Over 12 days, you will visit New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Three essential metropolises of the US East Coast, allowing you to check off 3 US states on your map – New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
Your journey begins in New York, where you will also spend the most time (although I believe that after visiting it, you will agree that you wouldn't get bored there for several more weeks).
Next, you will travel by train to Philadelphia, a significant city from the beginnings of the USA – the US Constitution was written there, it was also the capital for the first 10 years, and for a long time it was an important financial center.
From Philadelphia, you will again travel by train to the current capital – Washington, D.C., where you will spend the last few days of your trip.
Your trip includes transportation from the airport to Manhattan, settling into your accommodation, and rest after your long journey so you have the energy to explore the city. Visa: A visa is required to enter the USA. A tourist ESTA will suffice for us; you can apply for it online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. The price is 21 USD, and the application result is usually known within about 1 hour of submission. You will need your passport for the application.
Upon arrival, arm yourself with patience; there are usually long lines at border control. When it's your turn, be prepared for a few questions, usually like "how long are you staying", "where will you be staying", "how much money do you have with you", "what is your job", etc., and also for having your photo taken and fingerprints scanned. Once you've completed everything, you'll get a stamp and you can proceed out of the airport.
🌍 New York 🌍
Entrance Tickets: To simplify the process of purchasing tickets for sightseeing or museums, I highly recommend buying a CityPASS (https://www.citypass.com/new-york), which includes admission to your chosen locations. In the itinerary below, the CityPASS covers entry to the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, the ferry to Liberty Island, and admission to the 9/11 Museum and the American Museum of Natural History.
Public Transportation: The entire city is beautifully covered by a public transportation network; you'll primarily use the subway. It's ideal to purchase a MetroCard, which costs $34 for 7 days + a $1 card fee.
Getting from JFK Airport to Manhattan: If you choose public transport, go directly from the airport to the AirTrain, which costs $8.50 and will take you to Jamaica Station in Queens. From there, you can transfer to the subway (ideally line E, which will take you to 7th Avenue station in the middle of Midtown Manhattan), or to the train (LIRR), which will take you to Penn Station.
If you choose a taxi, I recommend either Uber or a classic yellow cab, but make sure to ask about the price beforehand. From JFK to central Midtown Manhattan, the price should be between $70 and $90.
Local Tips: Orientation (except for the very south of Manhattan) is very easy thanks to the street and avenue names.
Streets are numbered from south to north and run from east to west.
Avenues are numbered from east to west and run from south to north.
For orientation in the subway, you can also use cardinal directions. If you want to go upwards (north) from your current location, always look for "Uptown" in the subway. For the opposite direction, look for "Downtown". Otherwise, I recommend using Google Maps, which will beautifully plan your route including public transport, clearly showing you which line to take, in which direction, and at what time, etc.
From the airport, follow the AirTrain signs that will take you to the departure hall of the elevated train connecting the airport to Jamaica Station in Queens. You can buy an AirTrain ticket from the machines located in front of the terminals to the departure hall. The ticket price is 8.5 USD per person. You can also buy a MetroCard at the same place, which you will use for traveling by subway. You can immediately top up the card in the machine - one subway ride costs 2.9 USD, I recommend loading 21 USD, if necessary, you can top up more money at any subway station in the machine. In addition, when purchasing a MetroCard, there is an additional 1 USD charge for the card itself.
In both cases, the machine will guide you step by step through the order and you will be able to purchase tickets without any problems. You can pay in cash or with a physical payment card.
If you want to take a taxi, there are plenty of typical yellow taxis right in front of the arrival terminal. I recommend asking in advance how much they will take you to Manhattan for. The price should be in the range of 70 - 90 USD.
Directly from the airport, you can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, from which you can either take the subway (ideally the E line) to the 7th Avenue stop, or take the train (LIRR) to Penn Station. Drop off your bags at your hotel and off to explore the first sights NYC has to offer!
At Jamaica Station, take the E train towards Manhattan and ride for 12 stops to 50 St station. From there, it's just a block's walk to the accommodation.
On your first day, you will walk the main shopping street and visit one of the city's biggest icons - the Empire State Building.
The iconic Times Square intersection is one of the places that comes to mind when you say New York. It's worth seeing both in the daytime and in the dark, although thanks to the ubiquitous billboards, it's as light as noon at night. Times Square is really busy during the day and you'll need to weave through the crowds a bit. Don't get caught out by people in costumes beckoning you to take a picture with them and other howlers. The ideal place to spot Times Square is the red steps in the north end.
This area used to be called "Longarce Square." It was renamed "Times Square" in April 1904 after the Times Building, which became the home of the prominent New York Times newspaper. This tower building was subsequently renamed One Times Square. Between 1913 and 2007, the newspaper was headquartered in a new building at 229 West 43rd Street, and since 2007 it has been based in the New York Times Tower.
One of the oldest skyscrapers, which is already a bit lost among the modern and higher buildings of Manhattan, but its illuminated top stands out after dark.
New York's main train station with a beautiful concourse that you may know from many movies or music videos.
You definitely don't just walk down 5th Avenue once. For one thing, it stretches through almost all of Manhattan, but there's also a lot to see. For one thing, there's a plethora of shops (and luxury stores), but there's also the famous Rockefeller plaza, the Empire State Building, and tons of other places you'll want to see.
A nice park surrounded by skyscrapers. During the winter you can rent skates and skate, during the summer you can stretch out on the grass or sit with a coffee/drink in one of the bistros near the park.
Icon of New York - Empire State Building. You don't have to worry about the entrance fee if you have purchased CityPASS. If not, admissions to all the sights range between $40 - $50 per person. No need to book in advance, you can get your ticket at the computer at the entrance to the building towards the observation deck. If you are interested, you can pay extra for access up to the antenna building.
Before the actual observation deck, you can walk through some very nicely designed rooms where you can see the history of ESB from construction to the present day, see photos of celebrities who have visited the observation deck, or perhaps see clips from movies in which the building has appeared. Then you can take the elevator up to the 86th floor, where you can enjoy the views of the city.
Another very famous skyscraper, which is also one of the oldest. It got its name because of its iron-like shape.
Take the R or W train uptown from 23 St station to 49 St station (4 stops)
Fast food chain with Chinese food. Panda Express is well known from various American movies or TV shows. Get the typical Chinese food in a box and take it with you to your accommodation for a true Panda express experience :)
On the second day, you will head to the southwestern part of Manhattan, where you will start at the newly built skyscraper district and gradually pass through to the quiet neighborhood of the upscale Greenwich Village, known among other things for its many jazz clubs.
For breakfast, I recommend stopping at least once at one of the "Deli's", of which there are tons all over NYC. They'll make you fresh sandwiches to your liking and for me, it's one of the TOP options for a quick and good breakfast. My favorite is the Bacon-egg-cheese bagel :)
Legendary sports and concert arena. I definitely recommend a visit. Whether you are a fan of the NHL (NY Rangers), NBA (NY Knicks) or going to a concert. The show you will experience here at sports games is unique. Tickets can be purchased either online at Ticketmaster or at the arena box office. The price for sports matches depends on the attractiveness of the opponent.
One of the newest prospects in Manhattan (along with Summit Vanderbilt) in the newly built modern Hudson Yards neighborhood. But the overlook is a great experience in itself, because unlike all the others, at the Edge you climb outside the building onto a protruding platform that's even glass in the middle. If you don't like heights, you'll probably find your feet a little shaky at first, but from here you have all of Manhattan in the palm of your hand. Conversely, if you're a big adventurer, there's the option to pay extra to be taken up to the tower, where you'll be hooked by the straps and suspended above Manhattan.
Original viewpoint in the middle of Hudson Yards, currently closed to the public.
A beautiful park that is built on the no longer functional tracks of the elevated railway. About 2 km walk with views of the bustle of Manhattan is a pleasant diversion.
Shops and streetfood in a converted factory hall. Original interiors and excellent food and drink. Chelsea Market is just a few yards from the steps of the High Line, be sure to stop in at least to have a look, but I believe you won't be able to resist sampling some of the eateries on offer.
One of New York's most expensive neighborhoods to live in. Once you arrive in Greenwich Village, you feel like you're in another city - no high-rises, quiet, few cars and people,... Residential buildings with steps to the door can be reminiscent of London.
If you're a Friends fan, be sure to check out the corner of Bedford St. and Grove St., where the building that featured in the show as the apartment building where the main characters lived is located.
For Sex and the City fans, Carrie Bradshaw's house, located at 64 Perry St.
If you have a sweet tooth, you shouldn't miss Molly's cupcakes, where you can taste the best cupcakes in NYC!
And if you enjoy music, be sure to check out the schedule of clubs in Greenwich Village, such as the Blue Note or Village Vanguard, and catch a concert. But feel free to go blind, I've never been disappointed with a performer yet. Don't expect old classic jazz though, much of the program is young performers who bring elements of R'n'B and other modern genres to jazz. The greatest jazz legends have played both clubs.
From W 4 St - Washington Sq station, take the Uptown direction on either the C or E line to 50 St station (5 stops total)
Pizza is another integral part of New York City, and you'll find a plethora of pizzerias around the city.1 Dollar Pizza is close to our accommodation and has good and, as the name suggests, cheap pizza. It's open late, perfect for a late snack when you come back after a concert :)
On Day 3, you will visit several key sites - the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ground Zero (WTC) and Times Square. I recommend leaving the Brooklyn Bridge crossing for before sunset - watching the sunset from the waterfront on the Brooklyn side is a great experience.
At the 50 St station, take line 1 towards Downtown to the Times Square - 42 St station (one stop), where you will transfer to line 2 or 3 towards Downtown and travel a total of 6 stops to the Wall Street station.
You can try breakfast at one of America's most popular fast food restaurants - Dunkin'. Sweet and savoury food lovers alike will be in for a treat.
The heart of the world's finance - Wall Street, which is full of businessmen in suits every day and is home to the New York Stock Exchange.
Manhattan's Financial District is one of the largest business districts in the United States and second only to Midtown in New York City. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, New York City was a major center for skyscraper construction (the only competitor was Chicago). The Financial District continues to form a distinct skyline today, separated from Midtown (Midtown) a few miles to the north but not reaching such heights.
The street's name derives from the fact that during the 17th century Wall Street represented the northern boundary of the settlement of New Amsterdam. In the 1740s, wooden fences enclosed the lots and residences in the colony. Later, Peter Stuyvesant, with the help of African slaves, built stronger fencing for the Dutch West India Company. A four-metre high wall of wood and earth fortified with palisades was built in 1653.
Headquarters of the American Stock Exchange. It is also the largest and most trusted stock exchange in the world.
The oldest church in New York City. Looking at it in the background, there is a nice contrast with the new World Trade Center building.
Memorial to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attack on the Twin Towers. Two "bottomless" pools the size of the original skyscrapers where they stood. Both pools are lined with the names of the victims. Occasionally, you will see a flower from a survivor stuck in one of the names, which only adds to the power of the place.
Museum of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Admission to the museum is on CityPASS, but you need to make a reservation in advance, which you can do on the CityPASS website. Alternatively, if you go to the museum on a Monday, admission is free for all. The museum has a strong atmosphere. You'll see wrecks of fire trucks, pieces of aircraft, and even the last remnants of skyscraper foundations. The whole museum is underground, in the former foundations of the buildings. You will also find photos from rescue operations, photos and videos of the debris removal, or a newly opened exhibit about the attackers and the entire investigation.
The new World Trade Center building that replaced the twin towers. It is currently the tallest building in NYC. It is possible to go up to the top for a view, but unfortunately admission is not included in the CityPASS - it comes out to $44 per person.
A park at the southern tip of Manhattan, where ferries depart for Staten Island, New Jersey, or Liberty Island with the Statue of Liberty. In the southern part of the park, the barriers leading to the concourse where the boats leave for Liberty Island already begin. Get your CityPASS reservation ready, go through a security check similar to the one at the airport, and then you're on your way to the Statue of Liberty.
The Liberty Island ferry is part of CityPASS. It's a good idea to make a reservation for a specific time through the CItyPASS website to avoid queues on site. The island has a beautiful view of southern Manhattan and its development of old skyscrapers.
One of the icons and symbols of New York City. You can walk around the statue on Liberty Island, or if you make a reservation in advance (really in advance, weeks or months), you can even go inside the statue to the observation deck.
Symbol of Wall street and the entire Financial district. The statue of the bull symbolizes prosperity and financial optimism. If you want to take a picture with the bull, you will usually have to stand in line with other people, there is almost always a large crowd.
Iconic bridge over the East River, connecting Manhattan Island to Brooklyn. At the time of its opening, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world. Originally a bridge for cars, pedestrians, and streetcars, it is now only used by cars and the footbridge over the road is for pedestrians. The bridge offers a beautiful view of Lower Manhattan, as well as Midtown.
It spans 486.3 feet between piers and spans the East River. It connects two parts of New York City - Manhattan and Brooklyn. At the time of its opening, it was the world's largest suspension bridge and the first steel cable-stayed suspension bridge (more accurately, a hybrid bridge combining suspension and cable-stayed construction). At the time, its bridge towers were the tallest structures in the entire Western Hemisphere. Construction began on 3 January 1870. The bridge was completed after 13 years and opened on 24 May 1883.
At the end of the bridge, take the path to the left, heading down. You will climb onto Washington St., which you will follow down, and in a few minutes you will be at the Dumbo viewpoint.
Brooklyn's borough, which offers a beautiful view of the Manhattan Bridge, with the Empire State Building towering between its pillars.
After your walk across the bridge, you can take a break in Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can stretch out on the grass and enjoy views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan when the weather is nice.
Another fast food that I can recommend to try - you can have mainly hot dogs or milk shakes here. At the same time there is a public toilet, which you may well welcome after your walk :)
Sitting right on the water under the Brooklyn Bridge with views of the bridge and Manhattan. It's one of my favourite spots - sitting here before sunset and then watching the whole city gradually light up is an incredible experience.
From the Brooklyn Bridge, head a short distance up to the High St subway station, where you'll take the A train towards Manhattan to the W 4 St - Washington Sq station (4 stops), where you'll transfer to the E train and go Uptown to the 50 St station (5 stops)
Excellent Mexican cuisine with an authentic atmosphere. The restaurant is located on 9th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets.
An evening visit to Times Square, where all sorts of advertising banners will make your eyes cross. A short walk after an extra meal is sure to sting.
Day 4 is largely spent exploring Central Park. You'll take a bike ride, a boat ride if you want, and enjoy the tranquility and beautiful corners that this giant park has to offer. But you'll also walk along a stretch of 5th Avenue and enjoy the sunset with a breathtaking view of Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.
I recommend cycling through the entire Central Park. There are CitiBike racks next to the Plaza Hotel on 5th Avenue at the edge of Central Park. You need to download the CitiBike app. If you don't feel like doing sports, you can also rent electric bikes. All-inclusive rentals cost about $15 (for an e-bike), a regular bike is cheaper. But of course, the price depends on how long your trip will take. The bike path around the park is very well marked, so just stick to the road and you can enjoy in peace :)
Roughly in the middle of the eastern side of the park is the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), which is famous for, among other things, the annual MET Gala VIP Ball.
You can also stop briefly at the largest water reservoir in Central Park.
You drive to the northern edge of Central Park, where the Harlem district begins. Here you can turn the bikes around and walk around for a bit, or just stop, look around and continue on. There are gardens, rock overlooks, or a pond where you can see lots of turtles :)
The house is famous for being the home of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It was also here that Lennon was shot dead outside the entrance in 1980.
From the Dakota you can return the bikes and continue on foot. Bikes need to be clicked into racks - you can find the nearest ones on the Citibike app. Check that the app has confirmed that you have returned your bike.
A memorial to John Lennon, where, among other things, guitarists play his songs all day long.
Fountain with decorative terrace by "the Lake". Here you can sit for a while and just observe the life around you. Often you will also come across street artists here.
A short walk from the fountain is a boat rental shop. The rental price is 25 USD per hour, you can only pay by card.
A skating rink where you can rent skates and enjoy skating in the middle of Central Park during the winter.
A lake with a stone bridge, which is famous for example from the movie Home Alone 2. The bridge offers a beautiful view of the border of Central Park, beyond which is a line of skyscrapers, or the Plaza Hotel.
A luxury hotel also known from the movie Home Alone 2, which was listed on the list of historical monuments of the USA.
The largest Apple store in Manhattan, located underground beneath a glass cube. It also houses a free and clean public restroom :)
Trump cafe, Trump grill, Trump souvenirs, Trump sweets and other shops and restaurants can be found in the president's luxury skyscraper.
The largest Roman Catholic cathedral in North America. The ornate spires of the historic building contrast nicely with the surrounding modern buildings.
The Rockefeller Center is a system of 19 buildings. Directly from the cathedral, you can reach the Rockefeller plaza, where you will find an ice rink in the winter, as well as the largest Christmas tree in Manhattan.
Iconic view of New York with the Empire state building in the foreground. There is also a beautiful view of the entire Central Park. If you have a CityPASS, admission is free, but you need to make a reservation for a specific time in advance. At the same time, if you have a CityPASS, you can also use it to reserve a sunset time at no extra charge (normally, admission to the observation deck is about $15 more expensive during sunset times).
The famous concert hall and theater located right on the corner by Rockefeller center.
You can take the subway, from the 47 - 50 Sts - Rockefeller Ctr station take the Downtown bound D train one stop to 42 St - Bryant Park
It wouldn't be a visit to the USA without a good burger. You won't go wrong here, whatever you choose. It also offers excellent IPAs. The restaurant is located on 38th Street between 7th and 8th. Avenue.
On the way back, you can take a trip down the legendary Broadway - a street full of theatres where world-famous actors excel.
This is the oldest main north-south street in the city, dating back to the New Amsterdam era on the site of the former Indian Trail. It is one of the few streets in New York City that does not adhere to the strict rectangular system of New York's public streets.
It is best known for its many high-profile drama and musical theatres, and is also home to the Broadway Theatre. The most successful series of shows staged here reach thousands of performances.
You can end the evening in an Irish bar, which are also typical of New York. There's a very nice one just across the road from our accommodation!
On Day 5, head south from the Empire State Building, where the NYU campus is located, to sample some delicious pastrami, then through SoHo to New York City Hall and then on to Chinatown and Little Italy. In the evening, enjoy a real American bar.
From 49 St station, take line N, Q, or W towards Downtown to 14 St - Union Sq station (3 stops total)
The vibrant Union Square district has a pedestrian plaza and bustling park at its centre, attracting professionals, street artists and protesters alike. The surrounding streets are lined with high-rise residential buildings and big-brand retail chains, as well as casual restaurants and cafes. Stalls at the long-established Union Square Farmers' Market draw crowds for local produce and traditional food.
The center of the NYU campus. It's where students meet, where they hold their events, where you can play chess, etc... It's a nice place to sit for a while and just observe life around you.
A famous district full of luxury boutiques and restaurants.
Branded boutiques, luxury retail chains and top art galleries make stylish SoHo a prime shopping destination, especially for non-London visitors. The district is known for its stylish cast-iron facades and cobbled streets, and the chic crowds frequenting its expensive restaurants and nightspots are an integral part of its atmosphere.
The oldest city hall in the U.S., it still serves as the office of New York's mayor and his office.
If you're looking for food that's quintessentially New York, you'll find pastrami. Sliced beef in a sandwich. You can get a great pastrami at Katz's deli, but you can get it at almost any deli around NYC. The deli is located on the corner of Houston st. and Ludlow st.
Italian quarter full of themed restaurants and shops. Fans of the Czech computer game Mafia will especially appreciate a visit here :)
In the Chinese city you will also find a number of restaurants, but also typical markets, where the menu includes chicken claws and other similar delicacies.
Take the 6 train from Canal St heading Uptown to 68 St - Hunter College (11 stops total)
You can end the evening in a real American bar. Wings, sandwiches, or a shrimp cocktail. And, of course, margaritas. Located at 73rd and 3rd. Avenue.
From 72 St station, take either the N or Q train towards Downtown to 57 St - 7 Av station (2 stops)
You will travel by train from New York to Philadelphia and visit one of the most important symbols of American independence.
From your accommodation you will go to Pensylvania Station, where you will board the Amtrak train to Philadelphia.
Philadelphia
Arrival: You will arrive by train at "Amtrak Philadelphia Train Station", which is approximately 1.5 km from the main square with the town hall. Moreover, it is a straight line from the station to the square. However, it is best to take an Uber or taxi from the station directly to your accommodation, where you can leave your luggage and start exploring the city.
Local transport: To get around Philadelphia, you can use the bus, subway, or Uber. In the center, however, everything is more or less within walking distance, so you will probably get by without transport. The ticket price is 2 dollars, you can buy it directly at the subway station or when boarding the bus.
From the train station in Philadelphia, I recommend taking an Uber or taxi and dropping your bags off at your accommodation first. Then head downtown!
After the journey and the accommodation, you must be hungry. And it wouldn't be a complete visit to Philadelphia if you didn't try a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. They have excellent ones at Cleavers, for example, which also has a great selection of fillings.
From Cleavers, head towards the Liberty Bell, stopping at the main square where the old town hall stands.
The museum in the centre of which is the Liberty Bell. It is a symbol of freedom and independence of the United States of America. It was cast between 1751 and 1752 and its ringing in 1776 confirmed the declaration of independence of the United States of America.
Just across the street from the museum is Independence Hall.
The building was built in 1741 as the Pennsylvania State House for the government of Pennsylvania, then one of the thirteen colonies in North America. The bell tower housed the Liberty Bell from 1752 to 1876. From 1775 to 1789, the Second Continental Congress met here and adopted the United States Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. This act gave Independence Hall its present name.
A few minutes from the Liberty Bell is Christ Church Burial Ground, the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, an important statesman from the early days of the independent United States and one of the authors of the U.S. Constitution.
Take the subway from 5th St Independence Hall Station on the MFL line, a total of 4 stops westbound to 15th St Station, where you will transfer to the BSL line and go to the last stop - NRG Station
Sports fans should not miss a visit to the sports complex. There are three arenas - the Wells Fargo Center, home to the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers and the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, the Citizens Bank Park baseball stadium, home to the MLB's Philadelphia Phillies, and finally, the largest of the trio, the Lincoln Financial Field, home to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.
If it works out that a game is being played at one of the stadiums, it's definitely worth a visit!
Today you'll run up the steps of Rocky Balboa, walk through downtown Philadelphia and visit the well-known Walmart supermarket!
In addition to its historical significance, Philadelphia is also well known for the Rocky film franchise. And in just about every episode, Rocky's hard training ends with him running up the stairs to the local museum. And you can run them too! I guarantee that no matter what day you go there, there will be another "Rocky" running with you :)
There is also a statue of Rocky under the stairs.
From the museum, you walk down a long boulevard lined with flags from countries all over the world, heading towards the centre. Keep going straight until you reach Love Park, in the middle of which is the famous LOVE sculpture.
You'll be hungry after your run, and you can eat at the Cheesecake Factory, a chain well known to fans of the Big Bang Theory series, just off the square. But don't let the name fool you, besides the cheesecakes, you can also get delicious burgers or even Mac and Cheese.
Philadelphia Downtown is located around Market Street. You can walk along it, see the local skyscrapers, and visit some of the shops in the area, for example.
The easiest way to travel is by Uber or taxi - it should cost around $10 USD.
You can end the afternoon with a visit to a typical American Walmart supermarket.
You will travel from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and visit the White House, the seat of the American head of state.
From your accommodation, it is best to take a taxi again to the Amtrak Philadelphia station, where you will board the train to Washington DC.
Washington D.C.
Arrival: You will get off the train at "Washington DC, Amtrak station". Immediately after leaving the station hall, you will have a view of the Capitol. Right next to the station is a bus stop - "Massachusetts Av NE & Columbus Cir NE" - the best way to get to accommodation in Georgetown is by bus D6, get off at the "Q St NW & 28 St NW" stop.
Local transport: Public transport buses are ideal for getting around the city. The ticket price is USD 2.25, which can be purchased when boarding the bus. However, everything in the center is more or less within walking distance, and Georgetown is not extremely far either (approx. 30 minutes walk from the White House).
Like in Philadelphia, I recommend dropping your bags off at your accommodation first, There is a bus stop right by the station - "Massachusetts Av NE & Columbus Cir NE" - the best way to get to your accommodation in Georgetown is to take the D6 bus, get off at "Q St NW & 28 St NW".
After checking in, head downtown through Georgetown. It's a nice and quiet neighbourhood full of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.
On arrival in the city centre, you'll find yourself at one of the main sites of your visit to Washington DC - the White House, the seat of the American head of state. If you're very lucky with the dates, twice a year (spring and fall) the White House gardens open to the public for a weekend. But you need to book a time ticket. But even if the date doesn't work out for you, be sure to walk the entire grounds and try to at least peek over the fence.
When walking around the White House, you won't miss the giant white obelisk - the Washington Monument, which is about halfway between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol.
A pleasant park for a short rest.
From the park, head downtown past Capital One Arena, home of the NHL's Washington Capitals (again, if you're at a home game, I recommend a visit). Around the arena and in downtown Washington in general, there are a great variety of museums - art, architecture, the National Museum, the Postal Museum, and more. If you enjoy museums, be sure to find the ones that interest you the most and visit them.
Still heading back through downtown towards the White House, you'll come to the Old Post Office Pavilion. Take these places purely as a guide to give you an approximate direction to get through most of downtown.
You can get your fill at the fast food chain Chick-Fil-A, which is my fast food favorite. If you like fried chicken, you'll be thrilled.
You will finish your walk through downtown at the Dupont Circle intersection, where you will head back to your accommodation in Georgetown.
On your second day in DC, take a walk from Lincoln to the Capitol.
You will start at the obelisk you visited yesterday, which will imaginatively bisect today's journey.
The Washington Monument is a large white obelisk at the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It is one of the presidential monuments in the United States, erected in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States and leader of the Revolutionary Continental Army that won independence from British rule.
The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848, the spire was set on December 6, 1884, and the completed monument was unveiled on February 21, 1885. It was officially opened to the public on 9 October 1888. When it opened, it was the tallest structure in the world at 169 m (169 ft), and remained so until 1889, when the Eiffel Tower in Paris was completed, but it remains the tallest structure in Washington, D.C., because there can be no taller buildings in Washington than the Capitol and the Washington Monument.
The reflection of the Washington Monument can be seen in the aptly named Reflecting Pool, a rectangular pool that lies west of the obelisk in the direction of the Lincoln Memorial.From the Washington Monument, head towards the Lincoln Memorial to reach the World War II Memorial Plaza.
From the WWII Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial, you will walk past the water tanks. They may be familiar from the movie Forrest Gump, when Forrest plunges into the water to meet Jenny again.
The Lincoln Memorial was erected to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln.
The cornerstone of the memorial was laid in 1915 and the dedication ceremony was held on May 30, 1922. Architect Henry Bacon designed it in the style of an ancient temple, making it reminiscent of Athens' famous Parthenon.
The walls of the inner hall cover the themes of two of Lincoln's speeches - at his inauguration in 1865 and at Gettysburg in 1863. They are complemented by murals on the themes of the end of the American Civil War and the emancipation of slaves.
A few minutes from the Lincoln Memorial is another memorial to Vietnam War veterans.
The way to the Capitol is through a long park - the National Mall, which is lined with museums of all kinds. During the inauguration of a new head of state, this entire park is packed with people from the Capitol to the Washington Monument. It's only when you walk through the park that you realize how crowded it must be, considering how long it is. To make the information complete - 700 to 900 thousand people attend the inauguration.
Iconic building and one of the most important buildings in Washington and the United States, apart from the White House.
The Capitol is the meeting place of Congress, the legislative body of the United States, consisting of the House of Representatives, 435 representatives, the number from a particular state of the Union depending on the size of the population living there (proportional representation), and the Senate, two from each state, and 100 representatives in total. The Capitol was built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, then expanded in the mid-19th century. It consists of a rotunda with a dome and two side wings. The building is 229 m long and up to 107 m wide, reaching 88 m at its highest point; it was the first such large structure in Washington, D.C., after the White House, and the entire city was built around it thereafter. The Library of Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court buildings are part of the Capitol complex. An underground railroad operates between several office buildings and the Capitol.
If you don't feel like walking back the entire National Mall and then walking to Georgetown, I recommend renting an electric scooter, which will take you to Georgetown for a few dollars.
On your last day in DC, you will visit the Pentagon area and stroll through the lively Georgetown neighborhood.
You'll pass the statue of George Washington on the subway
A short distance from the G. Washington statue is the Foggy Bottom-GWU metro station, from which you will take the Blue line to the Pentagon Metro Station (3 stops in total, take from platform 2)
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. As a symbol of the U.S. Armed Forces, the term Pentagon is metonymically applied to the United States Department of Defense rather than the building itself.
On September 11, 2001, there were attacks not only in New York, but also in Washington. One of the planes crashed into the Pentagon building.
Beside the Pentagon is a sprawling cemetery filled with iconic white plaques.
The famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is also part of this cemetery.
The return trip by metro is the same as to the Pentagon
You can end your day in Georgetown, visiting local restaurants, cafes, or some of the shops.
Remember to head to the airport early, it's really big, so you should be there at least 3 hours in advance. If you have time before, go for breakfast at a nearby cafe or enjoy one last walk in the city.
Over 12 days, you will visit New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Three essential metropolises of the US East Coast, allowing you to check off 3 US states on your map – New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
Your journey begins in New York, where you will also spend the most time (although I believe that after visiting it, you will agree that you wouldn't get bored there for several more weeks).
Next, you will travel by train to Philadelphia, a significant city from the beginnings of the USA – the US Constitution was written there, it was also the capital for the first 10 years, and for a long time it was an important financial center.
From Philadelphia, you will again travel by train to the current capital – Washington, D.C., where you will spend the last few days of your trip.
Your trip includes transportation from the airport to Manhattan, settling into your accommodation, and rest after your long journey so you have the energy to explore the city. Visa: A visa is required to enter the USA. A tourist ESTA will suffice for us; you can apply for it online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. The price is 21 USD, and the application result is usually known within about 1 hour of submission. You will need your passport for the application.
Upon arrival, arm yourself with patience; there are usually long lines at border control. When it's your turn, be prepared for a few questions, usually like "how long are you staying", "where will you be staying", "how much money do you have with you", "what is your job", etc., and also for having your photo taken and fingerprints scanned. Once you've completed everything, you'll get a stamp and you can proceed out of the airport.
🌍 New York 🌍
Entrance Tickets: To simplify the process of purchasing tickets for sightseeing or museums, I highly recommend buying a CityPASS (https://www.citypass.com/new-york), which includes admission to your chosen locations. In the itinerary below, the CityPASS covers entry to the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, the ferry to Liberty Island, and admission to the 9/11 Museum and the American Museum of Natural History.
Public Transportation: The entire city is beautifully covered by a public transportation network; you'll primarily use the subway. It's ideal to purchase a MetroCard, which costs $34 for 7 days + a $1 card fee.
Getting from JFK Airport to Manhattan: If you choose public transport, go directly from the airport to the AirTrain, which costs $8.50 and will take you to Jamaica Station in Queens. From there, you can transfer to the subway (ideally line E, which will take you to 7th Avenue station in the middle of Midtown Manhattan), or to the train (LIRR), which will take you to Penn Station.
If you choose a taxi, I recommend either Uber or a classic yellow cab, but make sure to ask about the price beforehand. From JFK to central Midtown Manhattan, the price should be between $70 and $90.
Local Tips: Orientation (except for the very south of Manhattan) is very easy thanks to the street and avenue names.
Streets are numbered from south to north and run from east to west.
Avenues are numbered from east to west and run from south to north.
For orientation in the subway, you can also use cardinal directions. If you want to go upwards (north) from your current location, always look for "Uptown" in the subway. For the opposite direction, look for "Downtown". Otherwise, I recommend using Google Maps, which will beautifully plan your route including public transport, clearly showing you which line to take, in which direction, and at what time, etc.
From the airport, follow the AirTrain signs that will take you to the departure hall of the elevated train connecting the airport to Jamaica Station in Queens. You can buy an AirTrain ticket from the machines located in front of the terminals to the departure hall. The ticket price is 8.5 USD per person. You can also buy a MetroCard at the same place, which you will use for traveling by subway. You can immediately top up the card in the machine - one subway ride costs 2.9 USD, I recommend loading 21 USD, if necessary, you can top up more money at any subway station in the machine. In addition, when purchasing a MetroCard, there is an additional 1 USD charge for the card itself.
In both cases, the machine will guide you step by step through the order and you will be able to purchase tickets without any problems. You can pay in cash or with a physical payment card.
If you want to take a taxi, there are plenty of typical yellow taxis right in front of the arrival terminal. I recommend asking in advance how much they will take you to Manhattan for. The price should be in the range of 70 - 90 USD.
Directly from the airport, you can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, from which you can either take the subway (ideally the E line) to the 7th Avenue stop, or take the train (LIRR) to Penn Station. Drop off your bags at your hotel and off to explore the first sights NYC has to offer!
At Jamaica Station, take the E train towards Manhattan and ride for 12 stops to 50 St station. From there, it's just a block's walk to the accommodation.
On your first day, you will walk the main shopping street and visit one of the city's biggest icons - the Empire State Building.
The iconic Times Square intersection is one of the places that comes to mind when you say New York. It's worth seeing both in the daytime and in the dark, although thanks to the ubiquitous billboards, it's as light as noon at night. Times Square is really busy during the day and you'll need to weave through the crowds a bit. Don't get caught out by people in costumes beckoning you to take a picture with them and other howlers. The ideal place to spot Times Square is the red steps in the north end.
This area used to be called "Longarce Square." It was renamed "Times Square" in April 1904 after the Times Building, which became the home of the prominent New York Times newspaper. This tower building was subsequently renamed One Times Square. Between 1913 and 2007, the newspaper was headquartered in a new building at 229 West 43rd Street, and since 2007 it has been based in the New York Times Tower.
One of the oldest skyscrapers, which is already a bit lost among the modern and higher buildings of Manhattan, but its illuminated top stands out after dark.
New York's main train station with a beautiful concourse that you may know from many movies or music videos.
You definitely don't just walk down 5th Avenue once. For one thing, it stretches through almost all of Manhattan, but there's also a lot to see. For one thing, there's a plethora of shops (and luxury stores), but there's also the famous Rockefeller plaza, the Empire State Building, and tons of other places you'll want to see.
A nice park surrounded by skyscrapers. During the winter you can rent skates and skate, during the summer you can stretch out on the grass or sit with a coffee/drink in one of the bistros near the park.
Icon of New York - Empire State Building. You don't have to worry about the entrance fee if you have purchased CityPASS. If not, admissions to all the sights range between $40 - $50 per person. No need to book in advance, you can get your ticket at the computer at the entrance to the building towards the observation deck. If you are interested, you can pay extra for access up to the antenna building.
Before the actual observation deck, you can walk through some very nicely designed rooms where you can see the history of ESB from construction to the present day, see photos of celebrities who have visited the observation deck, or perhaps see clips from movies in which the building has appeared. Then you can take the elevator up to the 86th floor, where you can enjoy the views of the city.
Another very famous skyscraper, which is also one of the oldest. It got its name because of its iron-like shape.
Take the R or W train uptown from 23 St station to 49 St station (4 stops)
Fast food chain with Chinese food. Panda Express is well known from various American movies or TV shows. Get the typical Chinese food in a box and take it with you to your accommodation for a true Panda express experience :)
On the second day, you will head to the southwestern part of Manhattan, where you will start at the newly built skyscraper district and gradually pass through to the quiet neighborhood of the upscale Greenwich Village, known among other things for its many jazz clubs.
For breakfast, I recommend stopping at least once at one of the "Deli's", of which there are tons all over NYC. They'll make you fresh sandwiches to your liking and for me, it's one of the TOP options for a quick and good breakfast. My favorite is the Bacon-egg-cheese bagel :)
Legendary sports and concert arena. I definitely recommend a visit. Whether you are a fan of the NHL (NY Rangers), NBA (NY Knicks) or going to a concert. The show you will experience here at sports games is unique. Tickets can be purchased either online at Ticketmaster or at the arena box office. The price for sports matches depends on the attractiveness of the opponent.
One of the newest prospects in Manhattan (along with Summit Vanderbilt) in the newly built modern Hudson Yards neighborhood. But the overlook is a great experience in itself, because unlike all the others, at the Edge you climb outside the building onto a protruding platform that's even glass in the middle. If you don't like heights, you'll probably find your feet a little shaky at first, but from here you have all of Manhattan in the palm of your hand. Conversely, if you're a big adventurer, there's the option to pay extra to be taken up to the tower, where you'll be hooked by the straps and suspended above Manhattan.
Original viewpoint in the middle of Hudson Yards, currently closed to the public.
A beautiful park that is built on the no longer functional tracks of the elevated railway. About 2 km walk with views of the bustle of Manhattan is a pleasant diversion.
Shops and streetfood in a converted factory hall. Original interiors and excellent food and drink. Chelsea Market is just a few yards from the steps of the High Line, be sure to stop in at least to have a look, but I believe you won't be able to resist sampling some of the eateries on offer.
One of New York's most expensive neighborhoods to live in. Once you arrive in Greenwich Village, you feel like you're in another city - no high-rises, quiet, few cars and people,... Residential buildings with steps to the door can be reminiscent of London.
If you're a Friends fan, be sure to check out the corner of Bedford St. and Grove St., where the building that featured in the show as the apartment building where the main characters lived is located.
For Sex and the City fans, Carrie Bradshaw's house, located at 64 Perry St.
If you have a sweet tooth, you shouldn't miss Molly's cupcakes, where you can taste the best cupcakes in NYC!
And if you enjoy music, be sure to check out the schedule of clubs in Greenwich Village, such as the Blue Note or Village Vanguard, and catch a concert. But feel free to go blind, I've never been disappointed with a performer yet. Don't expect old classic jazz though, much of the program is young performers who bring elements of R'n'B and other modern genres to jazz. The greatest jazz legends have played both clubs.
From W 4 St - Washington Sq station, take the Uptown direction on either the C or E line to 50 St station (5 stops total)
Pizza is another integral part of New York City, and you'll find a plethora of pizzerias around the city.1 Dollar Pizza is close to our accommodation and has good and, as the name suggests, cheap pizza. It's open late, perfect for a late snack when you come back after a concert :)
On Day 3, you will visit several key sites - the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ground Zero (WTC) and Times Square. I recommend leaving the Brooklyn Bridge crossing for before sunset - watching the sunset from the waterfront on the Brooklyn side is a great experience.
At the 50 St station, take line 1 towards Downtown to the Times Square - 42 St station (one stop), where you will transfer to line 2 or 3 towards Downtown and travel a total of 6 stops to the Wall Street station.
You can try breakfast at one of America's most popular fast food restaurants - Dunkin'. Sweet and savoury food lovers alike will be in for a treat.
The heart of the world's finance - Wall Street, which is full of businessmen in suits every day and is home to the New York Stock Exchange.
Manhattan's Financial District is one of the largest business districts in the United States and second only to Midtown in New York City. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, New York City was a major center for skyscraper construction (the only competitor was Chicago). The Financial District continues to form a distinct skyline today, separated from Midtown (Midtown) a few miles to the north but not reaching such heights.
The street's name derives from the fact that during the 17th century Wall Street represented the northern boundary of the settlement of New Amsterdam. In the 1740s, wooden fences enclosed the lots and residences in the colony. Later, Peter Stuyvesant, with the help of African slaves, built stronger fencing for the Dutch West India Company. A four-metre high wall of wood and earth fortified with palisades was built in 1653.
Headquarters of the American Stock Exchange. It is also the largest and most trusted stock exchange in the world.
The oldest church in New York City. Looking at it in the background, there is a nice contrast with the new World Trade Center building.
Memorial to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attack on the Twin Towers. Two "bottomless" pools the size of the original skyscrapers where they stood. Both pools are lined with the names of the victims. Occasionally, you will see a flower from a survivor stuck in one of the names, which only adds to the power of the place.
Museum of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Admission to the museum is on CityPASS, but you need to make a reservation in advance, which you can do on the CityPASS website. Alternatively, if you go to the museum on a Monday, admission is free for all. The museum has a strong atmosphere. You'll see wrecks of fire trucks, pieces of aircraft, and even the last remnants of skyscraper foundations. The whole museum is underground, in the former foundations of the buildings. You will also find photos from rescue operations, photos and videos of the debris removal, or a newly opened exhibit about the attackers and the entire investigation.
The new World Trade Center building that replaced the twin towers. It is currently the tallest building in NYC. It is possible to go up to the top for a view, but unfortunately admission is not included in the CityPASS - it comes out to $44 per person.
A park at the southern tip of Manhattan, where ferries depart for Staten Island, New Jersey, or Liberty Island with the Statue of Liberty. In the southern part of the park, the barriers leading to the concourse where the boats leave for Liberty Island already begin. Get your CityPASS reservation ready, go through a security check similar to the one at the airport, and then you're on your way to the Statue of Liberty.
The Liberty Island ferry is part of CityPASS. It's a good idea to make a reservation for a specific time through the CItyPASS website to avoid queues on site. The island has a beautiful view of southern Manhattan and its development of old skyscrapers.
One of the icons and symbols of New York City. You can walk around the statue on Liberty Island, or if you make a reservation in advance (really in advance, weeks or months), you can even go inside the statue to the observation deck.
Symbol of Wall street and the entire Financial district. The statue of the bull symbolizes prosperity and financial optimism. If you want to take a picture with the bull, you will usually have to stand in line with other people, there is almost always a large crowd.
Iconic bridge over the East River, connecting Manhattan Island to Brooklyn. At the time of its opening, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world. Originally a bridge for cars, pedestrians, and streetcars, it is now only used by cars and the footbridge over the road is for pedestrians. The bridge offers a beautiful view of Lower Manhattan, as well as Midtown.
It spans 486.3 feet between piers and spans the East River. It connects two parts of New York City - Manhattan and Brooklyn. At the time of its opening, it was the world's largest suspension bridge and the first steel cable-stayed suspension bridge (more accurately, a hybrid bridge combining suspension and cable-stayed construction). At the time, its bridge towers were the tallest structures in the entire Western Hemisphere. Construction began on 3 January 1870. The bridge was completed after 13 years and opened on 24 May 1883.
At the end of the bridge, take the path to the left, heading down. You will climb onto Washington St., which you will follow down, and in a few minutes you will be at the Dumbo viewpoint.
Brooklyn's borough, which offers a beautiful view of the Manhattan Bridge, with the Empire State Building towering between its pillars.
After your walk across the bridge, you can take a break in Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can stretch out on the grass and enjoy views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan when the weather is nice.
Another fast food that I can recommend to try - you can have mainly hot dogs or milk shakes here. At the same time there is a public toilet, which you may well welcome after your walk :)
Sitting right on the water under the Brooklyn Bridge with views of the bridge and Manhattan. It's one of my favourite spots - sitting here before sunset and then watching the whole city gradually light up is an incredible experience.
From the Brooklyn Bridge, head a short distance up to the High St subway station, where you'll take the A train towards Manhattan to the W 4 St - Washington Sq station (4 stops), where you'll transfer to the E train and go Uptown to the 50 St station (5 stops)
Excellent Mexican cuisine with an authentic atmosphere. The restaurant is located on 9th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets.
An evening visit to Times Square, where all sorts of advertising banners will make your eyes cross. A short walk after an extra meal is sure to sting.
Day 4 is largely spent exploring Central Park. You'll take a bike ride, a boat ride if you want, and enjoy the tranquility and beautiful corners that this giant park has to offer. But you'll also walk along a stretch of 5th Avenue and enjoy the sunset with a breathtaking view of Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.
I recommend cycling through the entire Central Park. There are CitiBike racks next to the Plaza Hotel on 5th Avenue at the edge of Central Park. You need to download the CitiBike app. If you don't feel like doing sports, you can also rent electric bikes. All-inclusive rentals cost about $15 (for an e-bike), a regular bike is cheaper. But of course, the price depends on how long your trip will take. The bike path around the park is very well marked, so just stick to the road and you can enjoy in peace :)
Roughly in the middle of the eastern side of the park is the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), which is famous for, among other things, the annual MET Gala VIP Ball.
You can also stop briefly at the largest water reservoir in Central Park.
You drive to the northern edge of Central Park, where the Harlem district begins. Here you can turn the bikes around and walk around for a bit, or just stop, look around and continue on. There are gardens, rock overlooks, or a pond where you can see lots of turtles :)
The house is famous for being the home of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It was also here that Lennon was shot dead outside the entrance in 1980.
From the Dakota you can return the bikes and continue on foot. Bikes need to be clicked into racks - you can find the nearest ones on the Citibike app. Check that the app has confirmed that you have returned your bike.
A memorial to John Lennon, where, among other things, guitarists play his songs all day long.
Fountain with decorative terrace by "the Lake". Here you can sit for a while and just observe the life around you. Often you will also come across street artists here.
A short walk from the fountain is a boat rental shop. The rental price is 25 USD per hour, you can only pay by card.
A skating rink where you can rent skates and enjoy skating in the middle of Central Park during the winter.
A lake with a stone bridge, which is famous for example from the movie Home Alone 2. The bridge offers a beautiful view of the border of Central Park, beyond which is a line of skyscrapers, or the Plaza Hotel.
A luxury hotel also known from the movie Home Alone 2, which was listed on the list of historical monuments of the USA.
The largest Apple store in Manhattan, located underground beneath a glass cube. It also houses a free and clean public restroom :)
Trump cafe, Trump grill, Trump souvenirs, Trump sweets and other shops and restaurants can be found in the president's luxury skyscraper.
The largest Roman Catholic cathedral in North America. The ornate spires of the historic building contrast nicely with the surrounding modern buildings.
The Rockefeller Center is a system of 19 buildings. Directly from the cathedral, you can reach the Rockefeller plaza, where you will find an ice rink in the winter, as well as the largest Christmas tree in Manhattan.
Iconic view of New York with the Empire state building in the foreground. There is also a beautiful view of the entire Central Park. If you have a CityPASS, admission is free, but you need to make a reservation for a specific time in advance. At the same time, if you have a CityPASS, you can also use it to reserve a sunset time at no extra charge (normally, admission to the observation deck is about $15 more expensive during sunset times).
The famous concert hall and theater located right on the corner by Rockefeller center.
You can take the subway, from the 47 - 50 Sts - Rockefeller Ctr station take the Downtown bound D train one stop to 42 St - Bryant Park
It wouldn't be a visit to the USA without a good burger. You won't go wrong here, whatever you choose. It also offers excellent IPAs. The restaurant is located on 38th Street between 7th and 8th. Avenue.
On the way back, you can take a trip down the legendary Broadway - a street full of theatres where world-famous actors excel.
This is the oldest main north-south street in the city, dating back to the New Amsterdam era on the site of the former Indian Trail. It is one of the few streets in New York City that does not adhere to the strict rectangular system of New York's public streets.
It is best known for its many high-profile drama and musical theatres, and is also home to the Broadway Theatre. The most successful series of shows staged here reach thousands of performances.
You can end the evening in an Irish bar, which are also typical of New York. There's a very nice one just across the road from our accommodation!
On Day 5, head south from the Empire State Building, where the NYU campus is located, to sample some delicious pastrami, then through SoHo to New York City Hall and then on to Chinatown and Little Italy. In the evening, enjoy a real American bar.
From 49 St station, take line N, Q, or W towards Downtown to 14 St - Union Sq station (3 stops total)
The vibrant Union Square district has a pedestrian plaza and bustling park at its centre, attracting professionals, street artists and protesters alike. The surrounding streets are lined with high-rise residential buildings and big-brand retail chains, as well as casual restaurants and cafes. Stalls at the long-established Union Square Farmers' Market draw crowds for local produce and traditional food.
The center of the NYU campus. It's where students meet, where they hold their events, where you can play chess, etc... It's a nice place to sit for a while and just observe life around you.
A famous district full of luxury boutiques and restaurants.
Branded boutiques, luxury retail chains and top art galleries make stylish SoHo a prime shopping destination, especially for non-London visitors. The district is known for its stylish cast-iron facades and cobbled streets, and the chic crowds frequenting its expensive restaurants and nightspots are an integral part of its atmosphere.
The oldest city hall in the U.S., it still serves as the office of New York's mayor and his office.
If you're looking for food that's quintessentially New York, you'll find pastrami. Sliced beef in a sandwich. You can get a great pastrami at Katz's deli, but you can get it at almost any deli around NYC. The deli is located on the corner of Houston st. and Ludlow st.
Italian quarter full of themed restaurants and shops. Fans of the Czech computer game Mafia will especially appreciate a visit here :)
In the Chinese city you will also find a number of restaurants, but also typical markets, where the menu includes chicken claws and other similar delicacies.
Take the 6 train from Canal St heading Uptown to 68 St - Hunter College (11 stops total)
You can end the evening in a real American bar. Wings, sandwiches, or a shrimp cocktail. And, of course, margaritas. Located at 73rd and 3rd. Avenue.
From 72 St station, take either the N or Q train towards Downtown to 57 St - 7 Av station (2 stops)
You will travel by train from New York to Philadelphia and visit one of the most important symbols of American independence.
From your accommodation you will go to Pensylvania Station, where you will board the Amtrak train to Philadelphia.
Philadelphia
Arrival: You will arrive by train at "Amtrak Philadelphia Train Station", which is approximately 1.5 km from the main square with the town hall. Moreover, it is a straight line from the station to the square. However, it is best to take an Uber or taxi from the station directly to your accommodation, where you can leave your luggage and start exploring the city.
Local transport: To get around Philadelphia, you can use the bus, subway, or Uber. In the center, however, everything is more or less within walking distance, so you will probably get by without transport. The ticket price is 2 dollars, you can buy it directly at the subway station or when boarding the bus.
From the train station in Philadelphia, I recommend taking an Uber or taxi and dropping your bags off at your accommodation first. Then head downtown!
After the journey and the accommodation, you must be hungry. And it wouldn't be a complete visit to Philadelphia if you didn't try a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. They have excellent ones at Cleavers, for example, which also has a great selection of fillings.
From Cleavers, head towards the Liberty Bell, stopping at the main square where the old town hall stands.
The museum in the centre of which is the Liberty Bell. It is a symbol of freedom and independence of the United States of America. It was cast between 1751 and 1752 and its ringing in 1776 confirmed the declaration of independence of the United States of America.
Just across the street from the museum is Independence Hall.
The building was built in 1741 as the Pennsylvania State House for the government of Pennsylvania, then one of the thirteen colonies in North America. The bell tower housed the Liberty Bell from 1752 to 1876. From 1775 to 1789, the Second Continental Congress met here and adopted the United States Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. This act gave Independence Hall its present name.
A few minutes from the Liberty Bell is Christ Church Burial Ground, the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, an important statesman from the early days of the independent United States and one of the authors of the U.S. Constitution.
Take the subway from 5th St Independence Hall Station on the MFL line, a total of 4 stops westbound to 15th St Station, where you will transfer to the BSL line and go to the last stop - NRG Station
Sports fans should not miss a visit to the sports complex. There are three arenas - the Wells Fargo Center, home to the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers and the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, the Citizens Bank Park baseball stadium, home to the MLB's Philadelphia Phillies, and finally, the largest of the trio, the Lincoln Financial Field, home to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.
If it works out that a game is being played at one of the stadiums, it's definitely worth a visit!
Today you'll run up the steps of Rocky Balboa, walk through downtown Philadelphia and visit the well-known Walmart supermarket!
In addition to its historical significance, Philadelphia is also well known for the Rocky film franchise. And in just about every episode, Rocky's hard training ends with him running up the stairs to the local museum. And you can run them too! I guarantee that no matter what day you go there, there will be another "Rocky" running with you :)
There is also a statue of Rocky under the stairs.
From the museum, you walk down a long boulevard lined with flags from countries all over the world, heading towards the centre. Keep going straight until you reach Love Park, in the middle of which is the famous LOVE sculpture.
You'll be hungry after your run, and you can eat at the Cheesecake Factory, a chain well known to fans of the Big Bang Theory series, just off the square. But don't let the name fool you, besides the cheesecakes, you can also get delicious burgers or even Mac and Cheese.
Philadelphia Downtown is located around Market Street. You can walk along it, see the local skyscrapers, and visit some of the shops in the area, for example.
The easiest way to travel is by Uber or taxi - it should cost around $10 USD.
You can end the afternoon with a visit to a typical American Walmart supermarket.
You will travel from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and visit the White House, the seat of the American head of state.
From your accommodation, it is best to take a taxi again to the Amtrak Philadelphia station, where you will board the train to Washington DC.
Washington D.C.
Arrival: You will get off the train at "Washington DC, Amtrak station". Immediately after leaving the station hall, you will have a view of the Capitol. Right next to the station is a bus stop - "Massachusetts Av NE & Columbus Cir NE" - the best way to get to accommodation in Georgetown is by bus D6, get off at the "Q St NW & 28 St NW" stop.
Local transport: Public transport buses are ideal for getting around the city. The ticket price is USD 2.25, which can be purchased when boarding the bus. However, everything in the center is more or less within walking distance, and Georgetown is not extremely far either (approx. 30 minutes walk from the White House).
Like in Philadelphia, I recommend dropping your bags off at your accommodation first, There is a bus stop right by the station - "Massachusetts Av NE & Columbus Cir NE" - the best way to get to your accommodation in Georgetown is to take the D6 bus, get off at "Q St NW & 28 St NW".
After checking in, head downtown through Georgetown. It's a nice and quiet neighbourhood full of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.
On arrival in the city centre, you'll find yourself at one of the main sites of your visit to Washington DC - the White House, the seat of the American head of state. If you're very lucky with the dates, twice a year (spring and fall) the White House gardens open to the public for a weekend. But you need to book a time ticket. But even if the date doesn't work out for you, be sure to walk the entire grounds and try to at least peek over the fence.
When walking around the White House, you won't miss the giant white obelisk - the Washington Monument, which is about halfway between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol.
A pleasant park for a short rest.
From the park, head downtown past Capital One Arena, home of the NHL's Washington Capitals (again, if you're at a home game, I recommend a visit). Around the arena and in downtown Washington in general, there are a great variety of museums - art, architecture, the National Museum, the Postal Museum, and more. If you enjoy museums, be sure to find the ones that interest you the most and visit them.
Still heading back through downtown towards the White House, you'll come to the Old Post Office Pavilion. Take these places purely as a guide to give you an approximate direction to get through most of downtown.
You can get your fill at the fast food chain Chick-Fil-A, which is my fast food favorite. If you like fried chicken, you'll be thrilled.
You will finish your walk through downtown at the Dupont Circle intersection, where you will head back to your accommodation in Georgetown.
On your second day in DC, take a walk from Lincoln to the Capitol.
You will start at the obelisk you visited yesterday, which will imaginatively bisect today's journey.
The Washington Monument is a large white obelisk at the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It is one of the presidential monuments in the United States, erected in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States and leader of the Revolutionary Continental Army that won independence from British rule.
The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848, the spire was set on December 6, 1884, and the completed monument was unveiled on February 21, 1885. It was officially opened to the public on 9 October 1888. When it opened, it was the tallest structure in the world at 169 m (169 ft), and remained so until 1889, when the Eiffel Tower in Paris was completed, but it remains the tallest structure in Washington, D.C., because there can be no taller buildings in Washington than the Capitol and the Washington Monument.
The reflection of the Washington Monument can be seen in the aptly named Reflecting Pool, a rectangular pool that lies west of the obelisk in the direction of the Lincoln Memorial.From the Washington Monument, head towards the Lincoln Memorial to reach the World War II Memorial Plaza.
From the WWII Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial, you will walk past the water tanks. They may be familiar from the movie Forrest Gump, when Forrest plunges into the water to meet Jenny again.
The Lincoln Memorial was erected to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln.
The cornerstone of the memorial was laid in 1915 and the dedication ceremony was held on May 30, 1922. Architect Henry Bacon designed it in the style of an ancient temple, making it reminiscent of Athens' famous Parthenon.
The walls of the inner hall cover the themes of two of Lincoln's speeches - at his inauguration in 1865 and at Gettysburg in 1863. They are complemented by murals on the themes of the end of the American Civil War and the emancipation of slaves.
A few minutes from the Lincoln Memorial is another memorial to Vietnam War veterans.
The way to the Capitol is through a long park - the National Mall, which is lined with museums of all kinds. During the inauguration of a new head of state, this entire park is packed with people from the Capitol to the Washington Monument. It's only when you walk through the park that you realize how crowded it must be, considering how long it is. To make the information complete - 700 to 900 thousand people attend the inauguration.
Iconic building and one of the most important buildings in Washington and the United States, apart from the White House.
The Capitol is the meeting place of Congress, the legislative body of the United States, consisting of the House of Representatives, 435 representatives, the number from a particular state of the Union depending on the size of the population living there (proportional representation), and the Senate, two from each state, and 100 representatives in total. The Capitol was built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, then expanded in the mid-19th century. It consists of a rotunda with a dome and two side wings. The building is 229 m long and up to 107 m wide, reaching 88 m at its highest point; it was the first such large structure in Washington, D.C., after the White House, and the entire city was built around it thereafter. The Library of Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court buildings are part of the Capitol complex. An underground railroad operates between several office buildings and the Capitol.
If you don't feel like walking back the entire National Mall and then walking to Georgetown, I recommend renting an electric scooter, which will take you to Georgetown for a few dollars.
On your last day in DC, you will visit the Pentagon area and stroll through the lively Georgetown neighborhood.
You'll pass the statue of George Washington on the subway
A short distance from the G. Washington statue is the Foggy Bottom-GWU metro station, from which you will take the Blue line to the Pentagon Metro Station (3 stops in total, take from platform 2)
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. As a symbol of the U.S. Armed Forces, the term Pentagon is metonymically applied to the United States Department of Defense rather than the building itself.
On September 11, 2001, there were attacks not only in New York, but also in Washington. One of the planes crashed into the Pentagon building.
Beside the Pentagon is a sprawling cemetery filled with iconic white plaques.
The famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is also part of this cemetery.
The return trip by metro is the same as to the Pentagon
You can end your day in Georgetown, visiting local restaurants, cafes, or some of the shops.
Remember to head to the airport early, it's really big, so you should be there at least 3 hours in advance. If you have time before, go for breakfast at a nearby cafe or enjoy one last walk in the city.
itinerary by Hynek Sturma
Over 12 days, you will visit New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Three essential metropolises of the US East Coast, allowing you to check off 3 US states on your map – New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
Your journey begins in New York, where you will also spend the most time (although I believe that after visiting it, you will agree that you wouldn't get bored there for several more weeks).
Next, you will travel by train to Philadelphia, a significant city from the beginnings of the USA – the US Constitution was written there, it was also the capital for the first 10 years, and for a long time it was an important financial center.
From Philadelphia, you will again travel by train to the current capital – Washington, D.C., where you will spend the last few days of your trip.
Your trip includes transportation from the airport to Manhattan, settling into your accommodation, and rest after your long journey so you have the energy to explore the city. Visa: A visa is required to enter the USA. A tourist ESTA will suffice for us; you can apply for it online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. The price is 21 USD, and the application result is usually known within about 1 hour of submission. You will need your passport for the application.
Upon arrival, arm yourself with patience; there are usually long lines at border control. When it's your turn, be prepared for a few questions, usually like "how long are you staying", "where will you be staying", "how much money do you have with you", "what is your job", etc., and also for having your photo taken and fingerprints scanned. Once you've completed everything, you'll get a stamp and you can proceed out of the airport.
🌍 New York 🌍
Entrance Tickets: To simplify the process of purchasing tickets for sightseeing or museums, I highly recommend buying a CityPASS (https://www.citypass.com/new-york), which includes admission to your chosen locations. In the itinerary below, the CityPASS covers entry to the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, the ferry to Liberty Island, and admission to the 9/11 Museum and the American Museum of Natural History.
Public Transportation: The entire city is beautifully covered by a public transportation network; you'll primarily use the subway. It's ideal to purchase a MetroCard, which costs $34 for 7 days + a $1 card fee.
Getting from JFK Airport to Manhattan: If you choose public transport, go directly from the airport to the AirTrain, which costs $8.50 and will take you to Jamaica Station in Queens. From there, you can transfer to the subway (ideally line E, which will take you to 7th Avenue station in the middle of Midtown Manhattan), or to the train (LIRR), which will take you to Penn Station.
If you choose a taxi, I recommend either Uber or a classic yellow cab, but make sure to ask about the price beforehand. From JFK to central Midtown Manhattan, the price should be between $70 and $90.
Local Tips: Orientation (except for the very south of Manhattan) is very easy thanks to the street and avenue names.
Streets are numbered from south to north and run from east to west.
Avenues are numbered from east to west and run from south to north.
For orientation in the subway, you can also use cardinal directions. If you want to go upwards (north) from your current location, always look for "Uptown" in the subway. For the opposite direction, look for "Downtown". Otherwise, I recommend using Google Maps, which will beautifully plan your route including public transport, clearly showing you which line to take, in which direction, and at what time, etc.
From the airport, follow the AirTrain signs that will take you to the departure hall of the elevated train connecting the airport to Jamaica Station in Queens. You can buy an AirTrain ticket from the machines located in front of the terminals to the departure hall. The ticket price is 8.5 USD per person. You can also buy a MetroCard at the same place, which you will use for traveling by subway. You can immediately top up the card in the machine - one subway ride costs 2.9 USD, I recommend loading 21 USD, if necessary, you can top up more money at any subway station in the machine. In addition, when purchasing a MetroCard, there is an additional 1 USD charge for the card itself.
In both cases, the machine will guide you step by step through the order and you will be able to purchase tickets without any problems. You can pay in cash or with a physical payment card.
If you want to take a taxi, there are plenty of typical yellow taxis right in front of the arrival terminal. I recommend asking in advance how much they will take you to Manhattan for. The price should be in the range of 70 - 90 USD.
Directly from the airport, you can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, from which you can either take the subway (ideally the E line) to the 7th Avenue stop, or take the train (LIRR) to Penn Station. Drop off your bags at your hotel and off to explore the first sights NYC has to offer!
At Jamaica Station, take the E train towards Manhattan and ride for 12 stops to 50 St station. From there, it's just a block's walk to the accommodation.
On your first day, you will walk the main shopping street and visit one of the city's biggest icons - the Empire State Building.
The iconic Times Square intersection is one of the places that comes to mind when you say New York. It's worth seeing both in the daytime and in the dark, although thanks to the ubiquitous billboards, it's as light as noon at night. Times Square is really busy during the day and you'll need to weave through the crowds a bit. Don't get caught out by people in costumes beckoning you to take a picture with them and other howlers. The ideal place to spot Times Square is the red steps in the north end.
This area used to be called "Longarce Square." It was renamed "Times Square" in April 1904 after the Times Building, which became the home of the prominent New York Times newspaper. This tower building was subsequently renamed One Times Square. Between 1913 and 2007, the newspaper was headquartered in a new building at 229 West 43rd Street, and since 2007 it has been based in the New York Times Tower.
One of the oldest skyscrapers, which is already a bit lost among the modern and higher buildings of Manhattan, but its illuminated top stands out after dark.
New York's main train station with a beautiful concourse that you may know from many movies or music videos.
You definitely don't just walk down 5th Avenue once. For one thing, it stretches through almost all of Manhattan, but there's also a lot to see. For one thing, there's a plethora of shops (and luxury stores), but there's also the famous Rockefeller plaza, the Empire State Building, and tons of other places you'll want to see.
A nice park surrounded by skyscrapers. During the winter you can rent skates and skate, during the summer you can stretch out on the grass or sit with a coffee/drink in one of the bistros near the park.
Icon of New York - Empire State Building. You don't have to worry about the entrance fee if you have purchased CityPASS. If not, admissions to all the sights range between $40 - $50 per person. No need to book in advance, you can get your ticket at the computer at the entrance to the building towards the observation deck. If you are interested, you can pay extra for access up to the antenna building.
Before the actual observation deck, you can walk through some very nicely designed rooms where you can see the history of ESB from construction to the present day, see photos of celebrities who have visited the observation deck, or perhaps see clips from movies in which the building has appeared. Then you can take the elevator up to the 86th floor, where you can enjoy the views of the city.
Another very famous skyscraper, which is also one of the oldest. It got its name because of its iron-like shape.
Take the R or W train uptown from 23 St station to 49 St station (4 stops)
Fast food chain with Chinese food. Panda Express is well known from various American movies or TV shows. Get the typical Chinese food in a box and take it with you to your accommodation for a true Panda express experience :)
On the second day, you will head to the southwestern part of Manhattan, where you will start at the newly built skyscraper district and gradually pass through to the quiet neighborhood of the upscale Greenwich Village, known among other things for its many jazz clubs.
For breakfast, I recommend stopping at least once at one of the "Deli's", of which there are tons all over NYC. They'll make you fresh sandwiches to your liking and for me, it's one of the TOP options for a quick and good breakfast. My favorite is the Bacon-egg-cheese bagel :)
Legendary sports and concert arena. I definitely recommend a visit. Whether you are a fan of the NHL (NY Rangers), NBA (NY Knicks) or going to a concert. The show you will experience here at sports games is unique. Tickets can be purchased either online at Ticketmaster or at the arena box office. The price for sports matches depends on the attractiveness of the opponent.
One of the newest prospects in Manhattan (along with Summit Vanderbilt) in the newly built modern Hudson Yards neighborhood. But the overlook is a great experience in itself, because unlike all the others, at the Edge you climb outside the building onto a protruding platform that's even glass in the middle. If you don't like heights, you'll probably find your feet a little shaky at first, but from here you have all of Manhattan in the palm of your hand. Conversely, if you're a big adventurer, there's the option to pay extra to be taken up to the tower, where you'll be hooked by the straps and suspended above Manhattan.
Original viewpoint in the middle of Hudson Yards, currently closed to the public.
A beautiful park that is built on the no longer functional tracks of the elevated railway. About 2 km walk with views of the bustle of Manhattan is a pleasant diversion.
Shops and streetfood in a converted factory hall. Original interiors and excellent food and drink. Chelsea Market is just a few yards from the steps of the High Line, be sure to stop in at least to have a look, but I believe you won't be able to resist sampling some of the eateries on offer.
One of New York's most expensive neighborhoods to live in. Once you arrive in Greenwich Village, you feel like you're in another city - no high-rises, quiet, few cars and people,... Residential buildings with steps to the door can be reminiscent of London.
If you're a Friends fan, be sure to check out the corner of Bedford St. and Grove St., where the building that featured in the show as the apartment building where the main characters lived is located.
For Sex and the City fans, Carrie Bradshaw's house, located at 64 Perry St.
If you have a sweet tooth, you shouldn't miss Molly's cupcakes, where you can taste the best cupcakes in NYC!
And if you enjoy music, be sure to check out the schedule of clubs in Greenwich Village, such as the Blue Note or Village Vanguard, and catch a concert. But feel free to go blind, I've never been disappointed with a performer yet. Don't expect old classic jazz though, much of the program is young performers who bring elements of R'n'B and other modern genres to jazz. The greatest jazz legends have played both clubs.
From W 4 St - Washington Sq station, take the Uptown direction on either the C or E line to 50 St station (5 stops total)
Pizza is another integral part of New York City, and you'll find a plethora of pizzerias around the city.1 Dollar Pizza is close to our accommodation and has good and, as the name suggests, cheap pizza. It's open late, perfect for a late snack when you come back after a concert :)
On Day 3, you will visit several key sites - the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ground Zero (WTC) and Times Square. I recommend leaving the Brooklyn Bridge crossing for before sunset - watching the sunset from the waterfront on the Brooklyn side is a great experience.
At the 50 St station, take line 1 towards Downtown to the Times Square - 42 St station (one stop), where you will transfer to line 2 or 3 towards Downtown and travel a total of 6 stops to the Wall Street station.
You can try breakfast at one of America's most popular fast food restaurants - Dunkin'. Sweet and savoury food lovers alike will be in for a treat.
The heart of the world's finance - Wall Street, which is full of businessmen in suits every day and is home to the New York Stock Exchange.
Manhattan's Financial District is one of the largest business districts in the United States and second only to Midtown in New York City. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, New York City was a major center for skyscraper construction (the only competitor was Chicago). The Financial District continues to form a distinct skyline today, separated from Midtown (Midtown) a few miles to the north but not reaching such heights.
The street's name derives from the fact that during the 17th century Wall Street represented the northern boundary of the settlement of New Amsterdam. In the 1740s, wooden fences enclosed the lots and residences in the colony. Later, Peter Stuyvesant, with the help of African slaves, built stronger fencing for the Dutch West India Company. A four-metre high wall of wood and earth fortified with palisades was built in 1653.
Headquarters of the American Stock Exchange. It is also the largest and most trusted stock exchange in the world.
The oldest church in New York City. Looking at it in the background, there is a nice contrast with the new World Trade Center building.
Memorial to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attack on the Twin Towers. Two "bottomless" pools the size of the original skyscrapers where they stood. Both pools are lined with the names of the victims. Occasionally, you will see a flower from a survivor stuck in one of the names, which only adds to the power of the place.
Museum of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Admission to the museum is on CityPASS, but you need to make a reservation in advance, which you can do on the CityPASS website. Alternatively, if you go to the museum on a Monday, admission is free for all. The museum has a strong atmosphere. You'll see wrecks of fire trucks, pieces of aircraft, and even the last remnants of skyscraper foundations. The whole museum is underground, in the former foundations of the buildings. You will also find photos from rescue operations, photos and videos of the debris removal, or a newly opened exhibit about the attackers and the entire investigation.
The new World Trade Center building that replaced the twin towers. It is currently the tallest building in NYC. It is possible to go up to the top for a view, but unfortunately admission is not included in the CityPASS - it comes out to $44 per person.
A park at the southern tip of Manhattan, where ferries depart for Staten Island, New Jersey, or Liberty Island with the Statue of Liberty. In the southern part of the park, the barriers leading to the concourse where the boats leave for Liberty Island already begin. Get your CityPASS reservation ready, go through a security check similar to the one at the airport, and then you're on your way to the Statue of Liberty.
The Liberty Island ferry is part of CityPASS. It's a good idea to make a reservation for a specific time through the CItyPASS website to avoid queues on site. The island has a beautiful view of southern Manhattan and its development of old skyscrapers.
One of the icons and symbols of New York City. You can walk around the statue on Liberty Island, or if you make a reservation in advance (really in advance, weeks or months), you can even go inside the statue to the observation deck.
Symbol of Wall street and the entire Financial district. The statue of the bull symbolizes prosperity and financial optimism. If you want to take a picture with the bull, you will usually have to stand in line with other people, there is almost always a large crowd.
Iconic bridge over the East River, connecting Manhattan Island to Brooklyn. At the time of its opening, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world. Originally a bridge for cars, pedestrians, and streetcars, it is now only used by cars and the footbridge over the road is for pedestrians. The bridge offers a beautiful view of Lower Manhattan, as well as Midtown.
It spans 486.3 feet between piers and spans the East River. It connects two parts of New York City - Manhattan and Brooklyn. At the time of its opening, it was the world's largest suspension bridge and the first steel cable-stayed suspension bridge (more accurately, a hybrid bridge combining suspension and cable-stayed construction). At the time, its bridge towers were the tallest structures in the entire Western Hemisphere. Construction began on 3 January 1870. The bridge was completed after 13 years and opened on 24 May 1883.
At the end of the bridge, take the path to the left, heading down. You will climb onto Washington St., which you will follow down, and in a few minutes you will be at the Dumbo viewpoint.
Brooklyn's borough, which offers a beautiful view of the Manhattan Bridge, with the Empire State Building towering between its pillars.
After your walk across the bridge, you can take a break in Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can stretch out on the grass and enjoy views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan when the weather is nice.
Another fast food that I can recommend to try - you can have mainly hot dogs or milk shakes here. At the same time there is a public toilet, which you may well welcome after your walk :)
Sitting right on the water under the Brooklyn Bridge with views of the bridge and Manhattan. It's one of my favourite spots - sitting here before sunset and then watching the whole city gradually light up is an incredible experience.
From the Brooklyn Bridge, head a short distance up to the High St subway station, where you'll take the A train towards Manhattan to the W 4 St - Washington Sq station (4 stops), where you'll transfer to the E train and go Uptown to the 50 St station (5 stops)
Excellent Mexican cuisine with an authentic atmosphere. The restaurant is located on 9th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets.
An evening visit to Times Square, where all sorts of advertising banners will make your eyes cross. A short walk after an extra meal is sure to sting.
Day 4 is largely spent exploring Central Park. You'll take a bike ride, a boat ride if you want, and enjoy the tranquility and beautiful corners that this giant park has to offer. But you'll also walk along a stretch of 5th Avenue and enjoy the sunset with a breathtaking view of Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.
I recommend cycling through the entire Central Park. There are CitiBike racks next to the Plaza Hotel on 5th Avenue at the edge of Central Park. You need to download the CitiBike app. If you don't feel like doing sports, you can also rent electric bikes. All-inclusive rentals cost about $15 (for an e-bike), a regular bike is cheaper. But of course, the price depends on how long your trip will take. The bike path around the park is very well marked, so just stick to the road and you can enjoy in peace :)
Roughly in the middle of the eastern side of the park is the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), which is famous for, among other things, the annual MET Gala VIP Ball.
You can also stop briefly at the largest water reservoir in Central Park.
You drive to the northern edge of Central Park, where the Harlem district begins. Here you can turn the bikes around and walk around for a bit, or just stop, look around and continue on. There are gardens, rock overlooks, or a pond where you can see lots of turtles :)
The house is famous for being the home of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It was also here that Lennon was shot dead outside the entrance in 1980.
From the Dakota you can return the bikes and continue on foot. Bikes need to be clicked into racks - you can find the nearest ones on the Citibike app. Check that the app has confirmed that you have returned your bike.
A memorial to John Lennon, where, among other things, guitarists play his songs all day long.
Fountain with decorative terrace by "the Lake". Here you can sit for a while and just observe the life around you. Often you will also come across street artists here.
A short walk from the fountain is a boat rental shop. The rental price is 25 USD per hour, you can only pay by card.
A skating rink where you can rent skates and enjoy skating in the middle of Central Park during the winter.
A lake with a stone bridge, which is famous for example from the movie Home Alone 2. The bridge offers a beautiful view of the border of Central Park, beyond which is a line of skyscrapers, or the Plaza Hotel.
A luxury hotel also known from the movie Home Alone 2, which was listed on the list of historical monuments of the USA.
The largest Apple store in Manhattan, located underground beneath a glass cube. It also houses a free and clean public restroom :)
Trump cafe, Trump grill, Trump souvenirs, Trump sweets and other shops and restaurants can be found in the president's luxury skyscraper.
The largest Roman Catholic cathedral in North America. The ornate spires of the historic building contrast nicely with the surrounding modern buildings.
The Rockefeller Center is a system of 19 buildings. Directly from the cathedral, you can reach the Rockefeller plaza, where you will find an ice rink in the winter, as well as the largest Christmas tree in Manhattan.
Iconic view of New York with the Empire state building in the foreground. There is also a beautiful view of the entire Central Park. If you have a CityPASS, admission is free, but you need to make a reservation for a specific time in advance. At the same time, if you have a CityPASS, you can also use it to reserve a sunset time at no extra charge (normally, admission to the observation deck is about $15 more expensive during sunset times).
The famous concert hall and theater located right on the corner by Rockefeller center.
You can take the subway, from the 47 - 50 Sts - Rockefeller Ctr station take the Downtown bound D train one stop to 42 St - Bryant Park
It wouldn't be a visit to the USA without a good burger. You won't go wrong here, whatever you choose. It also offers excellent IPAs. The restaurant is located on 38th Street between 7th and 8th. Avenue.
On the way back, you can take a trip down the legendary Broadway - a street full of theatres where world-famous actors excel.
This is the oldest main north-south street in the city, dating back to the New Amsterdam era on the site of the former Indian Trail. It is one of the few streets in New York City that does not adhere to the strict rectangular system of New York's public streets.
It is best known for its many high-profile drama and musical theatres, and is also home to the Broadway Theatre. The most successful series of shows staged here reach thousands of performances.
You can end the evening in an Irish bar, which are also typical of New York. There's a very nice one just across the road from our accommodation!
On Day 5, head south from the Empire State Building, where the NYU campus is located, to sample some delicious pastrami, then through SoHo to New York City Hall and then on to Chinatown and Little Italy. In the evening, enjoy a real American bar.
From 49 St station, take line N, Q, or W towards Downtown to 14 St - Union Sq station (3 stops total)
The vibrant Union Square district has a pedestrian plaza and bustling park at its centre, attracting professionals, street artists and protesters alike. The surrounding streets are lined with high-rise residential buildings and big-brand retail chains, as well as casual restaurants and cafes. Stalls at the long-established Union Square Farmers' Market draw crowds for local produce and traditional food.
The center of the NYU campus. It's where students meet, where they hold their events, where you can play chess, etc... It's a nice place to sit for a while and just observe life around you.
A famous district full of luxury boutiques and restaurants.
Branded boutiques, luxury retail chains and top art galleries make stylish SoHo a prime shopping destination, especially for non-London visitors. The district is known for its stylish cast-iron facades and cobbled streets, and the chic crowds frequenting its expensive restaurants and nightspots are an integral part of its atmosphere.
The oldest city hall in the U.S., it still serves as the office of New York's mayor and his office.
If you're looking for food that's quintessentially New York, you'll find pastrami. Sliced beef in a sandwich. You can get a great pastrami at Katz's deli, but you can get it at almost any deli around NYC. The deli is located on the corner of Houston st. and Ludlow st.
Italian quarter full of themed restaurants and shops. Fans of the Czech computer game Mafia will especially appreciate a visit here :)
In the Chinese city you will also find a number of restaurants, but also typical markets, where the menu includes chicken claws and other similar delicacies.
Take the 6 train from Canal St heading Uptown to 68 St - Hunter College (11 stops total)
You can end the evening in a real American bar. Wings, sandwiches, or a shrimp cocktail. And, of course, margaritas. Located at 73rd and 3rd. Avenue.
From 72 St station, take either the N or Q train towards Downtown to 57 St - 7 Av station (2 stops)
You will travel by train from New York to Philadelphia and visit one of the most important symbols of American independence.
From your accommodation you will go to Pensylvania Station, where you will board the Amtrak train to Philadelphia.
Philadelphia
Arrival: You will arrive by train at "Amtrak Philadelphia Train Station", which is approximately 1.5 km from the main square with the town hall. Moreover, it is a straight line from the station to the square. However, it is best to take an Uber or taxi from the station directly to your accommodation, where you can leave your luggage and start exploring the city.
Local transport: To get around Philadelphia, you can use the bus, subway, or Uber. In the center, however, everything is more or less within walking distance, so you will probably get by without transport. The ticket price is 2 dollars, you can buy it directly at the subway station or when boarding the bus.
From the train station in Philadelphia, I recommend taking an Uber or taxi and dropping your bags off at your accommodation first. Then head downtown!
After the journey and the accommodation, you must be hungry. And it wouldn't be a complete visit to Philadelphia if you didn't try a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. They have excellent ones at Cleavers, for example, which also has a great selection of fillings.
From Cleavers, head towards the Liberty Bell, stopping at the main square where the old town hall stands.
The museum in the centre of which is the Liberty Bell. It is a symbol of freedom and independence of the United States of America. It was cast between 1751 and 1752 and its ringing in 1776 confirmed the declaration of independence of the United States of America.
Just across the street from the museum is Independence Hall.
The building was built in 1741 as the Pennsylvania State House for the government of Pennsylvania, then one of the thirteen colonies in North America. The bell tower housed the Liberty Bell from 1752 to 1876. From 1775 to 1789, the Second Continental Congress met here and adopted the United States Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. This act gave Independence Hall its present name.
A few minutes from the Liberty Bell is Christ Church Burial Ground, the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, an important statesman from the early days of the independent United States and one of the authors of the U.S. Constitution.
Take the subway from 5th St Independence Hall Station on the MFL line, a total of 4 stops westbound to 15th St Station, where you will transfer to the BSL line and go to the last stop - NRG Station
Sports fans should not miss a visit to the sports complex. There are three arenas - the Wells Fargo Center, home to the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers and the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, the Citizens Bank Park baseball stadium, home to the MLB's Philadelphia Phillies, and finally, the largest of the trio, the Lincoln Financial Field, home to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.
If it works out that a game is being played at one of the stadiums, it's definitely worth a visit!
Today you'll run up the steps of Rocky Balboa, walk through downtown Philadelphia and visit the well-known Walmart supermarket!
In addition to its historical significance, Philadelphia is also well known for the Rocky film franchise. And in just about every episode, Rocky's hard training ends with him running up the stairs to the local museum. And you can run them too! I guarantee that no matter what day you go there, there will be another "Rocky" running with you :)
There is also a statue of Rocky under the stairs.
From the museum, you walk down a long boulevard lined with flags from countries all over the world, heading towards the centre. Keep going straight until you reach Love Park, in the middle of which is the famous LOVE sculpture.
You'll be hungry after your run, and you can eat at the Cheesecake Factory, a chain well known to fans of the Big Bang Theory series, just off the square. But don't let the name fool you, besides the cheesecakes, you can also get delicious burgers or even Mac and Cheese.
Philadelphia Downtown is located around Market Street. You can walk along it, see the local skyscrapers, and visit some of the shops in the area, for example.
The easiest way to travel is by Uber or taxi - it should cost around $10 USD.
You can end the afternoon with a visit to a typical American Walmart supermarket.
You will travel from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and visit the White House, the seat of the American head of state.
From your accommodation, it is best to take a taxi again to the Amtrak Philadelphia station, where you will board the train to Washington DC.
Washington D.C.
Arrival: You will get off the train at "Washington DC, Amtrak station". Immediately after leaving the station hall, you will have a view of the Capitol. Right next to the station is a bus stop - "Massachusetts Av NE & Columbus Cir NE" - the best way to get to accommodation in Georgetown is by bus D6, get off at the "Q St NW & 28 St NW" stop.
Local transport: Public transport buses are ideal for getting around the city. The ticket price is USD 2.25, which can be purchased when boarding the bus. However, everything in the center is more or less within walking distance, and Georgetown is not extremely far either (approx. 30 minutes walk from the White House).
Like in Philadelphia, I recommend dropping your bags off at your accommodation first, There is a bus stop right by the station - "Massachusetts Av NE & Columbus Cir NE" - the best way to get to your accommodation in Georgetown is to take the D6 bus, get off at "Q St NW & 28 St NW".
After checking in, head downtown through Georgetown. It's a nice and quiet neighbourhood full of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.
On arrival in the city centre, you'll find yourself at one of the main sites of your visit to Washington DC - the White House, the seat of the American head of state. If you're very lucky with the dates, twice a year (spring and fall) the White House gardens open to the public for a weekend. But you need to book a time ticket. But even if the date doesn't work out for you, be sure to walk the entire grounds and try to at least peek over the fence.
When walking around the White House, you won't miss the giant white obelisk - the Washington Monument, which is about halfway between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol.
A pleasant park for a short rest.
From the park, head downtown past Capital One Arena, home of the NHL's Washington Capitals (again, if you're at a home game, I recommend a visit). Around the arena and in downtown Washington in general, there are a great variety of museums - art, architecture, the National Museum, the Postal Museum, and more. If you enjoy museums, be sure to find the ones that interest you the most and visit them.
Still heading back through downtown towards the White House, you'll come to the Old Post Office Pavilion. Take these places purely as a guide to give you an approximate direction to get through most of downtown.
You can get your fill at the fast food chain Chick-Fil-A, which is my fast food favorite. If you like fried chicken, you'll be thrilled.
You will finish your walk through downtown at the Dupont Circle intersection, where you will head back to your accommodation in Georgetown.
On your second day in DC, take a walk from Lincoln to the Capitol.
You will start at the obelisk you visited yesterday, which will imaginatively bisect today's journey.
The Washington Monument is a large white obelisk at the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It is one of the presidential monuments in the United States, erected in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States and leader of the Revolutionary Continental Army that won independence from British rule.
The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848, the spire was set on December 6, 1884, and the completed monument was unveiled on February 21, 1885. It was officially opened to the public on 9 October 1888. When it opened, it was the tallest structure in the world at 169 m (169 ft), and remained so until 1889, when the Eiffel Tower in Paris was completed, but it remains the tallest structure in Washington, D.C., because there can be no taller buildings in Washington than the Capitol and the Washington Monument.
The reflection of the Washington Monument can be seen in the aptly named Reflecting Pool, a rectangular pool that lies west of the obelisk in the direction of the Lincoln Memorial.From the Washington Monument, head towards the Lincoln Memorial to reach the World War II Memorial Plaza.
From the WWII Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial, you will walk past the water tanks. They may be familiar from the movie Forrest Gump, when Forrest plunges into the water to meet Jenny again.
The Lincoln Memorial was erected to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln.
The cornerstone of the memorial was laid in 1915 and the dedication ceremony was held on May 30, 1922. Architect Henry Bacon designed it in the style of an ancient temple, making it reminiscent of Athens' famous Parthenon.
The walls of the inner hall cover the themes of two of Lincoln's speeches - at his inauguration in 1865 and at Gettysburg in 1863. They are complemented by murals on the themes of the end of the American Civil War and the emancipation of slaves.
A few minutes from the Lincoln Memorial is another memorial to Vietnam War veterans.
The way to the Capitol is through a long park - the National Mall, which is lined with museums of all kinds. During the inauguration of a new head of state, this entire park is packed with people from the Capitol to the Washington Monument. It's only when you walk through the park that you realize how crowded it must be, considering how long it is. To make the information complete - 700 to 900 thousand people attend the inauguration.
Iconic building and one of the most important buildings in Washington and the United States, apart from the White House.
The Capitol is the meeting place of Congress, the legislative body of the United States, consisting of the House of Representatives, 435 representatives, the number from a particular state of the Union depending on the size of the population living there (proportional representation), and the Senate, two from each state, and 100 representatives in total. The Capitol was built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, then expanded in the mid-19th century. It consists of a rotunda with a dome and two side wings. The building is 229 m long and up to 107 m wide, reaching 88 m at its highest point; it was the first such large structure in Washington, D.C., after the White House, and the entire city was built around it thereafter. The Library of Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court buildings are part of the Capitol complex. An underground railroad operates between several office buildings and the Capitol.
If you don't feel like walking back the entire National Mall and then walking to Georgetown, I recommend renting an electric scooter, which will take you to Georgetown for a few dollars.
On your last day in DC, you will visit the Pentagon area and stroll through the lively Georgetown neighborhood.
You'll pass the statue of George Washington on the subway
A short distance from the G. Washington statue is the Foggy Bottom-GWU metro station, from which you will take the Blue line to the Pentagon Metro Station (3 stops in total, take from platform 2)
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. As a symbol of the U.S. Armed Forces, the term Pentagon is metonymically applied to the United States Department of Defense rather than the building itself.
On September 11, 2001, there were attacks not only in New York, but also in Washington. One of the planes crashed into the Pentagon building.
Beside the Pentagon is a sprawling cemetery filled with iconic white plaques.
The famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is also part of this cemetery.
The return trip by metro is the same as to the Pentagon
You can end your day in Georgetown, visiting local restaurants, cafes, or some of the shops.
Remember to head to the airport early, it's really big, so you should be there at least 3 hours in advance. If you have time before, go for breakfast at a nearby cafe or enjoy one last walk in the city.
Over 12 days, you will visit New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Three essential metropolises of the US East Coast, allowing you to check off 3 US states on your map – New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
Your journey begins in New York, where you will also spend the most time (although I believe that after visiting it, you will agree that you wouldn't get bored there for several more weeks).
Next, you will travel by train to Philadelphia, a significant city from the beginnings of the USA – the US Constitution was written there, it was also the capital for the first 10 years, and for a long time it was an important financial center.
From Philadelphia, you will again travel by train to the current capital – Washington, D.C., where you will spend the last few days of your trip.
Your trip includes transportation from the airport to Manhattan, settling into your accommodation, and rest after your long journey so you have the energy to explore the city. Visa: A visa is required to enter the USA. A tourist ESTA will suffice for us; you can apply for it online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. The price is 21 USD, and the application result is usually known within about 1 hour of submission. You will need your passport for the application.
Upon arrival, arm yourself with patience; there are usually long lines at border control. When it's your turn, be prepared for a few questions, usually like "how long are you staying", "where will you be staying", "how much money do you have with you", "what is your job", etc., and also for having your photo taken and fingerprints scanned. Once you've completed everything, you'll get a stamp and you can proceed out of the airport.
🌍 New York 🌍
Entrance Tickets: To simplify the process of purchasing tickets for sightseeing or museums, I highly recommend buying a CityPASS (https://www.citypass.com/new-york), which includes admission to your chosen locations. In the itinerary below, the CityPASS covers entry to the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, the ferry to Liberty Island, and admission to the 9/11 Museum and the American Museum of Natural History.
Public Transportation: The entire city is beautifully covered by a public transportation network; you'll primarily use the subway. It's ideal to purchase a MetroCard, which costs $34 for 7 days + a $1 card fee.
Getting from JFK Airport to Manhattan: If you choose public transport, go directly from the airport to the AirTrain, which costs $8.50 and will take you to Jamaica Station in Queens. From there, you can transfer to the subway (ideally line E, which will take you to 7th Avenue station in the middle of Midtown Manhattan), or to the train (LIRR), which will take you to Penn Station.
If you choose a taxi, I recommend either Uber or a classic yellow cab, but make sure to ask about the price beforehand. From JFK to central Midtown Manhattan, the price should be between $70 and $90.
Local Tips: Orientation (except for the very south of Manhattan) is very easy thanks to the street and avenue names.
Streets are numbered from south to north and run from east to west.
Avenues are numbered from east to west and run from south to north.
For orientation in the subway, you can also use cardinal directions. If you want to go upwards (north) from your current location, always look for "Uptown" in the subway. For the opposite direction, look for "Downtown". Otherwise, I recommend using Google Maps, which will beautifully plan your route including public transport, clearly showing you which line to take, in which direction, and at what time, etc.
From the airport, follow the AirTrain signs that will take you to the departure hall of the elevated train connecting the airport to Jamaica Station in Queens. You can buy an AirTrain ticket from the machines located in front of the terminals to the departure hall. The ticket price is 8.5 USD per person. You can also buy a MetroCard at the same place, which you will use for traveling by subway. You can immediately top up the card in the machine - one subway ride costs 2.9 USD, I recommend loading 21 USD, if necessary, you can top up more money at any subway station in the machine. In addition, when purchasing a MetroCard, there is an additional 1 USD charge for the card itself.
In both cases, the machine will guide you step by step through the order and you will be able to purchase tickets without any problems. You can pay in cash or with a physical payment card.
If you want to take a taxi, there are plenty of typical yellow taxis right in front of the arrival terminal. I recommend asking in advance how much they will take you to Manhattan for. The price should be in the range of 70 - 90 USD.
Directly from the airport, you can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, from which you can either take the subway (ideally the E line) to the 7th Avenue stop, or take the train (LIRR) to Penn Station. Drop off your bags at your hotel and off to explore the first sights NYC has to offer!
At Jamaica Station, take the E train towards Manhattan and ride for 12 stops to 50 St station. From there, it's just a block's walk to the accommodation.
On your first day, you will walk the main shopping street and visit one of the city's biggest icons - the Empire State Building.
The iconic Times Square intersection is one of the places that comes to mind when you say New York. It's worth seeing both in the daytime and in the dark, although thanks to the ubiquitous billboards, it's as light as noon at night. Times Square is really busy during the day and you'll need to weave through the crowds a bit. Don't get caught out by people in costumes beckoning you to take a picture with them and other howlers. The ideal place to spot Times Square is the red steps in the north end.
This area used to be called "Longarce Square." It was renamed "Times Square" in April 1904 after the Times Building, which became the home of the prominent New York Times newspaper. This tower building was subsequently renamed One Times Square. Between 1913 and 2007, the newspaper was headquartered in a new building at 229 West 43rd Street, and since 2007 it has been based in the New York Times Tower.
One of the oldest skyscrapers, which is already a bit lost among the modern and higher buildings of Manhattan, but its illuminated top stands out after dark.
New York's main train station with a beautiful concourse that you may know from many movies or music videos.
You definitely don't just walk down 5th Avenue once. For one thing, it stretches through almost all of Manhattan, but there's also a lot to see. For one thing, there's a plethora of shops (and luxury stores), but there's also the famous Rockefeller plaza, the Empire State Building, and tons of other places you'll want to see.
A nice park surrounded by skyscrapers. During the winter you can rent skates and skate, during the summer you can stretch out on the grass or sit with a coffee/drink in one of the bistros near the park.
Icon of New York - Empire State Building. You don't have to worry about the entrance fee if you have purchased CityPASS. If not, admissions to all the sights range between $40 - $50 per person. No need to book in advance, you can get your ticket at the computer at the entrance to the building towards the observation deck. If you are interested, you can pay extra for access up to the antenna building.
Before the actual observation deck, you can walk through some very nicely designed rooms where you can see the history of ESB from construction to the present day, see photos of celebrities who have visited the observation deck, or perhaps see clips from movies in which the building has appeared. Then you can take the elevator up to the 86th floor, where you can enjoy the views of the city.
Another very famous skyscraper, which is also one of the oldest. It got its name because of its iron-like shape.
Take the R or W train uptown from 23 St station to 49 St station (4 stops)
Fast food chain with Chinese food. Panda Express is well known from various American movies or TV shows. Get the typical Chinese food in a box and take it with you to your accommodation for a true Panda express experience :)
On the second day, you will head to the southwestern part of Manhattan, where you will start at the newly built skyscraper district and gradually pass through to the quiet neighborhood of the upscale Greenwich Village, known among other things for its many jazz clubs.
For breakfast, I recommend stopping at least once at one of the "Deli's", of which there are tons all over NYC. They'll make you fresh sandwiches to your liking and for me, it's one of the TOP options for a quick and good breakfast. My favorite is the Bacon-egg-cheese bagel :)
Legendary sports and concert arena. I definitely recommend a visit. Whether you are a fan of the NHL (NY Rangers), NBA (NY Knicks) or going to a concert. The show you will experience here at sports games is unique. Tickets can be purchased either online at Ticketmaster or at the arena box office. The price for sports matches depends on the attractiveness of the opponent.
One of the newest prospects in Manhattan (along with Summit Vanderbilt) in the newly built modern Hudson Yards neighborhood. But the overlook is a great experience in itself, because unlike all the others, at the Edge you climb outside the building onto a protruding platform that's even glass in the middle. If you don't like heights, you'll probably find your feet a little shaky at first, but from here you have all of Manhattan in the palm of your hand. Conversely, if you're a big adventurer, there's the option to pay extra to be taken up to the tower, where you'll be hooked by the straps and suspended above Manhattan.
Original viewpoint in the middle of Hudson Yards, currently closed to the public.
A beautiful park that is built on the no longer functional tracks of the elevated railway. About 2 km walk with views of the bustle of Manhattan is a pleasant diversion.
Shops and streetfood in a converted factory hall. Original interiors and excellent food and drink. Chelsea Market is just a few yards from the steps of the High Line, be sure to stop in at least to have a look, but I believe you won't be able to resist sampling some of the eateries on offer.
One of New York's most expensive neighborhoods to live in. Once you arrive in Greenwich Village, you feel like you're in another city - no high-rises, quiet, few cars and people,... Residential buildings with steps to the door can be reminiscent of London.
If you're a Friends fan, be sure to check out the corner of Bedford St. and Grove St., where the building that featured in the show as the apartment building where the main characters lived is located.
For Sex and the City fans, Carrie Bradshaw's house, located at 64 Perry St.
If you have a sweet tooth, you shouldn't miss Molly's cupcakes, where you can taste the best cupcakes in NYC!
And if you enjoy music, be sure to check out the schedule of clubs in Greenwich Village, such as the Blue Note or Village Vanguard, and catch a concert. But feel free to go blind, I've never been disappointed with a performer yet. Don't expect old classic jazz though, much of the program is young performers who bring elements of R'n'B and other modern genres to jazz. The greatest jazz legends have played both clubs.
From W 4 St - Washington Sq station, take the Uptown direction on either the C or E line to 50 St station (5 stops total)
Pizza is another integral part of New York City, and you'll find a plethora of pizzerias around the city.1 Dollar Pizza is close to our accommodation and has good and, as the name suggests, cheap pizza. It's open late, perfect for a late snack when you come back after a concert :)
On Day 3, you will visit several key sites - the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ground Zero (WTC) and Times Square. I recommend leaving the Brooklyn Bridge crossing for before sunset - watching the sunset from the waterfront on the Brooklyn side is a great experience.
At the 50 St station, take line 1 towards Downtown to the Times Square - 42 St station (one stop), where you will transfer to line 2 or 3 towards Downtown and travel a total of 6 stops to the Wall Street station.
You can try breakfast at one of America's most popular fast food restaurants - Dunkin'. Sweet and savoury food lovers alike will be in for a treat.
The heart of the world's finance - Wall Street, which is full of businessmen in suits every day and is home to the New York Stock Exchange.
Manhattan's Financial District is one of the largest business districts in the United States and second only to Midtown in New York City. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, New York City was a major center for skyscraper construction (the only competitor was Chicago). The Financial District continues to form a distinct skyline today, separated from Midtown (Midtown) a few miles to the north but not reaching such heights.
The street's name derives from the fact that during the 17th century Wall Street represented the northern boundary of the settlement of New Amsterdam. In the 1740s, wooden fences enclosed the lots and residences in the colony. Later, Peter Stuyvesant, with the help of African slaves, built stronger fencing for the Dutch West India Company. A four-metre high wall of wood and earth fortified with palisades was built in 1653.
Headquarters of the American Stock Exchange. It is also the largest and most trusted stock exchange in the world.
The oldest church in New York City. Looking at it in the background, there is a nice contrast with the new World Trade Center building.
Memorial to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attack on the Twin Towers. Two "bottomless" pools the size of the original skyscrapers where they stood. Both pools are lined with the names of the victims. Occasionally, you will see a flower from a survivor stuck in one of the names, which only adds to the power of the place.
Museum of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Admission to the museum is on CityPASS, but you need to make a reservation in advance, which you can do on the CityPASS website. Alternatively, if you go to the museum on a Monday, admission is free for all. The museum has a strong atmosphere. You'll see wrecks of fire trucks, pieces of aircraft, and even the last remnants of skyscraper foundations. The whole museum is underground, in the former foundations of the buildings. You will also find photos from rescue operations, photos and videos of the debris removal, or a newly opened exhibit about the attackers and the entire investigation.
The new World Trade Center building that replaced the twin towers. It is currently the tallest building in NYC. It is possible to go up to the top for a view, but unfortunately admission is not included in the CityPASS - it comes out to $44 per person.
A park at the southern tip of Manhattan, where ferries depart for Staten Island, New Jersey, or Liberty Island with the Statue of Liberty. In the southern part of the park, the barriers leading to the concourse where the boats leave for Liberty Island already begin. Get your CityPASS reservation ready, go through a security check similar to the one at the airport, and then you're on your way to the Statue of Liberty.
The Liberty Island ferry is part of CityPASS. It's a good idea to make a reservation for a specific time through the CItyPASS website to avoid queues on site. The island has a beautiful view of southern Manhattan and its development of old skyscrapers.
One of the icons and symbols of New York City. You can walk around the statue on Liberty Island, or if you make a reservation in advance (really in advance, weeks or months), you can even go inside the statue to the observation deck.
Symbol of Wall street and the entire Financial district. The statue of the bull symbolizes prosperity and financial optimism. If you want to take a picture with the bull, you will usually have to stand in line with other people, there is almost always a large crowd.
Iconic bridge over the East River, connecting Manhattan Island to Brooklyn. At the time of its opening, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world. Originally a bridge for cars, pedestrians, and streetcars, it is now only used by cars and the footbridge over the road is for pedestrians. The bridge offers a beautiful view of Lower Manhattan, as well as Midtown.
It spans 486.3 feet between piers and spans the East River. It connects two parts of New York City - Manhattan and Brooklyn. At the time of its opening, it was the world's largest suspension bridge and the first steel cable-stayed suspension bridge (more accurately, a hybrid bridge combining suspension and cable-stayed construction). At the time, its bridge towers were the tallest structures in the entire Western Hemisphere. Construction began on 3 January 1870. The bridge was completed after 13 years and opened on 24 May 1883.
At the end of the bridge, take the path to the left, heading down. You will climb onto Washington St., which you will follow down, and in a few minutes you will be at the Dumbo viewpoint.
Brooklyn's borough, which offers a beautiful view of the Manhattan Bridge, with the Empire State Building towering between its pillars.
After your walk across the bridge, you can take a break in Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can stretch out on the grass and enjoy views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan when the weather is nice.
Another fast food that I can recommend to try - you can have mainly hot dogs or milk shakes here. At the same time there is a public toilet, which you may well welcome after your walk :)
Sitting right on the water under the Brooklyn Bridge with views of the bridge and Manhattan. It's one of my favourite spots - sitting here before sunset and then watching the whole city gradually light up is an incredible experience.
From the Brooklyn Bridge, head a short distance up to the High St subway station, where you'll take the A train towards Manhattan to the W 4 St - Washington Sq station (4 stops), where you'll transfer to the E train and go Uptown to the 50 St station (5 stops)
Excellent Mexican cuisine with an authentic atmosphere. The restaurant is located on 9th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets.
An evening visit to Times Square, where all sorts of advertising banners will make your eyes cross. A short walk after an extra meal is sure to sting.
Day 4 is largely spent exploring Central Park. You'll take a bike ride, a boat ride if you want, and enjoy the tranquility and beautiful corners that this giant park has to offer. But you'll also walk along a stretch of 5th Avenue and enjoy the sunset with a breathtaking view of Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.
I recommend cycling through the entire Central Park. There are CitiBike racks next to the Plaza Hotel on 5th Avenue at the edge of Central Park. You need to download the CitiBike app. If you don't feel like doing sports, you can also rent electric bikes. All-inclusive rentals cost about $15 (for an e-bike), a regular bike is cheaper. But of course, the price depends on how long your trip will take. The bike path around the park is very well marked, so just stick to the road and you can enjoy in peace :)
Roughly in the middle of the eastern side of the park is the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), which is famous for, among other things, the annual MET Gala VIP Ball.
You can also stop briefly at the largest water reservoir in Central Park.
You drive to the northern edge of Central Park, where the Harlem district begins. Here you can turn the bikes around and walk around for a bit, or just stop, look around and continue on. There are gardens, rock overlooks, or a pond where you can see lots of turtles :)
The house is famous for being the home of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It was also here that Lennon was shot dead outside the entrance in 1980.
From the Dakota you can return the bikes and continue on foot. Bikes need to be clicked into racks - you can find the nearest ones on the Citibike app. Check that the app has confirmed that you have returned your bike.
A memorial to John Lennon, where, among other things, guitarists play his songs all day long.
Fountain with decorative terrace by "the Lake". Here you can sit for a while and just observe the life around you. Often you will also come across street artists here.
A short walk from the fountain is a boat rental shop. The rental price is 25 USD per hour, you can only pay by card.
A skating rink where you can rent skates and enjoy skating in the middle of Central Park during the winter.
A lake with a stone bridge, which is famous for example from the movie Home Alone 2. The bridge offers a beautiful view of the border of Central Park, beyond which is a line of skyscrapers, or the Plaza Hotel.
A luxury hotel also known from the movie Home Alone 2, which was listed on the list of historical monuments of the USA.
The largest Apple store in Manhattan, located underground beneath a glass cube. It also houses a free and clean public restroom :)
Trump cafe, Trump grill, Trump souvenirs, Trump sweets and other shops and restaurants can be found in the president's luxury skyscraper.
The largest Roman Catholic cathedral in North America. The ornate spires of the historic building contrast nicely with the surrounding modern buildings.
The Rockefeller Center is a system of 19 buildings. Directly from the cathedral, you can reach the Rockefeller plaza, where you will find an ice rink in the winter, as well as the largest Christmas tree in Manhattan.
Iconic view of New York with the Empire state building in the foreground. There is also a beautiful view of the entire Central Park. If you have a CityPASS, admission is free, but you need to make a reservation for a specific time in advance. At the same time, if you have a CityPASS, you can also use it to reserve a sunset time at no extra charge (normally, admission to the observation deck is about $15 more expensive during sunset times).
The famous concert hall and theater located right on the corner by Rockefeller center.
You can take the subway, from the 47 - 50 Sts - Rockefeller Ctr station take the Downtown bound D train one stop to 42 St - Bryant Park
It wouldn't be a visit to the USA without a good burger. You won't go wrong here, whatever you choose. It also offers excellent IPAs. The restaurant is located on 38th Street between 7th and 8th. Avenue.
On the way back, you can take a trip down the legendary Broadway - a street full of theatres where world-famous actors excel.
This is the oldest main north-south street in the city, dating back to the New Amsterdam era on the site of the former Indian Trail. It is one of the few streets in New York City that does not adhere to the strict rectangular system of New York's public streets.
It is best known for its many high-profile drama and musical theatres, and is also home to the Broadway Theatre. The most successful series of shows staged here reach thousands of performances.
You can end the evening in an Irish bar, which are also typical of New York. There's a very nice one just across the road from our accommodation!
On Day 5, head south from the Empire State Building, where the NYU campus is located, to sample some delicious pastrami, then through SoHo to New York City Hall and then on to Chinatown and Little Italy. In the evening, enjoy a real American bar.
From 49 St station, take line N, Q, or W towards Downtown to 14 St - Union Sq station (3 stops total)
The vibrant Union Square district has a pedestrian plaza and bustling park at its centre, attracting professionals, street artists and protesters alike. The surrounding streets are lined with high-rise residential buildings and big-brand retail chains, as well as casual restaurants and cafes. Stalls at the long-established Union Square Farmers' Market draw crowds for local produce and traditional food.
The center of the NYU campus. It's where students meet, where they hold their events, where you can play chess, etc... It's a nice place to sit for a while and just observe life around you.
A famous district full of luxury boutiques and restaurants.
Branded boutiques, luxury retail chains and top art galleries make stylish SoHo a prime shopping destination, especially for non-London visitors. The district is known for its stylish cast-iron facades and cobbled streets, and the chic crowds frequenting its expensive restaurants and nightspots are an integral part of its atmosphere.
The oldest city hall in the U.S., it still serves as the office of New York's mayor and his office.
If you're looking for food that's quintessentially New York, you'll find pastrami. Sliced beef in a sandwich. You can get a great pastrami at Katz's deli, but you can get it at almost any deli around NYC. The deli is located on the corner of Houston st. and Ludlow st.
Italian quarter full of themed restaurants and shops. Fans of the Czech computer game Mafia will especially appreciate a visit here :)
In the Chinese city you will also find a number of restaurants, but also typical markets, where the menu includes chicken claws and other similar delicacies.
Take the 6 train from Canal St heading Uptown to 68 St - Hunter College (11 stops total)
You can end the evening in a real American bar. Wings, sandwiches, or a shrimp cocktail. And, of course, margaritas. Located at 73rd and 3rd. Avenue.
From 72 St station, take either the N or Q train towards Downtown to 57 St - 7 Av station (2 stops)
You will travel by train from New York to Philadelphia and visit one of the most important symbols of American independence.
From your accommodation you will go to Pensylvania Station, where you will board the Amtrak train to Philadelphia.
Philadelphia
Arrival: You will arrive by train at "Amtrak Philadelphia Train Station", which is approximately 1.5 km from the main square with the town hall. Moreover, it is a straight line from the station to the square. However, it is best to take an Uber or taxi from the station directly to your accommodation, where you can leave your luggage and start exploring the city.
Local transport: To get around Philadelphia, you can use the bus, subway, or Uber. In the center, however, everything is more or less within walking distance, so you will probably get by without transport. The ticket price is 2 dollars, you can buy it directly at the subway station or when boarding the bus.
From the train station in Philadelphia, I recommend taking an Uber or taxi and dropping your bags off at your accommodation first. Then head downtown!
After the journey and the accommodation, you must be hungry. And it wouldn't be a complete visit to Philadelphia if you didn't try a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. They have excellent ones at Cleavers, for example, which also has a great selection of fillings.
From Cleavers, head towards the Liberty Bell, stopping at the main square where the old town hall stands.
The museum in the centre of which is the Liberty Bell. It is a symbol of freedom and independence of the United States of America. It was cast between 1751 and 1752 and its ringing in 1776 confirmed the declaration of independence of the United States of America.
Just across the street from the museum is Independence Hall.
The building was built in 1741 as the Pennsylvania State House for the government of Pennsylvania, then one of the thirteen colonies in North America. The bell tower housed the Liberty Bell from 1752 to 1876. From 1775 to 1789, the Second Continental Congress met here and adopted the United States Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. This act gave Independence Hall its present name.
A few minutes from the Liberty Bell is Christ Church Burial Ground, the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, an important statesman from the early days of the independent United States and one of the authors of the U.S. Constitution.
Take the subway from 5th St Independence Hall Station on the MFL line, a total of 4 stops westbound to 15th St Station, where you will transfer to the BSL line and go to the last stop - NRG Station
Sports fans should not miss a visit to the sports complex. There are three arenas - the Wells Fargo Center, home to the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers and the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, the Citizens Bank Park baseball stadium, home to the MLB's Philadelphia Phillies, and finally, the largest of the trio, the Lincoln Financial Field, home to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.
If it works out that a game is being played at one of the stadiums, it's definitely worth a visit!
Today you'll run up the steps of Rocky Balboa, walk through downtown Philadelphia and visit the well-known Walmart supermarket!
In addition to its historical significance, Philadelphia is also well known for the Rocky film franchise. And in just about every episode, Rocky's hard training ends with him running up the stairs to the local museum. And you can run them too! I guarantee that no matter what day you go there, there will be another "Rocky" running with you :)
There is also a statue of Rocky under the stairs.
From the museum, you walk down a long boulevard lined with flags from countries all over the world, heading towards the centre. Keep going straight until you reach Love Park, in the middle of which is the famous LOVE sculpture.
You'll be hungry after your run, and you can eat at the Cheesecake Factory, a chain well known to fans of the Big Bang Theory series, just off the square. But don't let the name fool you, besides the cheesecakes, you can also get delicious burgers or even Mac and Cheese.
Philadelphia Downtown is located around Market Street. You can walk along it, see the local skyscrapers, and visit some of the shops in the area, for example.
The easiest way to travel is by Uber or taxi - it should cost around $10 USD.
You can end the afternoon with a visit to a typical American Walmart supermarket.
You will travel from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and visit the White House, the seat of the American head of state.
From your accommodation, it is best to take a taxi again to the Amtrak Philadelphia station, where you will board the train to Washington DC.
Washington D.C.
Arrival: You will get off the train at "Washington DC, Amtrak station". Immediately after leaving the station hall, you will have a view of the Capitol. Right next to the station is a bus stop - "Massachusetts Av NE & Columbus Cir NE" - the best way to get to accommodation in Georgetown is by bus D6, get off at the "Q St NW & 28 St NW" stop.
Local transport: Public transport buses are ideal for getting around the city. The ticket price is USD 2.25, which can be purchased when boarding the bus. However, everything in the center is more or less within walking distance, and Georgetown is not extremely far either (approx. 30 minutes walk from the White House).
Like in Philadelphia, I recommend dropping your bags off at your accommodation first, There is a bus stop right by the station - "Massachusetts Av NE & Columbus Cir NE" - the best way to get to your accommodation in Georgetown is to take the D6 bus, get off at "Q St NW & 28 St NW".
After checking in, head downtown through Georgetown. It's a nice and quiet neighbourhood full of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.
On arrival in the city centre, you'll find yourself at one of the main sites of your visit to Washington DC - the White House, the seat of the American head of state. If you're very lucky with the dates, twice a year (spring and fall) the White House gardens open to the public for a weekend. But you need to book a time ticket. But even if the date doesn't work out for you, be sure to walk the entire grounds and try to at least peek over the fence.
When walking around the White House, you won't miss the giant white obelisk - the Washington Monument, which is about halfway between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol.
A pleasant park for a short rest.
From the park, head downtown past Capital One Arena, home of the NHL's Washington Capitals (again, if you're at a home game, I recommend a visit). Around the arena and in downtown Washington in general, there are a great variety of museums - art, architecture, the National Museum, the Postal Museum, and more. If you enjoy museums, be sure to find the ones that interest you the most and visit them.
Still heading back through downtown towards the White House, you'll come to the Old Post Office Pavilion. Take these places purely as a guide to give you an approximate direction to get through most of downtown.
You can get your fill at the fast food chain Chick-Fil-A, which is my fast food favorite. If you like fried chicken, you'll be thrilled.
You will finish your walk through downtown at the Dupont Circle intersection, where you will head back to your accommodation in Georgetown.
On your second day in DC, take a walk from Lincoln to the Capitol.
You will start at the obelisk you visited yesterday, which will imaginatively bisect today's journey.
The Washington Monument is a large white obelisk at the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It is one of the presidential monuments in the United States, erected in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States and leader of the Revolutionary Continental Army that won independence from British rule.
The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848, the spire was set on December 6, 1884, and the completed monument was unveiled on February 21, 1885. It was officially opened to the public on 9 October 1888. When it opened, it was the tallest structure in the world at 169 m (169 ft), and remained so until 1889, when the Eiffel Tower in Paris was completed, but it remains the tallest structure in Washington, D.C., because there can be no taller buildings in Washington than the Capitol and the Washington Monument.
The reflection of the Washington Monument can be seen in the aptly named Reflecting Pool, a rectangular pool that lies west of the obelisk in the direction of the Lincoln Memorial.From the Washington Monument, head towards the Lincoln Memorial to reach the World War II Memorial Plaza.
From the WWII Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial, you will walk past the water tanks. They may be familiar from the movie Forrest Gump, when Forrest plunges into the water to meet Jenny again.
The Lincoln Memorial was erected to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln.
The cornerstone of the memorial was laid in 1915 and the dedication ceremony was held on May 30, 1922. Architect Henry Bacon designed it in the style of an ancient temple, making it reminiscent of Athens' famous Parthenon.
The walls of the inner hall cover the themes of two of Lincoln's speeches - at his inauguration in 1865 and at Gettysburg in 1863. They are complemented by murals on the themes of the end of the American Civil War and the emancipation of slaves.
A few minutes from the Lincoln Memorial is another memorial to Vietnam War veterans.
The way to the Capitol is through a long park - the National Mall, which is lined with museums of all kinds. During the inauguration of a new head of state, this entire park is packed with people from the Capitol to the Washington Monument. It's only when you walk through the park that you realize how crowded it must be, considering how long it is. To make the information complete - 700 to 900 thousand people attend the inauguration.
Iconic building and one of the most important buildings in Washington and the United States, apart from the White House.
The Capitol is the meeting place of Congress, the legislative body of the United States, consisting of the House of Representatives, 435 representatives, the number from a particular state of the Union depending on the size of the population living there (proportional representation), and the Senate, two from each state, and 100 representatives in total. The Capitol was built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, then expanded in the mid-19th century. It consists of a rotunda with a dome and two side wings. The building is 229 m long and up to 107 m wide, reaching 88 m at its highest point; it was the first such large structure in Washington, D.C., after the White House, and the entire city was built around it thereafter. The Library of Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court buildings are part of the Capitol complex. An underground railroad operates between several office buildings and the Capitol.
If you don't feel like walking back the entire National Mall and then walking to Georgetown, I recommend renting an electric scooter, which will take you to Georgetown for a few dollars.
On your last day in DC, you will visit the Pentagon area and stroll through the lively Georgetown neighborhood.
You'll pass the statue of George Washington on the subway
A short distance from the G. Washington statue is the Foggy Bottom-GWU metro station, from which you will take the Blue line to the Pentagon Metro Station (3 stops in total, take from platform 2)
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. As a symbol of the U.S. Armed Forces, the term Pentagon is metonymically applied to the United States Department of Defense rather than the building itself.
On September 11, 2001, there were attacks not only in New York, but also in Washington. One of the planes crashed into the Pentagon building.
Beside the Pentagon is a sprawling cemetery filled with iconic white plaques.
The famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is also part of this cemetery.
The return trip by metro is the same as to the Pentagon
You can end your day in Georgetown, visiting local restaurants, cafes, or some of the shops.
Remember to head to the airport early, it's really big, so you should be there at least 3 hours in advance. If you have time before, go for breakfast at a nearby cafe or enjoy one last walk in the city.
