John Kennedy Space Centre

● Vero Beach

Interesting facts about the top cities in the USA

The following are a few interesting facts about some American cities:

  • Atlanta has 71 streets named after peach trees.
  • People in New York City speak over 800 languages.
  • Philadelphia is considered the world’s mural capital.
  • The initial sketch for the Space Needle in Seattle was made on a napkin.
  • Memphis is mentioned in over 1000 songs.
  • The USA has no official language.
  • There are over 700 cities in the USA.
  • The first traffic light in the USA was installed in Ohio.
  • English and Spanish are the 2 most common languages spoken across the USA.
  • Many big cities in the USA have their own type of pizza.
  • New York was formerly known as New Amsterdam.
  • New York's Empire State Building has an independent zip code.

Tips for planning a city-hopping itinerary

Exploring multiple cities in the USA can be exciting, but careful planning ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are practical tips for creating the perfect city-hopping itinerary:

  • Prioritise must-visit cities: Narrow your travel list based on interests like history, beaches, nightlife, food or culture. For example, pair New York City, Washington D.C. and Boston for an East Coast cultural trip or Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas for a West Coast adventure.
  • Choose the right travel route: Plan your route logically to save time and travel costs. Flights work best for long distances, while buses and trains are ideal for nearby cities. Apps like Amtrak and Greyhound make booking intercity transport easier.
  • Set a realistic timeline: Avoid overloading your itinerary. Spending 2-4 days per city allows you to explore without feeling rushed.
  • Budget wisely: Costs vary by city. New York and San Francisco are pricier, while Austin or Denver are more affordable. Look for combo passes for attractions to save money.
  • Mix famous spots with hidden gems: Visit iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty or Golden Gate Bridge, but also explore local cafes, street art districts and cultural neighbourhoods to experience the city’s real vibe.
  • Travel light and smart: Frequent travel between cities is easier with light packing. Opt for a capsule wardrobe and carry essentials like a power bank, travel documents and a reusable water bottle.
  • Stay connected and safe: Get a local SIM or eSIM for navigation and bookings, and share your itinerary with someone back home to enhance safety.

Why you should get travel insurance before visiting the USA?

Medical emergencies and unexpected issues like lost baggage, theft, accidents or trip cancellations can happen anytime and dealing with them abroad can be very costly. Choosing the best travel insurance for the USA helps protect you against these risks, covering medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage or flight delays.

With the right coverage, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you are financially protected no matter what unexpected situation arises.

Conclusion

Each city in the USA has its own unique charm, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems that make every trip memorable. While planning your travels, it’s essential to protect yourself against unexpected events like lost baggage, flight delays or medical emergencies. The right travel insurance provides a financial safety net, ensuring you can enjoy your holiday stress-free.

For personalised guidance on selecting the best travel insurance for USA, fill out the form on this page. Our experts can help you choose a policy that suits your travel needs and gives you complete peace of mind.

FAQs

1. Which U.S. cities are best for a first-time trip?

New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Las Vegas are popular for first-time visitors. These cities offer a mix of culture, history, entertainment and iconic landmarks.

2. How long should I plan to stay in each city?

Spend two to four days in major cities to cover key attractions comfortably, while smaller cities can be explored in a day or two.

3. What travel options are convenient between U.S. cities?

Domestic flights are fastest for long distances, while buses and trains are ideal for nearby cities, saving both time and cost.

4. Are there seasonal considerations for visiting U.S. cities?

Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds, summer is ideal for beach destinations and winter works for southern states or holiday trips.


Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.

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