Morning: Start at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, wandering through its vast collections of ancient and modern masterpieces. Afterward, stroll through the nearby Central Park for a relaxing walk among iconic bridges and gardens.
Afternoon: Catch a ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty, exploring its museum and enjoying panoramic views of the skyline. Return to Manhattan for a quick look at Times Square and its dazzling lights.
Evening: Ascend the Empire State Building at sunset for breathtaking city vistas, then unwind with a leisurely walk across the Brooklyn Bridge under the night sky.
Find HotelsMorning: Dive into contemporary works at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), then head to the iconic Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum for its spiral gallery experience.
Afternoon: Explore the elevated green space of The High Line, enjoying art installations and city views. Take a short break at the historic Plaza Hotel lobby for a classic New York coffee.
Evening: End the day with a relaxed dinner in the West Village, soaking in the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous for its “Rocky Steps” and extensive collections. A quick photo stop at the steps adds a fun memory.
Afternoon: Tour the historic Independence Hall where the Declaration was signed, then visit the nearby Liberty Bell for a glimpse of America’s revolutionary past.
Evening: Dine at Reading Terminal Market, sampling local delicacies like Philly cheesesteaks and soft pretzels.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the eerie corridors of Eastern State Penitentiary, followed by a visit to the interactive Franklin Institute for science fun.
Afternoon: Wander the beautifully curated Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens mosaic wonderland, then admire the impressive art collection at the Barnes Foundation.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed stroll along the Schuylkill River Trail before returning to your hotel.
Find HotelsMorning: Start at the iconic Washington Monument for a quick photo, then walk to the reflective Lincoln Memorial and the surrounding memorials on the National Mall.
Afternoon: Visit the expansive National Gallery of Art and the fascinating Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, each offering free entry and endless discoveries.
Evening: Take an evening walk past the illuminated U.S. Capitol and White House, soaking in the historic ambiance.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the magnificent reading rooms of the Library of Congress, then wander the beautiful grounds of the National Mall.
Afternoon: Discover the wonders of the natural world at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, followed by a visit to the broader Smithsonian Institution complex.
Evening: Conclude the trip with a farewell dinner in Georgetown, reflecting on the art, history, and culture experienced over the week.
Find HotelsIf you need more time, consider adding an extra day in New York to explore neighborhoods like SoHo and the West Village, or extend your Washington DC stay to include the Arlington National Cemetery and the Kennedy Center. To shorten the trip, you can combine the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the Barnes Foundation in a single morning and skip the Eastern State Penitentiary, focusing on the must‑see monuments in each city.