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[laorfamily]

Having lived abroad and visited many places I know, as you all, that what the tourist sees is rarely a representation of the country.

What do you think are popular touristic Meccas which completely misrepresent the US?

In my opinion those are NYC and Las Vegas.

NYC, which I go to frequently and love, is not your typical city anywhere, it is distinct even in the US and does not represent the country.

Las Vegas, in my opinion, represents everything that’s bad about the US.
Everyone in those two cities are tourists, even if you live in the area.

[rbisset]

I've only been to the USA for a couple of days and only been to LA, Vegas and NYC. I have to admit I was very surprised with Las Vegas, I thought it was a great city! Sure it's OTT and very tacky but that's what you expect. Do you go there thinking it's a representation of the real America? No. It's a tourist trap but it's very good at what it does.

New York on the other hand is just a great city full stop. I did basically no tourist stuff at all and generally spent the 4 days I was there ambling around Manhattan doing nothing in particular. I found it a great place to do nothing I also did no shopping at all and probably spent less than $100.

I'd happily go back to either of these places.