From Classic to Contemporary: America’s 10 Most Awe-Inspiring Architectural Cities

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By Samantha Collins

When it comes to impressive architecture, not all U.S. cities are created equal. Some towns are content with being cookie-cutter in their design, while other cities rise to the challenge! Recently, men and women met in an online discussion with one goal: To identify America’s ten most awe-inspiring architecturally beautiful places.

1. Chicago, Illinois

View of a Gothic revival building
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Anyone who loves architecture falls in love with Chicago; that’s one of life’s certainties. Featuring buildings in countless different styles (from Gothic Revival to Postmodern and everything in between), there’s a reason why Chicago is home to many booming sightseeing tours: The Windy City is absolutely gorgeous! If only Chicago were more affordable to live there!

2. San Francisco, California

San-Francisco
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Ignore what the media says about San Francisco’s safety issues in recent years. While it’s a problem, it takes nothing away from the jaw-dropping architecture. “For fans of architecture in a unique urban environment, I think San Francisco is tough to beat, even accounting for the parts of town that are dicey or unpleasant to be in,” reveals one woman. “Most of San Francisco is still pretty amazing and beautiful and consistently interesting and lovely to walk around.”

3. New York City, New York

Times-Square
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Although New York City’s stoic, Gotham City-like architectural design may turn off some people, many architecture fans describe the Big Apple as a dream city. New York’s nearly endless array of skyscrapers define the world’s busiest city. As a result, there is never a lack of amazing views to be found while visitors are sightseeing.

4. Detroit, Michigan

Flags fly over the entrance of the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel on Washington Blvd., downtown
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I didn’t immediately think of Detroit when the topic of most architecturally beautiful cities comes to mind, but one person puts it all into perspective. “What’s cool is that when Detroit [deteriorated], and everything shut down and became vacant, these buildings stood idle for decades,” reports one resident. “While the guts of the buildings got ruined and stripped, the skeletons and general health of the buildings held up just fine. Now, a lot of these buildings are being brought back to their former glory, and it’s fantastic to see! A notable building to visit is the Book Cadillac Building.” It sounds like I should visit Detroit!

5. New Orleans, Louisiana

New-Orleans-Louisiana
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Let me make one thing clear: There is no city quite like New Orleans. Lost in the enthusiasm surrounding Bourbon Street and beignets is the town’s unbelievable architecture. On every city street are homes designed with one purpose: To impress whoever walks by! Stepping foot in the Big Easy is like stepping into another world, where time stands still, and majestic architecture is all the rage.

6. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Winter scene of snow-covered adobe pueblo style building in Santa Fe, New Mexico
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I must hand it to the Santa Fe city planners: Every design element of the city was fine-tuned to perfection. As a result, Santa Fe feels like a love letter to the American Southwest. From the charming and unique buildings (even the main airport is designed in the Pueblo/Territorial Revival style that permeates the rest of town) to the welcoming population, Santa Fe has turned itself into one of the most can’t-miss destinations in the country.

7. Boston, Massachusetts

George Washington Monument at Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
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As one of the oldest cities in the United States, it makes sense that Boston is home to some of the most impressive architecture on the East Coast. I loved Boston because of the architecture,” confesses one visitor. “I was left more impressed than I anticipated. The Beacon Hill neighborhood felt like I was somewhere in Amsterdam. The Back Bay with the Boston Common and the Public Gardens felt like a mini Central Park/Upper East Side, especially around Commonwealth Ave.”

8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Railroad tracks that bisect Allegheny Commons Park West, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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The acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed many buildings in Pittsburgh, leading the city to garner a world-class design reputation. Pittsburgh is also located on a river, making each impressive piece of architecture even more breathtaking! The city’s Romanesque style, filled with arches, vaults, and towers, gives the skyline a decidedly dramatic yet welcoming look.

9. Cincinnati, Ohio

Sunrise-Over-the-Ohio-River
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Like Detroit, Cincinnati is one of the most overrated places in the U.S. regarding impressive architecture. “Cincinnati is low-key slept-on,” confesses one man. It’s a hidden gem of architecture, and the way it’s nestled in the hills along the Ohio River is art. It has no business being so pretty and yet so unrecognized.”

10. Buffalo, New York

Buffalo City aerial view from the top of the City Hall in downtown Buffalo, New York, USA.
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According to countless people, New York City isn’t the only place in New York with gorgeous architecture. “Buffalo, NY, actually surprises me every time I drive on I-90 entering the city,” explains one longtime resident. “The architecture of the skyline is diverse and impressive.” Many people don’t consider Buffalo worth visiting, but after testimonials like that, their opinions will change!

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