Hey there, travel enthusiasts! Ready to discover the coolest spots in North America? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a whirlwind tour of the hippest, most happening cities in the U.S. and Canada. A new report by Canada Sports Betting has just dropped, ranking the 25 coolest cities across these two countries, and boy, do we have some surprises in store for you!
What Makes a City Cool?
Now, you might be wondering, “What exactly makes a city cool?” Well, it’s not just about having the trendiest coffee shops or the most Instagrammable street art (though those definitely help!). The folks behind this report dug deep, looking at a whopping 19 different factors across eight main categories. We’re talking everything from the number of breweries and startups to the percentage of people volunteering in their communities. Cool, right?
They even factored in things like how many times the city was hashtagged on Instagram and the number of historical landmarks. It’s like they created a coolness cocktail, and these 25 cities are the ones that pack the biggest punch!
The Cool City Countdown
Without further ado, let’s dive into the list. Get ready to add some new destinations to your travel bucket list!
- New York City The Big Apple takes the crown, and are we really surprised? With a cool score of 72.68 out of 100, NYC is in a league of its own. It’s got everything – that iconic skyline, more historical landmarks than you can shake a stick at (803 to be exact), and it’s the most Instagrammed city on the list. Plus, it’s a hub for innovation, music, arts, and sports. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, right?
- Washington D.C. Coming in hot at number two is the nation’s capital, with a score of 48.75. D.C. isn’t just about politics, folks! It’s home to 116 museums and 652 historical places. And for all you foodies out there, it’s got 120 restaurants in the Michelin Guide. Oh, and it’s super green too, with the third-best Green City Index Score. Who knew government could be so cool?
- Los Angeles Hollywood, baby! L.A. snags the third spot, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s the entertainment capital of the world, but it’s also killing it in innovation and lifestyle. Plus, it’s all over social media. Whether you’re into spotting celebrities or surfing at Venice Beach, L.A.’s got you covered.
- San Francisco The City by the Bay comes in fourth, and it’s not just because of the Golden Gate Bridge (though that certainly doesn’t hurt). San Fran is a tech powerhouse and has tons of historical landmarks. It’s like the perfect blend of old-school cool and cutting-edge innovation.
- Portland, Oregon Rounding out the top five is quirky, lovable Portland. Known for its relaxed vibe and commitment to all things green, Portland is the place to be if you’re into craft beer, food trucks, and keeping things weird (in the best way possible).
- Toronto, Canada Our first Canadian entry on the list! Toronto is a melting pot of cultures, offering everything from world-class museums to diverse neighborhoods like Kensington Market. Don’t forget to check out the CN Tower for those jaw-dropping city views!
- Chicago The Windy City blows into seventh place. With its stunning architecture, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant arts scene, Chicago proves that Midwestern charm can be seriously cool. Don’t miss Millennium Park and the Bean!
- Seattle Home of grunge, Starbucks, and some of the best seafood you’ll ever taste, Seattle is effortlessly cool. The Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the surrounding natural beauty make this Pacific Northwest gem a must-visit.
- Boston History meets modernity in Boston. Walk the Freedom Trail, catch a Red Sox game at Fenway, or geek out at MIT and Harvard. This city’s got brains and beauty in spades.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The City of Brotherly Love rounds out the top 10. Philly’s got it all – rich history (hello, Liberty Bell!), amazing food (cheesesteaks, anyone?), and a thriving arts scene. Rocky fans, don’t forget to run up those museum steps!
- San Diego Perfect weather, beautiful beaches, and a world-famous zoo? San Diego’s laid-back SoCal vibe earns it a spot on the cool list. Don’t miss the Gaslamp Quarter for some epic nightlife!
- Denver The Mile High City is riding high on this list. With its booming craft beer scene, proximity to the Rockies, and 300 days of sunshine a year, Denver is an outdoor lover’s paradise with urban flair.
- Vancouver, Canada Our second Canadian entry is a stunner. Nestled between mountains and sea, Vancouver offers the perfect blend of urban cool and natural beauty. Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge are must-sees.
- Dallas Everything’s bigger in Texas, including Dallas’s cool factor. From the iconic Reunion Tower to the quirky Deep Ellum neighborhood, Big D offers a unique blend of cowboy culture and cosmopolitan chic.
- Phoenix Rising from the desert, Phoenix brings the heat in more ways than one. With its stunning Sonoran Desert backdrop, world-class golf courses, and vibrant arts district, this city is definitely cool – despite the scorching temperatures!
- Houston Space City shoots for the stars and lands on our list. Home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, a world-class museum district, and some of the best Tex-Mex you’ll ever taste, Houston’s got a coolness that’s out of this world.
- Austin, Texas Keep Austin Weird? More like Keep Austin Cool! The live music capital of the world, Austin marches to the beat of its own drum. From SXSW to Barton Springs Pool, this city knows how to have a good time.
- Calgary, Canada Yeehaw! Our third Canadian entry brings some western flair to the list. Home to the famous Calgary Stampede, this city is where cowboy culture meets skyscrapers. Don’t miss the views from the Calgary Tower!
- San Jose, California The heart of Silicon Valley proves tech can be cool. With its innovation hubs, quirky museums like the Winchester Mystery House, and proximity to beautiful Santa Cruz beaches, San Jose’s got brains and beauty.
- Atlanta The ATL brings southern charm and big-city cool to our list. From the World of Coca-Cola to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, Atlanta’s rich history and vibrant culture make it a standout.
- Montreal, Canada Ooh la la! Our final Canadian entry is a slice of Europe in North America. With its cobblestone streets, fantastic food scene, and bilingual flair, Montreal is like visiting France without the jet lag.
- Kansas City, Kansas BBQ, jazz, and fountains galore – KC knows how to party. Don’t miss the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or a Royals game at Kauffman Stadium. And did we mention the BBQ?
- Indianapolis The Racing Capital of the World speeds onto our list. From the Indy 500 to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (the largest in the world!), this Midwest gem has plenty of horsepower.
- Edmonton, Canada Our surprise Canadian entry, Edmonton proves it’s cool to be the underdog. With North America’s largest mall, a thriving theater scene, and the gorgeous River Valley, E-town is full of pleasant surprises.
- Las Vegas What happens in Vegas… lands it on our cool cities list! From the dazzling Strip to the mind-bending Neon Museum, Sin City knows how to put on a show. Just remember to stay hydrated, folks!
Related Stories
Wrapping It Up
There you have it – the 25 coolest cities in the U.S. and Canada! Whether you’re into bustling metropolises like New York and Toronto, or prefer the quirkier vibes of Portland and Austin, there’s a cool city out there for everyone.
Remember, coolness is subjective, and what makes a city awesome is often in the eye of the beholder. The best way to find out? Visit these places yourself! Each city on this list has its own unique flavor, history, and attractions that make it special.
So, which city are you adding to your travel list first? Or maybe you’re lucky enough to call one of these cool spots home? Wherever your travels take you, remember to embrace the local culture, try new things, and most importantly – have fun!
Happy travels, cool cats! 😎✈️🌆
Comments are closed.