The 5 Best Cities To Visit In The U.S.

In a new study, WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities based on 65 key metrics across three key dimensions (entertainment and recreation, nightlife and parties, and costs) to determine the top fun and exciting cities to visit. They specifically looked for places that had a little to offer for everyone so that there’s variety for every preference, whether it’s going to bars and clubs, playing sports, trying new foods, or relaxing on the beach.

Read on to learn how these 5 exciting cities made it to the very top of the “fun list.”

THE 5 BEST CITIES TO VISIT IN THE U.S.

Las Vegas Strip and city skyline; Photo by marchello74/stock.adobe.com

1. LAS VEGAS, NV
With a total score of 73.95 out of 100, Vegas ranked #1 in Entertainment/Recreation and Nightlife/Parties, though 84th in costs. It ranks at the top with the most festivals per capita, restaurants per capita, park playgrounds per capita and dance clubs per capita. However, be prepared to shell out plenty of cash, especially if you plan on going to the casinos.

Sunset at Orlando in Lake Eola Park; Photo by aiisha/stock.adobe.com

2. ORLANDO, FL
Orlando ranks #2 on the list with an overall score of 63.90/100. This city ranks 2nd overall for Nightlife/Parties, 3rd for Entertainment/Recreation (especially thanks to Disney and Universal Studios) and 60th in costs. A trip to Orlando will likely require some planning and booking in advance, especially if you plan to hit up the parks, but offers lots of fun and excitement for people of all ages.

South Beach, Miami, Florida; Photo by SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com

3. MIAMI, FL
If you’re interested in nightlife (ranks 3rd), entertainment (ranks 7th), and a beach, Miami is a top spot to visit. It is, however, on the higher end of costs ranking 143rd. Miami is a coastal metropolis that offers museums and gardens, self-guided tours, arts, fine dining, bars, and clubs. Plus, you can enjoy a day relaxing by the ocean.

Atlanta, Georgia city skyline; Photo by SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com

4. ATLANTA, GA
Atlanta is one of the most diverse cultural scenes in the country, with a variety of theaters, museums, galleries, and concert halls to explore. Also full of history, Atlanta has a total score of 53.59/100, ranks 6th in Nightlife/Parties, and 11th in Entertainment/Recreation. You may need to save up for this trip as it ranks 125th in cost, but the historic and trendy city has something for just about everyone.

Red trolley streetcar on rail in New Orleans French Quarter; Photo by travelview/stock.adobe.com

5. NEW ORLEANS, LA
Also ranking high in Nightlife/Parties (4th) and in cost (117th), New Orleans is another city with endless food, music, architecture, museums, sporting events, festivals, shopping, and more. Scoring 53.14/100, New Orleans is a unique city formed from a variety of cultural influences sure to inspire a variety of visitors.

MORE EXCITING CITIES TO VISIT:
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Total Score: 53.65
Entertainment/Recreation: 6
Nightlife/Parties: 5
Costs: 178

AUSTIN, TX
Total Score: 51.21
Entertainment/Recreation: 21
Nightlife/Parties: 7
Costs: 88

HONOLULU, HI
Total Score: 50.00
Entertainment/Recreation: 21
Nightlife/Parties: 19
Costs: 171

NEW YORK, NY
Total Score: 49.90
Entertainment/Recreation: 4
Nightlife/Parties: 9
Costs: 182

CHICAGO, IL
Total Score: 49.59
Entertainment/Recreation: 10
Nightlife/Parties: 12
Costs: 152