The US cities ranked as most fun in 2025 — and NYC barely makes the cut

Las Vegas Takes Top Spot for Most Fun City in America, NYC Falls Short

A new year has brought a fresh list from WalletHub, ranking the most fun cities to be had in America. In its end-of-year consensus, Las Vegas tops the list as the ultimate entertainment destination, with Orlando taking second place.

According to the report's key metrics, Las Vegas boasts an impressive array of entertainment venues, top-notch restaurants, and a thriving nightlife scene that makes it a hotspot for those seeking excitement. While it comes at a price tag, fans of Sin City can take comfort in knowing it's one of the most affordable cities for grabbing a burger.

Orlando rounds out the top two with its two crown jewels – Disney World and Universal Studios. These iconic theme parks draw visitors from far and wide, offering an unparalleled entertainment experience that caters to all ages and interests.

Miami takes third place due to its stunning beaches, vibrant watersports scene, and lively nightlife. The Magic City's reputation as a haven for partygoers is well-deserved, with plenty of opportunities for revelry on land and sea.

Atlanta earns fourth spot, largely thanks to the world-class Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola experience. However, not everyone agrees that Atlanta deserves to take center stage over NYC.

"NYC, on the other hand, is like the cool kid who's lost its edge," says Marie Rao, a design and branding expert who has lived in both Miami and NYC. "Sure, it's got the best restaurants, but good luck getting a table."

Meanwhile, New Orleans brings up the rear of the top 5 with its infectious jazz culture and Mardi Gras celebrations that never fail to get the party started.

As WalletHub notes, having fun can be expensive, with the average American spending over $3,600 annually on entertainment. However, the personal finance company site acknowledges that everyone's brand of fun is different, and a place offering a little bit of everything for everyone is sure to please.

NYC ultimately falls short in the rankings, coming in at 14th place. While it has its share of charm, the city's competitive dining scene makes it difficult for some to truly let loose.

Despite the rankings, cities like Chicago, Denver, and San Francisco make the top 20 list, solidifying their reputations as must-visit destinations for fun-seekers.

In conclusion, while Las Vegas takes the top spot for most fun city in America, it's clear that each destination has its unique charm and attractions. Whether you're seeking adventure, entertainment, or simply a good time with friends and family, there's something on this list to suit every taste and preference.
 
omg u gotta think about las vegas being the ultimate entertaiment destination is kinda crazy lol they have everything from casinos 2 top-notch resturants n a nightlife scene that never sleeps i mean its def one of the most affordible cities 2 grab a burger n enjoy ur self but u gotta pay 2 see the sights on the strip which can get pretty pricey 4 some ppl 🤑

and yeah orlando n miami r awesome too their theme parks & beaches r unbeatable 🏖️🎢 but i feel like atlanta got snubbed 4 ny city 👎 NYCs got its share of charm but it can be super expensiv 2 get a table @ one of those trendy restaurants n try 2 have fun without breakin the bank 💸
 
I think NYC getting knocked out of the top 3 is kinda sad 🤕. I mean, it's still an amazing city with so much to offer, from iconic landmarks to world-class museums. But yeah, I guess if you're looking for a wild party scene like Vegas or Orlando, those places might be more up your alley 😎. On the other hand, I love how WalletHub acknowledges that everyone's idea of fun is different - NYC might not have the flashiest nightlife, but its restaurants and cultural scene are unbeatable 🍴🎨. And who needs Mardi Gras when you've got Broadway shows and Central Park? 🌃
 
OMG I am literally so done with Las Vegas being the top spot for most fun city in America 🤯🎉 it's just so... commercialized, you know? like don't get me wrong, it's got its perks - the shows, the restaurants, the nightlife - but it's all just so over-the-top and expensive 💸 I mean, who needs to spend $3,600 on entertainment in one year? 🤔 not me, that's for sure. And what about NYC? I know some people are gonna say it's not as fun, but come on, the city that never sleeps has SO much more to offer than just dining out 🍴👌 and besides, have you been to a rooftop bar in Brooklyn or Manhattan during happy hour? game changer 💥. And don't even get me started on Orlando - Disney World is so not my vibe 😒 I mean, I love theme parks as much as the next person, but it's just so... touristy 🤪. Give me a city with some real character and charm any day of the week 👍
 
omg what's up with vegas being number one tho? i mean dont get me wrong it sounds like fun but isnt it kinda weird that its the top spot just cuz of all the casinos and stuff? 🤔 idk about dis city, has anyone been to las vegas recently? my friend went there last year for a birthday party and said it was super lit lol also whats up with nyc not being in the top 5 tho? i mean doesnt it have like world class restaurants and museums galore? 🍴🎨
 
🤷‍♀️ so i guess vegas wins the prize for most fun city... lol i mean who needs personal space when u can have a never-ending parade of glittery lights and overpriced buffets? 😂 orlando's got its theme parks, but let's be real, those are just really expensive playgrounds 🎠👀 nyc is like the cool aunt that used to be fun but now just wants to complain about how expensive everything is 😒 anyone else still wanna visit the city for a good slice of pizza and some mediocre museum vibes? 🍕🏙️
 
Las Vegas at number one? I mean, it's not surprising 🤑. All the casinos, shows, and restaurants are definitely a draw for party animals. But, have you ever been down Main St after dark? It can get pretty wild 😂. Still, I think NYC gets a bad rap here. People always say it's overpriced and crowded, but that's just part of its charm, right? 🌆 It's like the city never sleeps for a reason 💤.

Orlando takes second place, no surprise there either 🎢. Disney World is an iconic destination. But have you ever had to deal with crowds of screaming kids on the last day of summer vacation? 😩 Not exactly my idea of fun.

I'm not sure why Miami didn't take first place though 🤔. The beaches and nightlife scene are top-notch, no doubt about it. And it's way more laid-back than NYC or LA. Maybe they just didn't factor in the sunshine and sea breeze as entertainment perks? ☀️
 
I gotta say, I'm surprised by the ranking of NYC 🤔. I've been there like 5 times and it's always an amazing experience 😎. Sure, it can be pricey but that's part of its charm 💸. I mean, where else can you find a 24/7 pizza joint or a Broadway show at midnight? 🍕🎭 It's not about being the cheapest option, it's about having access to world-class entertainment and culture all in one place 🌆. Maybe they need to revisit their criteria because for me, NYC will always be number one 💖.
 
Las Vegas takin' over everything 🤯. I mean, who needs personal space when you can have overpriced buffets and mediocre shows? 💸🎭 And don't even get me started on the crowds 🚪. I'm surprised they didn't include Orlando's theme park overcrowding in their "fun" metrics 🤦‍♀️. Miami's got some cool beaches, I guess 🏖️, but it's all just a bunch of overhyped party spots 🎉. Meanwhile, NYC is just feelin' like its old self 😔, tryna be the city that never sleeps but can't even get a table at a decent restaurant 🍴.
 
I think Las Vegas is like the ultimate party animal of cities 😂🎉! It's got everything - from casinos to shows, restaurants to nightclubs... it's like one big non-stop party! And you're right, it's not just about throwing money around, they've really thought of the people and have some super affordable options for food too. I mean, who doesn't love a good burger at 3 am? 🍔👍

But at the same time, I can see why NYC fans might be like Marie Rao - it's got its own unique vibe and energy that's hard to find anywhere else. And let's be real, trying to get into one of those trendy restaurants is a whole different level of fun 😂!

I love how WalletHub does these rankings though, they're so fun and light-hearted. It's all about what makes each city special and unique... and honestly, I think that's what makes America so amazing 🌎💖.
 
Las Vegas is just so overrated 🙄, like everyone thinks it's the only place for a good time, but honestly NYC has way more character than that noise 😴. Sure, getting a table at all those trendy restaurants is tough, but that's part of the charm, right? I mean, have you ever tried to grab a drink at 2 am in Vegas? It's just so... crowded 🤯. Give me a rooftop bar with a view over the Hudson any day 🌃. And don't even get me started on Orlando, it's like one big theme park bubble 🎉. I'll take a good old fashioned street festival or concert in Brooklyn any time 🎵.
 
omg i think nyc is so underrated 🤷‍♀️ i mean sure it's got the best restaurants but who needs fancy food when u can have a slice of pizza or a hot dog from street cart like in vegas 😂 vegas might be all about glitz and glamour but at least there u can walk out on ur tab or grab a cheap drink after midnight 🍺 meanwhile nyc is all about the luxury prices and strict no-service areas 👑 so while las vegas takes 1st place for most fun city i think nyc is still an awesome spot for those who wanna explore museums, shows & markets but not necessarily party like in vegas 💃
 
I gotta say, I'm a bit surprised by Las Vegas taking the top spot 🤔. Don't get me wrong, it's always been a city that knows how to put on a show, but I feel like NYC has so much more to offer when it comes to entertainment and culture 🌆. I mean, sure, it can be pricey to eat out there, but you get what you pay for - amazing food, world-class museums, iconic landmarks... it's just a city that never sleeps (in the best possible way 😴). At the same time, I can see why Vegas would come out on top in terms of sheer variety and options. But for me, I'd still take a night out in NYC over Sin City any day 💃🏻.
 
Las Vegas is crazy 🤯! I mean, who needs a quiet evening when you can have Cirque du Soleil shows and casinos galore? But seriously, it's cool that WalletHub recognized the city for its entertainment options. Orlando's got some sick theme parks too, no doubt about that 😂.

Miami being third is pretty reasonable, their beaches are always lit 🔥. And Atlanta getting fourth spot is a nice surprise - who knew they had all that cool stuff? NYC falling short is a bit disappointing, but I guess it's hard to compete with the price tag of living in one of the most expensive cities 🤑.

Still, there's something for everyone on this list, whether you're into jazz and Mardi Gras vibes or just wanna have a good time with friends. Can't beat San Francisco, Chicago, and Denver making the top 20 - they're definitely worth checking out 🌉
 
I gotta say, Vegas being the top spot for most fun city in America is pretty accurate, tbh 🤷‍♂️. I mean, have you seen the Strip at night? It's like a whole different world! And yeah, it comes with a price tag, but if you're gonna party like Rockstars 💥, you gotta be willing to splurge.

Now, I'm not surprised NYC didn't make the top 5, though 🤔. It's like Marie Rao said - it's got its cool kid vibes going on, but sometimes that can come across as trying too hard. And don't even get me started on the restaurants... $$$$ is just not my thing 💸.

Orlando and Miami making it into the top 3 isn't a surprise, though 🤩. Those places are basically theme park heaven 🎢, and who doesn't love that?! But for some reason, people always seem to forget about NOLA when it comes to fun cities... where's the jazz? 🎶

On the other hand, Atlanta kinda snuck into the top 4, but I get why it's there - that aquarium is straight fire 🐠! And if you're a Coca-Cola fan like me, World of Coke is basically heaven on earth 🌎.

But in all seriousness, rankings are just subjective, and what one person thinks is fun might not be the same for another 🤝. So yeah, let's give a shoutout to Chicago, Denver, and San Francisco making it into the top 20 - they're definitely worth visiting!
 
Las Vegas is just so overrated 🤣 I mean don't get me wrong it's got some sick shows and restaurants but the whole city is just like one big tourist trap. You gotta shell out top dollar for anything decent and even then you're still gonna feel like a robot at the buffets 🍴. NYC on the other hand has so much more to offer, from that iconic subway ride to the endless options of weird and wacky bars 🍺. But honestly I can see why it's ranked lower now that I think about it... all those people just trying to be Instagrammable 😂
 
las vegas is defo my fave spot for a party night out 🎉🍻 i mean who needs nyc when u have the strip right in ur backyard lol 💃🏼🕺️ vegas has everything u need 4 an epic night on a budget too. disney world and universal studios r like a dream come true 4 any fandom or theme park geek 🤩
 
I'm telling ya, folks 🤔, there's gotta be more to these rankings than meets the eye 😏. I mean, Las Vegas comes out on top for fun city in America? That's suspiciously convenient for the casinos and resorts that really profit from all that excitement 💸. And don't even get me started on Orlando and Disney World – they're basically just a front for the corporations to control our minds through theme park magic 🎢.

And what about NYC? They're just trying to cover up their declining reputation with fancy restaurants and a fancy ranking 😒. I'm not buying it. And Miami's got some serious issues going on beneath the surface – have you seen the sea levels rising around there? It's like they're trying to distract us from the real problems 🌊.

I swear, these rankings are just another way for them to keep us in line and distracted from what's really going on 🔍. Wake up, sheeple! 👀
 
OMG 🤯 I'm so surprised NYC didn't make the top 3! 🤔 It's like they say, "NYC, where do you wanna go?" 😂 But for real though, it's crazy how different opinions are on which city is the most fun. I mean, I love a good slice of pizza in Little Italy just as much as a fancy dinner at Carbone! 🍕👌

I think what really sets Las Vegas apart is its 24/7 vibe – you can party all day and night without breaking the bank (compared to other top destinations). And don't even get me started on the shows! 🎭 I'm a huge fan of Cirque du Soleil, and their performances are always so mesmerizing.

But hey, being ranked 14th isn't too shabby for The Big Apple! 😊 There's still so much to see and do in NYC, from the Met to Central Park. Maybe next year they'll give it another shot? 🤞
 
omg i completely disagree w walhubs rankings lol nyc is def where it's at for me! i mean don't get me wrong las vegas is cool and all but it's just so over the top you know? i'd rather spend my money on a fancy dinner at carbone or a comedy show at the comedy cellar. and omg atlanta should probs be in the top 2 its got that world class aquarium and world of coca cola which r honestly two of the best things to see in america. and new orleans is just so...new orleans 🎉 what's not to love about jazz music and mardi gras? anyway i think nycs "losing its edge" comment was super unfair marie Rao should probs do a follow up blog post on why she thinks that. btw has anyone tried the new burger joint in nyc? 👀
 
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