What City Should You Add To Your Bucket List?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 1, 2024

Deciding which city to add to your bucket list is like choosing a favorite ice cream flavor at a shop with infinite options; it's exhilarating but slightly overwhelming. You might have heard whispers of the classics, like frolicking through the historical streets of Rome or taking in the neon glow of Tokyo. But then again, maybe your soul yearns for the road less traveled, where the street signs are unpronounceable and the local delicacies are daring enough to make your taste buds do a double-take.

The 'perfect city' has the charisma of an A-list celebrity at a house party, effortlessly drawing you in with its unique blend of culture, cuisine, and that indefinable buzz exclusive to places where dreams are rumored to come true. Whether it's the siren song of New York's skyline or the sun-soaked allure of Sydney's shores, one thing's for sure—your bucket list deserves a city that will leave a footprint on your heart, urged on by stories that you'll tirelessly recount at dinner parties.

Oh, the quandary you find yourself in, dear traveler. But fear not! Somewhere between the right amount of adventure and the perfect pinch of peculiar lies your next urban love affair. Get ready to embrace serendipity by the hand and let whimsy chart your course to the city that's been waiting to dance with you beneath its streetlights.

New York City: The Melting Pot Of Your Bucket List Dreams

Ah, New York City – where the pigeons are bold and the bagels are gold. It's the epicenter of oomph that you've always dreamed of adding to your well-thumbed bucket list.

Central Park, the leafy getaway smack dab in the middle of Manhattan, is a wonderland where skyscrapers play hide and seek with the trees. You could join the ranks of leisurely strollers, or perhaps impersonate a local with a pretzel in hand as you explore Strawberry Fields and the Alice in Wonderland statue.

And holy cannoli, the Broadway shows – get ready for some jazz hands! It’s where dreams are made of, lights are bright, and you might need to remortgage your house for good seats. But hey, seeing a show here is an absolute must.

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Feel the immigrant spirit as you pose for a selfie with Lady Liberty or trace lineage at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

• Rockefeller Center: Whether you're channeling your inner Michelle Kwan at the ice skating rink or heading to Top of the Rock for killer sunset views, it’s non-negotiable for your itinerary.

• Museums: From the colossal Museum of Natural History (watch out for dinosaurs) to the spiraling galleries of the Guggenheim, your culture vulture is about to soar.

New York is an endless urban playground. Want to play fetch at the High Line or turn detective at the Lower Manhattan speakeasies? No problem. Yearn to ferry over to Staten Island with the wind in your hair or get lost in DUMBO with a pizza twice your face size? Check and check.

Buckle up, your bucket list is about to get crowded with the world-class Metropolitan Museum of Art, iconic New York Public Library, and the holiday magic of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And don't forget, while you're conquering the Brooklyn Bridge and The Edge, catching a jazz show, devouring cookies from Levain Bakery, and rubbing elbows with the statues at Radio City Music Hall, you'll be living the dream in the city that naps only when it blinks.

Beyond The Big Apple: Iconic Cities And Natural Wonders

Venture beyond New York City's skyline to discover a tapestry of American culture, history, and transcendent landscapes that are must-sees for your travel bucket list.

American Cities With A Side Of Culture And History

Let's jazz things up in New Orleans where the French Quarter and Mardi Gras festivities beckon with vibrant history and culture that's as spicy as the cuisine. Don’t forget to strut down Bourbon Street for that vibrant nightlife! Or, if you're feeling revolutionary, trot over to Boston to wander along the Freedom Trail and raise a pint where the Founding Fathers once deliberated our nation's future.

Spectacular Scenery And Bucket List Adventures

Seeking selfies with stunning backdrops? Golden moments await at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Pause in Seattle and ponder the majesty of the nearby national parks. Cruise the iconic Road to Hana in Maui for jaw-dropping vistas. And for a desert dazzle, the grandeur of Antelope Canyon in Arizona is truly bucket list-worthy.

Savings Tips For The Spendthrift Souvenir Hunter

Dying to dash to these destinations but dread the spending spree? Keep your coin by traveling off-peak to glittering Las Vegas or sunny San Diego. Make friends with happy hour in Honolulu and Miami to save on sips and snacks. Pro tip: When the souvenir bug bites, swap pricy keepsakes for digital memories (hello, Instagram moments!). Plus, national parks often waive entrance fees on certain days, so time it right and bask in the beauty of places like Yosemite National Park without spending a dime.