12 Top Cities like New York
New York City is often regarded as one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. From the bustling streets of Times Square, and the contrasting vibe of central park to the chic boutiques of Soho, there’s always something to see and do in the Big Apple. However, there are many other cities like New York around the globe that are just as lively and dynamic.
When it comes to a handful of cities like New York, the possibilities are endless. Each city on this list has its own unique charm, attractions, and neighbourhoods to explore.
Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, a shopaholic or an adventurer, these cities have something to offer for everyone.
One of the most exciting things about travelling to cities like New York is the ability to experience different cultures and ways of life. From the traditional tea ceremonies of Tokyo to the charming street cafes of Paris, each city has its own distinct atmosphere that is worth exploring.
Furthermore, these cities offer a plethora of activities and attractions that cater to different interests.
Meanwhile, Dubai’s luxurious shopping malls and towering skyscrapers make it the unique city it is.
Visiting these cities can also be a great opportunity to learn new things and broaden your horizons. Whether it’s immersing yourself in the vibrant street art scene of Shoreditch in London or indulging in the culinary delights of Tokyo, travelling to these cities can be an enriching experience.
Finally, many of these cities offer excellent public transportation systems that make getting around easy and convenient.
Whether you’re looking for a bustling metropolis or a cultural hub, these 12 best cities like New York are definitely worth adding to your travel bucket list. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the world!
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What makes New York City so special
New York City is a global city that has a buzzing energy like no other.
It is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty off Staten Island, the Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan, and of course Central Park.
New York is a major financial, commercial, and cultural center, and is a hub of international travel. It is also home to some of the world’s best restaurants, museums, theatres, and shopping.
Local New Yorkers are typically seen as hardworking, resilient, and determined people. With a diverse cultural background and history, New Yorkers embody a unique combination of cultures, languages, and lifestyles.
They are often described as hustlers, who work hard and value their time. They are also known for their passionate and unapologetic attitudes and an intense sense of pride in their city.
This hardworking energy is truly contagious when you step foot on the ground of New York.
Each neighbourhood offers a unique experience including East Village, Greenwich Village, Soho, Brooklyn, and Lower Manhattan to name a few.
New York City has something for everyone, and its energy and vibrancy make it an unforgettable place to experience.
12 Big Cities Like New York
Let’s cover some of the best places like New York State in no particular order.
1. London, UK
The big city of London is renowned for its history, culture, and bustling streets.
Much like New York, it is a vibrant city with a diverse population and a rich mix of cultures, cuisines, and traditions. Whether you’re exploring the West End theatre district, shopping in Covent Garden, or taking in the sights along the River Thames, London is a city that never fails to impress.
London is a cosmopolitan city with a rich history and a thriving arts scene. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London.
Like New York, London is a hub for international business, making it a popular destination for professionals from all over the world. London is also known for its unique neighbourhoods, such as the trendy Shoreditch district and the historic Notting Hill neighbourhood.
It also comes at a high cost to live in the city’s centre, with both cities sitting at similar costs of living.
However, London and New York differ in terms of their history, architecture and atmosphere. London is a much older city and is known for its lush parks and gardens, as well as its rich traditional culture.
New York on the other hand is known for its hustle and bustle and its diverse neighborhoods and street art.
2. Tokyo, Japan
The next city is Tokyo, Japan.
Tokyo is a city that is constantly buzzing with energy and excitement. Ranking number 1 as the largest city in the world by the number of people while boasting low crime rates. Plus, it ranks second as the safest place for solo travellers to visit.
With its neon-lit streets, cutting-edge fashion, and innovative food scene, it’s a city that is always pushing the boundaries.
Much like New York, it’s a melting pot of cultures. There are people from all over the world coming to experience its unique blend of old and new.
With a population of over 13 million people, Tokyo is a city that is constantly on the move. The capital of Japan is the most populous metropolitan area in the world.
While New York is the most populous city in the United States and a major global financial centre. They are both important business and tourism destinations, and they attract people from all over the world.
Just like New York, Tokyo has a distinct energy that can be felt as soon as you step foot in the city.
It boasts an impressive skyline, with towering skyscrapers, and is home to some of the world’s most renowned restaurants, museums, and art galleries.
Tokyo is also known for its unique neighbourhoods, such as the trendy Shibuya district and the historic Asakusa neighbourhood.
3. Paris, France
Up next is the gorgeous city of Paris!
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities that is synonymous with romance. The city is also a vibrant and bustling metropolis that has plenty to offer visitors.
From the chic boutiques of the Champs-Elysees to the world-class museums and galleries, there’s always something to see and do in the City of Light.
Like New York, Paris is a city that is constantly evolving, with new restaurants, bars, and cultural institutions opening all the time.
Both cities are known for their iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Statue of Liberty in New York.
Additionally, both cities are home to some of the world’s top universities, and their respective populations are highly diverse.
Paris is known as the City of Love. But it is also a bustling metropolis with a rich history and culture.
Like New York, Paris is a hub for fashion and the arts, and it is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
Paris is also known for its unique neighbourhoods, such as the artsy Montmartre district and the trendy Le Marais neighbourhood.
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4. Los Angeles, USA
LA and New York are two of the most popular and diverse cities in the US.
LA is an American city that is often associated with Hollywood glamour and celebrity culture. But it is also a city full of surprises.
From the hipster neighbourhoods of Silver Lake and Echo Park to the trendy boutiques of Melrose Avenue, there’s always something new to discover in this sprawling city.
Hollywood is the epicenter of the movie and television world. The city is also home to iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, and the Griffith Observatory.
Like New York, Los Angeles is a hub for fashion and the arts, making it an exciting place to visit or live.
LA is also known for its unique neighbourhoods, such as the trendy Silver Lake district and the historic Venice Beach neighbourhood.
However, there are some key differences between the two cities. LA is known for its laid-back and relaxed atmosphere while New York is known for its hustle and bustle.
LA is home to Hollywood, while New York is home to Broadway. Los Angeles has beautiful beaches and amazing weather, while New York has incredible architecture and culture.
5. Seoul, South Korea
New York and Seoul are both major international cities that offer a distinctive cultural experience.
Seoul is a beautiful city and is the capital of South Korea and has a population of over 10 million people. It is known for its rich history, incredible cuisine, and vibrant nightlife.
New York in comparison is a major city in the United States and has a population of over 8 million people.
In both cities, there are numerous museums, galleries, parks, and other places to explore. There are also a variety of shopping and entertainment options, as well as many different types of restaurants.
Both cities offer a great deal of diversity and have a rich history.
6. Hong Kong, China
Next is Hong Kong, a city that is known for its fast-paced lifestyle and impressive skyline. The city is a hub for international trade and finance, and it is home to some of the world’s tallest buildings.
Like New York, Hong Kong is a city that is constantly evolving and growing, making it an exciting place to visit or live. Hong Kong is also known for its unique neighbourhoods, such as the bustling Central District and the historic Tai O fishing village.
Both cities are major hubs for business, finance, and commerce, with a wide range of cultural attractions.
However, Hong Kong has a more traditional Chinese culture, while New York is more diverse and multicultural. Additionally, Hong Kong has a more compact skyline and fewer skyscrapers than New York.
7. Sydney, Australia
Next on the list of cities like New York is my home country, Australia.
Sydney is one of my favourite cities. It has beautiful beaches, a stunning harbour, and iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. It is the perfect destination for those who love warm weather pretty much all year round!
Like New York, Sydney is a hub for the arts and culture, and it is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Sydney is also known for its unique neighbourhoods, such as the trendy Surry Hills district, Bondi Beach and the historic The Rocks neighbourhood.
Both are popular tourist destinations, offering iconic landmarks, world-class cuisine, and amazing shopping experiences.
In addition, both cities have thriving art and music scenes, and both are home to a diverse range of people from all backgrounds and cultures.
The main difference is the climate, with Sydney having a milder climate than New York.
Sydney locals are also typically morning people, starting their days off at 6 am to go for a morning beach run, HIIT workout class or coffee with a girlfriend in their newest activewear set.
New Yorkers on the other hand would rather sleep in after making the most of their evenings.
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8. Toronto, Canada
The cosmopolitan city of Toronto has a thriving arts scene, a diverse population, and iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum.
Like New York, Toronto is a hub for international business, making it a popular destination for professionals from all over the world.
Toronto is also known for its unique neighbourhoods, such as the trendy Queen West District and the historic Distillery District.
Both cities have bustling downtown areas, a mix of historical and modern architecture, and a wide range of entertainment, dining, and shopping options.
However, Toronto has a more laid-back atmosphere, with a smaller population and more green spaces. It also has a more diverse cultural landscape, a larger immigrant population, and an array of world-class museums and galleries.
9. Singapore
New York and Singapore have many similarities, including their bustling modern urban environments, large immigrant populations, and diverse cultures.
Both cities are world-renowned for their iconic skyline views, vibrant nightlife, and renowned cuisine.
Singapore is known for its cleanliness, strict laws, and efficient public transportation system. While New York is known for its hustle and bustle, 24-hour energy, and iconic landmarks.
The city is one of the smaller cities in terms of area. It is even smaller than the State of Rhode Island!
Singapore is also home to iconic landmarks such as the Marina Bay Sands, the Gardens by the Bay, and the Merlion statue.
Like New York, Singapore is a hub for international business and finance, making it a popular destination for professionals from around the world.
Singapore is also known for its unique neighbourhoods, such as the trendy Tiong Bahru district and the historic Chinatown neighbourhood.
10. Dubai, UAE
New York and Dubai are both vibrant, diverse cities with a mix of cultures and thriving economies. Both cities have iconic landmarks. Dubai has the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. New York has the Statue of Liberty – and is known for its world-class shopping and dining.
Both cities also boast impressive nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs and entertainment venues. Additionally, Dubai and New York are both major international hubs, with strong air and sea connections to the rest of the world.
Dubai is a city that is known for its opulence and luxury, with some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and shopping centres. The city is also home to iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree.
Like New York, Dubai is a great place for international business and finance, making it a good reason for professionals from all over the world to relocate.
Dubai is also known for its unique neighbourhoods, such as the upscale Jumeirah district and the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood.
11. San Francisco, United States of America
New York and San Fran are both iconic cities in the United States and are both popular tourist destinations.
They both offer a variety of different cultural experiences and are both eclectic and diverse cities.
However, San Francisco is known for its hills, cable cars, and bridges, while New York is known for its iconic skyline, yellow taxis, and skyscrapers.
Both cities have amazing food scenes, raging nightlife, and plenty of unique attractions to explore.
12. Chicago, United States of America
Both Chicago and New York are large, densely populated cities in North America with a great deal of cultural and economic activity.
Both cities have iconic skylines, diverse populations, a rich history, and a wide variety of attractions.
Chicago and New York are both hubs for art, music, and entertainment with a variety of museums, theatres, and other venues.
They both boast excellent public transportation systems, and both are known for their food scenes.
In conclusion, while New York City may be one of the most iconic cities in the world, there are many other cities like New York that share similar attributes and offer a unique experience for visitors and residents alike.
Whether you’re looking for a bustling metropolis like Tokyo or a cosmopolitan city like London, there are plenty of options to choose from.
So, why not plan your next vacation to one of these 12 cities like New York?
Let me know in the comments which city above takes your fancy!
Pin for Later – Top Cities Like New York
