5. Yellowstone National Park

What is Yellowstone National Park?

It's a 9000 square km park that contains half of the world's geysers, mudpots, and other geological features that stink a bit but are worth it. It's also home to mountains, lakes, and a grand canyon of its own, as well as bears, bison, elk, wolves and other animals. 

What is Yellowstone National Park like?

In places, Yellowstone is like being on another planet. Steam and gases pour out of openings in the earth (called fumaroles) from the volcano that lies underneath the park. Mudpots just bubble away. It's a completely unique and incredible place. 

Where is Yellowstone National Park?

Wyoming, Idaho, Montana USA 

When did we go?

September 2012 

How did we get there? 

We flew to Seattle, where we also visited Pike Place Market (343), then drove down towards Denver staying in various towns along the way. We stayed just outside Yellowstone for three nights. 

Worth noting: 

Old Faithful is the geyser that you're most likely to see erupt - it does its thing every 44-125 minutes. 

What was Yellowstone's place in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

61. It moved up 56 places in the latest edition

Does Yellowstone deserve its higher place on the 2020 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

Absolutely.

 

13. Grand Canyon National Park

What is the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon is a huge split in the earth where the ground has been eroded by the Colorado River over millions of years. It's 277 miles long, a mile deep, and 18 miles across in places. The colours of the exposed rock are stunning.

What is the Grand Canyon like? 

It's breathtaking. It has to be seen. 

Where is the Grand Canyon? 

Arizona, USA

When did we go? 

February 2009

How did we get there? 

We flew to Las Vegas and had a couple of nights there before hiring a car and driving out to the Grand Canyon for 3 nights. We stayed just outside the park near the South Rim. We didn't do any hiking or rafting but I would recommend them.

Worth noting:

It's well worth getting up early for the sunrise (or hanging around for sunset).

The Grand Canyon's position in the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travelist 2015 edition:

6. It dropped down 7 places in the latest edition.

Does the Grand Canyon deserve its lower place in the 2020 top 500? 

No way. The Grand Canyon is my number one, all day long.

20. Yosemite National Park

What is Yosemite National Park?

If Yellowstone is about geysers and bison, Yosemite is about waterfalls, rocks, and giant sequoia trees.The park stretches over a thousand square miles, although most visitors head to Yosemite Valley. It has some of the most challenging rock climbs in the world, including El Capitan and the Half Dome.

What is Yosemite like? 

We'd been to Yellowstone a couple of years before and I didn't think Yosemite could beat it. It did - it's just so different. We loved it.

Where is Yosemite National Park? 

California, USA

When did we go?

April 2015

How did we get there? 

We did a road trip from San Diego up to San Francisco. We also visited the Golden Gate Bridge (60) and Alcatraz (was in the 2015 edition but removed in 2020). 

Worth noting:

Mariposa Grove was probably my favourite part of Yosemite. The giant trees are just incredible - I had wanted to see a tree that you could drive through since I was a kid. It had fallen over but it was still amazing.

What was Yosemite's position on the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travelist?

21. It moved up one place in the latest edition.

Does Yosemite deserve its place in the 2020 top 500?

Yes, without a shadow of a doubt.

 

60. Golden Gate Bridge

What is the Golden Gate Bridge? 

It's an art deco bridge, completed in 1937. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at that time, stretching 1.6 miles (it's now the 9th longest).  

What's the Golden Gate Bridge like? 

It's very striking, mainly due to its unusual colour. The story goes that the steel for the bridge was coated in a red lead primer and one of the architects, Irving Morrow, saw it one morning and decided that the tone was right for the surroundings and should be used permanently.  They settled on a shade called 'International Orange'. It was called the Golden Gate because that's the name of the strait that connects the Pacific to San Francisco Bay.  

Where is the Golden Gate Bridge? 

San Francisco, USA 

When did we go? 

April 2015  

How did we get there? 

We did a road trip from San Diego up to San Francisco. We also visited Yosemite National Park (20) and Alcatraz (was in the 2015 edition but not 2020). We got to the bridge itself on a 60 minute hop-on/hop-off bus trip that also took in Sausalito.

Worth noting: 

There were only six bridges in the 2020 edition of the Top 500. Lonely Planet chose the Golden Gate because of its relationship with the weather - it looks incredible on foggy days apparently, which won it a place over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and others that didn't get a mention. So try and go on a foggy day as well as a sunny day (not impossible in SF).

Where was the Golden Gate Bridge on the 2015 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travelist? 

101. It has subsequently risen up the ranks by 41 places. 

Does the Golden Gate Bridge deserve its higher place on the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500? 

It's one of the world's most iconic sights, so yes. Does it deserve to be ahead of Niagara Falls and the Pyramids? Not so sure. 

138. New Orleans French Quarter

What is New Orleans French Quarter?

New Orleans was founded in 1718 by the French, who had claimed Louisiana in the 1690s. It was then ceded to the Spanish in 1763 before the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The French Quarter has therefore retained architecture and culture unlike anything else you'll find in America. 

What's New Orleans French Quarter like?

It has an atmosphere unlike any other. The music, the voodoo, the food...if you only ever make it to two American cities, go to New York and New Orleans.

Where is New Orleans French Quarter?

Louisiana, USA 

When did we go?

July 2009 

How did we get there?

I went to a conference there for work. Pete didn't want to come and meet me in the city afterwards as he "hated jazz" and at the time I didn't realise what a mistake that was. I met him in New York instead but I'm not sure I ever stopped telling him what an opportunity he'd missed.

Worth noting: 

A Streetcar Named Desire is set near the French Quarter - the playwright Tennessee Williams considered New Orleans his spiritual home.

Where was New Orleans French Quarter in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travelist?

It was a new entry in 2020.

Does New Orleans French Quarter deserve its place in the 2020 edition of the Lonely Planet Top 500?

Absolutely. I loved it there.

188. Wizarding World of Harry Potter

What is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an area of Universal Studios theme park in Florida. It is currently split into two sections: the first is a recreation of Hogwarts Castle and the village of Hogsmeade, with three rides (the Forbidden Journey, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Flight of the Hippogriff). The second section is a recreation of Diagon Alley, which includes the Escape from Gringotts ride. Each section has a train station, with the Hogwarts Express ride connecting the two parts. There are also countless shops and restaurants from the books and films.

What is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter like?

I'm not a huge Harry Potter fan but even I found it impressive. I'd visited the HP park in the UK, so the Diagon Alley section was as I expected. But Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle were beyond anything I'd imagined - the attention to detail was really special. It's a must-see for any Harry Potter fan. 

Where is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Florida, USA

When did we go?

August 2024

How did we get there? 

I went with my godsons and their parents, flying from London to Orlando and staying at the Swan Resort. We also visited Walt Disney World (410).

Worth noting: 

A third section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be opening in 2025, focusing on the Ministry of Magic.  

 

What was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter's place in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

It was a new addition in 2020. Walt Disney World, which had been listed at 155, was pushed down to 410 in the new edition. 

Does the Wizarding World of Harry Potter deserve its place on the 2020 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

It's undoubtedly impressive but I'm not sure it should be so high in the rankings.

200. Empire State Building

What is the Empire State Building?

It's a 102-storey art deco skyscraper in Manhattan. It was the world's tallest building for 40 years until the World Trade Center North Tower was constructed in 1970. Construction of the ESB started on March 17 1930, rising 4.4 floors per week, so it was opened on May 1 1931, which is just astounding.

What's the Empire State Building like?

Like all buildings built for observation, you need to break it into three experiences; the sight of the iconic exterior towering over the city, the art deco interior, and then the views over New York from the top. It ticks all boxes on all three levels. 

Where is the Empire State Building?

New York, USA 

When did we go? 

July 2009 

How did we get there?

We stayed in New York for 3 days and saw the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (387) as well. We subsequently visited the National September 11 Museum & Memorial (316), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (295) and Times Square (removed from the 2020 edition) on other trips.

Worth noting: 

There are two observation floors. We went to the 86th as it's outside, while the one on the 102nd floor involves windows. The queues are horrendous. Avoid them at all costs - go early or late. However, don't let them put you off; one of Pete's sayings was "it's like going to New York and not seeing the Empire State". It has to be done.

What was the Empire State Building's position on the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

109 - it dropped down 91 places in the later edition.

Does the Empire State Building deserve its lower place in the 2020 top 500?

Pete would not be happy - it was one of his top buildings of the world and deserves to be much higher.

236. Las Vegas Strip

What is the Las Vegas Strip? 

The Las Vegas Strip is a 4.2 mile stretch of South Las Vegas Boulevard that contains seemingly endless casinos, hotels and shops. There are 29 casinos, many of them enormous, on the strip and countless others within a stone's throw.

What is the Las Vegas Strip like?

It is utterly unique. It's like being on another planet.

Where is the Las Vegas Strip?

Nevada, USA

When did we go?

February 2009 and July 2016

How did we get there? 

Pete and I first went to Las Vegas for my birthday in February 2009. We stayed a few days and then drove to the Grand Canyon (13) for a few nights, stopping at the Hoover Dam on the way. We went back in 2016 for my sister's 40th birthday.

Worth noting 

Do not miss The Beatles Love show at The Mirage. You can't see it anywhere else as far as I know. I am not usually a fan of Cirque de Soleil but Love is simply fantastic. 

Where was the Las Vegas Strip in the 2015 edition of the Ultimate Travelist?

It was a new entry in 2020.

Does the Las Vegas Strip deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500?

Absolutely.

287. National Mall

What is the National Mall?

The National Mall is a park in Washington DC that lies between the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building. It contains museums and various other sights. It is part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks that also contains the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool - this is the best map I could find. The National Mall is where people gather for presidential inaugurations. It has also been the location for protests and rallies, the most famous being the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. 

What's the National Mall like?

I really like Washington DC - it's so big and monumental and the National Mall is a worthy centrepiece. I couldn't stop thinking about Forrest Gump though. 

Where is the National Mall?

Washington DC, USA 

When did we go?

July 2010 

How did we get there?

We were on a mini road-trip - we flew in to DC, also visited the Lincoln Memorial (removed from the 2020 edition) and then drove to Fell's Point near Baltimore, followed by Atlantic City and then Philadelphia where we went to Independence National Historic Park (376).

Worth noting

The picture below is actually of Pete in front of the Reflecting Pool, which sits in the broader National Mall and Memorial Parks. The National Mall proper is behind the obelisk (the Washington Monument) - you can also just see the Capitol Building dome behind the obelisk. 

Where was the National Mall in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List? 

171

Does the National Mall deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500?

Yes - it contains so many monuments and has been the site of many historical moments.

295. Metropolitan Museum of Art

What is the Metropolitan Museum of Art? 

It's the largest art museum in the USA. The present building, which is located in Central Park off 5th Avenue, opened in 1880. 

What's the Metropolitan Museum of Art like?

It wasn't what I was expecting. It's definitely more of a museum than an art gallery. It has a lot of incredible paintings from Monets to Picassos to Caravaggios to Washington Crossing the Delaware but a lot of the galleries are devoted to Egyptian sculptures and artefacts (the Temple of Dendur was rebuilt in the Sackler Wing in 1978 when the Egyptian government gifted it to the US to save it from the Aswan Dam). 

Where is the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

New York, USA 

When did we go? 

April 2019

How did we get there?

I went to New York with my sister for a few days - we also visited the National September 11 Museum & Memorial (316), the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (387), and we saw the Empire State Building (200).  

Worth noting

The entrance tickets to the Met are expensive ($25) but they last for 3 days so you can go back a few times. This is very useful as there's way too much to do in one visit, as is the case for any enormous gallery or museum. The key is probably in planning ahead and identifying a few things you really want to see and then allowing yourself to be surprised as you wander around. I recommend trying to find the Met's lovely little mascot - a small Egyptian statue of a hippopotamus called William. You can see him in gallery 111.

Where was the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

80

Does the Metropolitan Museum of Art deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500?

I called this one right - it probably does deserve to be on the list but the 295th spot is nearer the mark than its previous position.

316. National September 11 Museum & Memorial

What is the National September 11 Museum & Memorial? 

It's the memorial on the site of the World Trade Center to the 2,983 people who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11 2001 and in the bombing of the WTC in 1993.

What is the National September 11 Museum & Memorial like?

Where do I even start? There were a whole number of things that stopped me in my tracks: there are two reflecting pools that sit in the footprints of the original Twin Towers and I was expecting them to be just that - two still pools. They're actually mindblowing - the picture below doesn't do it justice but the sheer size of them, combined with the power and sound of the water cascading down the sides and then falling into deep wells that symbolise bottomless pits of grief, just took my breath away. The names of the dead are inscribed around the sides and they're organised not alphabetically but in the groups in which they died - during telephone calls to loved ones, people inside the Towers were able to explain who they were with and that's how they are commemorated. The Museum itself is also amazing and full of artefacts and stories that will move you to tears and fill you with admiration.

Where is the National September 11 Museum & Memorial

New York, USA 

When did we go? 

April 2019

How did I get there? 

I'd walked around the Ground Zero area in 2013 without really grasping what was where. For this trip with my sister, I booked us on an hour-long walking tour with a nice man called John. I highly, highly recommend the tour. He explained how the area had looked before the attacks, what has been rebuilt so far, and how the area was being developed further to honour the dead and affirm the importance and power of life. He'd been working in Manhattan on September 11 and talked about his experiences as well as showing us around. We also visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art (295) on this trip.

Worth noting 

There's one tree that survived the devastation - four hundred new trees have been planted on the site but the first tree to bloom every year is the one that was pulled out of the rubble by the New York Parks Department, who scoured the site two weeks after the attacks to find any plants that might have made it. It is now known as the 'Survivor Tree'.

Place in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List? 

263

Does it deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

Absolutely yes, for a multitude of reasons.

343. Pike Place Market

What is Pike Place Market? 

Pike Place Market is a farmers' market in the centre of Seattle, Washington. It opened in 1907 and is today the most popular tourist attraction in Seattle, with more than 10m visitors a year. 

What's Pike Place Market like?

It's one of those rare places that has lots of tourists but lots of locals too.

Where is Pike Place Market? 

Seattle, USA

When did we go?

September 2011

How did we get there?

We started a roadtrip in Seattle, spending a couple of days in the city visiting the Space Needle and going to a ballgame to watch the Seattle Mariners. We then drove down to Denver via Yellowstone National Park (5).

Worth noting

It's home to Starbucks. The very first Starbucks opened at Pike Place Market in 1971. There was a very big queue outside, so I assume it's a place of pilgrimage for Starbucks fans.

Where was Pike Place Market in the 2015 Lonely Planet Top 500?

It was a new entry for 2020.

Does Pike Place Market deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

I was surprised that it was added, but it makes sense - it's the heart of Seattle.

376. Independence National Historic Park

What is Independence National Historic Park?

It's a 55-acre area of Philadelphia that contains a lot of buildings associated with the American Revolution and the USA's founding history. The buildings include Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed, and the City Tavern, a replica of the 18th century pub where the Founding Fathers used to meet.

What's Independence National Historic Park like? 

It's fantastic. It's small enough to walk round but there's plenty to see. The rangers that run the buildings are so proud and passionate about the history of the area that you come away with a real sense of what took place and how monumentally important it was.

Where is Independence National Historic Park? 

Philadelphia, USA

When did we go? 

July 2010

How did we get there?

We did a road-trip - we flew in to DC where we visited the Lincoln Memorial (removed from the 2020 edition) and National Mall (287), and then drove to Fell's Point near Baltimore, followed by Atlantic City and then Philadelphia. It was a fantastic trip.

Worth noting

Pete really wanted to go and visit Edgar Allen Poe's house - we didn't make it there on this trip but one day I'll go back.

Place in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

500

Does Independence National Historic Park deserve its place in the 2020 top 500?

Definitely. I couldn't understand why it was originally 500th on the list. I still think it deserves to be even higher up.

387. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

What is the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island?

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the people of the USA. It was built by Gustave Eiffel to designs by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and constructed on Liberty Island in the Upper New York Bay in 1886. Ellis Island is about half a mile away and was the point of immigration between 1892 until 1954 for 12 million people that entered the USA.

What is the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island like?

I can honestly say that one of the most mind-blowing moments of my life was standing in the crown of the Statue of Liberty and looking down on the book she holds in her hand (it shows the date of Independence Day). The statue is an iconic symbol and site that doesn't disappoint when you see it up-close. Seeing the statue from the boat is good, walking around it is incredible, and going inside and up to the crown is an mind-blowing experience that is both unsettling and not-to-be-missed. The Ellis Island museum is fascinating - the Great Hall where immigrants were processed is an incredibly evocative place. You can really imagine what it was like to arrive after a long journey full of hope and trepidation.

Where is the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island?

New York, USA

When did we go?

I went in July 2009 with Pete - we toured the bay on a boar and visited the museum. I went back in 2019 with my sister and we stopped at the statue and went into the crown on a pre-booked ticket. 

How did we get there?

Pete and I stayed in New York for 3 days and saw the Empire State Building (200) as well. My sister and I also visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art (295) and the National September 11 Museum and Memorial (316).  

Worth noting

You can join a boat trip that takes you to both locations. Only 240 people per day are allowed to climb to Liberty's crown. 1,000 tickets per day are issued for access to the pedestal.

What was the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island's position in the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travelist 2015 edition:

144. It indefensibly dropped an inexplicable 243 places. Shocking.

Does the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island deserve its place in the 2020 top 500? 

The biggest error in this whole book is the low ranking of the Statue of Liberty. It's probably the most iconic figure in the world! Should be top 50 at least!

410. Walt Disney World

What is Walt Disney World?

It's a huge entertainment complex near Orlando, Florida that opened in 1971. The original Disneyland in California could not be expanded, so Walt Disney and his team developed a new resort, which today offers four theme parks (including the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT), two waterparks, 19 hotels, golf courses, and sports facilities. It's better known simply as 'Disney World'.  

What is Walt Disney World like?

It's very easy to dismiss Disney World as commercial/twee/whatever other negative word you want to use. But I was really impressed. It's well organised, it has heart, and it makes people happy. Admittedly, there's a lot of queuing for rollercoasters in hot weather so it's not for everyone.    

Where is Walt Disney World?

Florida, USA

When did we go?

August 2024

How did we get there? 

I went with my godsons and their parents, flying from London to Orlando and staying at the Swan Resort, which is one of the hotels that gets you early access to the Disney parks.

Worth noting: 

There are a lot of other theme parks in the area, including Universal Studios and SeaWorld. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, also on the list at 188, can be found at Universal.  

What was Walt Disney World's place in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

It was at 155, so it dropped 255 places. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter seems to have taken the higher spot in the 2020 edition, entering the list at 188.

Does Walt Disney World deserve its place on the 2020 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

Yes.

430. Cape Cod National Seashore

What is Cape Code National Seashore? 

John F Kennedy preserved 68 miles of Cape Cod in 1961, creating the Cape Cod National Seashore. It has beaches, lighthouses, marshes, and towns, making it the ideal place to stay for sailing, surfing, hiking, cycling, and swimming.

What's Cape Code National Seashore like?

It's a mixture of things - it's a millionaire's playground but it's also full of tourists; it's quite olde worlde American and yet it offers modern sports and facilities.

Where is Cape Code National Seashore?

Massachusetts, USA

When did we go?

September 2010

How did we get there?

It was an 11 day trip - we spent a couple of days in Boston, then drove around Vermont, before returning to Boston for a couple more days via Cape Cod. Pete and I only ever encountered one bad hotel in all of our US travels and it was the one in Cape Cod - the service was rubbish.

Worth noting 

The Kennedy Compound, which consists of three houses all lived in by various Kennedys, can be found in Hyannis Port on Cape Cod, a bit further back towards Boston.

Where was Cape Code National Seashore in the 2015 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

323. It dropped 107 places.

Does Cape Code National Seashore deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500?

It's a unique and beautiful place and it has the JFK connection, so probably. And 430th is probably about right.

481. Everglades National Park

What are the Everglades?

The Everglades are tropical wetlands located in South Florida. About 20% of the Everglades are actually in the Everglades National Park, which is the third largest in the US (only Death Valley and Yellowstone are bigger).

What are the Everglades like? 

It's an amazing place for four main reasons: a) it's a great place to spot alligators, as they lounge around in the canals and are relatively easy to find b) it's great if you like birds, as there's a long, long list of species that hang around the Everglades, from pelicans to egrets c) there's lots of other wildlife, including dolphins, turtles, and the Florida panther (otherwise known as the mountain lion) and d) if you grew up in the 1980s you maybe remember a TV show called Gentle Ben, which was set in the Everglades and featured a ranger travelling around on an airboat. You can live that dream and go on an airboat in the Everglades.

Where are the Everglades?

Florida, USA

When did we go?

February, 2019

How did we get to the Everglades?

Pete and I drove through the Everglades in 2007 on our first ever trip to the US - we stayed in Miami and then drove across to Naples on the I75, otherwise known as "Alligator Alley". We didn't stop though, so today I went back - I was in Fort Lauderdale with work and stayed on to join an Everglades Safari that picked me up from my hotel and lasted all day. 

Worth noting

The whole safari was great but the airboat was the highlight for me, so definitely try and do that if you go.

Where were the Everglades in the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List 2015 edition?

442. They dropped by 39 places.

Do the Everglades deserve a place in the 2020 top 500?

Definitely. I would have expected it to move up the list, not down. 

 

Alcatraz

What is it: Alcatraz is an island situated 1.25 miles from San Francisco that became famous as a prison. Because of the dangerous currents between the two, it was used to house some of the USA's most notorious criminals (Al Capone was in there for a while). It is claimed that no prisoner successfully escaped from Alcatraz in 29 years, although quite a few tried: 23 were caught, six were shot and killed during their escape, two drowned, and five listed as "missing, presumed drowned". It was closed in 1963. 
What's it like: The audio tour is probably the best one that I've ever done - I highly recommend it. It brings the whole thing to life. 
Where: San Francisco, USA
When: April 2015
How: We did a road trip from San Diego up to San Francisco. We also visited the Golden Gate Bridge (60) and Yosemite National Park (20). Alcatraz is a short boat ride from Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco.
Worth noting: There was an ex-prisoner signing books when we were there.
Place in the 2015 version: 228 

Did it deserve to lose its place in the 2020 top 500: Pete would have been furious that Alcatraz lost its place - he'd have put it in the top 100. 

 

Times Square

What is it: It's an area of Manhattan that sits at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue. It's one of the world's busiest pedestrian zones, with 50 million people visiting every year. There are billboards, restaurants, and all kinds of entertainment on offer. It was originally called Longacre Square until The New York Times moved its headquarters there in 1904.

What's it like: It's very, very busy, but if you only ever visited one sight in New York it would have to be Times Square.

Where: New York, USA 

When: October 2013

How: We took my sister there for her first trip to New York (it was also Pete's birthday) - she's in the picture below.
Worth noting: I didn't know this until now but in The Killing of Georgie, Rod Stewart sings about him becoming "the toast of The Great White Way". The Great White Way is a term used for the section of Broadway between 42nd and 53rd Streets that includes Times Square. Pete would have loved that factoid.

Place in the 2015 edition: 208

Did it deserve to lose its place in the 2020 top 500: I said back in 2015 that Central Park deserved a place more than Times Square. Central Park didn't get a mention this time either. It's a shame to see Times Square drop out but I can live with it.

Lincoln Memorial

What is it: It's a building designed to look like the Parthenon in Athens that contains a huge statue of Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated in 1865. The Memorial was dedicated in 1922. Martin Luther King delivered his 'I have a dream' speech on its steps in 1963. 
What's it like: It's literally awesome. The statue itself has a vast yet human air about it, while the building feels like a temple.   
Where: Washington DC, USA 
When: July 2010
How: Pete and I did a mini road-trip - we flew in to DC, where we also saw the National Mall (171), and then drove to Fell's Point near Baltimore, followed by Atlantic City and then Philadelphia where we went to Independence National Historic Park (500).
Worth noting: See it at night as well as in daylight - I didn't see it lit up and I wish I had*  
Place in the 2015 edition: 259

Did it deserve to lose its place in the top 500: Have they lost their minds? It should be top 100.

* I later achieved this! I went back in May 2019 while I was in Washington on a work trip and saw him at night :)