Today Chicago is not about gangsters at all. It is a city of history, of art and of amazing examples of human endurance. This is the city that was almost destroyed by fire, just before the world exhibition that was to be held in 1893. No, it was not cancelled. That is not the American way. Instead, most of the prominent architects of the day were dispatched and a new city was built on the foundations of the American dream.

More than fifty million people visit Chicago every year and this is no wonder, because it is a major convention centre and it features many fine hotels. This is not the only reason people choose to visit this lovely city. The architecture is stunning. The parks are breathtakingly beautiful and immaculately kept. Thousands of gastronomic delights await aficionados in the many superb restaurants.

It is difficult to isolate just a few features when one discusses a world class city. It would be risky to venture individual recommendations when it is inevitable that so many other worthy attractions will be overlooked. It would be criminal, however, to miss the Chicago Cultural Centre. Built in 1897 as the first free public library in the country, it now serves as a magnificent monument to the arts and culture of the nation.

If it is recreation you want, this city offers it all. It does not matter whether you like the theatre, sport, the arts or architecture- you can have it all. Baseball fans are in for a particularly exciting treat and visitors are welcome to catch a Chicago White Sox game at the U.S Cellular Field on the South Side. Those who prefer to spend their hours taking in the cultural aspects of the city can visit many museums and other facilities, such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the popular Shedd Aquarium.

Those that are looking to visit one of America’s most exciting cities can book their ticket and spend a week or two in Chicago. The city boasts a range of tourist attractions and historical monuments and it has something to offer for the whole family.

Families will be spoilt for choice when looking for entertainment. The Legoland Discovery Centre is home to more than two million bricks, all under one roof. Visitors can even opt to star in their own movies! The Six Flag amusement park offers more than fifty exciting rides and it is here that one can ride the tallest wooden rollercoaster in the world. Another must-see is the Frontiers Flight Museum. Magnificent displays ranging from the earliest days of flight to the most modern space programs will awe visitors.

Those that enjoy outdoor activities will not be disappointed. Who doesn’t want to see the famous Dallas Cowboys play? This city, with its warm, welcoming climate, is surely the best golfing destinations in the country and there are over two hundred courses to choose from. In many cases it is possible to rent golf gear. A visit to the Texas Discovery Gardens is also highly recommended as it features a wide variety of beautiful botanical gardens and an abundance of wildlife. The Bachman Lake also offers magnificent hiking trails in a picturesque landscape.

Once a year, normally towards the end of September, the city explodes with visitors that are attending the famous State Fair of Texas. This fair, that is more than a hundred years old, is the biggest in the country. Millions of tourists flock to Fair Park every year, where a giant, 52 feet cowboy waits in welcome. It may be well worth it to time a visit to this city to coincide with this event.

They say that in Texas everything is bigger. It is certainly true of the welcome that await visitors to this beautiful, friendly city. They excel in hospitality and visitors will never be bored. When the hustle and bustle of the city becomes a little bit too much, there are the wide open plains that surround the city to be explored and enjoyed.

It would be sacrosanct to visit Orlando and neglect to visit the world famous Disney World. This massive resort, the brain child of the iconic Walt Disney, boasts four distinct theme parks, two water parks and twenty three themed resort hotels. Many people think that it is a destination that caters for children only but nothing could be further from the truth; there are spas and golf courses, science centres, lectures and much more within the walls of this magical city.

Another must-see is Seaworld Orlando. Together with the neighbouring Discovery Cove and Aquitica waterpark it forms the world’s biggest entertainment complex devoted to the oceans and oceanic life. This resort offers a magnificent blend of entertainment and education. There is a vast array of live shows and attractions, including a myriad of rides and exhibitions. One of the most popular activities is a visit to Shamu stadium, the seven million allon home to the park’s killer whale performers.

The arts are alive and vibrant in this city. It is the host for the annual World Ballet competition, providing a feast for ballet lovers from all over the world. Every spring it also hosts the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. Touring companies from every corner of the planet provide a veritable banquet of productions often never seen anywhere else. At the same time of the year the Orlando Cabaret Festival showcases the talents of many world renowned artists.

Those hungry for culture will not be disappointed. Among the many museums the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is certainly worth a visit. It is the host of the world’s most comprehensive collection of the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany. The exhibitions include glass art, lamps, paintings, lead-glass windows, jewellery and much more. The Orlando Museum of Art offers a wonderful selection of impressionist works and art of the ancient Americas. For the adventurous, a visit to the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium will be a highlight.

When it comes to getting around, Orlando is a tourist’s heaven. The city boasts a magnificently efficient public transport system. For those that prefer to use their own or a hired car, there is ample parking everywhere. The city is safe and many people prefer to traverse the city by bicycle. Maps are readily available throughout the city and it is also possible to join conducted tours that are very reasonably priced.

Most visitors to this city fall under its spell. The inhabitants certainly know how to make visitors feel welcome. It is very important to conduct thorough research before making the trip. There is simply so much to do that one will have to take care to plan one’s time very carefully. Orlando can most certainly offer the holiday of a lifetime.

While the city is particularly well known for its many outdoor activities and attractions, it has much to offer for those who enjoy the performing arts. Miami boasts numerous orchestras, symphonies and performing arts conservatories. The Florida Grand Opera is the largest facility in the state and often attracts world renowned performers. The Miami City Ballet and the Frost School of Music are all worth more than just a fleeting visit.

When it comes to museums, visitors are spoilt for choice. Of particular interest is the World Erotic Art Museum. The exhibits are based upon the extensive private collection of Naomi Wilzig and it displays a very wide variety of erotic artifacts, paintings, tapestries and sculptures from a variety of cultures. The Bass Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection of renaissance and baroque paintings. The Miami Art Museum is certainly worth a visit. It aims to represent the city and its inhabitants by means of an array of sounds, colors and structures.

There is a veritable feast of animal experiences that will delight visitors of all ages. The Miami Seaquarium offer visitors the unique opportunity to swim with dolphins and there are many spectacular shows featuring a variety of animals. In the Monkey Jungle, it is the humans that are caged while the monkeys run wild! Visitors meander through a screened walkway while viewing the antics of many exotic species. Of course, the Miami Metro Zoo should not be missed; over two thousands animals call this lovely park home.

This city is host to some of the hottest nightlife spots in the world. In South Beach, the streets teem with vibrant activity all night long. Downtown Miami also offers a great variety of nightlife activities that can satisfy almost any demand. Little Havana is famous for its jazz, blues and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Live shows, dancing, cabaret or exotic drinks are all available for those with insatiable energy and a zest for life.

There are literally thousands of things to do along, above or beneath the water. The weather is excellent all year round and water activities are extremely popular due to the expanse of beaches within the city. Popular activities include jet skiing, windsurfing, paragliding and scuba diving. There are also many short cruises available and the fishing is particularly good.

This city knows how to treat its visitors. It revels in superb service and the public transport system is highly efficient and convenient. For sheer variety it would be difficult to beat Miami as the ideal holiday destination. The energy and vibrancy of the city is simply infectious.

No visit to this city can be complete without a stopover at the Golden Gate Park. After Central Park, it is the second biggest urban park in the country and it offers many exciting delights. The Aids Memorial grove is a grim yet moving reminder of the scourge that has gripped the world in its clutches. The Japanese Teagarden features a marvellous Zen garden and is said to be the origin of the fortune cookie. The park also hosts the Academy of Sciences, one of the largest natural history museums in the world.

Alcatraz is another San Francisco must-see. This island, with its notorious history, is a favourite among tourists. It served as a military base and then a military prison before it became a federal prison and it is best known for the fact that nobody ever escaped; many attempts were made, but such endeavours inevitably ended in disaster. It was home to many infamous prisoners, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, better known as the Birdman of Alcatraz.

By visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, it is possible to leave the car behind and to explore the many wonders on foot. The Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum offers a fascinating collection of the strange and the bizarre. The San Francisco Maritime National Museum is the only floating national park in the country and it boasts the world’s largest collection of historic ships.

San Francisco is host to the oldest homogeneous Chinese population in the United States. One comes upon this unique, dense and insular part of the city quite unexpectedly. Although it spans only seventeen city blocks, the entire area hums with activity. Vendors crowd the streets which are marked with Chinese characters. Millions of curious visitors flock there every year, although the inhabitants have never changed their authentic character.

The city’s nightlife hums and it seems that nobody ever sleeps. Traditionally, this has been one of the most tolerant societies and people from all cultures, religions and backgrounds get along fine. Thousands of venues offer a very wide variety of entertainment options. The city is host to many distinguished and renowned musicians and it is not uncommon to spot some famous faces wondering downs the crowded streets.

San Francisco has been described as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has a certain old world charm and it welcomes visitors with open arms. Visitors can spend days gawking at the glorious architecture, the many beautiful bridges, the tram system and the glorious vistas. Nobody will ever forget a visit to this jewel of a city!

Found in the early 1600’s, the city was originally known as New Amsterdam, so named by the Dutch colonist who found it as a trading post. When the English took over, they renamed it to New York after King Charles the Second gave the land to his brother, the Duke of York. The city served as the capital of the United States until the late seventeen hundreds.

A visit to this city cannot be considered without including a trip to central park. This enormous park, situated in the heart of Manhattan features hundreds of acres of rolling fields, walking trails and water features; everything sculpted by man. The park is the home of the Central Park Zoo and Belvedere Castle, among many other attractions. In good weather many musicians and artists provide a delightful variety of entertainment.

The New York skyline is breath-taking and awe inspiring. Visitors often stand in awe at the spectacular sight comprised of skyscrapers, bridges, waterways and parks. This vibrant sight is probably best viewed from above and visitors can do so by taking an elevator to the 86th floor of the Empire State building- from there a 360 degree view of the entire metropolis is possible.

It would be possible to spend months, even years, examining the many different cultural attractions. If time is limited, however, it may be best to start with the Museum Mile. This stretch along Fifth Avenue can probably lay claim as the densest concentration of cultural attractions in the world. Among the many world class museums that can be found here is the Goethe Institute, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Jewish Museum and the National Academy Museum.

Of course, a visit to the 125 year old Statue of Liberty is compulsory. It is possible to view this iconic statue from the land, but one can get really close by taking a ferry to Liberty Island. It is even possible to visit the crown, but a very limited number of visitors are allowed to do this and then only by prior arrangement. From there, it is a short hop to Ellis Island. The Immigration Museum is situated in the same building that served as the first port of entry for twelve million hopeful immigrants.

There is much, much more to see and do in the wondrous city of New York. It offers unforgettable experiences for everybody. It boasts world class sporting facilities, magnificent vistas, superb dining and overwhelming cultural experiences. If time is limited, it may be well worth it to plan thoroughly in order to make the most of every second spent there. The fact that it also serves as the home of the United Nations is testimony of the incredible diversity and energy of this truly great city.