The Coolest Cities in North America

From Boston to Vancouver, our latest research reveals the coolest of North America’s cities.

While everyone’s definition of ‘cool’ may vary, there’s no denying that North America is home to some of the world’s most exciting and dynamic cities. From buzzing food scenes and innovative art hubs to thriving music cultures, there’s a city to suit every style and energy. But which North American cities truly stand out as the coolest?

To answer this question, the team at Betway has analyzed 50 of the most populated cities across the US and Canada, ranking them based on key factors associated with being cool. This includes the median age of residents, number of street art murals, number of vegetarian/vegan bars and restaurants, number of record stores, number of upcoming music events and the number of tattoo parlors.

Where are the coolest cities in the United States?

What makes a city cool often goes beyond its reputation or famous landmarks – it’s the unique blend of culture that provides the energy. From thriving music scenes and vibrant street art to foodie hotspots and inclusive, laid-back vibes, the coolest cities offer something authentic, exciting, and effortlessly memorable.

*All metrics except median age have been indexed based on the number of places and events per 100,000 people. The table includes the raw number of places and events.

1. Boston

Boston proudly claims the title of the coolest city in the United States, thanks to its perfect blend of history, innovation, and youthful energy. As a renowned hub for education and progress, home to institutions like Harvard and MIT, the city attracts a young, forward-thinking crowd – reflected by its status as the youngest city, with all residents being ages 32 on average.

This fusion of past and present is woven into Boston’s culture, particularly in its thriving food and drink scene, which boasts 59 hidden gem bars and restaurants per 100,000 people, from secret speakeasies to cosy cafes. The city’s creative energy spills onto the streets as well, with 18 murals per 100,000 people brightening its walkable, character-filled neighbourhoods. It’s this distinctive mix of heritage, innovation, and cultural flair that firmly secures Boston’s spot as the coolest city in America.

2. Las Vegas

Las Vegas, famously known as the City of Sin, secures second place – offering much more than just bright lights and casinos. Its entertainment culture is truly unmatched, from legendary artist residencies to breathtaking Cirque du Soleil productions, making it a magnet for live performances. This is reflected in the city’s staggering 346 upcoming music events per 100,000 residents – more than double that of any other city.

Beyond its show-stopping entertainment, Las Vegas shines as a foodie haven, particularly for those with dietary preferences, boasting 113 vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free restaurants per 100,000 people, alongside 32 hidden gem eateries, offering unique culinary experiences off the beaten path.

3. Portland

Taking third place is Portland, renowned for its alternative, creative spirit. The city’s music scene is as diverse as its residents, spanning everything from rock and jazz to classical, and pays homage to its rich musical roots with 6 record stores per 100,000 people – perfect for vinyl lovers and music enthusiasts alike.

Known as one of the most progressive cities in the U.S., Portland embraces individuality and self-expression, something clearly reflected in its thriving tattoo culture. With 117 tattoo parlours – 19 per 100,000 residents – it boasts the highest density of tattoo studios in the country, making it the ultimate city for those looking to wear their personality on their sleeve.

4. San Francisco

San Francisco earns its spot among the coolest cities in the US, effortlessly blending a rich cultural heritage with a vibrant, modern edge. While it has one of the oldest populations among major cities, it’s anything but dull – its streets are alive with creativity, boasting an impressive 80 street art murals per 100,000 people, transforming neighbourhoods into open-air galleries.

The city’s diverse neighbourhoods have created a paradise for food lovers, especially those with specific dietary needs, offering 106 vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free restaurants per 100,000 people (815 in total, the second highest in the top 10).

5. Seattle

Seattle ranks as the fifth coolest US city, renowned as a thriving hub for technology and innovation, with global giants like Amazon and Microsoft headquartered in the city. This forward-thinking reputation attracts a younger, dynamic crowd, reflected in its average age of 35 years. Beyond tech, Seattle’s music scene is just as vibrant, boasting 123 upcoming music events and 6 record stores per 100,000 people, reinforcing its rich creative spirit.

Rounding out the top ten are: Denver, celebrated for its vibrant culture and gateway to outdoor adventure; Nashville, the iconic ‘Music City’ renowned for its legendary country music scene; Washington D.C., the nation’s capital and a hub for politics, history, and professionals; Detroit, steeped in rich automotive heritage and a growing arts scene; and Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, home to Hollywood and countless famous faces.

Where are the coolest cities in Canada?

Most of Canada is pretty used to being cool due to the colder climate, but we’re looking at a whole different type of cool – let’s see which Canadian cities rise above the rest as the hip place to be.

*All metrics except median age have been indexed based on the number of places and events per 100,000 people. The table includes the raw number of places and events.

1. Vancouver

Taking the crown as Canada’s coolest city is Vancouver, and not just because of its chilly climate, effortlessly blending urban energy with breathtaking natural surroundings. Known for its progressive, multicultural vibe, the city offers something for everyone.

Its streets are alive with creativity, boasting 16 vinyl record stores, while the 48 tattoo parlours add to its edgy appeal – both making self-expression part of the city’s cultural fabric. Vancouver’s inclusive food scene means that those with dietary restrictions can easily find something to eat, with 107 restaurant options per 100,000 people catering to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets (644 in total) – that sounds pretty cool to us.

2. Victoria

Victoria earns second place, with its cool-ness extending far beyond its gorgeous greenery and landscapes. The city particularly stands out for its culinary scene, boasting 89 dietary-friendly restaurants per 100,000 people, catering to a variety of preferences including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

For those wanting a more unique dining experience, the city is home to 14 hidden gem restaurants per 100,000 residents, providing plenty of unique, off-the-beaten-path dining experiences. Combined with its scenic waterfront and vibrant culture, it is clear to see why Victoria is such a standout location for those seeking a cool, laid back lifestyle.

3. Montreal

Montreal ranks in third place for Canada’s coolest cities. Home to plenty of Festivals and birthplace to Cirque de Soleil, Montreal thrives on creativity. This is reflected in its lively music scene, with 802 upcoming events – 50 per 100,000 people – making it a true hotspot for live performances. Poutine, one of Canada’s most iconic dishes, is one of Montreal’s largest exports, so it’s no surprise the city also boasts a buzzing foodie scene. With 9 hidden gem restaurants per 100,000 people (138 in total) locals and visitors have plenty of under-the-radar spots to discover.

4. Edmonton

Edmonton claims fourth place, standing out as the youngest city in the ranking with an average age of 36 years. Nicknamed ‘Canada’s Festival City’, it thrives on its vibrant arts and music scene, boasting 27 upcoming live music events per 100,000 people.

5. Calgary

Calgary strikes a balance between youthful energy and urban sophistication where residents are aged 37 on average. The city offers a pretty decent selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dining options, with 52 per 100,000 residents. For those seeking unique experiences, Calgary is also home to 73 hidden gem restaurants, cafes, and bars, or 7 per 100,000 people.

Each city has its own distinct blend of creativity, culture, and character that makes them ‘cool’ – and while this may mean different things to different people, there is no denying that these cities truly stand out from the crowd.

Sources and Methodology

To find out North America’s coolest cities, we created a seedlist of 50 major cities across the US and Canada, then ranked them based on the following metrics: