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American Gothic (1930) - Grant Wood

One of the most internationally recognized American paintings is undoubtedly "American Gothic" by Grant Wood. With a blend of realism and subtle humor, the artist captured the spirit of rural America during the Great Depression. According to legend, Wood was inspired when he saw a Gothic-style house in Iowa and wondered who would live in that house.

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Nighthawks (1942) - Edward Hopper

There are probably very few people in the world who haven't seen an image of Edward Hopper's iconic " Nighthawks ," referenced so often that it has become a part of pop culture. Although painted during WWII, this work captures something timeless and still relevant today: the loneliness of night in a bustling city.

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Whistler's Mother (1871) - James McNeill Whistler

A painting that marked a turning point in the art world is "Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1" by James McNeill Whistler, better known as "Whistler's Mother." This work transformed portraiture by embracing a sober, harmonious, and minimalist composition that prioritized conveying emotion over intricate detail. The calm expressed in the painting has been widely praised by critics and art scholars alike.

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The Gross Clinic (1875) - Thomas Eakins

Painted in 1875, "The Gross Clinic" by Thomas Eakins is a masterful realist work that revolutionized art through its dramatic use of light and shadow to portray the stark reality of surgery at the time. It's said that, when first exhibited, it shocked viewers so much that it was moved from the art section to the medical displays area of the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.

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Christina's World (1948) - Andrew Wyeth

"Christina's World" (1948) by Andrew Wyeth is a world-renowned realist painting celebrated for its beauty and depth. Inspired by his neighbor, Christina Olson, who suffered from a degenerative disease that restricted her mobility, the artist created a powerful image that has impacted for decades. The painting's influence also reached Hollywood, appearing in an iconic scene featuring Mélanie Laurent as Shosanna in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds (2009).

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No. 5, 1948 (1948) - Jackson Pollock

"No. 5, 1948" by Jackson Pollock perfectly defines Abstract Expressionism. As a pioneer of drip painting, Pollock broke away from traditional techniques and norms, revolutionizing not only how art was created but also how it was perceived and interpreted. In 2006, "No. 5, 1948" sold for around $140 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings at that time.

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Campbell's Soup Cans (1962) - Andy Warhol

When talking about pop culture, "Campbell's Soup Cans" (1962) by Andy Warhol is an essential reference. Even those unfamiliar with art recognize this work, as Warhol broke through the barriers of the academy to reach a broader audience. By transforming everyday objects into symbols of art, this iconic piece made a strong critique of mass production and consumerism.

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Portrait of George Washington (1796) - Gilbert Stuart

Gilbert Stuart created what is perhaps the most famous portrait of George Washington. Painted in 1796, this work helped define the image of the first US president throughout history. Although Stuart never completed the painting during his lifetime, it became the basis for many other depictions of Washington, including the image on the $1 bill.

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Freedom from Want (1943) - Norman Rockwell

You've probably come across this painting more than once. Inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1941 speech on fundamental human rights, Norman Rockwell created his Four Freedoms series. Among the four paintings, "Freedom from Want" (1943) stands out as an icon of American values from the time of its debut to this day.

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No. 61 (Rust and Blue) (1953) - Mark Rothko

Color Field painting wouldn't be what it is today without the groundbreaking work of American artist Mark Rothko, who, along with Barnett Newman and Clyfford Still, helped pioneer the movement. Rothko insisted that his paintings should be displayed and observed in dim lighting, as his use of color fields aims to evoke deep emotional responses in viewers.

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10. Honolulu, Hawaii

Image: Angela Bailey

Entering the heart of the Pacific can transport you to a world unlike any other, and Honolulu certainly lives up to its reputation as a destination for 2.7 million international travelers . With its backdrop of crystal-clear waters and the imposing presence of Diamond Head, nature's wonder is on full display. But Honolulu offers more than just beach vibes ; it's a journey through the rich history of the island chain.

Waikiki Beach draws crowds in droves, its allure immortalized in countless social media posts. And for those seeking a deeper dive into Hawaiian culture, the Bishop Museum stands as a treasure trove of artifacts and stories. Yet, to truly grasp the essence of Hawaii, one must experience the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival.

This place is in eternal improvement, always striving for better experiences for both locals and visitors.

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9. Boston, Massachusetts

Image: Kareya Saleh

Boston is one of the most visited cities in the country because it combines the best in history, culture, and innovation. It has a rich past and a bustling present and even if there’s another city that never sleeps, Boston doesn’t stay quiet either.

On the one hand, there are several trails that invite visitors to learn not only about America’s history but also about the diverse communities living within the city and the innovations that society experienced over 400 years. These trails are the Freedom Trail, the Innovation Trail, and the Walking City Trail .

But that is not all, Boston also bustles with sport and athleticism and no visit to Boston is complete until tourists have experienced the Boston Marathon , one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors.

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8. Chicago, Illinois

Image: Sawyer Bengtson

Every year, over a million travelers from overseas flock to Chicago and it’s no surprise why since Chicago has it all.

First let’s talk architecture, just a river cruise tour is enough to drop any visitor’s jaw with the stunning skyline that blends history with modernity in the most picturesque way.

Then there are also museums. The Field Museum, for example, houses a mind-boggling collection of over 40 million artifacts and specimens. Visitors could spend days there and still not see it all! And of course, Millennium Park is a must-visit to look at its iconic Cloud Gate structure, better known as The Bean.

However, no visit to Chicago is complete until one has a slice of pizza or a Chicago-style hot dog! Who doesn’t need one of those to charge up and continue their visit?

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7. Washington, D.C.

Image: Maria Oswalt

When travelers decide to include Washington D.C. in their itineraries, there’s not much planning to do, the city itself takes them along the most important spots around.

One can start at the iconic Washington Monument, smack dab in the heart of The Mall. From there, visitors find themselves surrounded by history and landmarks galore. The Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the Jefferson Memorial, and Tidal Basin. If that’s not enough, the Capitol is also there for tourists to see, and of course, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is a must.

Now, beyond the classics, there are also hidden gems to discover. For example, Planet Word, a funky museum that delves into the origins of language, has been housed in a historic schoolhouse since 2020. And for art lovers, the renovated National Museum of Women in the Arts is back in action.

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6. Las Vegas, Nevada

Image: Grant Cai

Las Vegas is a top contender in this ranking because of the different events you can witness there.

For example, the music scene is flourishing with epic concerts that take the stage of The Sphere. But beyond this, Vegas recently made waves with its inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and hosting the Super Bowl LVII.

For an unforgettable experience, no visitor can miss the Bellagio Fountains, depicted in many movies and TV shows throughout the years. These stunning water displays, set to music and lights, create a wonderful show right in the heart of Las Vegas.

Another must-see hotspot is the Fremont Street Experience. This vibrant, pedestrian-only street features a massive LED canopy that displays dazzling light shows, live music, and street performers!

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5. San Francisco, California

Image: Braden Collum

One visit to San Francisco is not enough, no matter how tight your itinerary is. Considering this, it’s no surprise it made it to the list of most visited cities in the U.S., it is jam-packed with iconic sights and experiences.

Travelers’ must-do list includes a ride on a cable car, a stroll down the famous Lombard Street, and a good view from the top of Coit Tower. Moreover, the Presidio Tunnel Tops has quickly become a favorite hangout spot, while the Landing at Leidesdorff offers cool pop-up cultural events.

If one is after views and sightseeing, crossing the Golden Gate is a plan you just cannot miss out on, its towering red spires against the backdrop of the bay are simply breathtaking. The Golden Gate Park also offers endless beauty to explore since it represents a sprawling oasis in the heart of the city.

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4. Los Angeles, California

Image: Venti Views

Los Angeles is the ultimate star-studded destination, drawing in millions of visitors each year. One of the city’s biggest draws is the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where you can stroll along the sidewalk and spot the stars of your favorite celebrities. Nearby, the legendary TCL Chinese Theater stands as a symbol of Hollywood’s golden era.

For thrill-seekers, L.A. houses Universal Studios Hollywood in which you can explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and get an inside look at how movies are made on the studio tour.

Of course, no trip to L.A. would be complete without a visit to its iconic beaches . From the bustling boardwalk of Venice Beach to the scenic shores of Malibu, there’s sun, sand, and surf to enjoy aplenty.

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3. Orlando, Florida

Image: Aditya Vyas

Orlando is a magnet for families seeking endless fun, drawing millions of visitors worldwide every year. The city's iconic attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and Legoland Florida Resort keep the excitement going year-round.

Beyond the theme park thrills, Orlando offers a taste of nature too. Whether it's birding at Gatorland Bird Rookery, kayaking with Epic Paddle Adventures, or zip-lining at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden , there's something for every nature enthusiast.

Plus, for those looking to explore beyond Orlando, the eco-friendly Brightline rail service connects Miami, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach.

At first sight, Orlando might seem like the perfect place to visit with kids, but it’s actually the perfect scenario for adults and couples on a romantic getaway!

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2. Miami, Florida

Image: aurora.kreativ

Miami is more than just beaches and parties, it is a cultural hotspot with endless things to see and do. Sure, South Beach and Ocean Drive are iconic, but Miami offers much more today.

Wynwood, once a neglected area, has blossomed into an art lover’s paradise. The Wynwood Walls boast 35,000 square feet of vibrant murals, making it the trendiest district in town. Don’t miss the Museum of Graffiti or the Nader Art Museum of Latin America.

Miami’s Magic City nickname is well-deserved with attractions like The Underline, a 10-mile-long urban park , opening in phases.

For a unique experience, check out Circ X, an avant-garde performance troupe that pushes the boundaries of traditional entertainment. Their shows are electrifying and unforgettable! Whether you are into art, nature, or luxury living, Miami is ready to receive every kind of visitor!

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1. New York City, New York

Image: Thomas Habr

New York City, the Big Apple, or the city that never sleeps, whatever you call it, there’s no denying its status as a global icon. From towering skyscrapers to world-famous landmarks, New York offers a dizzying array of attractions that captivate millions of visitors each year.

Times Square is a classic with its dazzling lights and bustling energy, it is definitely a must for first-time visitors. Take a Broadway show, snap a selfie with the iconic billboards, and soak up the electrifying atmosphere.

For a bird's-eye view of the city, head to the top of the Empire State Building or One World Observatory, the panoramic views are simply breathtaking. And if the views are what you are after, you cannot miss the chance to take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The Fifth Avenue, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and so much more to see!

New York is representative of the rest of the country, it is a melting pot of culture, cuisine, creativity, and more. The Big Apple never fails to leave a lasting impression!

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Brothers

Image: Juan Pablo Rodriguez

If you have siblings, you know that the relationship is often a mix of joy, complicity, and occasional rivalry.

The Wright brothers' bond was like that of any other pair of siblings. Wilbur, the eldest, was born on April 16, 1867, in Millville, Indiana. Four years later, he welcomed Orville, his younger brother and fellow adventurer, who was born on August 19, 1871, in Dayton, Ohio.

Their relationship, built on mutual respect and shared interests, led them to be the authors of nothing less than the first sustained, controlled flight in history.

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The toy

Image: Yurii Khomitskyi

While most of us are familiar with the Wright brothers' historic achievement on December 17, 1903, you might not know how it all began.

Believe it or not, that great adventure started with a toy. That's right! In 1878, their father, Milton Wright, brought home a small flying toy made of cork and paper, which flew thanks to an elastic band. This simple object sparked the brothers' curiosity, which would later become the driving force behind their groundbreaking work.

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Skilled mom

Image: Matt Artz

We all pick up a few tricks from our moms, don't we? Well, the Wright brothers were no exception. Their father wasn't the only one who fueled the little Wrights' curiosity; their mother, Susan Catherine Koerner Wright, also played a key role.

Susan had impressive mechanical skills and great practical problem-solving aptitudes. As the daughter of a wagon maker, she knew how to use tools to perfection, and often built household items and repaired appliances at home. Her mother's skills definitely influenced Orville and Wilbur's development!

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Entrepreneurs

Image: Curdin

The brothers were not afraid of business and entrepreneurship—quite the opposite!

From a very young age, Wilbur and Orville dedicated their time and effort to different jobs tied to their passions. One of their earliest endeavors was a bicycle sales and repair business in Dayton, Ohio. Of course, they didn't just focus on repairs; they gave free rein to their irrepressible imagination. The pair of siblings began designing and building their own bicycles, gaining a reputation as skilled engineers and raising money to finance their experiments with flight.

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All kinds of innovations

Image: Iqbal Pohan

On their path to becoming pioneering aviators, the Wright brothers made important contributions to transportation in many different ways.

Before them, bicycle wheels functioned adequately but often broke down and required regular maintenance. Luckily, Orville and Wilbur's ingenuity came to the rescue. The brothers created a system of greaseable wheel hubs, which provided better lubrication and, therefore, reduced the risk of failure. This innovation made bicycle maintenance less frequent and much more convenient.

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Coin toss

Image: Derrick Treadwell

Sometimes, fate must be left to chance —and that’s exactly what Wilbur and Orville Wright did at a crucial historical moment.

When they had already succeeded in creating a machine capable of flying and transporting them, it was time for the test. But they couldn't decide which of them would be the first to test their invention, so they let a coin decide.

The coin toss declared Wilbur, the elder brother, as the first to fly their aircraft. However, that first attempt failed. So, On December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orville piloted the Wright Flyer for 12 seconds, covering a distance of 120 feet and becoming the first man to do so in history.

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$1,000 plane

Image: History in HD

Did you know that the Wright Flyer—that impressive creation that allowed humans to fly sustainably for the first time in history—cost about $1,000?

That's right! For such an achievement, that price could be considered modest, right? However, the brothers worked very hard to reach their goal.

As you know, the money from their bicycle business, along with income from other ventures, provided the funds they needed to acquire the parts for numerous prototypes, conduct countless tests, and finally build and launch their spectacular airplane.

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Together

Image: Chalo Garcia

Wilbur and Orville were inseparable since childhood, yet as surprising as it may seem, the brothers only flew together in an aircraft once! This historic event took place on October 5, 1905, when they flew the Wright Flyer III.

It seems it was crucial for one brother to pilot the aircraft while the other stayed on the ground, watching over the flight to ensure the other's safety. Although one stayed on the ground while the other soared through the air, all their work was the outcome of a careful and dedicated team effort.

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Single

Image: Jack Douglass

As you might expect, the Wright brothers' intense focus on their work left little time for other pursuits, including love.

A fun fact about their personal lives is that neither Wilbur nor Orville ever married. While they formed friendships and social connections throughout their lives, there are no known partners, romantic relationships, or commitments of that nature. One thing is clear: the Wright brothers' one and only true passion was their work!

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Neil Armstrong souvenir

Image: NASA

Wilbur and Orville’s dream was to reach as high as they could—and so they did. However, their memory not only reached the skies but went beyond that and also reached the moon!

That's right, it was Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon, who carried a memento of the Wright brothers on his mission aboard Apollo 11. When the astronaut achieved the iconic feat of reaching the moon on July 20, 1969, he had with him a small piece of fabric from the Wright brothers' 1903 Flyer.

Through that small gesture, Armstrong honored the memory of his fellow Americans who, just like him, took a giant leap for humankind.