Morning: Arrive at JFK or LaGuardia, transfer to your hotel and settle in.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk through Times Square, soaking up the neon lights and street performers.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in Hell’s Kitchen and a night‑time stroll along the Hudson River Park for skyline views.
Book a HotelMorning: Grab a bagel and head to Central Park for a guided walking tour, spotting Bethesda Fountain and the Bow Bridge.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, learning about immigration history.
Evening: Dine in the West Village and catch a Broadway show in the Theater District.
Book a HotelMorning: Explore the world‑class collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, focusing on the Egyptian and European wings.
Afternoon: Walk the Museum Mile to the Guggenheim Museum and admire its spiral architecture.
Evening: Relax with cocktails on a rooftop bar overlooking the city, such as at the Standard Hotel.
Book a HotelMorning: Visit the historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral and take in the view from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.
Afternoon: Explore the bustling streets of Fifth Avenue, stopping at flagship stores and the New York Public Library.
Evening: Sample New York‑style pizza in Midtown and enjoy a night walk across the illuminated Brooklyn Bridge.
Book a HotelMorning: Wander the trendy neighborhoods of DUMBO and the Williamsburg art scene.
Afternoon: Catch an Amtrak train to Philadelphia (≈1.5 h). Check into your hotel and freshen up.
Evening: Dine on a classic Philly cheesesteak near South Street and explore the lively bar scene.
Book a HotelMorning: Tour Independence Hall and see the original signing room of the Declaration of Independence.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Liberty Bell and stroll through the Historic District, admiring colonial architecture.
Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner at Spruce Street Harbor Park with views of the Delaware River.
Book a HotelMorning: Explore the impressive collections at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, including the famous “Rocky Steps.”
Afternoon: Wander the vibrant Reading Terminal Market for local foods and crafts.
Evening: Attend a performance at the historic Academy of Music or catch a Phillies game if in season.
Book a HotelMorning: Take a scenic Amtrak ride to Boston (≈5 h), arriving around midday.
Afternoon: Check into your hotel, then begin with a walk along the Boston Common and the adjacent Public Garden.
Evening: Dine in the historic North End, famous for its Italian cuisine and pastries.
Book a HotelMorning: Follow the Freedom Trail, stopping at the Old State House and Faneuil Hall.
Afternoon: Continue to the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church, learning about the American Revolution.
Evening: Take a sunset harbor cruise departing from Boston Harbor for spectacular city views.
Book a HotelMorning: Cross the Charles River to Cambridge for a guided tour of Harvard University, including Harvard Yard and the Harvard Art Museums.
Afternoon: Visit the innovative MIT Museum and explore the campus’s futuristic architecture.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in Kendall Square, a hub of tech‑savvy eateries.
Book a HotelMorning: Explore the New England Aquarium and take a walk along the waterfront promenade.
Afternoon: Head to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum for an interactive history experience.
Evening: Sample fresh seafood at the historic Union Oyster House, America’s oldest restaurant.
Book a HotelMorning: Board an early Amtrak to Washington DC (≈7 h), arriving by early afternoon.
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and begin with a leisurely walk around the National Mall, spotting the Washington Monument.
Evening: Dine in the vibrant Georgetown district and enjoy the waterfront views.
Book a HotelMorning: Visit the solemn Lincoln Memorial and the reflective Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Afternoon: Explore the expansive World War II Memorial and the majestic U.S. Capitol dome.
Evening: Take a night‑time illuminated tour of the monuments, a truly moving experience.
Book a HotelMorning: Dive into aviation history at the National Air and Space Museum, home to the Wright brothers’ plane.
Afternoon: Discover American art at the National Gallery of Art and natural history at the National Museum of Natural History.
Evening: Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Potomac River, watching the city lights sparkle.
Book a HotelMorning: Take a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol Building and the Library of Congress.
Afternoon: Wander the historic streets of Dupont Circle and the vibrant Adams Morgan neighborhoods.
Evening: Celebrate your final night with a rooftop dinner in the CityCenterDC district.
Book a HotelMorning: Pack and enjoy a relaxed brunch near your hotel.
Afternoon: Transfer to Reagan National Airport or Union Station for your onward journey.
Evening: Reflect on an unforgettable 16‑day East Coast adventure.
Book a HotelIf you’d like to extend your trip, consider adding a day in New York for a visit to the American Museum of Natural History or a day trip to the Hudson Valley. In Philadelphia, a half‑day trip to Valley Forge offers deeper Revolutionary history. Boston lovers can add a day in Salem for its famous witch‑trial history, while Washington DC enthusiasts might spend an extra day exploring the National Zoo or the Arlington National Cemetery. To shorten the itinerary, combine the museum visits in New York and Boston into single half‑day slots and replace one evening activity with a relaxed dinner at the hotel.