Grab a cheesesteak and get ready to run those “Rocky” stairs…we’re headed to the city of brotherly love!
For sixth consecutive year, Lonely Planet has identified the top 10 places that American travelers should visit in 2016. This year, Philadelphia beat out the competition and came in number one.
The cities were chosen by Lonely Planet’s U.S.–based editors and authors.
So what makes Philly so great? The Pope’s visit last September thrust the city into the limelight, and it will be the center of attention again when it hosts the Democratic National Convention in July.
Beyond that, Philadelphia is becoming cooler every day. Several celebrity chefs have opened restaurants in the city, craft breweries are becoming the norm, and the city’s funky arts scene includes Isaiah Zagar mosaics. Oh, and did we mention that housing is actually pretty affordable?
Related: How to have the perfect Rocky Balboa weekend in Philly
Coming in second is Natchez, Mississippi, one of the oldest continuous settlements on the Mississippi River. While it’s not as glitzy as some of the other cities on the list, the city’s antebellum past and tricentennial party in August make it worth a visit.
Rounding out the top three is Yellowstone National Park. The U.S. National Park Service turns 100 this year, and since Yellowstone was the first National Park, it seems like a fitting place to celebrate. Check out Old Faithful’s new boardwalk made from recycled tires, before taking a Wild West tour by horseback.
While places like New York City and San Francisco usually get all of the attention, there are countless other American cities that are equally awesome.
Here is Lonely Planet’s list of the best U.S. places to visit in 2016.
1. Philadelphia, Penn.
2. Natchez, Miss.
3. Yellowstone National Park
4. Birmingham, Ala.
5. Alaska,
6. Somerville, Massachusetts
7. Northwest Arkansas
8. San Antonio
9. Southern New Mexico
10. Milwaukee