Newsweek/Most fun cities
By Joe Edwards
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
From vibrant nightlife and world-class entertainment to outdoor adventures and unique attractions, America's cities offer something for every kind of fun-seeker.
Newsweek has mapped the most fun cities in the United States, according to a new report from WalletHub.
To determine its rankings, WalletHub compared 182 U.S. cities, including the 150 most populated plus at least two of the most populated in each state, across a variety of factors, which included entertainment and recreation opportunities, nightlife, and costs.
Read More on News
Claiming the top spot was Las Vegas.
Known as "Sin City," Las Vegas is synonymous with partying. It's one of the few cities where public drinking is widely permitted, and the city is home to the largest number of casinos in the country.
Beyond gambling, Vegas is renowned for its vibrant entertainment scene, especially in music. The report also said Vegas had a variety of other attractions and restaurants, many of which boast ratings of 4.5 stars or higher.
While Las Vegas wasn't found to be the most affordable destination for fun, it ranked moderately in terms of the cost of activities and dining.
Coming in second was Orlando, Florida.
This was largely thanks to its abundance of amusement parks, including iconic destinations like Disney World and Universal Studios, the report said, adding that surprisingly, the high costs associated with these attractions don't necessarily extend to the rest of the city.
Orlando was found to offer budget-friendly options, such as the seventh-lowest nightly rate for a 3-star hotel, as well as low costs on certain dining options like pizza and wine.
It also ranked as one of the best cities for soccer fans (fifth overall), boasting a high number of sports stadiums per capita. It was also lauded as a top destination for spas, performing arts theaters, arcades, pool halls, and lounges, making it a well-rounded hub for entertainment and relaxation.
Another Florida city, Miami, ranked third.
The city lead the nation in fishing facilities, marinas, boat tours, and water sports opportunities per capita, according to the report, which, along with its many beaches, make it a haven for aquatic adventures.
Sports enthusiasts will also feel at home, with Miami being noted in the study as a hotspot for professional sports. The Miami Dolphins and Miami Heat helped the city secure the sixth spot for football fans and the fifth spot for basketball fans.
When it comes to dining and nightlife, Miami offers a mix of quality and variety, WalletHub found. It was one of the top cities for affordable restaurants rated 4.5 stars or higher, and it ranked ninth in bars per square mile.
The cities that made it into the top 10 were:
- Las Vegas
- Orlando
- Miami
- Atlanta
- New Orleans
- Austin
- San Francisco
- Chicago
- Houston
- New York
Chip Lupo, writer and analyst for WalletHub, said that while many cities included on the list were some of America's most popular tourist destinations, these cities are "far more than just tourist traps."
"They provide a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for all types of interests, from sports to theaters to arcades, and they have plenty of diverse restaurants to try. The top cities offer affordable options for year-round fun for their residents, which is good for residents' wallets and their mental health," he said.
Newsweek has previously mapped the best cities for coffee lovers and the best small cities in America.
Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this article? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines