select - US gateways
Written by Oryx
There’s something about visiting America’s greatest cities that seems like stepping into a movie scene. Big, bold, and full of the icons of pop culture, they seem vaguely familiar, yet are full of surprises too: elegant vistas, sophisticated dining scenes, and outstanding cultural highlights.
Houston
One of the USA’s largest cities and a centre for big business and medical institutions, Houston is brash and friendly. Its formerly staid image has had something of an overhaul, with its city centre re-energised by specialty shops, ethnic restaurants, and a distinct worldly flavour. The city also has first-class galleries and museums, orchestras and ballet – not to mention the superb NASA
Space Center, and aptly-named NBA basketball team, The Rockets.
WHERE
Located on the coastal plains of eastern Texas, and a short drive from some outstanding beaches.
WHY
An impressive combination of top-notch arts, big business, and fine dining creates a sophisticated vibe.
HOW
Qatar Airways has daily flights to Houston.
Washington DC
Whatever you may think about politics , there’s no denying Washington DC is one of the world’s great capital cities: truly grand and graceful, and a terrific place to visit. Dotted with shady parks and monuments, graced with outstanding museums (most of which are free), and with a vigorous nightlife and arts scene, the city also has an inspiring cultural diversity and friendly population. For many it’s the place to see first-hand all those symbols so familiar from television and the movies: the impressive Lincoln Memorial; the soaring Washington Monument; domed gravitas of the Capitol; and, of course, the White House – all of which have become icons recognised around the world. But there is much more to Washington: Old Downtown for a newly revitalised nightlife, Georgetown for a historic feel, and funky Adams-Morgan for weekend revelry.
WHERE
Built on a former swamp, so expect plenty of heat and humidity in the summer months.
WHY
No need to ask: this is the capital of the world, and a must-see destination for anyone curious about what makes America tick.
HOW
Qatar Airways has daily flights to Washington.
New York City
No need to start spreading the news: New York rightly has a reputation as one of the world’s greatest cities. Big and bold, the metropolis is constantly upgrading and reinventing itself, much to the delight of residents and repeat visitors alike. Explore neighbourhoods such as West Village, where bohemian chic meets cutting-edge fashion, SoHo for nightlife, and NoLita for its chic dining scene. Then walk through Central Park, visit the Statue of Liberty, linger at the Rockefeller Center (from the famous ice rink at its foot to the splendid viewing floors at its summit), and sashay on down Fifth Avenue for some of the world’s best shopping. Then there’s the city’s cultural life, which is nothing short of superlative, whether it be performing arts at the Lincoln Centre or museum exhibits at The Met, the iconic Guggenheim, or MoMA.
WHERE
Right on the north Atlantic coast: prepare for the chill if visiting in winter.
WHY
Still one of the world’s coolest places, New York has glamour and style, and all just a yellow taxi ride away.
HOW
Qatar Airways has daily flights to New York, JFK airport.
