1

"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby (1942)

Image: Ivan Dorofeev

This is a perfect choice to start with. One of the most iconic holiday songs of all time, "White Christmas," definitely holds a special place in the hearts and minds of all Americans.

Released in 1942, the song became an instant hit and was played on every radio station. It even went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide!

Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Bublé are just a few of the legendary artists who made their own version of this classic song. It's one of our favorites for the holiday season!

2

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley (1956)

Image: Drew Beamer

The 1950s introduced one of the most exciting musical innovations to the spotlight: rock and roll. And when it comes to rock, we have to mention the King.

In 1956, Elvis released his iconic "Heartbreak Hotel," which had everyone singing along at the top of their lungs with the unforgettable line, "You made me so sad, oh, so sad."

An undeniable hit, "Heartbreak Hotel" was pivotal for Elvis Presley's career, as the song became his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. We've already rushed to play it; we hope you do too!

3

"Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry (1958)

Image: Erik Mclean

We know we promised "only one per decade," but it's just too hard to stick to that rule! We couldn't resist including this legendary Chuck Berry track.

Yes, we're talking about "Johnny B. Goode," the 1958 hit that could make even a statue dance! When this song hits your ears, it’s nearly impossible not to give in to its charm and start moving. With its unforgettable electric guitar riff right from the start, this tune is instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever set foot in this beautiful country.

Not only was this song an instant hit, but it also gained even more fans when it was featured in the 1985 film Back to the Future.

4

"Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan (1965)

Image: weston m

Now, let's pause the dancing for a moment to focus on the lyrics and melody of one of the greatest songs ever.

"Like a Rolling Stone," released by the amazing Bob Dylan in the year 1965, introduced listeners to Dylan's iconic rock sound. Acclaimed and celebrated by critics and audiences alike, the song features something unusual for the time of its release: it's almost 6 minutes long!

But its lengthy duration did not hinder the track from becoming a hit, and it certainly didn't prevent it from evolving into a classic.

5

"Hotel California" by Eagles (1976)

Image: Diane Picchiottino

When someone mentions the Eagles, the first song that instantly comes to our minds is the iconic "Hotel California," released in 1977.

This hit features great lyrics and an exceptional sound, reaching millions of listeners and inspiring covers in different musical genres and languages. While interpretations of its lyrics are many and varied, one of the most popular theories is that it metaphorically explores the dark side of rock stardom.

Featuring one of the most iconic guitar solos in rock history, "Hotel California" remains a timeless gem that we continue to enjoy to this day.

6

"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson (1982)

Image: Markus Spiske

It's time to put on your dancing shoes again. Just two seconds of this song is enough for anyone on Earth to recognize it.

Every time Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" plays, it's like magic—everyone starts moving. And that has been true since its release in the early 1980s. In fact, the song spent seven consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the best-selling singles in history!

Did you know that Michael Jackson first showcased his Moonwalk dance during a performance of this hit?

7

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana (1991)

Image: Jurian Kersten

This song is the quintessential symbol of the 1990s and one of the most defining tracks of grunge.

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" was released in 1991 as the lead single from Nirvana's second and most iconic album, Nevermind . It quickly became a sensation and is often considered an anthem for Generation X.

There’s a humorous story behind the song’s title: Kurt Cobain's friend wrote "Smells Like Teen Spirit" on a wall as a joke, and the singer just loved it. It turns out "Teen Spirit" was actually a brand of deodorant, but Cobain didn't know that!

8

"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston (1992)

Image: israel palacio

Get ready to grab some tissues, because this one might bring on a few tears.

Remember the 1992 movie The Bodyguard ? Beyond the incredible performances of Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, one of the most celebrated aspects of the movie is its beloved soundtrack.

The song was originally written and recorded by the great Dolly Parton in 1973, almost 20 years before the movie. Whitney Houston recorded "I Will Always Love You" in 1992 specifically for The Bodyguard . Her cover surpassed the original version in popularity, becoming one of the most listened-to romantic hits of all time.

9

"Umbrella" by Rihanna ft. Jay-Z (2007)

Image: Kittitep Khotchalee

Welcome to the 21st century, where everything is a bit more accelerated.

You've probably heard, "Under my umbrella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh." That's the catchy chorus from "Umbrella" by Rihanna featuring Jay-Z, released in 2007 as part of her album Good Girl Gone Bad.

The song got people all over the world dancing and singing along, topping charts in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and other countries.

Its iconic music video, featuring rain and an impressive umbrella choreography, inspired countless replicas.

10

"Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (2014)

Image: Greyson Joralemon

If you feel like dancing, this is the track you should play. This song is all about rhythm!

Released in 2014, "Uptown Funk" combines modern sounds with a funky retro beat that immediately takes you back to the 1980s. This mix was the key to captivating everyone! This song quickly became popular, with everyone knowing the lyrics by heart. Its success was unprecedented, spending an incredible 14 weeks at #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

With its upbeat vibe and infectious rhythm, this is one of the defining songs of the mid-2010s.

1

Hollywood

Image: Jake Blucker

Palm trees, long roads, and one iconic mountain with a most recognizable sign that reads "Hollywood." This place is much more than just that—it’s become a symbol of big dreams and even bigger screens.

Since the early 1900s, Hollywood has been the heart of the world’s movie industry . Films that reach global audiences have been made every single day ever since. Americans popularized the blockbuster, and movie stars like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean became household names worldwide. With events like the Oscars, red-carpet premieres, and starry paths like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the place keeps the mystique alive. This results in millions of tourists flocking to the iconic Hollywood sign every year, hoping to catch a glimpse of stardom. From romantic comedies to superhero flicks, Hollywood movies have a unique style that’s unmistakably American. And hey, who hasn’t secretly wanted to be in the movies?

2

The American Dream

Image: frank mckenna

Few phrases denote the American spirit as much as the "American Dream," and no, it’s not just that it’s right there in the phrase. It’s the fact that the phrase has become a source of inspiration for more than one generation. The American Dream is about the chance we all get (or should get) in life to achieve success, regardless of our background.

The idea is rooted in the belief that hard work and determination can lead to prosperity—a notion that has attracted immigrants and risk-takers for centuries. From the Gold Rush to Silicon Valley, the Dream has evolved but remained relevant because it speaks to the essence of the human spirit.

The American Dream can mean building a home, becoming a CEO, or attending an Ivy League college. It doesn’t matter—it's a concept that feels uniquely American, where ambition is practically a national pastime.

3

Fast food

Image: Kenny Eliason

When people think of American food, fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC often come to mind. While fast food wasn’t exactly created in our country, it certainly popularized the quick-and-easy dining experience.

There’s something uniquely American about the convenience of a drive-thru and the guilty pleasure of a cheeseburger and fries. Fast food became a symbol of the American lifestyle in the 1950s, when suburban families sought meals that were fast and tasty.

Today, we even have healthier options, which proves that the industry can adapt while keeping its original charm. It’s quick, it’s familiar, and for many, it just feels like home.

4

Baseball

Image: Joshua Peacock

Speaking of institutions, enter baseball! Rooted in the 19th century, baseball has been a staple of American culture—generations of families united through teams, ballparks, and timeless rivalries .

The crack of the bat, the seventh-inning stretch, and the smell of hot dogs are classic hallmarks of the American baseball experience. You can perfectly picture that, can’t you? The World Series is one of the most anticipated events each year, attracting fans from all over the country.

While it’s played elsewhere, no one embraces baseball quite like America. From Little League to Major League, it’s a sport that feels imprinted in our history. Baseball captures something timeless about America, just as it always has.

5

The Fourth of July

Image: Stephanie McCabe

Summer starts, and with it, one already starts thinking about a certain barbecue, under some certain fireworks, celebrating a certain national date, right?

Every summer for the past 246 years, Americans have gathered to celebrate Independence Day with a bang . Well, not precisely that many years, but you get the point.

The Fourth of July marks the anniversary of the US independence in 1776, and it is celebrated with parades, BBQs, and fireworks displays.

Patriotism meets tradition, and we get flags waving, sparklers shining, and people enjoying a day off work with loved ones. Many cities host grand parades, and fireworks shows light up the skies from coast to coast. There’s nothing quite like the Fourth in this country; it’s a holiday with heart and history.

6

The Wild West

Image: Jeremy Alford

The Wild West conjures images of cowboys, saloons, and dusty trails that are purely American. This period in the 19th century was marked by westward expansion, tales of rugged frontiersmen, and gold rushes.

That was the beginning of cowboy culture, but certainly not the end. Even today, the cowboy spirit lives on in American folklore and pop culture. People still visit old Western towns and attend rodeos to catch a glimpse of that era.

We mentioned Hollywood, and that’s also connected to this because Western movies helped immortalize the myths of the Wild West, with iconic gunslingers and epic standoffs. Although the frontier is long gone, the independent, adventurous spirit it represents still resonates. Don’t you think?

7

Silicon Valley

Image: Amy Vosters

First the cowboys, the gold rush, and the expansion of our territory. But after that was settled, development and innovation knew no bounds, and thus we got places like Silicon Valley—a city that represents modern times and the technology that will take us into the future.

Located in California, this is where major tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook all got their start, transforming the area into a hotbed for innovation . Silicon Valley has impacted everything from our daily routines to global communication, with inventions that changed the world. The region is home to countless startups, bringing together brilliant minds and bold ideas.

This technology-driven culture reflects the American spirit of invention and risk-taking. It’s a place where possibilities seem endless, and tech dreams come true.

8

American football

Image: Tim Mossholder

As if baseball wasn’t enough of a cultural activity, American football came to be the country’s favorite sport, bringing people together on fall weekends to cheer for their teams and boo the rivals—admit it!

While other sports are popular worldwide, football, the NFL, and the Super Bowl in particular, are unique to the US. The thrill of game day, with fans tailgating and players charging down the field, is unmatched.

The Super Bowl has even become a cultural event, complete with halftime shows and commercials that people actually watch! Where else have you ever seen something like that?

From high school games to professional leagues, football is a major community event. Fans don their jerseys and root for their team through thick and thin. As American as it gets, right?

9

Route 66

Image: Mateusz Szerszyński

The Main Street of America, the Will Rogers Highway, the Mother Road—how many nicknames can one route have? Well, apparently, that’s what you get when you become the most famous route on the continent.

Route 66 is an iconic symbol of American freedom and adventure. It stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, and this historic highway takes travelers through diverse landscapes and all kinds of towns.

Route 66 has been immortalized in songs, stories, and even neon signs in roadside diners. Though parts of the road have faded, its legacy remains strong in American culture. Route 66 represents the spirit of exploration that defines our nation. After all, who doesn’t love a good road trip?

10

The Bald Eagle

Image: Mathew Schwartz

Think of words that describe our country. You might be thinking of words like "resilience," "freedom," or maybe even "fierceness." Did we get it right? In any case, if you agree with us on those words, you’ll see that they could describe America or the bald eagle, which was chosen as the national emblem in 1782. This majestic bird has come to represent the United States’ fierce independence.

With its impressive wingspan and piercing gaze, the bald eagle is often seen soaring high in American skies, symbolizing strength and vision. Although once endangered, conservation efforts helped bring the eagle back from the brink, making it an environmental success story. The bird appears on everything from coins to government seals, proudly representing the nation. Even in popular culture, the bald eagle is a go-to image for patriotism. Don’t you just love it?

1

Statue of Liberty

Image: Erik Lindgren

We’ll start with what’s probably this city’s most famous icon. Lady Liberty has welcomed the "huddled masses" that arrived in NYC since the 19th century. You probably know that this statue was a gift from France to the American people, but did you know Gustave Eiffel, the engineer behind the iconic Eiffel Tower, built its metalwork?

Another fun fact: While nowadays the Statue of Liberty is world-known for its green hue, this wasn’t always the case. In fact, when she was inaugurated in 1886, Lady Liberty sported a reddish-brown color more befitting of copper , the metal she is made of. However, after years of oxidation due to exposure, the statue eventually became green.

2

Empire State Building

Image: Dana Andreea Gheorghe

The state of New York’s official nickname is "The Empire State": Some credit George Washington with coming up with this term, inspired by this state’s wealth and disposition. In that sense, this magnificent skyscraper stands as a proud homage to this sentiment and is one of the most recognizable figures in NYC’s skyline.

This 102-story skyscraper is located in the Manhattan borough and was, for a while, the tallest building in the world. It has been featured in over 250 films and TV shows since one of the most iconic scenes in movie history was filmed there: 1933’s King Kong showed the titular giant ape perched on top of the tower.

3

Brooklyn Bridge

Image: Brandon Day

At the time of its inauguration in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world: It stood as an engineering masterwork, both for its length and its innovative and unique design. But what’s truly amazing is that the Brooklyn Bridge has continued to amaze and inspire millions of New Yorkers for over 140 years.

The bridge was designed by John A. Roebling, assisted by his son and chief engineer Washington Roebling. This NYC landmark eventually became a family affair: After John Roebling fell ill and was bedridden, his wife Emily contributed to see the project to completion.

4

Broadway

Image: Eddie Bugajewski

Looking for a night at the theatre? Then Broadway is the place to be. This street is synonymous with excellent plays and musicals, up to the point that it has become a metonym for the entire industry. Broadway offers 41 professional theaters, each with 500 seats or more, offering quality performances for thousands of people each year.

Alongside London West End’s district, Broadway is known as the highest level of theater entertainment in the English-speaking world. In that sense, Broadway represents the crème de la crème of American theater, up to the point of inspiring the name of other NYC theaters, which are known as "Off-Broadway" or "Off-off-Broadway".

5

Central Park

Image: Dana Andreea Gheorghe

Looking for a quick stroll through green scenery? Then head on to the most famous NYC park. While definitively the most iconic, you might be surprised to learn that Central Park is not the biggest park in the city: In fact, it’s only in sixth place. Having said that, this iconic location is still massive enough to fill a big part of New York City’s skyline with its lush green.

Central Park was built over a period of approximately 50 years during the 19th century, from its proposal in the 1840s to its completion in 1876. Nowadays, it features several iconic monuments and features, like the USS Maine National Monument, the Strawberry Fields Memorial, and the Central Park Zoo, which showcases over 160 different animal species.

6

New York Public Library Main Branch

Image: Chris Ladouceur

Libraries are known as "the guardians of knowledge", and New York City’s Public Library is no exception: With approximately 53 million items, this New York institution has preserved American culture and knowledge since 1895.

While the library has over 90 locations across the city, its most famous location is probably the main branch building, located in Manhattan. This location, officially known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, showcases the library’s famous stone lions guarding its entrance. Fun fact: These lions were nicknamed ‘Patience’ and ‘Fortitude’ by NYC Mayor Fiorello La Guardia.

7

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Image: Pascale Amez

Standing at the heart of Brooklyn since 1911, Brooklyn Botanic Garden houses over 14,000 plants and trees, which welcome approximately 800,000 visitors every year. Besides showcasing these lovely specimens, the Garden offers educational and conservation programs, as well as a special garden inspired by the works of William Shakespeare.

While everything in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is certainly worth visiting, its main attraction is its 200 cherry trees, featured across its Cherry Walk and Cherry Esplanade. Thousands of tourists from all around the world gather in the garden during Spring, to watch these gorgeous trees blossom.

8

Grand Central Terminal

Image: Afif Ramdhasuma

You would think there’s not a lot of tourist value in a train station, but trust us: Grand Central Terminal is definitively worth the visit. This stationnot only showcases beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture and design, but it also perfectly encapsulates the busy and energetic everyday that New Yorkers take so much pride in.

Notably, the terminal has been featured in countless films and TV shows: Approximately 25 large-scale films are shot in the terminal each year. Most of these films have been shot on the famous 'Track 34,' which doesn’t block filming since it doesn’t have structural columns.

9

Met Museum

Image: Changqing Lu

We could have included a great number of museums in this list: After all, New York City is home to hundreds of fine art institutions. However, we ended up choosing the most visited museum in the United States, and one of the most respected cultural establishments in the world: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as " the Met ".

Founded in 1870, the Met is located in located right next to the eastern edge of Central Park. The museum houses over 1.5 million objects, including Ancient Egyptian art and paintings from masters like Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso.

10

Flatiron Building

Image: Serge Pelletier

This iconic building showcases the resilience and strength of New Yorkers. While nowadays is known as a New York institution, at the time of its opening it was sometimes called "Burnham's Folly": Many believed that the building, designed by Daniel Burnham, would eventually be knocked down by the wind due to its unique triangular shape.

And yet, this skyscraper still stands, 120 years after its inauguration. Its sleek and avant-garde design has truly cemented the Flatiron building as an architectural wonder.