The best part about visiting a bustling city? Adventure lies right outside your door just steps away. Pack your comfy shoes and get ready to explore on foot! To get you inspired, discover some must-visit spots in four of the most walkable cities in the U.S. Check them out on your next visit to Portland, Oregon; New York City, New York; Austin, Texas; or New Orleans, Louisiana.
1. Portland, Oregon
Eat:
If you wanted a one-stop-shop for all the good eats, you could go to Pine Street Market and never leave. Housed in the historic Carriage and Baggage Building, you’ll find delicious spots for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Discover authentic ramen at Kinboshi Ramen or smoothies and acai bowls at KURE. When your sweet tooth kicks in, head to the original Voodoo Doughnut.
Drink:
Portland is well known for their brews, and that also includes coffee. Try a Draft Nitro Cold Brew at Oregon’s most famous coffee joint, Stumptown Coffee Roasters. For adult beverages, stroll over to the Portland Beer Museum — hint hint, it’s not a museum, but a great spot to sample craft brews. Seeking a brewery? Look no further than Deschutes Brewery for 26 beers on tap. for 26 beers on tap.
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Walk along the scenic Waterfront Park Trail up to Tom McCall Waterfront Park, then make yourself at home in Portland’s living room, also known as Pioneer Courthouse Square. Here, you’ll discover a hub of activity all around this community space from events to street vendors and shopping.
2. New York City, New York
Eat:
At first glance, The Smith might look like your casual bistro joint. But locally sourced, fresh ingredients give the pastas, sandwiches, and seafood an unforgettable flair. Of course, you can’t go to New York without having a classic slice of pizza. Order any of the brick oven pies from Patsy’s Pizzeria. Consider treating yourself to a Michelin-star restaurant with exotic French fare such as Gabriel Kreuther.
Drink:
Soar above the city at Henry’s Rooftop Bar, where you’ll take in sprawling views of 47th street while sipping on a classic Manhattan, or the cucumber gin and tonic with fresh mint. If sports and dive bars are more your scene, head to SNAFU to crack open your favorite cold one amid a humming atmosphere that welcomes you like a local.
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You’ll be close to many of the New York must-sees. Spend your days perusing the masterpieces at the Museum of Modern Art, take a loop around Central Park, and take in the sights and sounds of the iconic Times Square.
3. Austin, Texas
Eat:
You can’t get more Texas than barbecue. Dig into Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ for brisket, pork chops, prime rib, and everything in-between, smoked to perfection. For those that don’t mind a little spice, wander into Texas Chili Parlor for flavorful Tex-Mex like enchiladas, tacos, and burritos as well as chili that ranges from mild to XXX hot.
Drink:
Seeking a little historic charm complete with no-fuss cocktails and a jukebox? Pay a visit to The Cloak Room nestled right by the Capitol building. For something a little more lively and with a true Austin feel, try Icenhauers. You’ll enjoy live music and imaginative drinks like The Brittany — Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Pimm’s No. 1, muddled strawberry, mint, and orange.
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When you’re not eating or sipping, learn all about the area’s complex history by taking a day trip to the Texas Capitol. You’ll stroll by historic buildings and 17 monuments. Go alfresco and sprawl out with a picnic on the manicured grounds. More history awaits at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, with more than 500 fascinating artifacts dating back more than 10,000 years.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
Eat:
Most go to New Orleans with just a few items on their foodie bucket list: Po’boys, creole-style dishes, and tiny French doughnuts covered in powdered sugar. Devour the best roast beef Po’boys in town at Parasol’s Bar and Restaurant, then when you’re ready for the next round, pop into Heard Dat Kitchen for homestyle comfort food like the seafood gumbo. Soon, Cafe du Monde will be calling your name with its legendary sweet confections — order the beignet doughnuts with their café au lait.
Drink:
You’ve likely been to a cocktail bar or two, but how about a champagne bar? Celebrate the moment at Effervescence Bubbles and Bites, which boasts more than 18 sparkling varieties. Or, try one of several craft cocktails along with their savory bites like the truffle fries. For drinks with a view, visit Hot Tin. At this rooftop bar, choose from a selection of classic cocktails and frozen delights like the Blue Raspberry Daiquiri while taking in views of New Orleans and the Mississippi River.
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New Orleans is known for its spooky history, and a haunted pub crawl may just be one of the most thrilling ways to experience the different spooks it has to offer! This two-hour pub crawl will take you through some of the city’s most haunted spots including the Lalaurie Mansion, and guide you to Bourbon Street.
