The best US cities for a weekend break
Thought the States was too far for a weekend getaway? Think again. Here are the best cities to visit
It’s going to be a big year for the US. As it gears up to host milestones across sport, history and culture – the FIFA World Cup in June, America’s 250th anniversary in July and the Route 66 Centennial in November – all eyes (and roughly five million football tourists) will turn to the country this year. Of course, while there’s certainly plenty to celebrate, our desire to travel to the USA is nothing new; according to a 2025 report by the Office of National Statistics, 83 per cent of UK families name the US as a bucket list destination.
Yet, while many think of the US as a long-haul, two-week-minimum holiday, it doesn’t have to be that way. With East Coast states taking only slightly longer to reach than Turkey or Cyprus, there are plenty of American cities perfect for a long weekend trip. Even if you’re not planning on going Stateside for the football, there’s never been a better time to visit some of its most storied cities, with many pulling out all the stops for this landmark year. Not sure where to start? Discover our favourite US destinations within eight hours of London – and the most luxurious hotels to book while you’re there.
New York City, New York
Images: Shutterstock
Flight time from London: 7-8 hours
New York City needs no introduction. Romanticised on stage and screen, while also acting as a global hub for both business and pleasure, world-renowned sites range from Times Square and Central Park to the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, offering a smorgasbord of culture to soak up. Its five boroughs boast distinct vibes; Manhattan, for example, is renowned for its iconic skyline, high-density skyscrapers and Broadway theatres, while Brooklyn is known for its hipster hideaways, namesake bridge and Coney Island amusement park.
As one of the fashion capitals of the world, coming alive in May for the Met Gala and February and September for New York Fashion Week, New York City offers an abundance of shopping and art experiences. Meanwhile, history buffs can discover the city’s past with tours of the Tenement Museum, African Burial Ground National Monument and 9/11 Memorial. Yes, you’re unlikely to fit everything into a weekend but that’s the beauty of the Big Apple – it will always draw you back for more.
Where to stay: Park Lane New York
Overlooking Central Park, Park Lane is an ideal choice for travellers seeking a refined, design-led long weekend in Manhattan. The 610-room independent hotel rises 47 floors above the city and blends luxury with a sense of playfulness that sets it apart from its more serious big-name Midtown neighbours. Start your morning with the hotel’s guest-only breakfast at rooftop lounge Darling, before heading out to explore nearby institutions like the Museum of Modern Art, the luxury boutiques of Fifth Avenue, and walking, cycling, or a relaxed afternoon picnic in Central Park. Return to Park Lane to dine on classic New York fare with a modern twist at Calvert’s, or visit the Parisian Art Nouveau-inspired bar Rose Lane.
From £350 per night.
Boston, Massachusetts
Flight time from London: 7-8 hours
One of the best things about Boston is that it is so walkable. Take, for example, the city’s famous Freedom Mile: a 2.5m route that weaves through downtown Boston, the North End, and Charlestown while spotlighting 16 nationally significant historic sites from the American Revolution. Known as the revolution’s birthplace, this city ushered in a series of ‘firsts’ for the States, such as Boston Common (the oldest public park in America), Boston Latin School (the first US public school founded in 1635), and the country’s first university, Harvard, opened a year later. It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that the city goes by the moniker ‘Cradle of Liberty’.
Aside from the swathe of historic sights, don’t miss a game at the iconic Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox baseball team, an arty afternoon at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and immersing yourself in the neighbourhoods of Beacon Hill, Cambridge and Back Bay.
Where to stay: Raffles Boston
Raffles Boston opened in 2023 as the Singaporean hotel chain’s first North American property and blends a 147-key hotel with 146 private residences. Located in Boston’s prestigious Back Bay neighbourhood, just a block away from Copley Square and its luxury shopping district, the 35-storey building instantly became a new landmark on the city’s skyline. The three-storey sky lobby, the first of its kind in Boston, is the centrepiece of the property, complete with a grand staircase spanning the 17th to 19th floors, while dining experiences include Portuguese flavours at Amar, a Paolo Ferrari-designed lounge pairing cocktails with sweeping views of the South End, and a speakeasy named the Blind Duck. On the fourth floor, discover a wellness sanctuary comprising a state-of-the-art gym, 20-metre indoor pool with expansive city views, and a Guerlain Spa, bringing the spirit of Parisian beauty to the heart of Boston.
From £700 per night.
Chicago, Illinois
Fulton Market. Image: Shutterstock/Antwon McMullen
Flight time from London: 8-9 hours
Windy City, Working City, and the Big Onion – Chicago goes by all manner of monikers. The starting point of Route 66, America’s third-largest city is nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan and is no stranger to the screen, having been the backdrop for iconic films including Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Blues Brothers and Batman’s Gotham City, as well as the more recent hit TV series The Bear.
Aside from its cinematic credentials, the bustling city is famed for its architecture, history and culture. The former is defined by Jeanne Gang’s St Regis tower – the tallest building in the world designed by a female architect – and the 1920s Art Deco Carbide and Carbon building which looks like a bottle of champagne, while cultural attractions include the Cloud Gate sculpture and Lincoln Park Zoo. Spanning 77 diverse neighbourhoods, weekends here are marked by football matches, deep dish pizzas and museums.
Where to stay: The Talbott
The Talbott has been a beloved landmark in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighbourhood since 1927 and emerged from a thorough top-to-toe renovation last year with a whole new look. Featuring 178 keys rendered in a Studio 11 Design-curated palette of soothing caramels and navy hues, this boutique property is just steps away Michigan Avenue. Explore Chicago's top attractions, from luxury shopping on State Street to family-friendly spots like the American Girl Doll Store and Oak Street Beach, before returning to make the most of Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Laurel, and al fresco cocktails on the 100-seater terrace.
From £160 per night.
Washington DC, Washington
Images: Shutterstock
Flight time from London: 7-8 hours
Offering unrivalled access to America’s storied history, Washington DC is without a doubt one of the States’ most visited cities, having recorded 27 million visitors in the past year alone. Home to the White House, this is where every aspect of American politics converges, with the US Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court all situated in the city. Fill your weekend with walks along the historic National Mall, spotting sights such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and the Vietnam and Second World War Veterans Memorials.
Do also bear in mind that there’s plenty to do here that doesn’t just cater for history buffs. The Smithsonian Institution offers a plethora of free museums in the city, ranging from the National Air and Space Museum to the National Gallery of Art, while the charming neighbourhoods of Georgetown, waterfront Wharf, and Adams Morgan offer plenty of bars, restaurants and shops to keep you entertained.
Where to stay: The Line DC
Housed in a 170-year-old church in the heart of Adams Morgan – one of Washington’s most diverse neighbourhoods – the 220-room Line DC offers a uniquely rich way to experience the nation’s capital. Boasting 60-foot vaulted ceilings, grand copper entry doors, intricate millwork, and ornate brass detailing, the interiors nod to the city’s old-world charm, while the dining venues usher in a modern era of hospitality. The signature restaurant, No Goodbyes, is an all-day neighborhood hangout that taps the farmers, fishers, and small-time ranchers in DC’s backyard to create an eclectic mix of feel-good dishes, while there’s also a cocktail menu from veteran DC bartender, Lukas B Smith. One black walnut old fashioned coming right up…
From £150 per night.
Baltimore, Maryland
Flight time from London: 8 hours
Baltimore consistently ranks as one of Skyscanner’s most researched travel destinations – and with a nickname like ‘Charm City’, we can see why. An ode to the easygoing attitude of its locals, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the culture of the largest city in Maryland. Take to the waters in one of America’s oldest seaports, Inner Harbour, before spotting archaeological marvels at Maryland Science Centre, stargazing at Patterson Park Observatory, and discovering the birthplace of the American national anthem: Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics for Star-Spangled Banner while watching a battle at Fort McHenry, now a museum and park. Given its proximity to the Atlantic, seafood is a mainstay among Baltimore's restaurants, and there’s no better place to sample the native steamed blue crabs than at Lexington Market.
Where to stay: Sagamore Pendry Baltimore
Overlooking the Inner Harbour in Baltimore, within the waterfront community of Fell’s Point, Sagamore Pendry Baltimore is now a luxury hotel, but was once a storied waterfront property dating back to 1914 on the historic Recreation Pier. The 128-key hotel embodies the city’s rich history and vibrant personality via its design and interiors, which were restored to their former glory when Sagamore took the helm in 2017. In collaboration with Patrick Sutton Interior Design, extensive artwork celebrates the very best of Charm City, while acclaimed chef Colin King oversees the waterfront bar and grill, the Cannon Room, an American whiskey bar, and Rec Pier Chop House: a prime Italian chophouse nodding to the city’s vast Italian influences. Book with I Prefer Hotel Rewards for special members discounts, complimentary upgrades and points towards your next holiday.
From £263 per night.
Read more: Five of the most expensive – and luxurious – hotels in the USA
