Who doesn’t dream of exploring urban dreamscapes?
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Compared to suburban stretches, cities offer a highly compact, walkable, and intense dose of culture. In fact, you might struggle to complete your itinerary with so many new surprise adventures waiting around the corner(s).
That being said, the bigger the metropolis, the easier it is to get distracted—and lose sight of what really matters.
When I say ‘what really matters’, I’m talking about the identity.
Every city has its own distinct flavor. Portland is our hipster mecca; Los Angeles is our celebrity hub; Miami is our vibrant Latin capital; New Orleans is our beloved paragon of Strangeness.
The list of superlatives goes on and on.
That being said, every city has its own long list of distinctions.
Every district, park, neighborhood, and street is a unique lens on city life. And tourists, unsurprisingly, are usually focused on finding the coolest spot in town. Along with considerations like location, budget, and safety, visitors want to know that they’re close to the action in terms of dining, shopping, nightlife, and more.
In other words, the cooler the neighborhood, the better the trip.
Want a little shortcut to the most popular neighborhoods around the United States? I’m borrowing from Priceline’s ‘Where to Next?’ trend report, which has identified a handful of hyper-cool neighborhoods in the US’s most-searched cities.
Here are the most popular neighborhoods for travelers in major American cities.
The most popular neighborhoods in the US
San Francisco, CA: Mission District
The Mission District dates back to San Francisco’s settlement in the 1700s—and you’ll feel that storied vibe throughout the neighborhood. From its architecture to its narrow streets, there’s intrigue at every turn.
You also get bonuses like vibrant street art, tons of shopping, year-round events, and those world-famous Missions-style burritos.
Los Angeles, CA: Silver Lake
Creativity is at the core of Silver Lake’s hyper-cool façade. From its intriguing architecture to its range of boutique shops and indie projects, visitors find this spot endlessly fascinating.
It’s also got plenty to offer in the way of nightlife, from music venues to nightclubs.
Portland, OR: Pearl District
Speckled with breweries and upscale boutiques, Pearl District is one of the flashiest zones in Portland. (Though I’m not sure if it’s as cool as Kerns, which recently made waves as one of the most popular neighborhoods in the world.) It’s also renowned for its fantastic restaurants and coffee shops.
Denver, CO: RiNo Art District
Similar to Silver Lake and Pearl District, Denver’s RiNo Art District has transformed over the last twenty years thanks to an influx of young creative individuals. From its unending street art projects to its independent breweries, it’s a bastion of eclectic tastes.
Austin, TX: South Congress
There’s one thing that South Congress excels in—live music. As one of the most musically-forward cities in the US, Austin has plenty to offer those who like to jam.
But South Congress has both indoor and outdoor venues, along with tons of pop-up shows from touring groups. Oh, and plenty of art galleries, breweries, and mom-and-pop shops.
New Orleans, LA: French Quarter
If you’ve somehow missed the zeitgeist on why New Orlean’s French Quarter is worth your money (and it’ll eat it up fast), then let me summarize: History, dark intrigue, charming architecture, sugary cocktails, live music that seems to drift out of windows, and friendly locals.
I could keep going, but I think you get the jist.
Tampa, FL: Ybor City
Tampa’s Ybor City is a melting pot of Italian, Cuban, Greek, and Spanish influences. From its smoky cigar shops to its historic architecture to its Cuban coffee culture, it’s not quite like other southern hubs.
Miami, FL: Wynwood
Similar to Portland’s Kerns neighborhood, I think Little Rivers might make a run for Wynwood. That being said, you can visit both easily.
And Wynwood’s large-scale street art should absolutely be on your radar. It’s also home to dozens of galleries and studios—and Miami’s premier fashion district.
Washington DC: Capitol Riverfront
What’s the big deal with the Capitol Riverfront? The river. This portion of the city lets you enjoy the water in many ways, whether kayaking or paddleboarding or just strolling along the river’s edge.
There’s also a near-perfect balance of greenery, luxury housing, sports teams, and upscale dining.
Boston, MA: North End
History is alive in Boston’s North End neighborhood. This area is renowned for its Italian-American heritage, which you’ll primarily notice in its range of eateries.
But the architecture is really worth writing home about. This is Boston’s oldest residential neighborhood, which oozes with effortless style.
