Your Guide to 3 Big Cities: New York-Philadelphia-Washington, D.C.
Your Guide to 3 Big Cities
In less than a week, it’s simple to visit three of the most fascinating cities in the United States.
A six-day itinerary that takes you from the tall skyscrapers of New York City, New York, to the streets of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, rich in history, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., will offer you an introduction to the cuisine, customs, and spirit of the nation.
Admire the Renowned Sites of New York City
New York City, sometimes referred to as “the city that never sleeps,” provides endless food options, top-notch shopping, and breathtaking city views.
Start your trip in Midtown, where you can discover Macy’s, one of the biggest department stores in the world, Times Square’s flashing billboards, and Broadway performances that offer cheap tickets at the TKTS booth in the well-known square. The Empire State Building is located nearby. For views from above, ride the elevator to the 86th and 102nd story viewing decks. Another significant department store, Bloomingdale’s, and the Rockefeller Center are located nearby. Explore the internationally acclaimed artworks at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, take a leisurely stroll along Central Park’s shaded paths, and pay a visit to the park’s zoo by venturing a little further uptown.
Take a day trip to Lower Manhattan’s downtown, where you can see the 9/11 Memorial, take the free Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty, peruse the boutiques and galleries in SoHo, and cross the Brooklyn Bridge to sample the fashionable dining and art scene in this hip district.
Philadelphia Provides Historical Instruction
Situated approximately halfway between New York and Washington, D.C., Philadelphia offers a diverse range of historical landmarks, quaint neighborhoods, and an exciting culinary scene.
A large number of the most well-liked sites are close to the old city center. You should allot several hours to explore Independence National Historical Park. This is the location of the famous Liberty Bell and the site of the USA’s 1776 declaration of independence from Great Britain. Rittenhouse Square, an upmarket district featuring a public park, and Reading Terminal Market, an indoor food emporium, are both accessible by foot.
Spend a few hours perusing the world-class collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, whose steps are well-known from the “Rocky” films. At the foot of the museum’s steps, stop and strike a photo with the Rocky Balboa statue. Take a stroll along Schuylkill River Park’s picturesque waterfront to return to downtown.
Aside from museums and history, Philadelphia has a thriving culinary industry. The cheesesteak sandwich, made popular by competing outdoor stands Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, should not be missed.
Monuments and Museums Abound in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, is home to some of the most recognizable landmarks and museums.
The National Mall, a sizable open area that passes through the center of the city, should be the main focus of your visit. Take a few hours to stroll around the nation’s landmarks, such as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Many of the museums of the Smithsonian Institute are also close to the mall. All of them, including the well-known National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum, are free. The white-domed U.S. Capitol Building, where Congress convenes, is located at the east end of the Mall, while the White House, the residence of the president of the country, is located immediately north of the mall.
After crossing the Potomac River into Virginia on your second day, go to Mount Vernon, the residence of George Washington, the nation’s first president, and Arlington National Cemetery, where you may witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visit Washington’s U Street Corridor at night for food and entertainment.
The Best Modes of Transportation Are Train and Bus
The most economical ways to go from New York City to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. are by bus using Megabus or Bolt Bus, or by Amtrak trains. The 156-kilometer travel by Amtrak from New York City to Philadelphia takes less than 90 minutes, whereas the less expensive bus route takes almost two hours. The train travels two hours and the bus travels three hours to cover the roughly 224 kilometers between Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Driving is another option to go between the cities, although parking can be expensive and difficult.
To round up your trip to three cities, check out these stores and cafes:
City of New York
Danny Meyer, the well-known restaurateur in New York City, is the owner of the upscale restaurant-bar Gramercy Tavern (42 E. 20th St.).
Lombardi’s Pizza (32 Spring St.) is a pizza joint with a 1905 opening that specializes in pizzas with a thin crust.
Shake Shack is a chain of burger and milkshake restaurants with outlets around Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City.
Philadelphia
Bud & Marilyn’s (1234 Locust St.) is a classy eatery and martini lounge serving creative takes on classic American fare.
Mercato (1216 Spruce St.) is an Italian storefront restaurant where you are welcome to bring your own alcohol or wine.
Parc (227 S. 18th St.) is a bistro with fantastic views of Rittenhouse Square that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Jaleo (480 7th St. NW): This iconic D.C. restaurant has Spanish tapas prepared by star chef Jose Andres.
Excellent supper and brunch are served at Le Diplomate (1601 14th St. NW), a French bistro located along the 14th Street corridor.
Former US presidents have frequented Georgetown’s Martin’s Tavern (1264 Wisconsin Ave.), a popular spot.