In a world filled with incredible places to explore, selecting your next destination can be quite the challenge. While personal preferences vary, there are some cities that universally captivate every traveler. From the romantic allure of Paris to New York City’s towering skyscrapers and the mesmerizing lights of Las Vegas, these gems offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We made a selection of 8 bucket list city trips everyone should experience at least once. These city escapes are your ticket to unforgettable adventures, and they belong on every traveler’s bucket list!
8 bucket list city trips everyone should experience at least once
1. Celebrate the holidays in New York City
2. Toss a coin in Rome’s Trevi Fountain
3. Admire the Eiffel Tower by night in Paris
4. Roll the dice and chase your luck in Las Vegas
5. Sip unlimited prosecco on the Danube in Budapest
6. Marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
7. Get lost in the souks in Marrakech
8. Stroll along Amsterdam’s picturesque canals
1. Celebrate the holidays in New York City
If there’s one city that defines a bucket list destination, it’s undeniably New York City. There are countless series, movies, and songs dedicated to the city that never sleeps, and we totally get why! The only thing even more magical about New York, is New York during the holidays. The Big Apple transforms into a magical winter wonderland, immersing you in its magical holiday spirit. From the dazzling Dyker Heights Christmas Lights to the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, visiting New York during the holidays is an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Fifth Avenue dazzles with elaborately decorated store windows, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is illuminated, and Central Park becomes a winter paradise. From the end of October until halfway through March, there’s also a big ice skating rink in the middle of Central Park! Tickets for the Wollman Rink are € 25 for adults, unless you come on opening day when admission is free.
And who could forget the iconic Times Square ball drop on New Year’s Eve? Sure, it might be a busy affair to some, but once you’re on Times Square surrounded by both tourists and locals, it’s an experience like no other. New York really is one of the greatest and most impressive cities in the world, and during the holidays, it shines even brighter. Why not pay a visit to make memories you’ll cherish forever? 🥹
▶️ Read all about the best things to do in New York City.
The ultimate New Year’s Eve experience
For the ultimate New Year’s Eve experience, we highly recommend celebrating atop one of New York’s stunning rooftops. We went to New York in 2021, where we celebrated New Year’s Eve at The Press Lounge. This was genuinely one of the most extraordinary moments we’ve ever encountered! Sharing the countdown to the new year with a bunch of strangers, “Empire State Of Mind” by Alicia Keys and JAY-Z filling the air, and the breathtaking skyline of towering skyscrapers… Simply magical! At the moment of countdown, we both stood with tears in our eyes from pure happiness. 🥹 We paid about € 230 per person for a ticket, this included unlimited drinks and appetizers. It was expensive, yes, but we would do it again in a heartbeat. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
2. Toss a coin in Rome’s Trevi Fountain
Rome, often referred to as the Eternal City, is a destination that needs no introduction. Rich in history, art, and culture, this timeless destination has captivated travelers for centuries. From the Colosseum, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, to the grandeur of the Vatican City, Rome is a treasure trove of iconic landmarks. Its cobblestone streets lead you through layers of history, where every corner reveals a new story. In the midst of all these fascinating landmarks and experiences, there’s one tradition that visitors have cherished for generations: throwing a coin into Rome’s Trevi Fountain.
Tossing a coin into Rome’s Trevi Fountain isn’t just a touristy ritual, it’s a moment of connection with the city’s rich history and timeless beauty. And be honest, if you had to choose one fountain you’d toss a coin in, wouldn’t it be in the Trevi Fountain? By throwing your coin and making a wish you become part of a tradition that dates back centuries.
Legend has it that by tossing a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain, you ensure your return to Rome. When you throw two coins, you will fall in love with an attractive Italian. And if you throw three coins you will marry the person that you met. We can’t tell you if the legend is true or not, but ever since we tossed a coin during our time there we’re already planning our next visit! Whether you believe in it or not, tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain is a must-do experience when in Rome. It leaves you with a wish and definitely a memory to treasure. And if you’re not visiting Rome for the Trevi Fountain, culture, or history, then definitely do it for the food!
▶️ Read all about the best things to do in Rome.
3. Admire the Eiffel Tower by night in Paris
Paris, the City of Love, is another dream destination that calls to travelers worldwide. With its enchanting streets, charming neighborhoods, and countless world-class museums, Paris is full of romantic experiences waiting to be discovered. Who hasn’t dreamt about having a calming, nightly stroll along the Seine?
Yet, one landmark stands above all else – the iconic Eiffel Tower. No trip to Paris is complete without a rendezvous with this majestic Iron Lady. While the Eiffel Tower is impressive on its own, admiring the Eiffel Tower by night is even more magical. As soon as it gets dark, the Eiffel Tower begins to sparkle every hour for five minutes. This is a magical spectacle that will leave you breathless! No matter how many times you’ve visited Paris, you just never get tired of the sparkling Iron Lady. Bonus tip if you’re taking a baguette, some cheese and a bottle of wine with you! It will make the experience even better, we promise.
▶️ Read all about the best things to do in Paris.
4. Roll the dice and chase your luck in Las Vegas
Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas! Picture Sin City as a real-life amusement park tailor-made for adults. You’ll encounter thrilling roller coasters, meticulously recreated landmarks, captivating street performers, and even appearances by Marvel superheroes or Cabaret Ladies. It’s challenging to put into words, you simply must experience it at least once! You won’t know where to look first, but that’s just the beauty of it! Las Vegas will leave you wide-eyed and perhaps slightly overwhelmed, but the sensory overload is absolutely worth it. It’s a place where anything can (and will) happen, once you witness it first hand you will be craving for more. That’s what it did for us, so here we are sharing it with you!
From the iconic Las Vegas Strip to the mesmerizing Bellagio fountain show, everything about this city is surreal, not to mention the grand casinos! Almost every hotel hosts a casino, all with its own unique charm. Even if you don’t typically visit casinos, trying your luck at a Las Vegas casino is a must-do experience. Who knows, it might just turn out to be your lucky day? 😉 We can’t say that we were fortunate enough to walk away with a bag full of cash, but just the thrill, vibe and experience was worth the (small) amount of money that we lost.
▶️ Read all about Sin City in our Las Vegas travel guide.
5. Sip unlimited prosecco on the Danube in Budapest
Budapest may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of bucket list destinations, but it’s a hidden gem that deserves every traveler’s attention. Its unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking architecture will capture your heart in no time. Whether you’re wandering through the historic Buda Castle, soaking in the thermal baths, or admiring the grandeur of the Parliament Building, the Hungarian capital offers something for every traveler, all at budget-friendly prices. For us, Budapest checks all boxes: amazing culture, plenty of things to do, delicious food, and… surprisingly affordable!
But the true highlight you can’t miss is an evening river cruise along the Danube. We’re not talking about the classic cruises, we’re talking about one that allows you to enjoy unlimited prosecco while witnessing Budapest’s illuminated landmarks by night, all for just € 25! So not only will you see all the amazing landmarks by night, you will be accompanied by as much prosecco as you’d like. Who could say no to that? 😉
Similar to that magical feeling that we mentioned when the Eiffel Tower sparkles at night, we can assure you that Budapest’s illuminated landmarks will leave you with that same sensation.
▶️ Read all about the perfect 3 days in Budapest.
6. Marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
San Francisco, full of iconic landmarks like the Painted Ladies, the famous crooked Lombard Street, and the notorious Alcatraz Island, is a city that belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. Eat amazing seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, take a ride on one of the city’s historic cable cars, or admire dozens of sea lions at Pier 39. There’s so much to do here!
But among its many treasures, the Golden Gate Bridge stands as the crown jewel of this amazing city. This world-famous bridge is not just the most photographed in the world, it’s also the most popular attraction in San Francisco, and for good reason. Even if you saw countless pictures of this bridge, seeing the Golden Gate Bridge in real life will still blow you away. Standing in front of it is so surreal, we both dreamt of visiting this iconic bridge once in our lifetime, and when that moment was finally there we couldn’t believe it. 🥹 We were actually looking at this amazing landmark with our own eyes! Nothing can prepare you for that moment, it will fill you with joy in ways that you haven’t felt before.
Pro tip
If you want a truly postcard-worthy shot, head to Baker Beach. The gorgeous beach with the legendary bridge as a backdrop, it doesn’t get more picturesque than that! Make sure to walk to the end of the beach in the direction of the Golden Gate Bridge for the perfect spot. 🤩 There’s a free parking lot nearby, too.
7. Get lost in the souks in Marrakech
Marrakech offers a captivating blend of traditional Moroccan culture and a modern twist, creating a one-of-a-kind city trip adventure. The heart of the city comes alive at Jamaa El Fnaa, a lively square with street performances, delicious street food, and bustling market stalls. We can assure you, just strolling over this place at night will give you a sensory overload. See it a little bit like a small and African version of Las Vegas, but without the gambling and casinos, of course. There’s just so much to do, see, eat, and experience here!
But the real magic happens when you wander into the souks. These bustling markets can be found in narrow, maze-like streets and hold a treasure of handcrafted gems, from exquisite ceramics to beautiful carpets. And what’s maybe even more fun than just visiting the souks, is trying to bargain with a salesman. Whether it’s spices, jewelry, or leather goods that you’re after, bargaining is a must! When we were there in 2021, we really wanted to buy a set of beautiful ceramic pots. The salesman said they were handmade and “only € 35”, but that was way too much for us. A whole scene of games and bargaining went down, and finally Kelvin managed to get it down to little over € 10! Probably still way too expensive, but it was a really fun experience. And afterwards, we felt really good that we got a discount of around 70%. 😂
We guarantee you, once you enter the Medina, it’s almost possible to get out. But getting lost in the souks of Marrakech is an adventure you won’t forget, that’s for sure. And for the ultimate experience, don’t miss the chance to stay in a riad!
▶️ Read all about Bliss Riad, the perfect base to explore Marrakech.
8. Stroll along Amsterdam’s picturesque canals
Amsterdam, a city that deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list, has something to offer every kind of traveler. With its wealth of museums, world-famous flower markets, and vibrant nightlife, there’s never a dull moment in Amsterdam. Who hasn’t visited (or thought about visiting) the Anne Frank house, the Van Gogh Museum, or the Red Light District? 😂 Just to pass by, of course. 😉 Yet, if there’s one thing you absolutely can’t miss during your visit, it’s strolling along its picturesque canals.
As you walk along the cobblestone streets that hug the canals, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a scene straight out of a postcard. It’s so fun to walk around here, and like with the souks in Marrakech, it’s really easy to get lost! Every little street looks the same, so make sure you have Google Maps on hand! But the charming houses along the canals with the boats passing by every other minute, only adds to the city’s amazing vibe. It’s a serene and captivating experience that will undoubtedly make your visit to Amsterdam truly unforgettable. It did for us! Amsterdam really has a special place in our hearts, it was the first trip we went on together. We’ve visited it countless times by then, just to relive that first trip. 🥰
▶️ Read all about our top 10 food favorites in Amsterdam.
