The majority of Americans live in suburbs and small towns, rather than cities. There is a comfort in living away from the bustle of a big city; but for those of you who avoid the hassle, you can’t stick close to home forever. You need to make time to hit some of the classic big-city spots in America and see some of the wonders they have to offer. Here is a list of some big city sights you should not miss and some tips for making your excursion as smooth as possible.
Boston
Boston is a classic historical city mixed with the new hustle and bustle of commercialism. You may decide to drive your car into the city. You will not have as much trouble driving it around and finding parking as you might in other places; but then again, if you are unsure about navigating the streets and parking, you may be better off to use the city’s incredible mass transportation system.
When you come to the city, be sure you do not miss the Boston Aquarium. It is a phenomenal aquarium, with a huge cylindrical tank and a spiral walkway around the tank. You walk around the fish and see various layers of the underwater habitat. After your day at the aquarium, you can walk the old brick and cobblestone streets of the city and relax at the city park around a pond or take a ride on the swan boats.
New York City
Of course, New York City has changed in the last few years after the attacks of September 11, 2001, but it is still an American city that no one should miss. When you visit, definitely leave your car in one of the neighboring towns and ride the subway in. You can walk, ride the subway or catch a taxi wherever you need to go.
When you come to New York City, you have to visit Times Square. In addition to the 9/11 Memorial at Times Square, there are almost daily performances and shows in the middle of the street. Of course, a trip to New York City is never complete without a walk down Broadway and catching a show. If you are lucky, you can find reduced tickets from an outside company.
Washington D.C.
It would be a good idea for you to ride the subway into D.C. as well. Since the need-to-see sights are all within walking distance, you do not need your car. In the city, you want to see the buildings of our nation’s capitol, but the three you should definitely not miss are the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument (right next door) and the White House. A look at the White House from the outside is rather interesting, but if you want, you can ask for a guided tour.
Minneapolis-St. Paul
The metropolis, the combination of Minneapolis and St. Paul, is a Midwest multi-city, where you can maneuver on your own with a surprising amount of ease. You definitely have to spend some time in the Mall of America when you are in the city. The multi-storied mall has a huge indoor amusement park and a fun Legoland play place for the kids.
Seattle
Then you can hit Seattle, the home of Starbucks. You can drive and park with relative ease in this city as well.
You can’t miss the Seattle Space needle; you can ride the elevator up to the top and see for miles in every direction. When you are in the city, you have to head over to the Pike Place Fish Market. You can buy almost anything hand made, from fresh flowers to clothes and jewelry; but the classic thing Pike Place is known for is “flying fish.” Watch the fishmongers holler to one another and throw fresh fish back and forth as they fill orders.
Los Angeles
Another definite must-see city is L.A., city of the stars. Most people try navigating the streets of L.A. by themselves, so you may try it too. In the city, you need to see the classic movie star sights: Hollywood, Grauman’s Chinese Theater (the theater where movie stars put their hand and foot prints in cement) and the Kodak Theater (the theater where the Academy Awards are held). After a long day in the city, just drive over to the beach for some sun, fun and relaxation.
By D. Blair Thompson