Incorporated in 1837, Chicago is an American boomtown. Its population of roughly 30,000 residents in 1850 grew to more than 2 million by 1910. This influx of people brought with them a diverse mix of cultures, religions and beliefs. Illinois’ largest city sits on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, one of North America’s Great Lakes. Similar to Manhattan, many of Chicago’s early skyscrapers date back to the 1890s, which gives the city a rich architectural skyline. The financial district and its looming towers can be seen from great distances when approaching the city by car. In addition to having big buildings, Chicago has been home to some of America’s biggest icons, including Oprah, Michael Jordan, Harry Caray and the Obamas, just to name a few.

Additionally, Chicago has a satisfying culinary scene. Hearty meals and strong drinks are served in generous portions. With European, Asian and African influences, Chicago’s food options are as diverse as its people. From live music to professional sporting events, there are plenty of interesting things to experience in the Windy City.

How to Visit Chicago for the First Time | Top 10 Things to Do in Chicago

Enjoy a few laughs

Courtesy of Second City

Chicago’s Second City, located in Oldtown, offers nightly performances and seasonal shows featuring some of the most talented comedians in the business. The comedy club has been operating as a theatre and improv school since 1959. Throughout the years, company alumni have included many of comedy’s greatest heroes, including Bill Murray, John Candy, Chris Farley, Amy Poehler and Aidy Bryant. After the show, grab a drink at 1959 Kitchen & Bar, the club’s on-site restaurant, or the neighboring Old Town Ale House.

Experience baseball history

City of Chicago Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Chicagoans are crazy about baseball. In a city with two Major League teams, visitors will need to pick a side. If you choose the Cubs, you will not be disappointed with a visit to the historic Wrigley Field on the North Side of Chicago. Built in 1914, the stadium is the second-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, just behind Boston’s Fenway Park (1912). Baseball memorabilia is on full view throughout the stadium, including the original scoreboard from 1937. Depending on the location of your seat, you might just get lucky with a game ball souvenir. To increase your chances of catching a game ball, sit along the first and third base lines for foul balls and in the bleachers for home-run balls. Don’t forget to try a Chicago-style hotdog, which is typically topped with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers and celery salt. Stadium tours are available during the offseason.

Cruise on the Chicago River

The architecture boat tour is a great introduction to the Chicago skyline. Many of the city’s most stunning buildings can be enjoyed from the top deck of the First Lady. The tour highlights many important architectural styles, including Chicago School, neoclassical, art deco and modern. The 90-minute excursions are expertly hosted by docents from the Chicago Architecture Center, and tours operate from mid-May to mid-October. For an unforgettable experience, check out the twilight tours, which offer beautiful sunset views from the Chicago River. The vessels can carry up to 250 passengers and feature open-air upper decks, full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins and upscale marble and granite restrooms. It is advised to purchase tickets in advance.

Satisfy your pizza craving

Photo by Manvi Mathur

Pizza might not seem like a memorable holiday experience, but it can be in Chicago. For starters, “Chicago-style” typically implies that the pizza is made using thick or deep dish crust. There is also a thick layer of cheese under toppings and tomato sauce. It seems backward, but in the best possible way. Cornmeal is used to give the buttery crust a bit of a crunch. This deliciously filling style of pie can be found throughout the city. For classic versions, check out Pizano’s Pizza or Gino’s East.

Read more: 10 Iconic American Foods & Where to Find Them

Explore an unforgettable art collection

Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s leading art museums. Centrally located in Grant Park, the Art Institute offers visitors notable works from around the world. Its permanent collection features more than 300,000 pieces, including Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (1884/86), Van Gogh’s The Bedroom (1889), Wood’s American Gothic (1930), Hopper’s Nighthawks (1942) and Motley’s Nightlife (1943), among many others. In 2009, the museum opened a modern wing designed by Renzo Piano, which features prominent artists like Jasper Johns, Takashi Murakami, Robert Rauschenberg, Cindy Sherman and Andy Warhol. Don’t miss the Thorne Miniature Rooms located on the museum’s lower level.

Read More: Top 5 Art Museums Offering Free Online Art Education

Unwind to the sound of live jazz

Abel Arciniega Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Chicago has jazz roots that date back to the 1920s when Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong were drawing large crowds. Today, music fans can visit Green Mill in Uptown for live jazz every night until 4am, except for Saturdays when it’s open until 5am. Known as one of the oldest continuously running jazz clubs in the country, Green Mill has welcomed jazz legends like Von Freeman, Franz Jackson and Wilbur Campbell. Seating is first-come, first-serve, and entrance fees vary depending on the band.

Read More: 48 Hours in New Orleans

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Given the large Irish-American population, Chicago is the best place to be for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Each year, revelers take to the streets and flood neighborhood Irish bars wearing their best green-colored outfits. For five hours, typically starting at 9am on the Saturday prior to St. Patrick’s Day in March, the Chicago River is dyed emerald green. Thousands of spectators gather along the scenic Riverwalk to see green water flowing through the city’s center. Chicago also hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country, which includes a three-hour procession with colorful floats, troops of Irish step dancers, marching bands and bagpipers.

Become one with nature

City of Chicago Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Lincoln Park is a great way to spend an afternoon in Chicago, especially during the warmer summer months. This 1,200+ acre park is situated on the North Side of Chicago along Lake Michigan. Visitors can explore the Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, Theatre on the Lake, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Lincoln Park Conservatory. There is something for everyone in this urban oasis, and many activities can be enjoyed for free. After the park, take advantage of the good weather with a stroll along the neighboring beach for beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

Go to the theatre

Abel Arciniega Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Chicago’s flourishing Theatre District, located in the Loop, features more than 200 theatres, including five Tony Award-Winning companies. Visitors can choose from a selection of world-class productions. Check out the district’s three Broadway In Chicago theatres: CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre and Cadillac Palace Theatre. Also, don’t miss the Goodman Theatre, Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theatre.

Get a little tipsy

Adam Alexander Photography Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

With more than 100 breweries, Chicago is the perfect place to sample interesting craft beers. First-time visitors should check out Goose Island, a well-known Chicago-born brewery. Learn about the brewing process at Goose Island’s Fulton Street brewery and taproom, located in West Loop. Tours operate Thursday through Sunday, and advanced booking is recommended. Beer samples and a custom beer glass are included in the tour ticket price.

If you’re still thirsty, check out Lagunitas Brewing Company’s 300-seat taproom located in Douglas Park. Offering excellent beer, live music, food and tours Wednesday through Sunday, Lagunitas is the largest brewery in Illinois.

Coming Soon! 
Obama Presidential Center is located in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side near the University of Chicago. Once completed, the facilities will honor the legacy of President Barrack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The museum, and its public meeting space, library and plaza, will provide visitors with a space to reflect, engage and learn.

If you enjoyed How to Visit Chicago for the First Time, check out other travel articles about the United States.

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Top 10 Classic City Hotels in Europe

Ritz Paris

Courtesy of the Ritz Paris

Ernest Hemingway once said, “when in Paris the only reason not to stay at the Ritz is if you can’t afford it.” Since 1898, the Ritz Paris is one of the most revered hotels in the world. Located in Place Vendôme, this iconic Parisian hotel has 142 accommodations, including 71 luxurious suites. It’s hosted legendary guests, including Marcel Proust, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Coco Chanel, among others. In 2012, the Ritz Paris underwent a complete restoration led by architect and designer Thierry W. Despont. Guests have access to a private garden and a terrace that offers year-round dining thanks to its retractable roof and heated floors. The Ritz has several excellent restaurants and bars, including L’Espadon by Chef Nicolas Sale, Bar Vendome, Bar Hemingway and the Salon Proust. The Ritz Health Club features a stunning neoclassic indoor swimming pool, hammam and sauna, and the Chanel Spa is the first and only facility of its kind. Book Now

Gritti Palace in Venice

Courtesy of the Gritti Palace

The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is located directly off Venice’s Grand Canal. The property dates back to 1475 when the Pisani family transformed it into its current Gothic shape. In 1525 the building became the private residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti, and in the centuries that followed, it was home to other noble families and illustrious visitors. Today, guests can walk in the footsteps of Peggy Guggenheim, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The property has 82 rooms and suites spread out over four floors. Interiors feature beautiful terrazzo floors, and the hotel boasts a remarkable art collection. Book Now
Read More: Is Venice Worth Visiting?

Claridge’s in London

Courtesy of Claridge’s

Set in London’s posh Mayfair neighborhood, Claridge’s is one of the most luxurious hotels in Europe. It opened in 1856 and quickly began building its world-class reputation, particularly after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert dropped by for a visit in 1860. It welcomed flappers in the 1920s, served as a refuge for exiled heads of state during WWII and hosted Hollywood icons, such as Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn. In 1996, Claridge’s underwent a restoration led by architect and designer Thierry W. Despont. Today, this art deco masterpiece has 190 rooms and suites that reflect the hotel’s Victorian and Art Deco heritage, as well as two restaurants and two bars. Be sure to book Claridge’s legendary afternoon tea, which is served daily in the foyer and reading room. Book Now
Read More: Best London Hotels for Afternoon Tea

De L’Europe in Amsterdam

Courtesy of De L’Europe Amsterdam

De L’Europe Amsterdam is a fine art museum disguised as a luxury hotel. Independently run since 1896, the property reflects the beauty of Holland and its history, particularly the Dutch Golden Age of the seventeenth century. Located in the heart of Amsterdam on the banks of the Amstel River, De L’Europe has 111 rooms, suites and signature suites. The rooms feature classic or modern designs, unique layouts, grand windows and stunning views.  In 2020, the hotel underwent a complete redesign of its ground floor led by Amsterdam-based interior design studio Nicemakers. Many rooms have private balconies and terraces overlooking Amsterdam, and each room features a dedicated piece of art from the Rijksmuseum. Bord’Eau is the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant by executive chef Bas van Kranen. Book Now
Read More: Hotel Review for De L’Europe

The Dolder Grand in Zurich

Courtesy of the Dolder Grand

Between 1897 and 1899, the Dolder Grand Hotel was built under the direction of the Basel architect Jacques Gros. During the war years, members of European royal families flocked to this luxury Swiss hotel to escape unrest. The beginning of post-war prosperity also marks the start of a successful era for Zurich and the Grand Hotel. Previous guests have included Winston Churchill, Thomas Mann, John Wayne, Sophia Loren, and Prince Charles, among others. Today, the Dolder Grand has 175 guest rooms and suites. Its elevated location in Zurich provides guests with stunning views of the city, lake and mountains. The property’s art collection includes more than 100 works by world-famous artists, such as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí and Jean Tinguely. The hotel’s spa and Aqua Zone feature a large swimming pool with panoramic windows, as well as outdoor whirlpools, steam baths and snow areas. Don’t miss The Restaurant in the Dolder Grand by executive chef Heiko Nieder. It has two Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points and serves seasonal, innovative gourmet cuisine. Book Now
Read More: Top 10 Bucket List Hotels in Switzerland

Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris

Courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel George V

The George V Hotel was built in 1928 and converted into a Four Seasons property in 1999 following a two-year renovation. This art-deco landmark is located in the Golden Triangle of Paris, just off the Champs-Elysees. There are 244 rooms and suites with interiors designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. Many of the suites offer spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower and surrounding areas. The property is adorned with classical French furnishings, seventeenth-century Flemish tapestries, and eighteenth-century Florentine chandeliers. Spaces are decorated with more than 9,000 flowers delivered fresh from the Netherlands each week. It has three restaurants, Le Cinq, Le George and L’Orangerie, which hold five Michelin stars among them. If you consider its exceptional dining options and legendary wine cellar, Hotel George V offers its guests one of the best culinary experiences in Europe. Amenities include a luxury spa, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, on-site boutique and courtyard. Book Now

Hotel Sacher in Vienna

Courtesy of Hotel Sacher

Culture and hospitality go hand in hand at Hotel Sacher. This classic Viennese hotel has been an important part of the city’s history since it opened in 1876. Hotel Sacher has hosted several royal patrons, including Emperor Franz Joseph, King Edward VIII, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Rainier III of Monaco, among others. In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono used the hotel to host a press conference about Bagism, a satirical campaign about peace. The hotel has 152 rooms and suites that combine modern in-room amenities and traditional Viennese designs. Hotel Sacher’s dining options provide guests with a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes. Restaurant Rote Bar and Restaurant Grüne Bar offer both Austrian and international specialties, and the Sacher cafés are known for serving Original Sacher-Torte, a chocolate cake with apricot filling, which is still hand-made daily using Franz Sacher’s recipe from 1832. Book Now
Read More: The Ultimate Arts & Culture Guide for Vienna

Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel

Courtesy of Hotel Les Trois Rois

Hotel Les Trois Rois is situated on the banks of the Rhine River in the heart of Basel, Switzerland’s third most populated city. The hotel’s central location is ideal for enjoying the city’s museums, galleries and theaters. Hotel Les Trois Rois has been operational since 1681 making it one of the oldest city hotels in Europe. It’s hosted numerous artists and literary giants, such as Voltaire, Charles Dickens, and Marc Chagall. In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte dined at the hotel while discussing French-Swiss relations with Basel officials. Today, its motto is “rich in history, young at heart” – a refreshing concept for a luxury property. In addition to its 101 guest rooms and suites, the hotel offers excellent dining options. Onsite restaurants and bars include Cheval Blanc by chef Peter Knogl (three Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points), Brasserie Les Trois Rois by chef Urs Gschwend (14 Gault Millau points), Italian restaurant Chez Donati (13 Gault Millau points), Bar Les Trois Rois and Salon du Cigare. Book Now 

The Savoy in London

Courtesy of the Savoy

The Savoy is one of the UK’s most historic luxury hotels. Situated on the River Thames within steps of Covent Garden and the West End, the Savoy is conveniently located in the heart of one of the most exciting cities in the world. From Marlene Dietrich to Marilyn Monroe, from Giacomo Puccini to George Gershwin, from Rhianna to Taylor Swift, the hotel is a favorite among the world’s most famous people. Throughout the twentieth century, the hotel was frequented by every member of the British Royal Family. It features 267 rooms and suites with either Edwardian or Art Deco design, and guests of suites are looked after by the Savoy Butlers. The hotel also offers some of the best restaurants and bars in London, such as Simpson’s in the Strand, the River Restaurant, Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill and the American Bar. Afternoon tea remains a tradition in the Thames Foyer, which turns into a lovely lounge in the evenings with live entertainment. Book Now

The Grand Hotel in St. Petersburg

Courtesy of Belmond

Situated in St. Petersburg’s Nevsky Prospekt, the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe has been attracting international travelers since it opened in 1875. With sparkling chandeliers, Art Nouveau interiors, stained glass windows, soaring ceilings and marble flooring, the Grand Hotel is certainly one of the most beautiful hotels in Europe, if not the world. It’s known for having hosted many distinguished guests, such as H. G. Wells, Igor Stravinsky and members of the Romanov dynasty. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and his wife Antonina Miliukova honeymooned at the hotel in 1877. George Bernard Shaw met Maxim Gorky at the hotel bar, and Fyodor Dostoevsky found inspiration for Crime and Punishment while lingering around the historic floor. Grigori Rasputin, a mystic who befriended the family of Nicholas II, conducted business in the alcoves of the hotel’s restaurant, L’Europe, which is one of Russia’s oldest continually-serving restaurants. The hotel was restored in the 1990s and has 266 rooms and suites. Don’t miss the fine selection of caviars and vodkas at the hotel bar. Book Now

If you enjoyed Classic City Hotels in Europe, check out other Europe-inspired articles.

Cover image: Courtesy of De L’Europe Amsterdam

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Before you decide, the awe and awful of Venice are two sides of the same coin. For example, two travelers might sit down for a cappuccino at a historic café in St. Mark’s Square. One traveler might look out over the piazza and see tourists waving selfie sticks while seagulls and pigeons fight for table scraps, and the other traveler might see a breathtaking basilica – consecrated in 1094 – with treasures from Constantinople as a result of the Venetian participation in the Fourth Crusade. After breakfast, the same two travelers could take a gondola ride through the meandering canals of Venice. One traveler might think it’s an overpriced tourist trap, while the other might think about the gondolier’s technical achievement in navigating the long, narrowboat and the pride they take in carrying on this 900-year-old tradition. These experiential differences could go on and on.

Photo by C. McCain

Visiting Venice is all about accepting that there will be give and take, more so than many other previously well-heeled European cities. Sure, Venice museums can have long lines, and there are plenty of restaurants serving terrible food, but the city also has a one-of-kind atmosphere and architectural splendor that can make it seem so perfectly authentic, it doesn’t even feel real. Venice is uniquely mysterious, particularly in the evenings with its narrow passageways, dead-end paths and misty canals. Without cars, bicycles or trains, Venice exudes an eerie sort of quietness – highly unusual for a city its size.

Photo by C. McCain

There are locals around Venice, over a quarter of a million, but they’re easily missed if you don’t make a point to notice them. Find a side street café or street-side bar window serving Aperol Spritzes and cicchetti, and you’ll see Venetians chatting with friends and family while enjoying a quick lunch or pre-dinner aperitif. Even the grocery stores and pharmacies that locals surely frequent seem a bit hidden, but the beautifully specific shops that sell quality goods, such as handmade leather gloves or locally-blown glassware, can’t be missed.

So, is Venice worth visiting? The truth is there’s no guarantee that every traveler will fall in love with Venice, now or ever. It depends on your past experiences and perspectives on life. Is it a tourist trap or one of the most beautiful cities in the world? The answer is in the eye of the beholder.

Is Venice Worth Visiting? Yes!

Check out 5 Excellent Reasons to Visit Venice, Italy.

Get Out on the Water

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

Venice should be seen from the water. The city offers many options at various price points to best fit your budget. From water buses to water taxis, travelers can easily access a pick-up location from boat stands and piers throughout the city. If you’re looking for a classic Venetian experience, make a point to take a gondola ride. This traditional, flat-bottomed, single-row boat has been used in Venice for centuries. It’s an elegant way to explore the city while learning about its past from knowledgeable gondoliers.

Stay in a Grand Hotel

Courtesy of the Gritti Palace

There are more than a thousand hotels in Venice, so again, many options for many budgets. If you’re looking to splurge on your vacation, book a room at the Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel located on Campo Santa Maria del Giglio. This stunning property dates back to 1475 when the Pisani family transformed it into its current Gothic shape. In 1525 the building became the private residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti, and in the centuries that followed, it was home to other noble families and illustrious visitors. Today, guests can enjoy the beautiful terrazzo floors and the remarkable selection of artworks and antiques that adorn all private and social spaces within the hotel. Book Now

Another excellent option for a classic hotel in Venice is the Hotel Bauer located just a short walk from the Gritti Palace. This luxury hotel has 54 suites and 137 rooms that feature authentic Italian marble details, delicate fabrics and inlaid furniture. Don’t miss the recently renovated Settimo Cielo Rooftop Restaurant from chef Cristiano Tomei. Book Now

Courtesy of Hotel Bauer

Enjoy the Fine Arts

If you don’t mind crowds, your first fine art stop should be Doge’s Palace located next to St. Mark’s Basilica. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, this museum is set on its original foundation from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The wing towards the St. Mark’s Basin is the oldest, rebuilt from 1340 onwards. This cultural institution includes the Museo dell’Opera, Courtyard and the Loggias, Doge’s Apartments, Institutional Chambers, Prisons and Armoury. Don’t miss Il Paradiso by Tintoretto in the palace’s main hall. It’s one of the largest oil paintings on canvas in the world (22 x 7 meters).

Photo by Denys Barabanov

Other great places to see art in Venice include the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. In the evenings, La Fenice Opera House provides seasonal performances by world-class opera singers and musicians. In the nineteenth century, La Fenice became the site of many famous operatic premieres including works by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi. The building alone is worth a tour given its lavish Rococo-style interiors.

Courtesy of Teatro La Fenice

Eat Like a Local

Is Venice worth visiting? Yes, its food alone is worth a trip. Similar to Spanish tapas, cicchetti are small snacks, such as sandwiches, meats, cheeses and olives, served at lunch or before dinner at small bars located in every Venetian neighborhood. They are typically enjoyed while standing with an Aperol Spritz (garnished with an orange slice and a single fresh green olive) or a glass of Italian wine. Traditional cicchetti recipes include slices of bread topped with creamed codfish on polenta and boiled egg on marinated anchovies. For classic cicchetti bars in Venice, check out Bar All’Arco (lunch only) and Enoteca Schiavi.

Photos by C. McCain

Buy Quality Souvenirs

For quality souvenirs in Venice, take a short ferry ride to Murano, a collection of seven individual islands linked together by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon. There, you’ll find some of the finest glass shops and glass-making demonstrations in Italy. Murano glass is known throughout the world for its history, quality, colorfulness and craftsmanship. Don’t miss Museo del Vetro, which explores the art of glass-making through the centuries.

Photo By Dan Hadar

If you enjoyed Is Venice Worth Visiting | 5 Excellent Reasons…, check out other travel articles about Europe.

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10 Iconic American Dishes & Where to Find Them

Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago, Illinois

Courtesy of Gino’s East

Pizza might not seem like a special meal, but in Chicago, it is. For starters, “Chicago-style” typically implies that the pizza is made using thick or deep dish crust. There is also a thick layer of cheese UNDER toppings and tomato sauce. It seems backward, but in the best possible way. Cornmeal is used to give the buttery crust a bit of a crunch. This deliciously filling style of pie can be found throughout the city. For classic versions, check out Pizano’s Pizza or Gino’s East.
Read more: How to Visit Chicago for the First Time

BBQ Brisket in Dallas, Texas

Courtesy of Pecan Lodge

Texas is known for its barbecue, and a visit to Dallas would not be complete without some slow-cooked smoky meat. Pecan Lodge, located in Deep Ellum, serves classics like brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs and hand-made sausage. For the most part, this family-owned restaurant operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lunch is an ideal time to visit, since a line usually forms around the corner before the restaurant even opens. And, the doors close once the barbecue is gone for the day.
Read more: 10 Things to Do in Dallas/Fort Worth

Gumbo in New Orleans, Louisiana

Courtesy of Commander’s Palace

Gumbo is the official state cuisine in Louisiana. This Creole dish is typically made using a dark roux, rich stock, shellfish and the Creole holy trinity (celery, bell peppers and onions). Depending on the recipe, okra or filé powder can be added as well. Commander’s Palace is a New Orleans landmark and has been serving up gumbo since 1893. Today, the kitchen is known for mixing modern cooking techniques with Haute Creole cuisine. Set in a large neighborhood mansion, the dining space exudes a quirky sense of Louisiana charm. Reservations are recommended and dress codes are enforced.
Read more: 48 Hours in New Orleans

Key Lime Pie in Miami, Florida

Courtesy of Joe’s Stone Crab

Open from October to May, Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami has been serving fresh, locally sourced seafood to hungry crowds for more than 100 years. It’s not just about the stone crab though; Joe’s also makes an excellent Key lime pie. This sweet treat is a local specialty, which is named after Key limes – known for having yellow juice. The pie is typically made with Key lime juice, egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk in a graham cracker crust with a whipped cream topping.

Pastrami on Rye in New York City, New York

Courtesy of Katz’s Delicatessen

New York’s signature sandwich is pastrami on rye, which is made with sliced pastrami on rye bread with spicy brown mustard, and it’s served with a Kosher dill pickle. Visit Katz’s Delicatessen to experience the real deal. Located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, this restaurant celebrated its 133th anniversary in 2021, so you know you’re in good hands. Fun fact: this diner was used as a film set in When Harry Met Sally… (1989) and served as the backdrop for one of Meg Ryan’s cheekiest scenes of all time.

Lobster Roll in Portland, Maine

Courtesy of Becky’s Diner

According to the Maine Department of Marine Resources, more than 96 million pounds of lobsters were caught off the shores of Maine in 2020. Lobstering happens all year round, but peak season is between late June and late December. Becky’s Diner is a prime spot for sampling one of the best lobster rolls in New England. They make their rolls using 1/3 pound of fresh Maine lobster meat with shredded lettuce and mayo or a side of melted butter. Side dishes include french fries, coleslaw and a pickle spear.

Hot Chicken in Nashville, Tennessee

Courtesy of Prince’s Hot Chicken

Hot chicken is serves as an open-faced white bread sandwich with a hot, bone-in chicken and topped with a pickle. For an original version of this spicy dish, head over to Prince’s Hot Chicken. Thorton Prince, known as the father of Nashville’s hot chicken, perfected his chicken recipe almost 100 years ago. Today Prince’s great niece, Ms. Andre Prince Jeffries, continues the tradition of serving up the gold standard for hot chicken in the south.

Coney Dog in Detroit, Michigan

Courtesy of American Coney Island

Detroit is passionate about the Coney Dog, an all-beef hot dog topped with bean-less chili, white onion and yellow mustard. There is an ongoing feud among locals about the best spot to get a Coney Dog: American Coney Island or Lafayette Coney Island. It is a rite of passage for visitors to compete in the Coney Challenge, which involves trying a Coney Dog at each location and deciding where your allegiance lies.

Fish Tacos in San Diego, California

Courtesy of Oscar’s Tacos

A trip to San Diego would not be complete without sampling the fish tacos. Inspired by Mexico’s Baja region, this dish is traditionally made using lightly-battered fish and corn tortillas topped with cabbage, fresh salsa, cream sauce and a lime wedge. For excellent fish tacos, check out George’s at the Cove or Oscar’s Mexican Seafood.
Read more: 48 Hours in San Diego

Philly Cheesesteak in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Courtesy of Tony Luke’s

The Philly cheesesteak is one of Philadelphia’s most celebrated dishes. This indulgent sandwich is made using a long, crusty roll, or hoagie, filled with thinly sliced, sautéed beef, typically ribeye, with melted cheese. When ordering, there is a choice of cheese (provolone, American or Cheez Whiz®) and a choice of toppings (sautéed onions, cooked mushrooms, ketchup and sweet/hot peppers). Check out local hot spots like Pat’s King of Steaks, Geno’s Steaks and Tony Luke’s.
Read more: Choose Your Own Travel Adventure in Philadelphia

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The Best Classic Hotels in New York City

The Plaza Hotel

Courtesy of the Plaza Hotel

It was once said, “nothing unimportant ever happens at the Plaza.” The luxury property opened its doors in 1907 at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. The Plaza Hotel, a Fairmont property, features 282 guest rooms, including 102 suites, as well as a variety of dining options, such as Palm Court, Champagne Bar, Rose Club, the Plaza Food Hall and Todd English at the Plaza. From its original nineteenth century construction to its $450 million dollar restoration in 2008, the Plaza might just be the most classic hotel in the world. Since its debut, the Plaza has remained a New York City icon hosting world leaders, dignitaries and film industry titans, including Truman Capote, Elizabeth Taylor, Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich. It has also serviced as the film location for some of Hollywood’s biggest hits, including Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959), Sydney Pollack’s The Way We Were (1973) and Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby (2013).

The Pierre, A Taj Hotel

Courtesy of the Pierre, A Taj Hotel

The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, has been refining its signature charm since opening in 1930. Initially modeled after Versailles, architects Schultze and Weaver designed the 41-story hotel with many stately features, including neo-Georgian accents, checkered marble floors, a ballroom with grand staircases and a Rotunda with ornate murals hand-painted by American artist Edward Melcarth. The property’s 189 rooms and suites offer beautiful interiors, contemporary style and modern amenities. Located on the border of Midtown and the Upper East Side, directly across from Central Park, the Pierre is a cornerstone of New York glamour having hosted many high-profile fashion icons and film stars, including Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, Hubert de Givenchy, Audrey Hepburn, Yves Saint Laurent and Barbra Streisand.

Gramercy Park Hotel

Courtesy of Gramercy Park Hotel

Gramercy Park Hotel opened its doors in 1925, and a year later, Humphrey Bogart was married on the hotel’s rooftop terrace. Not long after that, a young John F. Kennedy lived in the hotel for several months and Babe Ruth became a regular at the hotel’s New York Bar. Later, high-profile musicians began passing through the lobby or staying for months at a time giving Gramercy Park Hotel its rock and roll edge. In the 1960s, the Rolling Stones resided there after their first American tour, and Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Clash and Bob Marley were all known to spend time in the hotel. Over the years, the property remained much the same until art collector and real estate developer Aby Rosen took over. In 2006, he enlisted artist Julian Schnabel and architect John Pawson to renovate the space in a way that would maintain its unique history while giving it bold, modern flourishes. The renovation was extensive – the entire second floor of the lobby was removed to make way for 20-foot ceilings, and Schnabel designed or curated many of the furnishings, paintings and sculptures that fill the space today.

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

Courtesy of the Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

Named after British essayist Thomas Carlyle, the Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, has been a classic landmark on Madison Avenue and 76th Street since 1930. Located just one block from Central Park in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the 35-story hotel has 190 guest rooms and is surrounded by galleries, designer boutiques and fine art museums. Every American president since Harry S. Truman has visited this iconic property. With its black and white marbled lobby and Art Deco motifs in the specialty suites, the Carlyle has been meticulously maintained to honor the design inspiration of its first decorator Dorothy Draper. Don’t miss the Café Carlyle, a New York City pillar of classic cabaret entertainment. Throughout the years, it has featured performances by legendary musicians like Bobby Short, Eartha Kitt, Elaine Stritch and Debbie Harry.

Waldorf Astoria New York

Courtesy of the Waldorf Astoria New York

The Waldorf Astoria New York opened in 1893 at the present site of the Empire State Building. Thirty-eight years later, the hotel moved to its current Park Avenue location. Known as the premier property of the Waldorf Astoria brand, the hotel is considered the largest private interior landmark in New York City. Conrad Hilton once referred to the Waldorf Astoria New York as, “the greatest of them all.” The Waldorf Astoria New York, a Hilton hotel, is currently undergoing a multi-year renovation, which is set to feature restored public and event spaces, 350 new guest rooms and suites and 350 residences. The hotel is also set to restore its historic items, such as the Cole Porter piano, the John F. Kennedy rocking chair and the World’s Fair Clock Tower.

The Algonquin Hotel

Courtesy of the Algonquin Hotel

The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott, is located on 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The hotel was opened in 1902 when a single room cost $2 dollars a night. Frank Case, the hotel’s first general manager, eventually bought the hotel and continued to run it until his death in 1946. In 1923, the hotel got its first resident cat, a tradition that continues today. From 1919 until 1929, the hotel served as a lunch spot for the Algonquin Round Table, a group of New York writers, critics and actors. Notable members included Harold Ross (The New Yorker editor), George Kaufman (playwright and director), Alexander Woollcott (critic and journalist) and Brock Pemberton (Broadway producer). The round table group gathered in the Pergola Room, now called the Oak Room, a legendary cabaret nightclub.

St. Regis New York

Courtesy of the St. Regis New York

In 1904, the St. Regis New York was founded by John Jacob Astor IV, and in 1912, the hotel was inherited by Astor’s son, Victor Astor, after his untimely death during the sinking of the Titanic. St. Regis New York, now a Marriott property, overlooks Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, and it was declared a New York City Landmark in 1988. From the richly decorated rooms and designer suites to the rooftop ballroom, every element of this flagship St. Regis property was carefully considered. Don’t miss the iconic King Cole Bar where bartender Fernand Petiot invented the nation’s first modern Bloody Mary in 1934, just a year after Prohibition ended. Notable residents have included Salvador Dalí, William Paley, Nikola Tesla and John Lennon.

The Ritz-Carlton New York

Courtesy of the Ritz Carlton New York

The Ritz-Carlton New York opened in 1911 and was the first of the brand to operate in the United States. According to the New Yorker, the Ritz-Carlton’s head chef, Louis Diat, invented vichyssoise during the summer of 1917. The original recipe was published in Diat’s book titled Cooking a La Ritz. Now, the 253-room Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Hotel. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the hotel features dining spots like Contour, a gastro lounge and the Ritz-Carlton Club® Lounge.

Sherry-Netherland Hotel

Courtesy of the Sherry-Netherland

Since opening in 1927, the Sherry-Netherland is located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street at the entrance to Central Park. This classic New York City hotel was developed by Louis Sherry and Lucius Boomer and designed by Schultze & Weaver in a neo-Romanesque and Renaissance style. All accommodations feature high ceilings, marble bathrooms, with some featuring the original pedestal sinks with silver-plated faucets from the 1920s. Harry Cipriani, the hotel’s restaurant is a near duplicate of the famed Harry’s Bar in Venice, which re-opened in May 2007 after a $3 million renovation. The mural on the lobby’s ceiling was inspired by Raphael’s frescoes, the Loggetta of Cardinal Bibbiena, in the Vatican Palace. In 1989, the hotel was featured in the film New York Stories as the location for Francis Ford Coppola’s Life Without Zoe.

The New York EDITION

Courtesy of New York EDITION

The New York EDITION, located on Madison Avenue in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, is situated in the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower from 1909. The hotel features luxury boutique accommodations with 273 guest rooms and suites with excellent views of Madison Square Park and the Empire State Building. The Clocktower, a Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Jason Atherton, can be found on the hotel’s second floor. The menu features modern cuisine with British influences.

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10 Bucket List Hotels in Switzerland

Waldhaus Flims in Flims

Courtesy of Waldhaus Flims

Courtesy of Waldhaus Flims

Waldhaus Flims’ storied heritage dates back to 1869 when two Chur natives were granted permission from the municipality of Flims and Laax to build a spa. A hotel soon followed, and now, the property includes three guest houses and four gourmet restaurants. The spa is the property’s centerpiece with an indoor pool situated inside a glass cube and a heated outdoor pool equipped with bubble loungers and massage jets. As seen in Sorrentino’s 2015 film Youth, the spa area is stunning and seems to fit in perfectly with its natural surroundings. Waldhaus Flims is also known for its park, which includes glass-covered pavilions, sun terraces, open meadows, walking paths and mountain views. The hotel museum, located under the pavilion, features curated artifacts from the Belle Époque era, as well as items from Graubünden’s past. Guests can also find a trove of quartz crystals housed in underground hotel passages.

Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa in Lucerne

Courtesy of Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa

Courtesy of Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa

First opened in 1873, the Bürgenstock Resort and Alpine Spa is set on a forested ridge 500 metres above Lake Lucerne. Known for being the location where Audrey Hepburn married Mel Ferrer in 1954, this property offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Alpine landscape, including Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus. With 102 guest rooms and suites, the Bürgenstock Hotel offers top-notch accommodations, beautiful architecture and plenty of fine dining options. Guests can take a dip in the Infinity Edge pool, unwind in the Alpine Spa or play a round of golf. The hotel’s funicular provides a fun and convenient way to travel between the rooms and the lake.

Suvretta House in St. Moritz

Courtesy of Suvretta House

Courtesy of Suvretta House

In 1911, pioneering hotelier Anton Sebastian Bon had a vision for a grand property in the mountains near St. Mortiz. After joining forces with local architect Karl Koller, Bon’s dream became a reality. Known as the ‘winter palace,’ this five-star hotel has 181 guest rooms and suites with spectacular views of Mount Suvretta and the Corviglia ski domain. Suvretta House’s health, fitness and spa area is spread out over 17,00 square metres and includes a Finnarium, Sanarium, Vaporium and Caldarium. Guests can swim in the 25-metre pool overlooking the mountains of the Upper Engadine or relax in the open-air whirlpool heated year-round. Guests can end their day with a visit to Grand Restaurant (14 points Gault Millau) where head chef Fabrizio Zanetti serves French cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.

Baur au Lac in Zürich

Courtesy of Baur au Lac

Courtesy of Baur au Lac

Baur au Lac has been delivering first-class service and accommodations for more than 175 years. Set in its own park on the banks of the Schanzengraben Canal, the hotel overlooks Lake Zürich and the Alps, and it’s just a short walk from the Paradeplatz financial district and the Bahnhofstrasse shopping district. The property includes 119 guest rooms and suites, as well as fine dining options. The onsite restaurant Pavilion by Laurent Eperon (2 Michelin stars and 18 Gault Millau points) is set in a beautiful space with a rotunda designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. In addition to its exquisite, award-winning cuisine, Pavilion is known for its wine service. Head sommelier Marc Almert was named Best Sommelier in the World at a 2019 ceremony in Antwerp held by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale. Other onsite restaurants and bars include Le Hall, Terrasse and Baur’s.

The Chedi Andermatt in Andermatt

Courtesy of The Chedi Andermatt

Courtesy of The Chedi Andermatt

Built by architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the Chedi Andermatt sits 1,447 metres above sea level in the mountain village of Andermatt. Its design concept combines Asian aesthetics with Alpine elegance. The hotel features 123 guest rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars and a 2,400 square-metre spa. Its natural surroundings include waterfalls, alpine lakes and over 180 kilometres of pistes – perfect for skiers, hikers and mountain bikers. The new link-up between Andermatt, Sedrun and Disentis has created the largest ski area in central Switzerland, which makes the hotel perfect for a ski-in/ski-out experience. Enjoy a traditional Japanese Bento lunch at The Japanese by the Chedi Andermatt at Mount Gütsch where Michelin-star awarded executive chef Dietmar Sawyere serves up sushi, sashimi, tempura and more.

Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel

Courtesy of Hotel Les Trois Rois

Courtesy of Hotel Les Trois Rois

Hotel Les Trois Rois is situated on the banks of the Rhine River in the heart of Basel, Switzerland’s third most populated city. The hotel’s central location is ideal for exploring the city’s museums, galleries and theatres. Hotel Les Trois Rois is known for being one of the oldest city hotels in Europe. Today, its motto is “rich in history, young at heart” – a refreshing concept for a luxury property. In addition to its 101 guest rooms and suites, the hotel offers excellent dining options. Onsite restaurants and bars include Cheval Blanc by chef Peter Knogl (3 Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points), Brasserie Les Trois Rois by chef Urs Gschwend (14 Gault Millau points), Italian restaurant Chez Donati (13 Gault Millau points), Bar Les Trois Rois and Salon du Cigare.

The Waldhaus Sils Hotel in Sils im Engadin

Courtesy of the Waldhaus Sils Hotel

Courtesy of the Waldhaus Sils Hotel

The Waldhaus Sils Hotel, located in Engadine near St. Moritz, has been attracting travelers, artists, writers and philosophers for more than a century. Albert Einstein, Friedrich Nietzsche, Marc Chagall and Gerhard Richter are just a few notable guests who have experienced the beauty, charm and tranquility of this Alpine retreat. The Waldhaus Sils Hotel offers elegant accommodations, delicious food and luxury spa treatments. Additionally, the property exudes character that seems fitting for its heritage. For example, guests can tour the hotel museum located in an old bakery re-designed by artist Giuseppe Reichmuth or listen to a restored Welte-Mignon roll piano from 1910. Even the hotel’s master clock is wound by hand each morning, a tradition established in 1908. These small nods to the past make for a memorable stay.

The Alpina Gstaad in Gstaad

Courtesy of Alpina Gstaad

Courtesy of Alpina Gstaad

The Alpina Gstaad is set on five acres of land in Saanenland located in the heart of the Bernese Alps. Since its inception, this luxury property has been committed to sustainable practices with a mix of ecological power and hydroelectric strategies, including sensor-driven air conditioning units and heating systems partially heated with reclaimed energy. The Alpina Gstaad features 56 guest rooms and suites – all with balconies, a spa with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, wine-tasting room, private cinema, cigar lounge and ballroom. Guests can choose from three on-site restaurants: Restaurant Sommet (1 Michelin star and 18 Gault Millau points) serving contemporary cuisine, Megu (1 Michelin star and 15 Gault Millau points) serving Japanese cuisine or Swiss Stübli serving traditional local cuisine.

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva

Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

When the Hotel des Bergues opened in 1834, it was one of the largest and most impressive hotels in Switzerland. The hotel’s convenient location offers access to Lake Geneva, Old Town, Quartier des Banques, Grand Theatre and more. This historic neo-classical building includes 115 guest rooms and suites – all with classic Louis Philippe-style furnishings and marble bathrooms. Suites on the sixth floor pay tribute to contemporary Swiss chalets and feature large fireplaces and comfortable furnishings. The most significant restoration took place in 2005 under the creative direction of Pierre-Yves Rochon. The Spa Mont Blanc offers a deluxe experience complete with an authentic Moroccan hammam and marble steam room. Onsite restaurant Il Lago (1 Michelin star) offers a seasonal, northern Italy-inspired menu by executive chef Massimiliano Sena.

The Dolder Grand in Zürich

Courtesy of the Dolder Grand

Courtesy of the Dolder Grand

The 10 Bucket List Hotels in Switzerland would not be complete without mentioning the Dolder Grand, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and Swiss Deluxe Hotels. This property has 175 guest rooms and suites, an award-winning restaurant, lavish spa services and a sprawling fine art collection. Its elevated location in Zürich provides guests with stunning views of the city, lake and mountains.

The Dolder Grand’s extensive art collection is worth noting. Over 100 works of art adorn the property’s interior walls and exterior gardens. Artists on view include Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Fernando Botero, Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, among others. Guests are offered iPad art tours to help navigate the collection.

A stay at the Dolder Grand would not be complete without a visit to the spa. The Aqua Zone houses a large swimming pool with views of its natural surroundings, outdoor whirlpools, sanarium, steam bath and snow paradise. Guests can relax with Japanese-style warm pebbles of the sunaburo. Separated for men and women, sections of the spa are equipped with a sauna, steam bath, kotatsu foot bath, aroma pool, steam pot, cold-water basin and solarium.

Lastly, don’t miss The Restaurant in the Dolder Grand by executive chef Heiko Nieder. The Restaurant (2 Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points) serves seasonal, innovative gourmet cuisine. The amuse-bouche lunch menu offers the chance to try a selection of Nieder’s creations. In the evening, The Restaurant offers 6- or 10-course menus with options for vegetarian alternatives. The cuisine is known for reflecting Nieder’s enjoyment for experimentation. Previous dishes have included lobster with strawberries, beetroot, tarragon and mustard and rabbit with herbs, miso, mushrooms and green tomato.

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Eat Mexican food

Lavender Pathways-Photography by Lola

Mexican-inspired dishes can be found all over the Dallas/Forth Worth metroplex. Some establishments offer authentic Mexican dishes, while others offer more Texas-infused plates with a nod toward barbecue and cheese. From al pastor tacos to chili con queso, it’s all delicious and pairs perfectly with a margarita, blended or on the rocks.

Visitors should check out Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant in Fort Worth. Founded in 1935, this Mexican eatery has a cult following. Over the years, the capacity has grown from the original sixteen seats to well over a thousand. Even though the restaurant continues to grow in popularity, the owners continue to serve the same original recipes that their parents and grandparents served. The menu offers a handful of excellent options, including enchiladas and fajitas.

Dance the night away

Courtesy of Billy Bob’s Texas

A Texas honky tonk should be on everyone’s bucket list. With live country music and two step dancing, it’s a great way to experience the local culture. Don’t be intimidated by the crowds of dancers whipping around the floor in their Wranglers and cowboy boots. It’s all in good fun and fueled by good music and beer.

Billy Bob’s Honky Tonk in Fort Worth offers visitors the quintessential cowboy experience. Located near the city’s Stock Yard district, Billy Bob’s is known as “the world’s largest honky tonk,” and it’s easy to see why with its capacity being well over 5,000 people. Don’t miss performances by major country music stars and real professional bull riding shows – all under one very large roof.

Learn about historical events  

The Sixth Floor Museum, at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy, as well as the contemporary culture within the context of presidential history. Within minutes of the assassination of President Kennedy, the Texas School Book Depository building in Dallas became the primary crime scene for the shooting after evidence of a sniper was found on the sixth floor. A depository employee, Lee Harvey Oswald, was arrested for the murder of a Dallas police officer within 80 minutes of the assassination and later charged with the assassination of the president. Now, that same building is home to the Sixth Floor Museum. The exhibition provides context for reflecting on the tragic events that took place on November 22, 1963.

Eat barbecue 

Tadd Myers, Photographer

Texas is known for its barbecue, and a visit to Dallas/Fort Worth would not be complete without some slow cooked smoky meat. Pecan Lodge, located in Dallas’ Deep Ellum neighborhood, serves classics like brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs and hand-made sausage. For the most part, this family owned restaurant operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lunch is the best option, since a line usually forms around the corner before the restaurant even opens. And, the doors close once the barbecue is gone for the day.

Drink a beer 

Courtesy of Peticolas Brewing Company

Texas craft beer has been growing in popularity for decades, and Peticolas Brewery Company in Dallas is considered to have some of the best beer in the United States. A brewery visit is an ideal way to sample a wide variety of beers without ending up on the floor. Peticolas’ taproom is open multiple days of the week, while their tours run during set times on the first and third Saturday of each month. The cost is $10, which includes the tour, a branded glass and three beer tokens. Don’t miss a sample of Velvet Hammer, a strong yet easy drinking imperial red ale that will have your body buzzing.

Watch a film 

A trip to the cinema can be a great way to escape the Texas summer heat. Alamo Drafthouse, with a location in Dallas’ Cedars neighborhood offers new releases and old classics with in-theatre food and drink service. The on-site bar, called Vetted Well, offers an outdoor rooftop patio and themed karaoke rooms available by reservation.

Founded by Tim and Karrie League, Alamo Drafthouse was created to honor film, food and beer. Their first theater was located in downtown Austin, Texas, and it was a hand-built, one screen operation that initially featured second run titles at discounted rates. Today, Alamo Drafthouse has dozens of locations across the United States, with many more to come.

Alamo Drafthouse does things a little different than the average movie house. Instead of paid advertisements before screenings, Alamo’s in-house team provides audiences with original content and found footage connected to the feature presentations. So, don’t miss the previews, and be mindful of their strict no-phone or talking policy during the shows.

Enjoy fine art 

Photograph by Bob Pavlik (Instagram: bob.pavlik)

The Kimbell Art Museum, located in Fort Worth, is internationally renowned for both its collections and its architecture. The Kimbell’s collections range in period from antiquity to the 20th century. European works include artists like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Velázquez, Monet, Picasso and Matisse. The museum also houses collections of Egyptian and classical antiquities; and the art of Asia, Africa and the Ancient Americas.

The Museum’s 1972 building, designed by the American architect Louis I. Kahn, is considered an architectural achievement of the modern era. A second building, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, opened in 2013 and provides special exhibition space, classrooms and an auditorium. Admission is always free to view the museum’s permanent collection.

Watch a football game

Dallas is home to six major sports teams, but if the timing is right, a Dallas Cowboy football game is the ideal sporting event during a visit to the metroplex. Football has an almost religious following in this part of the world. Whether games are watched from the Cowboy’s stadium in Arlington or with locals at a sports bar, it’s a fun way to spend an evening. Once known as America’s favorite team, the Cowboys have a winning history. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in 1966, the team began an NFL-record streak of 20 consecutive winning seasons. That streak included 18 years in the playoffs, 13 divisional championships, five trips to the Super Bowl and victories in Super Bowls VI and XII.

Explore nature 

Courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

Klyde Warren Park is a 5.2-acre deck park bridging downtown Dallas with uptown Dallas. This privately owned park offers more than a thousand free programs and events to the public annually. While enjoying this urban oasis, visitors may forget that they are standing directly above a major freeway. The clever use of space includes a performance pavilion, children’s playground, dog park, restaurants, chess, croquet, putting green, reading material, ping pong and more. Check out their calendar of events for live musical performances, summer movie screenings, food truck rallies and yoga classes. It the perfect spot to relax after a trip to the Dallas Museum of Art or before a show at the AT&T Performing Arts Center; both major institutions are located just steps from the park.

Take a trolley ride

Courtesy of McKinney Avenue Trolley

Uptown Dallas, just north of downtown, is the perfect place to go bar hopping on a Saturday night, since there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from within walking distance. Check out local favorites like the Rustic or Katy Trail Ice House.

For visitors looking to get a ride around uptown, check out the historic McKinney Avenue Trolley. Just like the vintage streetcars in San Francisco and New Orleans, the M-Line service takes advantage of historic trolley lines. Passengers can hop on and off at designated locations throughout downtown and uptown Dallas. The service operates 365 days a year and runs until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The ride is free, but donations are welcome.

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