New York & Washington DC 6-Day Trip
Three New York days and three DC days by Acela — the skyline, then the Smithsonian's free seventeen.
Trip overview
- The skyline then the monuments
- The founding documents
- Two cities, zero rental cars
Best time to visit
April–June and September–October are ideal; the monuments are best by night.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · NYC — Midtown & Downtown
- 🌉09:30The deck & Brooklyn Bridge
- 🌉
Day 2 · NYC — Museums & Park
- 🖼️09:30The Met & Central Park
- 🖼️
Day 3 · NYC — Neighborhoods
- 🥪10:00Katz's, the High Line, Chelsea
- 🥪
Day 4 · Acela to Washington
- 🚄10:003h rail south
- 🌙19:00The monuments by night
- 🚄
Day 5 · DC — Museums
- 🚀09:30Air & Space or the NMAAHC (booked)
- 🚀
Day 6 · DC — Archives & Departure
- 📜09:30The founding documents & IAD
- 📜
Budget
Estimated total cost: 1,080 USD for 6 days.
Includes accommodation, local transport, food, and activities. International flights not included.
Travel tips
- April–June and September–October are ideal; the monuments are best by night.
- Carry local currency for small eateries and street food; cards are widely accepted in cities.
- Book popular restaurants in advance during peak season.
- Use public transit where possible — most stops in New York are tourist-friendly.
Recommended restaurants
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