Six North American cities worth crossing the Atlantic for
The FIFA World Cup isn’t the only reason to think about North America over the summer, and these memorable city centres alone are worth making the trip across the Atlantic.
It’s a busy time in North America at the moment, with the World Cup and Canada Day celebrations in full swing and US Independence Day on the horizon. With all eyes on the continent’s biggest cities, there’s far more to love than just the sports to celebrate. From the cities that built the United States and the musical hotspots of the Deep South to cosmopolitan capitals of Canada, there’s no shortage of wish-list spots to enjoy across North America. With that in mind, here are six spots that deserve a place on your travel wish-list.
Why you need to visit these North American cities at least once
Montréal, Canada
Home to thriving fashion, theatre and film industries, as well as several spectacular landmarks, Montréal is the cultural heart of Canada. Wander the cobbled streets of Old Montréal, take in a concert at the Maison Symphonique or explore the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, one of Canada's finest galleries, and you'll soon see why the city is such a popular spot for culture.
With hundreds of festivals, live performances and celebrations taking place almost daily, Montréal rewards those who want a little more excitement than you’d expect to find on a city break. The food scene is just as enticing, with acclaimed street food vendors and Michelin-starred restaurants sitting side by side. All in all, though, it’s the city’s rich colonial history, welcoming locals and award-winning galleries that make it such a popular choice.
Our recommended tour – The Spirit of the Atlantic Coast & Eastern Canada
Toronto, Canada
As Canada's largest city, Toronto brings more than 200 ethnic communities together and offers extraordinarily varied cultural highlights. From the striking architecture of the Royal Ontario Museum to the Victorian Distillery District, the city rewards curiosity at every turn, and there’s no shortage of galleries, museums and markets to whet your appetite for exploration.
Another major highlight is Toronto's festival calendar, which is on par with the very best North American cities. The prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) draws film enthusiasts from around the world each September, while the Caribbean Carnival lights up Lakeshore Boulevard each summer. While here, you won’t want to miss experiencing the city’s eclectic culinary scene, and the St. Lawrence and Kensington markets are a must-visit for any foodie.
Our recommended tour – Canada’s Maple Leaf Trail
Vancouver, Canada
Though it may not be as well-known for its cultural offerings as other cities on the continent, cosmopolitan Vancouver is every bit as impressive and is worth a spot on any itinerary. Often voted as the happiest city in North America, the city embodies multiculturalism in such a way that it’s hard not to fall in love with it. With a particularly strong community of South and East Asian immigrants, Vancouver is home to one of the world’s largest Chinatowns and is world-renowned for its diverse dining options.
The cobbled streets of Gastown and the artisanal markets around Granville Island add to the colourful combination of cultures. Taking the time to explore sprawling Stanley Park is highly recommended, and visitors can enjoy an introduction to the region’s indigenous cultures with tours of its totem poles. For those looking for a North American city that feels genuinely different from anywhere else they've been, Vancouver delivers in abundance.
Our recommended tour – Canada’s Pacific Coast Wildlife & the Rockies
Washington D.C., USA
When it comes to sheer volume of cultural attractions, there aren’t many cities across the world that can compete with the US capital. With such a high concentration of world-class museums, galleries and landmarks, including those of the Smithsonian Institution, you can rest assured that you’ll never be bored in Washington D.C. Bookended by the imposing Capitol Building and the riverside Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall is at the heart of the city and offers the ideal starting point for first-timers and returning visitors alike.
This two-mile stretch, which is flanked by no fewer than 11 museums and galleries, is a treasure trove of wish-list landmarks and is worth a visit in its own right. Beyond the obvious landmarks, D.C. also holds plenty of hidden gems which are waiting to be discovered, from the galleries and jazz clubs of the U Street Corridor to the independent restaurants of Adams Morgan. For those who are looking to tick off quintessentially American sightseeing with a few lesser-known highlights, the American capital is a destination that exceeds expectations.
Our recommended tour – New York, Washington D.C., Boston & Philadelphia
New York City, USA
New York City is a destination that needs no introduction. It’s a city that could be explored countless times and yet it never fails to find new ways to entice visitors with its highlights and hidden gems. Whether you’re a culture buff, a foodie in search of your next Italian-American fix, or a history enthusiast, the ‘Big Apple’ offers more than enough to make your next trip stateside as memorable as it can be. The Metropolitan Museum of Art alone offers hours of exploration, while Broadway remains the global benchmark for live theatre.
What makes New York City truly special, though, is its depth. As widely recognisable as it might be, the neon-lit billboards of energetic Times Square barely scratch, and by stepping off the beaten path, NYC showcases a totally different side to itself. To experience the city at its most authentic, be sure to spend some time amongst the family-owned delis, food markets and diners of Greenwich Village or venture out to Harlem for its acclaimed theatres. Central Park, too, is a highlight and offers the perfect urban oasis to escape the bustle of the city and spend a lazy afternoon. Whether you’re visiting for your first time or your tenth, the ‘Big Apple’ is sure to impress.
Our recommended tour – New England in the Fall
New Orleans, USA
While many American cities contend for the title of the biggest musical hotspot in the US, it’s the ever-lively ‘Big Easy’ that stands out for us. Though the likes of Memphis, Nashville and Detroit are known for the sounds they’ve brought to the world stage, New Orleans, the birthplace of Jazz, offers the most unique experience.
With its strong Cajun heritage, the city is unlike any other in the United States, and visitors can soak up the sounds of the French Quarter with a walk along Frenchmen Street. One of the best ways to connect to the city’s Creole culture is through its cuisine, and jambalaya, po’ boys, and sweet beignets are great starting points. Be sure to also venture further afield, through the Louisiana Bayou, for a closer look at the varied landscapes of North America’s southernmost stretches.
Our recommended tour – Texas, Presley’s Memphis & New Orleans
Experience the best of North America with Newmarket Holidays
Ready to kick-start your next American adventure? Our friendly holidays are on hand to help you get the ball rolling and answer any questions you have on each itinerary. Give them a call today and secure the holiday of a lifetime today. If your heart lies elsewhere, we also operate escorted tours to destinations across six continents, so whatever’s next on your wish-list, we’ve got you covered. Check out our full collection of holidays on our dedicated destinations page.
