Published on: 31 May 2026
The United States is not a single trip but a collection of very different cities and landscapes. For most travelers, the journey begins in New York; yet as you move west, the skyscrapers give way to deserts, canyons and ocean coastlines. In this guide we first look at the highlights of New York, then briefly touch on Washington, San Francisco, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.
New York feels familiar even on a first visit, because you already know it from films, series and photographs. The island of Manhattan is the center of the city, and most major stops are either close by or easy to reach by subway. New York rewards those who like to explore on foot, but distances are large, so it helps to get comfortable with the metro.
A gift from France to the United States in the late 19th century, the Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. To see it up close you take a ferry from the southern tip of Manhattan; if you want to climb to the pedestal or the crown, it is wise to reserve tickets in advance, as these areas admit only a limited number of visitors. The same ferry usually also stops at Ellis Island, the place where many immigrants first set foot in America.
This vast green space in the middle of Manhattan feels like a pause from the city's fast pace. With its walking paths, ponds, meadows and small bridges, it shows a different face in every season. Wandering through it is free; renting a bicycle or simply sitting on a bench to watch the city is an experience in itself.
Times Square, with its giant screens and crowds, is the liveliest spot in New York; in the evening, under the lights, it takes on an entirely different atmosphere. A short walk away, the Empire State Building is an iconic skyscraper built in the early 20th century that held the title of the world's tallest building for many years. From the observation deck at the top you can see the city from above. Because these observation decks are very popular, we recommend checking current ticket and timing details on the official website.
A few hours from New York, Washington is the nation's capital, known for its wide boulevards, museums and monuments rather than a forest of skyscrapers. Along the long green stretch called the National Mall you will find the Capitol, the Washington Monument and various memorials. Many of the Smithsonian museums offer free entry, more than enough to fill a day for travelers who love history and art.
On the country's west coast, San Francisco is known for its steep hills, historic cable cars and misty mornings. The city's symbol is the reddish-orange Golden Gate Bridge crossing the bay. Alcatraz, once used as a prison and located on an island in the middle of the bay, is another popular stop. The piers along the waterfront, with their seafood and lively atmosphere, make for a pleasant walk.
In the middle of the Nevada desert, Las Vegas is known for hotels whose lights never go out, its shows and its vibrant nightlife. Although famous for its casinos, the city is also appealing to non-gamblers thanks to its shows, restaurants and themed hotels.
Las Vegas is also a common starting point for trips to the Grand Canyon. Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, this enormous canyon lies in the state of Arizona and is an unforgettable stop for anyone who wants to see the scale of nature with their own eyes. You can reach it on day tours or by your own vehicle; since the distances are long, it is worth planning your route in advance.
The USA is a large country; rather than trying to see everything in one trip, a route focused on a few cities is usually more enjoyable. For long distances between cities, domestic flights save time. Since details such as tickets, opening hours and transport can change from time to time, we recommend confirming up-to-date information for the places you plan to visit on their official websites.
A trip to the USA is as inspiring as it is demanding to plan, and the most important step is the visa process. You can review the required documents on our United States visa page, and check the regime information by nationality and passport type in our Visa Regime Table.
If the lights of New York or the silence of the Grand Canyon are on your wish list, we can help turn that journey into reality with the right visa plan. For any questions about the process, get in touch with us and let's plan your application together, step by step.