Chicago vs. New York City
These two great American cities are worthy of all the tourist traffic they generate year in and year out. New York has been an iconic destination for generations. Chicago is easily one of the most global cities in the country. If you only have time to visit one, however, it can be pretty tricky to choose between them.
New York covers 300.46 square miles, and about 171.97 square miles is water.
Chicago covers 234.53 square miles, and about 6.8 square miles is water
Making the tough choice of Chicago vs. New York City? I’ve put together a brief comparison of the two cities and their top attractions and activities.
Observation Decks
Both NYC and Chicago have two stellar observation decks from which to see the best sights of their respective cities. Many people choose to visit both observation decks. But it’s also easy to pick your favorite and see the aerial views from your chosen landmark. Here’s a brief comparison of the four observation decks.
New York
Empire State Building. Among the most iconic buildings in New York City, the Empire State Building offers an 86th-floor observation deck with panoramic views. It’s located in midtown Manhattan and boasts a refined Art Deco aesthetic.
Top of the Rock. Located in the famous 30 Rock Building, Top of the Rock Observatory is famous for its unobstructed 360-degree views and convenient location in Rockefeller Plaza.
Deciding between these two?
Chicago
360 CHICAGO. Housed in 875 N. Michigan itself containing several shops and restaurants 360 CHICAGO is located on the 94th floor and provided unbeatable views of the waterfront. Many visitors also enjoy their upgradeable experience called TILT.
Skydeck Chicago. Located in what used to be known as the Sears Tower, Skydeck Chicago provides stellar views from 1,353 feet up in the air on the 103rd floor. Visitors can see parts of four different states from this observation deck.
Art Museums
Chicago and NYC offer pretty stiff competition when it comes to museums. They both feature some of the best museums in the world. Additionally, many of the most-visited art museums are found in these two cities. Here’s a quick rundown of the biggest art museums in each city.
New York
- Metropolitan Museum of Art. Among the best art museums in the world, the Met boasts massive collections of everything from Ancient Egyptian artifacts to medieval armor to eighteenth-century portraiture.
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). One of the finest and most extensive collections of modern art in the entire world, MoMA is home to many famous works of art by the biggest names in recent history like Warhol, Pollack, Van Gogh, Gaugin, and many more.
Chicago
- Art Institute of Chicago. Just as prestigious and often more frequently visited than the Met, the Art Institute’s collections also span much of human history and include everything from impressionist paintings to satirical prints.
- Museum of Contemporary Art. The MCA is much smaller than MoMA and focuses instead on truly contemporary works of art, including a great deal from living artists. A visit here is a good opportunity to see the art world as it is evolving today.
Natural History Museums
Each city boasts one impressive natural history museum. Both are renowned for their fine collections of natural objects and as well as their cutting-edge research. Here’s a brief look at what they each offer.
- American Museum of Natural History. One of the largest such institutions in the world, the American Museum of Natural History is well known for its collection of dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and an expansive collection of ocean life.
- The Field Museum. The earliest collections at the Field Museum were donated from the Columbian Exposition in 1893, but they’ve expanded far beyond that scope to include millions of artifacts, objects, and even the most famous dinosaur skeleton in the world SUE the T. Rex.
City Tours
Chicago & New York City both have more to see than you can accomplish in one trip, or even two. That’s where a comprehensive tour can come in handy. These popular bus tours are the best way to see each city efficiently. Here are our picks for the top bus tours in each city.
New York
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. This hop-on hop-off option from Big Bus New York offers unlimited rides for an entire day, with Uptown and Downtown loops to choose from. You can stay on for both loops to cover much of your day. Otherwise, hop-off where you’d like to explore more.
- The RIDE. A themed bus tour that’s part comedy act, part theatre, and part tour, The RIDE is perennially popular with visitors to NYC. They’ll cover city hotspots in 75 minutes for one hilarious experience.
Chicago
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. A hop-on hop-off option from Big Bus Chicago, this loop includes 14 different stops throughout downtown Chicago. Stop at places like Museum Campus, Willis Tower, and Millennium Park.
- Scenic North Side Tour. An exhaustive tour, the scenic North Side Tour covers landmarks and hotspots in Chicago that aren’t typically covered by downtown tours. It’s a two-hour sightseeing tour that covers everything from Water Tower Place mall to Wrigley Field.
Cruises
With Chicago’s lakefront location and Manhattan being an island, both cities are popular for their multiple cruise options. Here are some of the top cruises in each city to help you decide which sound the most appealing.
New York
- NYC Landmark Cruise. This landmark cruise is a 90-minute excursion around the waters of Manhattan, showcasing everything from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty. It’s ideal for photo ops and offers informative narration alongside your views.
- Liberty Cruise. A 75-minute boat tour around Lower Manhattan and Ellis Island, the Liberty Cruise is a specific focus on Liberty Island and its environs. This cruise option is best for those who want a focused excursion.
Chicago
- The Architecture River Cruise sails along the Chicago River is a 75-minute trip that encompasses time on all three branches of the river. The focus is on city landmarks that have been constructed or rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1871. Also great for photos.
- Lake Tour. The Lake Tour of Lake Michigan is a 45-minute cruise that showcases all of the city skylines from Navy Pier to the Hancock Tower and beyond. Informative narration will highlight everything of note, and you’ll get excellent lake view photos.
Cuisine
Remarkably enough, both cities are famous for their unique styles of pizza.
New York-style pizza is a thinner crust but not thin and crispy like a brick oven pizza. It has lots of cheese, and a bit floppier in terms of the eating experience. You’ll find authentic slices all over the city remember to fold it in half while eating!
Chicago-style pizza is a deep-dish style, usually a few inches thick and served in a cast-iron pan. You’ll also find loads of ooey-gooey cheese and plenty of meaty toppings. There are several famous places in the city to find this delectable specialty check out Gino’s East or Lou Malnati’s.
Both cities are also known for their international populations and global influence. Therefore, you can find practically any culinary style in either city. Whether you’re looking for some ramen, sushi, or filet mignons, you’ll find all of it in Chicago or NYC.
As far as cuisine goes, your point of comparison is probably going to be price. Chicago has many Michelin star restaurants with nearly astronomical prices. However, you’re still more likely to find more affordable haute cuisine in the Windy City than you are in NYC.
New York City experiences all four seasons, and each one brings something different to the city.
Spring is a great time to visit as the weather is starting to warm up and the days are getting longer. The flowers are in bloom and Central Park is especially beautiful.
Summer is the busiest time of year as tourists flock to the city to enjoy the warm weather and long days.
Fall/Autumn is another popular time to visit as the leaves change color and there is a festive feeling in the air.
Winter can be a magical time in New York, with the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and ice skating in Central Park. However, it can also be very cold, so visitors should come prepared with warm clothing. No matter what time of year you visit, New York is sure to have something special in store.
Chicago experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year.
Spring months are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid-70s.
However, the city can also experience occasional cold spells and showers.
Summer months are usually warm and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the 80s and 90s. However, Chicago is also susceptible to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes during this time of year.
Fall/Autumn in Chicago brings cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. The city’s trees change colour, providing a stunning backdrop for the chilly days ahead. Autumn is also a great time to enjoy some of the city’s many outdoor activities, from cycling along the lakefront to exploring the Windy City’s neighbouhoods on foot. As the leaves begin to fall, Chicago’s residents gear up for the long winter ahead.
Winter can be a tough time in the city, with temperatures dipping below freezing and lakeside winds making it feel even colder.
2nd Miami vs. Los Angeles
Both Miami and Los Angeles offer near year-round sunshine and have a number of beach offerings. However, Miami is more synonymous with Latin influences and a vibrant nightlife scene while Los Angeles is better known for its Hollywood landmarks and quintessential laid-back Californian lifestyle.
Los Angeles is bigger than Miami in terms of land size.
Los Angeles covers 469.49 square miles and about 32.06 square miles is water
Miami covers 36.00 square miles and about 20.08 square miles is water
This means that Los Angeles is around 8 times bigger than Miami.
Every vibe, accommodation type and vacation style found in Miami can also be found in Los Angeles, and vice versa. Subsequently, deciding between Miami and Los Angeles comes down to the specific attractions and experiences you’re looking for and / or which destination is closer to where you live.
For example, if you know that you really want to go to Disneyland then you’re going to have to go to Los Angeles. Just like if you know you want to visit Little Havana you’ll need to go to Miami.
Miami
Situated on the southeastern coast of Florida you’ll find the city of Miami boasting sophistication, history and culture. This city has a lot to offer, from the relaxation opportunities of South Beach to the incredible Art Deco District which is home to 800 protected buildings. Miami blends city break and beach break perfectly, which makes it the ideal destination for a long weekend. We recently spent just three nights in the city, but would ideally recommend between five and seven nights for first-time visitors looking to experience everything this region has to offer.
Location
Miami is located on the southeastern coast of Florida. The nearest major airport is Miami International (MIA) which is located roughly a 15-minute drive from Downtown Miami or a 30-minute drive from South Beach. However, visitors could also fly into the nearby, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which is located approximately a 40-minute drive north of Miami.
In terms of getting around the city, Miami offers a host of transportation options. From the efficient Metrorail and Metrobus services that connect key districts. Car hire in Miami is relatively cheap (circa $50 per day for an SUV). However, parking, especially in popular areas such as Downtown and South Beach is limited and the price often reflects this!
Personally, during our trip to Miami, we chose to stick to Uber and Lyft services for exploring the city. Both Uber and Lyft are readily available in Miami, however, if like us you’re travelling with a little one, then you’ll need to ensure you have a travel-friendly car seat as drivers are not required to have their own.
Fridays are the best on this beach because locals love to gather together on the beach. During this time, they listen to music and do different family-friendly activities together. This happens mostly during the summer, and it’s something that even tourists would love to be a part of.
Attractions
The city of Miami has a lot to offer tourists. Some of our favourite things to do in the city include; Surfside
Surfside is relatively small compared to other beaches in Miami. It has a sleepy and calm atmosphere to it that anyone who wants to slow down will appreciate. Another great thing about this beach is that it’s a small beach town so everyone knows everyone. It won’t be hard to strike up a connection in this place.
South Pointe Park Pier
South Pointe Park Pier is probably one of the most raved-about beaches in Miami. Both tourists and locals love going and relaxing on this beach. The best thing about South Pointe Park Pier is that there’s a diverse set of things to do! You have a lot of places you can visit if you want to eat.
Around the area of the beach, there are so many amenities and attractions. There’s a playground, areas for picnics, and even areas for activities like fishing and people-watching.
The best thing about this beach is that it has a diverse crowd. So if you’re feeling a little social, opt to visit this beach.
Little Havana
Steeped in Cuban culture and tradition, Little Havana is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Miami. Famed for its cafés, restaurants, and Cuban cigar shops this region of the city has a lot of stories to tell.
We chose to explore Little Havana independently. However, I don’t feel as though we got the ‘true’ experience and were really able to understand and appreciate the history and the culture here. I’d therefore highly recommend booking a guided tour of this area instead. Both group tours and private tours run multiple times a day, 7 days a week and are best pre-booked online.
Art Deco Historic District
Nestled in the heart of South Beach is Miami’s Art Deco District. Now, I’m no architectural buff, but even still, it’s impossible not to appreciate the 800 preserved buildings here which make up the largest concentration of Art Deco architecture in the world.
Pastel-hued facades, porthole windows, and sleek, geometric designs will transport you to an era of cinematic grandeur. Better still, these buildings are more than just beautiful relics of a bygone era, instead most interiors have been gracefully transformed into; hotels, cafes, shops, and galleries.
Miami Children’s Museum
If you’re travelling with children between the ages of 1.5 and 7 years old then I’d highly recommend visiting the Miami Children’s Museum. This highly engaging and educational facility is one of the best places we have visited with our son Oliver and boasts a wide range of interactive exhibits designed to stimulate curiosity and learning.
From a colourful art studio to a ‘construction zone’, a music studio, and even a kid-sized supermarket, there are endless opportunities for fun and imaginative play. Whether your child dreams of being a firefighter, a television presenter, or a sailor, the Miami Children’s Museum allows them to delve into a world of role-play, exploration, and most importantly, fun.
South Beach
If you’re looking to relax while in Miami then look no further than the famous South Beach. Stretching along the coast, this beach is the ultimate relaxation destination. With its soft sand and turquoise waters, it offers a serene escape from the bustling city.
Depending on how long you plan to spend on South Beach, and your budget, you can either lay your towel down on the sand or rent a beach chair or sun lounger (roughly $20 a piece depending on the facility)
Wynwood Walls
Situated in Miami’s vibrant Wynwood neighbourhood you’ll find the renowned outdoor art museum, Wynwood Walls. When I first mentioned on Instagram that we were travelling to Miami, this was the number one place people suggested we visit, and it did not disappoint.
The venue was established in 2009, by developer Tony Goldman and aimed to rejuvenate the warehouse district by transforming it into a hub of street art and creativity. Here you’ll find an extensive range of large-scale murals created by internationally acclaimed street artists which rotate each subsequent year, with a new selection of both national and international artists ranging from old-school graffiti artists to up-and-coming talent.
Los Angeles
Situated along the Pacific coast of Southern California, the city of Los Angeles is systems with the TV and film history, and the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood.
Much like Miami, the city of Los Angeles successfully marries the dynamic vibe of a bustling city with the serene appeal of a coastal getaway and offers a variety of attractions from world-class museums like the Getty Center and The Broad to the sun-kissed shores of Venice Beach or the historic narratives embedded in downtown LA.
Location
Situated on the west coast of the United States is Los Angeles, California. This city, and county by the same name is primarily served by one of the busiest airports in the world Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The traffic in and around Los Angeles is known worldwide for being terrible, however, the traffic around this airport is something else entirely. Therefore based on our own experience, we highly recommend accounting for extra time to get to / from the airport and arriving at LAX early for your return flight.
Other nearby airports that serve tourists visiting Los Angeles include; Burbank and Orange County’s John Wayne. These airports may be more closer and more convenient to where you are staying in Los Angeles. However, sadly they are only served by a limited number of airlines and flights.
When it comes to getting around Los Angeles, there are some public transport options such as the FlyAway from LAX to Union Station, the Amtrack and local buses. However, the stops are limited given the size of the city and surrounding areas.
Instead, visitors to the area will want to look at using rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft or getting a rental car. Renting a car in LA starts at around $45 per day depending on the vehicle. However, the cost of the rental isn’t the only thing you’ll want to consider as additional costs such as insurance, parking and gas often double if not triple the total cost.
Given that Los Angeles is car-centric it’s no surprise that parking can often be a challenge, particularly in high-traffic areas such as Hollywood, Downtown LA, and beach communities. So while renting a car provides flexibility, it also provides a lot of stress.
For that reason, we’ve always opted to use Uber and Lyft while in Los Angeles. However, that’s based on us staying within the city and neighbouring areas. If you’re looking at heading down to San Diego or up to San Francisco then either public transport or a rental car will be the better option.
Attractions
The city of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas have a lot to offer tourists, especially theme park enthusiasts with both Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood within a 90 minutes drive of each other. Some of our personal favourite things to do in Los Angeles include;
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a 1.3-mile long street that stretches from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue on Hollywood Boulevard, while an additional short segment runs down Vine Street to Sunset Boulevard.
This iconic walkway is embedded with more than 2,600 five-pointed stars made of terrazzo and brass, each of which honours a notable personality from the entertainment industry… be it cinema, television, music, radio, or theatre.
If you’re looking for some of the best gifts from California. Then you’ll find these sold in the souvenir stores located along The Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Disneyland California
Situated in the heart of Anaheim, California, is the Disneyland Resort. Covering a massive 500 acres, this area consists of two theme parks; Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, and one entertainment area, Downtown Disney. All of which give visitors plenty of things to see and do.
The Disneyland Park was the very first theme park built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney himself. It features eight themed “lands” with classic attractions like the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the whimsical It’s a Small World.
Meanwhile, the Disney California Adventure Park celebrates the adventurous spirit of California and takes visitors on a journey across various themed lands that encapsulate the state’s rich history and culture, from the golden era of Hollywood in Buena Vista Street to the rugged charm of Grizzly Peak.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Encompassing a vast 415 acres, Universal Studios Hollywood brings together the thrill of a theme park and the magic of a real working movie studio. Rides and attractions here include The World Famous Studio Tour which takes visitors on a one-hour tram ride behind the scenes to see some of Hollywood’s most famous film and TV sets.
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is a small, affluent city located within Los Angeles County. This area is known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, and luxurious hotels.
Visitors to Beverly Hills can indulge in some of the world’s most expensive brands, dine at some of the most exclusive restaurants, and stay at some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Some of the best things to see and do in Beverly Hills include;
- The Beverly Hills Sign: Located at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Beverly Drive this sign is a popular photo opportunity for visitors to the city.
- Greystone Mansion and Park: This park offers stunning views of the city and is a popular spot for weddings and other events.
- Rodeo Drive: This three-block stretch of high-end boutiques is one of the most famous shopping destinations in the world.
Hollywood Sign
Initially created in 1923 as an advertisement for real estate development, the Hollywood Sign has become an emblem of Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Depending on your interest and fitness level you can either view the Hollywood Sign from various locations across the city or hike to it.
The shortest hike to the Hollywood Sign is on the Hollyridge Trail which is 5.0 miles (round trip). However, this hike does not take you as close to the Hollywood Sign, nor does it take you around the back of the Hollywood Sign as some of the other trails available.
Miami vs. Los Angeles Weather
Both Miami and Los Angeles are cities by the ocean and are seemingly parallel to each other. This means that they have very similar (but technically different) weather. The positions of these two cities make them have a tropical-like climate and weather. Both cities are generally sunny all year round.
However, Los Angeles has warmer weather compared to Miami. It experiences more sunny days, but not by a lot. Los Angeles is actually a drier city compared to Miami.
Miami experiences more rain, which makes the weather in Miami more balanced than it is in Los Angeles.
Is It Hotter in Miami or Los Angeles?
Considering that Los Angeles experiences more sunny days and is drier than Miami, it tends to be hotter in Los Angeles than in Miami.
Miami vs. Los Angeles Population
Los Angeles is one of the largest cities in the world, so it’s no doubt that it has a greater population than Miami.
Los Angeles has a population of approximately 16.4 million people. On the other hand, Miami has a population of almost 5 million people.
Lot of love …
Julia.
