City tourism in the U.S. - statistics & facts
Cities are a huge driver of the tourism industry in the United States. Famous across the world, the iconic urban landscapes of New York, Miami, and Los Angeles were the most visited cities in the U.S. by international tourists in 2023. Tourism in New York alone made up a significant portion of the urban tourism landscape in the U.S., with 8.9 million international travelers visiting the Big Apple that year. Cities are also home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the U.S., with the Statue of Liberty, Smithsonian Institution, and Empire State Building all placing in the top 10 in the 2024 ranking.
That said, some travelers are looking to treat themselves to upscale hotels and fine dining. In 2024, the most expensive U.S. city for hotels was Boston, with an average price for the cheapest available double room reaching 320 U.S. dollars. This was followed by fellow East coasters Jersey City and New York City. Meanwhile, San Francisco was the U.S. city with the most expensive Michelin-starred restaurants at around 260 U.S. dollars per tasting menu. Whether splashing out on a luxury weekend in Manhattan or backpacking down the Las Vegas Strip, one thing is certain: city tourists in the U.S. are spoilt for choice.
What are the most popular city tourism destinations in the U.S.?
While New York may have been the city with the highest number of international visitors, it was not the U.S. city with the highest tourism contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). That distinction went to Orlando, Florida which contributed 31.1 billion U.S. dollars to GDP; the city is home to some of the world’s leading amusement and theme parks, including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Orlando. Another U.S. city famous for its tourism is Las Vegas, known for its vibrant nightlife, casinos, and live entertainment. In 2023, total visitation to Sin City reached almost 41 million, including both domestic and international travelers.Cheapest vs. most expensive cities to visit in the U.S.
It is easy to assume that city trips are going to be expensive. However, in 2024, many major U.S. cities known for their high costs also ranked in a list of the most affordable cities for backpacking in the U.S., including New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Topping the list was the cultural hotspot of New Orleans, which had a daily traveler price of around 95 U.S. dollars a day.That said, some travelers are looking to treat themselves to upscale hotels and fine dining. In 2024, the most expensive U.S. city for hotels was Boston, with an average price for the cheapest available double room reaching 320 U.S. dollars. This was followed by fellow East coasters Jersey City and New York City. Meanwhile, San Francisco was the U.S. city with the most expensive Michelin-starred restaurants at around 260 U.S. dollars per tasting menu. Whether splashing out on a luxury weekend in Manhattan or backpacking down the Las Vegas Strip, one thing is certain: city tourists in the U.S. are spoilt for choice.
