Many fantastic urban areas await you in the United States of America. The major towns of the United States, from New York to Los Angeles, have long been among the most visited in the world. We’ve ranked the 10 U.S. cities that receive the most yearly international tourists from outside the country. People traveling to other places within the United States are therefore excluded from these numbers.
The United States of America has a great number of incredible destinations. This nation appears to have it all, from quiet villages to thriving cities to breathtaking beaches. But where precisely would you recommend that guests stay? We looked for the finest tourist destinations, which included both well-known historical landmarks and cutting-edge entertainment options. Our picks for the best American cities for tourists are the following list.
The Top 11 Cities That Captivate Tourists in the USA
The top 11 U.S. cities in terms of annual visitor numbers are as follows:
- New York
- Los Angles
- Chicago
- Miami
- Orlando
- Las Vegas
- San Francisco
- Honolulu
- Washington, D.C.
- New Orleans
- Boston
New York
You just can’t talk about America’s most visited and popular cities and not mention New York. People from all over the world come to New York City and the surrounding city area of New York, White Plains, and Wayne in the two states of New York and New Jersey.
In 2019, it was visited by over 10 million people, more than twice as many as the next most popular city, Miami. While it is not the nation’s capital, New York City has long been a symbol of America’s greatness, status, and charm.
The city is filled with famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and Broadway. Greenwich Village, SoHo, and the Upper East Side are just some of the many New York neighborhoods that offer excellent shopping, cafés serving delicious local fare, and the exciting energy of the city’s nighttime.
Chicago
Chicago, the third biggest city in the United States, is home to world-class museums, professional sports, and delicious cuisine. Trust us when we say that delighting in a Chicago-style hot dog, deep-dish pizza, or Italian beef burger during your time in the Windy City is well worth it!
You can also take in the sights from the water on a river tour, visit the world-famous “Bean” monument in Millennium Park, and explore the incredible collections at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Seeing America’s highest structure, the Willis Tower, is a must, and so is seeing a performance at The Second City theater, where many well-known comics got their start, including Tina Fey and Mike Meyers. All and all, Chicago is one of the most visited and most popular cities in the U.S.
Miami
Miami, one of the most famous warm-weather locations on this list, comes in at number two. There were 5,211,000 international visitors to the Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall urban area in Florida in 2019. The world-famous Miami Beach is located in Miami and, in addition to its stunning beachfront, is filled with life, culture, and delicious cuisine.
Little Havana, Everglades National Park, the Miami Aquarium, and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are just some of the other must-sees in the city. With all these amazing attractions, you can imagine that the city is one of the most visited and most popular cities in the U.S.
Las Vegas
Visitors from all walks of life are drawn to Las Vegas, also known as Sin City, which makes it one of America’s most visited cities. Las Vegas is the place to be if you want to experience first-rate entertainment, stay in a five-star hotel, or try your luck at one of the world’s most renowned casinos.
Since many renowned cooks choose to showcase their talents in Las Vegas, the city has also earned a reputation as a foodie paradise. Don’t forget to take a stroll down the Vegas Strip while you’re there.
It’s possible to go hiking and sightseeing outside the city if you want to avoid the most common tourist attractions. Hoover Dam, the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, and the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area are all fantastic options. This trip will not be boring at all because there is so much to do and see!
Los Angles
The City of Angels in California is a popular tourist spot and the third most visited city in the United States. With over 5 million visitors in 2018, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale urban area is one of the most visited cities in the U.S.
The city of Los Angeles is a fantastic vacation spot because it offers something for everyone. There is a constant supply of docks, boardwalks, and beaches, and the weather is almost always pleasant and bright. Tourists come to the Hollywood region in the hopes of spotting a Hollywood star or at least seeing the sets of some of their favorite movies and television programs.
Further, Los Angeles is home to world-class entertainment sites, a gastronomic cultural mix, and world-class institutions and cultural centers. As if that weren’t enough, many people visit Los Angeles specifically so they can go to Disneyland, which is only about thirty minutes outside of the city.
Orlando
In 2019, there were 4,415,000 international tourists to the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro region. Because of its proximity to both Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando, Orlando, Florida, is a famous vacation destination.
Many visitors also come to the area to check out Epcot, one of three Seaworld parks, and the Kennedy Space Center. Orlando is a popular tourist destination and one of the most visited cities in America due to its pleasant climate and abundance of exciting activities.
San Francisco
San Francisco is the fourth-most crowded metropolis in California and the sixteenth-most populous city in the United States. The chilly weather, dense fog, steep slopes, and well-known sites make this city a popular vacation spot and one of America’s most visited cities.
The Golden Gate Bridge and the island that was once the site of the Alcatraz Federal Prison is two of the city’s most recognizable features. Try a ride on the cable cars and go to Chinatown while you’re in town. There are many hip and happening eateries, clubs, and cafés to be found in the city, making it a culinary hotspot.
Last but not least, the Bay Area, which includes San Francisco, is widely recognized as a cultural and scientific hub. Here, you can visit renowned institutions like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the S.F. Jazz Center, the California Academy of Sciences, and many others. There will be a lot of fun activities to do and see on this journey, so don’t forget your comfy shoes.
Honolulu
The Hawaiian capital of Honolulu attracts more international visitors than any other city in the United States. Attracting 2,751,000 visitors in 2019, up from 2,588,000 tourists in 2018, the country’s tourism industry can thank its favorable year-round climate, an abundance of attractive natural landmarks, and high-end hotels and spas.
The state capital, Honolulu, is located on the island that receives the most visitors. Climate, marine life, volcanoes, beaches, and animals all play a role in attracting travelers to the islands, but historical landmarks like Pearl Harbour in Honolulu are also quite popular. This city is surely one of America’s most visited cities.
Washington, D.C
Washington, D.C., and the surrounding Metropolitan Area ranked eighth most popular among U.S. cities among international tourists in 2018, with over 2 million guests, and topped the list again in 2019. This amazing and luxurious city showcases the American dream, and it is one of the most visited cities in the U.S.
The city of Washington, DC, and its many memorials, museums, and senate structures are major tourist attractions because of their significance and location as the state capitol. Capitol Hill, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument are just a few of the many federal structures that attract foreign visitors to the United States.
New Orleans
Visiting New Orleans, Louisiana, also known as the “Big Easy,” should be on everyone’s checklist as it is one of the most visited and popular cities in the U.S. Culturally diverse and boasting a wide variety of thrilling tourist destinations, this metropolis is a sight to behold.
The city’s yearly Mardi Gras festivities are a must-see if you’re ever in the area. Jazz, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll all have deep roots in the city’s culture. Delicious dishes, from gumbo to beignets, will be available for your tasting pleasure in addition to the music.
Be sure to spend some time on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter during your time in New Orleans. Many well-known watering holes can be found along this ancient thoroughfare.
Boston
Foreigners fly to Boston, which is part of the larger Boston-Quincy Metropolitan area, making it the ninth most visited city in the United States. About 1,567,000 people visited in 2019, which is on an equal level to 2018’s numbers.
Boston, Massachusetts, in the state of New England, has its own unique allure. Because of the city’s passionate sports fans, Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox) is a major tourist destination.
The arena isn’t the only reason people visit Boston, though; the city’s Museum of Fine Arts, Freedom Trail, Public Garden, and Boston Tea Party ships and exhibits are also big draws. Make sure you visit this amazing city on your trip to the country, as it is one of the most visited and popular cities in America.
