From Wall Street's skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square and Central Park's leafy paths, New York City is widely regarded as the heart of the US. It pulses with vibrant energy during the day and is magical at night. From incredible art galleries and museums to some of the best restaurants and most iconic buildings in the world, the Big Apple’s vibrant cultural scene makes for an unparalleled experience for visitors. There is so much to see and do that it is impossible to cover every cultural highlight in a single trip. Visitors with limited time should head for the main attractions: the Statue of Liberty, MoMa and the Empire State Building, while those with more time can begin to explore the city’s lesser-known neighbourhoods and outlying green spaces. No matter how you choose to spend your time and no matter how high your hopes are, New York is guaranteed to exceed even the highest of expectations.
Washington DC lies on the eastern shores of the Potomac River, where it meets Virginia. Gorgeous waterfront views, numerous lush parks, and countless historic buildings - the capital overflows with sites and activities. The iconic White House, Congress, and other impressive political sites attract many visitors, while famous live music venues and galleries are scattered among eclectic, atmospheric neighbourhoods. A thriving culinary scene with an array of styles beckons to food lovers, while spectacular museums offer insight in a huge range of topics (highlights include the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, and Freer-Sackler Museums of Asian Art - all of which grant free access). Head to the Adams Morgan area for nightlife, or if classical music is more your thing, head to the famous John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Lancaster is located in southern Pennsylvania, in the heart of the region known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Although the town itself is home to some notable sights - including the Central Market, which dates from 1889, Wheatland, the historic home of former President of the USA James Buchanan and the Fulton Opera House - most visitors to Lancaster come to discover the unique wider cultural area known as Amish Country. This interesting region gives a glimpse into the Amish way of life, with villages and museums on offer, as well as activities such as buggy rides and visits to working farms. Key attractions here include the Amish Farm and House, the Landis Valley Museum, The People's Place Quilt Museum, and the Mennonite Information Center.
Situated on the western bank of the Niagara River, in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario, the city of Niagara Falls is home to one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, Niagara Falls. The world-renowned waterfall straddles the American/Canadian border and is comprised of three different waterfalls; the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. Catch the best view of the falls from Queen Victoria Park, take a boat ride below the falls and into the mist, or take a secret journey behind the falls. The small vibrant city of Niagara Falls offers visitors an array of other activities including; visiting casinos and theatres, shopping, golfing, swimming and excellent biking along trails that line the Niagara Gorge.
Toronto, the capital city of Ontario, is a vibrant, multi-cultural city that boasts an incredible range of attractions and events. Perhaps its best-known landmark is the world-famous CN Tower, a national icon and one of the world’s tallest buildings. Visitors rocket to the top at 15 mph in a dizzying, 58-second elevator ride then enjoy 360-degree city views from the fine dining restaurant at the pinnacle. Visitors to Toronto can enjoy discovering the artwork and all the action in the boutiques, galleries, theatres and cafés of the pedestrian-only Distillery District, or hit the high-end boutiques on Bloor Street and at the Eaton's Centre. Later they can take in world-class theatre, opera, symphony and more in the booming theatre district or head for the Beaches, the city’s popular lakefront neighbourhood where sidewalk cafés, trendy restaurants and pubs welcome everyone from bohemian artists to financiers.
Ottawa is Canada’s capital, a dynamic showcase city of more than one million people. Located in Ontario at the Quebec border, it’s a place where you’ll hear English and French in the streets; where you can discover Canada’s proud heritage at impressive national sites and famous landmarks, including the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Parliament Hill and national attractions. The gorgeous waterways are a perfect way to photograph the wonders of the metropolis. It’s a city steeped in culture, with world-class museums and galleries displaying stunning national collections and special exhibitions from Canada and around the world. Bucket-list items include the Gothic-revival Parliament Hill, Canadian Museum of Nature, the mountain coaster, interprovincial zipline, and vibrant Byward Market.
The capital of the province by the same name, Quebec is an exciting, ever-growing city often compared to a European village, yet distinctly Canadian. The photogenic Old Town is the primary drawcard for many tourists - an incredible, UNESCO-listed living museum, filled with 17th- and 18th-century houses and decorated by pretty cobbled lanes and charming boutiques. A strong French-Canadian culture is well celebrated through a sublime culinary scene and wonderful festivals and carnivals. Architecture enthusiasts can visit extraordinary grand hotels (and an ice hotel), art lovers have a world to explore in the Le Quartier Petit-Champlain, filled with galleries, and hikers and photographers can head to stunning Montmorency Falls, or explore the breathtaking trails of the Jacques-Cartier National Park among glacial valleys.
Set on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal, the largest city in Canada’s Quebec Province, is famous for its arts, design, and fantastic cuisine. Visitors can discover the country’s history along the cobbled streets of Old Montreal, with show-off buildings like the Basilique Notre-Dame stupefying its guests with its intricate domes. Gourmands delight in sensational Canadian food as well as everything from irresistible patisseries, to old Jewish delis, to hipster bars serving spectacular flavours all night. Art and design adorn the city, from sensational raw street art to chic, modern galleries. Featuring around 250 theatre and dance companies and more than 90 festivals, Montreal overflows with the arts. Explore the city by climbing or taking a bus up Mount Royal to scan the horizon or cycling along the picturesque riverside pathways on a public bike.
As the oldest major city in America, Boston is brimming with old European charm. Gorgeous cobbled streets, still lit by gas lamps, are lined with dozens of National Historic Landmarks as well over 7,000 individual buildings locally designated as historic landmarks. Despite this old-world atmosphere, Boston has a fresh, youthful feel due to its sizable student population, resulting in a slew of trendy comedy clubs, bars and restaurants, and a lively musical and theatre scene. This small compact city packs a surprisingly impressive cultural punch with plenty of contemporary museums, galleries and cafés interspersed with pristinely landscaped public spaces and diverse neighbourhoods. Don't miss the opportunity to travel to Boston to see its intriguing array of sites for yourself.
