With heavy hitters like New York, Los Angeles and Boston to contend with, many of America’s most captivating cities are too easily overlooked when it comes to planning holidays. Here are a few of our favourite unsung heroes.
For travellers looking beyond the usual stops, these cities offer a more grounded take on American urban life.
Chicago’s skyline rises above Lake Michigan. Look for the Willis Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright homes and a strong theatre and jazz tradition.
Known as the Emerald City, Seattle is home to Pike Place Market, the original Starbucks, the Space Needle, and links directly to three major national parks.
Philadelphia’s founding history includes the 1776 signing of the Declaration and the Liberty Bell, plus the Rocky Steps and classic cheesesteak.
If you’ve already done New York or LA, these offer a different perspective—cities shaped by their own histories, cultures and geography.
Seattle
Sitting at the edge of the Puget Sound, America’s Emerald City is the gateway to the Pacific Northwest and the spectacular landscapes of Olympic, Mount Rainier and North Cascades national parks. Of course there’s plenty to explore in Seattle itself, not least the world-famous Pike Place Market, the iconic Space Needle and the original Starbucks coffeeshop.
Chicago
Michelin-star restaurants, memorable museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, parades of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and a music scene that’s second to none are merely a few of the Windy City’s highlights. For a bird’s-eye view of it all, visit Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, or walk the shore of Lake Michigan for stunning views back at the rising city skyline.
Philadelphia
There’s a lot to love in Philly. History fans can stand in the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Movie buffs can climb the famous ‘Rocky Steps’. Shoppers can run wild at the King of Prussia Mall, one of the largest in America. While foodies can weigh in on the greatest debate in town: who exactly serves the finest Philly cheesesteak?
Among the city’s most celebrated landmarks, this luxury hotel commands a great location in downtown Seattle, within walking distance of the waterfront and Pike Place Market.
Overlooking Elliott Bay and just steps from Pike Place Market, Four Seasons Hotel Seattle blends sleek, contemporary luxury with Pacific Northwest warmth. Expect elegant rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, locally inspired dining and seamless access to Seattle's cultural heart.
With floor-to-ceiling views over Elliott Bay and a prime location beside Pike Place Market, Thompson Seattle is a stylish urban retreat offering sleek rooms, a buzzing rooftop bar, thoughtful service and easy access to the city’s vibrant arts, food and waterfront scenes.
This Philippe Starck-designed hotel occupies 16 floors of the flashy 44-floor F5 Tower in the heart of downtown Seattle, within walking distance of Pike Place Market.
Centrally located near Seattle’s waterfront, this urban retreat offers sleek rooms, tech-forward amenities, a tranquil spa and access to the city’s many cultural highlights.
With lake-view rooms, a rooftop pool, inventive dining and bold design, Viceroy Chicago provides a stylish urban sanctuary for luxury travellers drawn to culture, comfort and character.