Explore 7 Fabulous American Cities in the Northern Region

By Christopher D. Silbernagel

THE NORTHERN REGION of the United States offers unique windows into American life, where Revolutionary-era streets, industrial legacies, celebrated music scenes, and unique food cultures blend with scenic natural backdrops. For international travelers looking to experience more than just the highlights, seven distinct cities provide a deeper, more textured understanding of America that is shaped as much by neighborhood character and regional identity as by the moments that defined the country.

East Coast

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston’s Freedom Trail should be on everyone’s to-do list, connecting 16 historically significant sites like Paul Revere’s House, built in 1680, as well as museums, churches and burial grounds from the American Revolution. The 2.5-mile trail was established in 1951, beginning at Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S., guiding visitors along its red brick line and painted pathway to the Bunker Hill Monument, commemorating the famous American Revolution Battle of Bunker Hill. International travelers looking for more Revolutionary history must pay a visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This interactive floating museum tour begins with actors reenacting the protest from “The Meeting House,” leading to visitors being able to play their own part in tossing tea into the harbor. Across the Charles River, Harvard University, America’s oldest institution of higher education, offers a free, student-led guided tour covering famous Harvard Yard, John Harvard statue, Widener Library, and more. For baseball fans—and honestly, even those who aren’t sports fans—Fenway Park is a must for its classic, intimate atmosphere as the oldest baseball stadium in the country.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Located in Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park, the Liberty Bell, one of America’s most-famous symbols of freedom, and Independence Hall all bring the Revolutionary era to life. Walking through the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution is deeply photogenic and educational. For a deeper dive, a Historic District Walking Tour is highly recommended as guided strolls provide context on Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest residential street, Christ Church, and more.

Originally built in 1928 on Fairmount Hill, the Philadelphia Museum of Art has a collection of over 240,000 pieces, including “The Gross Clinic” by Thomas Eakins, but is perhaps most famous for its Rocky Steps from the Sylvester Stallone film Rocky. 

For a taste of the city’s culinary heritage, the vibrant indoor Reading Terminal Market features local foods, Amish specialties, and Pennsylvania Dutch treats. Be sure to try Philly cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and artisanal chocolate.

Midwest

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is brimming with architectural wonders, and perhaps the best way to explore them is with an Architectural River Cruise. These highly rated tours offer genuine expertise and showcase a great variety of architectural types along the Chicago River and even Lake Michigan for wider skyline views of the birthplace of the skyscraper. For a higher photographic perspective of the city, standing on “The Ledge” of the Skydeck at Willis Tower should also be on every traveler’s list.

When it comes to music, Chicago is a true gem for Jazz and Blues Clubs. From the Green Mill for jazz—which is also a former Prohibition-era speakeasy favored by Al Capone—to Kingston Mines for blues, historic venues are abundant to connect visitors to America’s musical roots.

Foodies will love Chicago for the diversity and uniqueness on offer. Food Tours are available for all types of tastes, covering everything from Chicago hot dogs and Italian beef to multi-cultural wonders from every continent. However, the city’s food culture might be most famous for its deep-dish pizza, with staples like Lou Malnati’s and Pequod’s, the latter of which was featured in the hit TV series The Bear.

Detroit, Michigan

Detroit is a marvel to explore, and its revival is one of the greatest stories in modern American history. A special starting point is Eastern Market, which is renowned for its Saturday market, with hundreds of vendors, and street art murals dedicated to its comeback, various music scenes, and more. Speaking of music, Motown Museum, located in the original “Hitsville U.S.A.” house, features the famous Studio A where artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder recorded many of their hit songs.

Motown is a portmanteau of Detroit’s “Motor City” nickname, in reference to its origin as the birthplace of the American automotive industry with General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford. A self-guided Ford Rouge Factory Tour provides international travelers with a look at its history and future with its multi-sensory, 360-degree theater experience and views of the production line.

For the best views of Detroit, look no further than Great Lakes Waterfront, with incredible photo ops of the city skyline and a look across to Canada. There is plenty more to experience here as well with music festivals, nearby restaurants, and even an outdoor adventure center.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

For international travelers, the scale of Mall of America is intrinsically an attraction. Inside, not only do you have tax-tree shopping and great dining, but a multitude of unique experiences including the indoor Nickelodeon Universe theme park, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Crayola Experience, and the Museum of Illusions.

The Prince Legacy Stops are a must for fans of the artist, with First Avenue, the iconic nightclub featured in Purple Rain, Capri Theater, where he played his first solo gig, and, of course, Paisley Park, his former home and recording studio, now a museum.

Being a part of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minneapolis also excels for nature enthusiasts. But for a different kind of experience, lakes and urban nature harmonize at Lake Bde Maka Ska. Connected to the Chain of Lakes regional trail system, the largest lake in Minneapolis offers a 3.2-mile paved loop, three beaches, scenic city views, a restaurant, and more.

West Coast

Portland, Oregon

For beer enthusiasts, Portland has over 80 craft breweries to choose from. The independent, family-owned, and employee-owned Deschutes Brewery is a top choice in the Pearl District. For a smaller indie option in the Buckman neighborhood, pay a visit to Grand Fir Brewing, operated by brewer Whitney Burnside and chef Doug Adams.

Powell’s City of Books is the largest independent bookstore in the world. Founded in 1971, and located on a city block in downtown Portland, this beloved and iconic four-floor bookstore contains 3,500 sections throughout nine color-coded rooms. Grab a map and a handy basket when you enter and take your time exploring.

Be sure to compliment your next read with third-wave coffee on one of Portland’s coffee culture tours. These guided walking tours will stop at top roasters, cafes, and even historic neighborhoods. 

East of the city, nature enthusiasts will enjoy a Columbia River Gorge Excursion. Take a guided boat or bike tour to explore scenic waterfalls like Multnomah Falls and Latourell Falls.

Seattle, Washington

The Pacific Northwest has some of the best natural scenery in the U.S., and if you’re paying a visit to Olympic National Park, it’s best to take it all in on a ferry ride across Puget Sound. Enjoy a quicker and more relaxing ride than a drive and take in the Seattle skyline and the stunning Cascade Mountains.

A visit to the Space Needle provides 360-degree elevated skyline views with the world’s only revolving glass floor. Nearby, visitors will be able to check out the Chihuly Garden and Glass, containing multiple stunning works from the glass studio of Dale Chihuly.

Also located in the city, Pike Place Market first opened in 1907 and is renowned for its “flying fish” fish throwing. There are hundreds of shops to explore within this historic experience, along with great views of Elliott Bay.

Learn more about American aviation with a Boeing Factory Tour in nearby Everett. From a 70-foot-high observation deck, visitors will witness the production and assembly of widebody jets like the 777 inside the world’s largest building by volume.