What is the best city to travel alone to in the United States?
I need some alone time and want to fly somewhere for the weekend.
I might be biased because I'm a life-long resident, but give Chicago a try. The architecture is incredible. We have everything from Art Deco to Victorian and everything in between. Check out Frank Lloyd Wright's studio in nearby Oak Park. If you're into more of the tourist stuff, check out Navy Pier or take in Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field. Win or (more likely) lose, you're going to have a good time. We also have world-class museums, such as the Field Museum of Natural History or the Art Institute. You could also check out one of our many Blues clubs. I recommend Buddy Guy's Legends. We have many diverse neighborhoods and the authentic foods that go with them. The Lakefront is a great place to walk or bike or just people-watch. The public transportation is easy to navigate as is the city's grid system of streets. Fly into Midway airport on Chicago's Southwest Side and you're 15 minutes from Downtown. I love this town. Chicago is the city that works.
14 Answers
Come to NYC. We like tourists. We're used to tourists.
Maybe I'm just partial because I grew up there, but San Francisco comes to mind as one of the best places to just head out and explore. It's got a good amount of everything from relaxed sidewalk cafes, upscale restaurants, museums, tourist attractions and breathtaking views (from Twin Peaks or the Marin Headlands right across the Golden Gate Bridge). The public transit system is also good enough to get you anywhere you need to go .. and of course there's always an abundance of taxis if you prefer.
The people in San Francisco are also famous for being open minded and in my experience some of the most genuinely friendly people around. The weather in the winter time gets cold and sometimes rainy, but doesn't snow. If you're traveling later in the year, spring and summer are both beautiful. Check out Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, and Yerba Buena Gardens if you want some nature from within the city. Both great places to hang out and people-watch.
Vegas... and not for the obvious reasons. Get off the strip to Red Rock State Park for some hiking and climbing... at night of course you can do anything from mild to crazy. But I cant tell you how many women Ive picked up because they ask me what Ive done in Vegas since I got there... When they hear I wasnt gambling or getting shit-faced and was actually doing something physical... it turns them on. Now... if you end up getting a phone number... you can take them on a drive to Valley of Fire... similar to Red Rock... but more driver friendly. Most people dont realize how beautiful Nevada is... they JUST see the strip, casinos, and alcohol.
Pittsburgh. I know, but don't snicker. Pittsburgh has a topography like SF, but much more affordable and more authentic. Dozens of tiny ethnic neighborhoods, more bridges than Venice, world class museums, and a deep music scene thanks to all the colleges and universities, but very few hipsters. Try:
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It really depends on what you mean by alone time. If you wanna be truly alone and not around a lot of people then go to Utah...Salt Lake City or Moab...and find some nice hiking trails.
I'm from the VA/DC area and if you like museums(of all kinds) and monuments then also suggest coming to DC because it's a great place to ponder your thoughts while roaming around a beautiful city.
It depends on what you want to see. If you want to see museums Washington, DC and New York City are both good options. DC offers great public transit and the museums are free. NYC offers great public transit and a ton of different options.
Since you are traveling alone you have to think about your budget (hostel, hotel?), what you want to do (museums, eating out, meeting new people?) and how you are going to get around (driving, public transit, walking?).
If I were you I would research those three things any city that comes to mind and make up your mind then. DC, Chicago, San Francisco, NYC all come to mind. Austin, TX is great with a car and Portland, OR is also good.