Are you planning a trip across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States from the British Isles? Are you looking for a comprehensive list of places to visit in the US? This blog will explore 10 of the top cities in the US that are frequented by the Brits.
The United States of America is a desirable tourist location for citizens across many nations. There are many fascinating places throughout the country to visit. Among them, the cities most frequented by British citizens include:
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Las Vegas
- Miami
- San Francisco
- Orlando
- Chicago
- Washington D.C.
- Honolulu
- Boston
Why Are Specific Cities Preferred by the British?
While many cities in the United States of America are worth visiting, citizens from the United Kingdom frequent some specific places. As an instance, in 2023, over 1.03 million British travellers visited New York, and were the primary source of international visitors in the country.
There are several reasons for British visitors to prefer certain specific American cities. One of the reasons is accessibility. Some of the US cities frequented by Brits are also cities with direct flights from major cities such as London or Manchester. New York, Boston, Miami, Orlando, and Los Angeles all have direct flights from London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham.
Another reason that UK citizens travel to the USA so much is the cultural connection. Both countries have a shared language in English, similar legal systems, a shared history, and pop culture influence.
Moreover, the British prefer some cities in the USA due to their impressive connectivity via public transportation, making navigation easier.
What Makes These Cities UK Tourist Favorites?
Other than these aspects of shared culture and conveniences, there are also other reasons that certain cities in the US are preferred by British citizens. Here is a table to evaluate the top 10 preferred US cities by the British:
|
City |
Known For |
What UK Travelers Prefer |
|
New York |
Central Park, Broadway,EmpireState Building, Times Square |
Walking Access, Theatre, Prominent Landmarks |
|
Los Angeles |
Hollywood, Beaches |
Movie Set Tours, Comfortable Weather |
|
Las Vegas |
Live Shows, Casinos | Nightlife, Affordable Hotels |
|
Miami |
Beaches, Latin-American influences |
Warm Winters, Vibrant Cuisines |
|
San Francisco |
Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz |
Scenic Drives, Tech Tours |
|
Orlando |
Walt Disney World, Universal Resort, SeaWorld |
Family-friendly Location, British Food Spots |
|
Chicago |
Willis Tower, Chicago Tribune Tower, Rookery Building |
Lakefront Views, Deep-dish Pizza |
|
Washington D.C. |
Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial |
Rich History, Iconic Landmarks, Famous Museums |
|
Honolulu |
Beaches, Culture, History |
Tropical Climate, Colorful Urban Environment, Natural Beauty |
|
Boston |
History, Education, Birthplace of the American Revolution |
Colonial History, Walkable Districts |
Table: Top 10 US Cities Loved by British Travellers
New York
British people are drawn to the Big Apple because of its rich history, its status as a cultural hotspot, and its diversity. This city offers many things, from iconic landmarks to world-famous museums to a lively entertainment scene.
The shopping and dining cultures in NY are also something that draws British travelers to the city. From affordable street food to Michelin-starred fine dining, everything is available there. For shopping, you can find luxury brands on Fifth Avenue, while also shopping at quirky boutiques in Brooklyn.
Moreover, any pop culture enthusiast would have grown up watching shows and movies in NYC. So, it is like living those experiences for many tourists.
Los Angeles
LA is Hollywood. That is something that draws many British tourists to this city. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, with the names of many well-regarded celebrities, the many well-known movie studios, and iconic landmarks, is considered a major attraction of the City of Angels.
LA’s culinary scene is also known for being among the best in the world, and the city offers great nightlife and beautiful beaches.
Las Vegas
The main appeal of Las Vegas is the concepts associated with the name. The outrageous nightlife, the plethora of casinos are all the reasons that attract tourists to Vegas.
Moreover, the Vegas Strip is a small area with lots to do. Thus, it is a location that is comfortably traversed, with consistent entertainment over a short period of time.
Miami
Miami is known for its weather, a reason why UK citizens travel to the USA. The year-round sunshine, world-class beaches, and the diversity in the city’s culture all come together to draw travelers.
Miami is a paradise for food lovers. If you have never tried out Latin American cuisine, Miami is where you can try it for the first time. Also, this city has a rich art scene, with historic architecture, contemporary art galleries, and street art in neighborhoods.
San Francisco
British tourists often flock to San Francisco for the remnants of history and the culture. Historic landmarks, world-class museums, and historic neighborhoods are all attractive to UK travelers.
The city is also known for being extremely colorful. From rich historic architecture to green patches, such as the Japanese Tea Garden, to the rustic charm of Fisherman’s Wharf, the colors in the city are endless.
Orlando
Orlando is referred to as the “Theme Park Capital of the World”. And the fame of the city comes from the fact that it is home to some of the most well-known theme parks in the world.
Many British tourists visit the city to enjoy these notable theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld.
Chicago
UK citizens like to visit Chicago due to its culture. Cultural attractions, landmarks relevant to history, and the arts scene are the main selling points of the Windy City.
This city is notable for some of the most prestigious museums in the country, such as Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium. The city is even famous for its architectural marvels, such as the Willis Tower.
Washington D.C.
The Capital Territory is also a historically important place. Many British citizens visit the capital city for the famous landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the White House itself.
There is no shortage of places to see in the city, with major hubs such as embassies of numerous countries, world-class museums, and monuments.
Honolulu
Honolulu is a major source of cultural whiplash if you follow it up after many significant US cities. The vibes in this island city are unique. The relaxing culture, the vibrant beaches, and other sources of outdoor activities.
The weather is also comfortable throughout the year, making exploring the city’s amenities and enjoying the varied cuisine worth applying for the USA tourist visa from the UK.
Boston
Boston is a place that is visited by British citizens to explore the history, especially the American Revolution. Boston served as the catalyst for the revolution.
Boston is also a city that thrives on maintaining an old-world charm. So, visiting this city is like travelling back in time. This is a major appeal for tourists from all over the world to this city.
Which Cities Offer the Best Value for UK Tourists?
The different cities in the USA have different values for tourists, and British travelers also prefer some of these values for visiting the States. Cities like Orlando and Las Vegas offer affordable accommodations, while New York offers the benefits of travel, with its deeply connected public transportation system.
Alternatively, Boston and Chicago are known for their walkability. According to a TimeOut survey, Boston is the second most walkable city in the world, with a walkability score of 89%. Chicago is tied in fifth place with Bilbao at 86%. Thus, both these cities come in the top five most walker accessible cities in the world.
Also, when it comes to food, many cities in the USA are really good for budget-conscious travellers. While notable restaurants can be expensive, there are many budget-friendly food options in the country, including food trucks, local diners, farmers’ markets, and so on. All of these places offer good food at low cost.
These places also forgo the 20% tip system that is prevalent for services in major restaurants. So, for Budget-conscious British travelers, a 30$ per day food budget can be valid, considering the above options.
Best Ways to Navigate US Cities
Before applying for a USA tourist visa from the UK, there are certain things that you need to consider to be able to navigate the cities in the USA like an American would.
- Download the Citymapper app on your phone; it will help with navigation.
- Tipping is expected in most hospitality establishments, and 15-20% is the norm.
- The USA has four different time zones across its vast geographical area. So, do check local time zones for cross-country travel.
Here is a checklist to help your travel habits in the USA, especially as a traveler from the UK.
|
Activity |
Checks Completed |
| Book activities on international platforms to avail of Pound pricing and manage exchange rates. | (Yes/No) |
| Use travel debit cards like Monzo or Revolut | (Yes/No) |
| Check for local taxes as they are often not included in prices | (Yes/No) |
| Opt for informative and budget-friendly walking tours | (Yes/No) |
Table: UK Tourist-Friendly Travel Habit Checklist
How to Best Plan a US Trip?
Are you planning to visit the USA as a British citizen? No need to hesitate. Apply for your visa today and consider the following:
- Choose 2 or 3 cities based on your interests
- Try to avail of direct flights from major UK cities such as London, Manchester, or Liverpool
- Explore options for advanced sightseeing passes
- Plan a Bucket list of things to see in the US, considering your budget.
Ready for an Exciting Tour of the US Cities?
Are you ready to visit the USA for a wonderful trip across the Atlantic Ocean? Do not wait. Apply for your visa right now by contacting a reputable vendor. Keeping this application for later can lead to challenges such as visa rejection and trip cancellation. So, get to the visa app
