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10-Day Ultimate New York and Washington DC Itinerary

Viewed by 2.1K travelers

Day 1: Explore Times Square

New York City, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner

Start your New York adventure with a fun breakfast featuring singing waitstaff at this classic diner.
Located in the heart of Times Square.
USD25, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Times Square

Wander through the vibrant streets, taking in the bright lights and massive digital billboards.
Walk around the square, exploring shops and attractions.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Junior's Restaurant

Indulge in some of NYC's best cheesecake and classic deli dishes.
Located just a few blocks away from Times Square.
USD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Top of the Rock

Head to the observation deck at Rockefeller Center for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Take the subway from Times Square to 47th-50th Streets Rockefeller Center.
USD40, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Central Park

Relax and enjoy a leisurely walk in this iconic green oasis in the city's heart.
Walk from Rockefeller Center to Central Park, approx. 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Carmine's Italian Restaurant

Savor an Italian feast in a family-style setting—perfect for sharing.
Located in the Theater District.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 2: Museum Day

New York City, USA

8:30AM

Breakfast at Balthazar

Enjoy delicious pastries and coffee at this French bistro in Soho.
Take the subway to Spring Street.
USD20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the American Museum of Natural History

Discover fascinating exhibits, including the iconic dinosaur fossils.
Take the subway from Soho to 81st Street.
USD23, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Grab a classic ShackBurger and crinkle-cut fries at this beloved fast-food chain.
Walk to the nearest Shake Shack at 366 Columbus Avenue.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Immerse yourself in incredible collections of art from around the world.
Take the bus or walk to the Met, a 15-minute trip.
USD25, 3 hours

6:00PM

A stroll on the High Line

Walk along this elevated park with greenery, art installations, and city views.
Take the subway or walk from the Met to the High Line.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Spotted Pig

Dine at a popular gastropub known for its lively atmosphere and delicious fare.
Located in the West Village.
USD40, 2 hours
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Day 3: Iconic Sites

New York City, USA

7:30AM

Breakfast at Sarabeth's

Treat yourself to a gourmet breakfast with a variety of mouthwatering options.
Located near Central Park South.
USD30, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Visit the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Catch a ferry to these historic landmarks and soak in their significance.
Take the subway to Battery Park and board the ferry.
USD25, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern

Explore this historic tavern while enjoying traditional American cuisine.
Located near Battery Park.
USD30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

Take a scenic walk with breathtaking views of Manhattan's skyline.
Walk from the tavern to the Brooklyn Bridge entrance.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Enjoy panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline from this beautiful walkway.
Stroll from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Promenade.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Juliana's Pizza

Savor some of Brooklyn's best pizza in this cozy pizzeria.
Located in Brooklyn Heights.
USD25, 2 hours
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Day 4: Culture & Shopping

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bagel & Coffee

Kick off your day with a classic New York bagel sandwich and brewed coffee.
There are many options nearby.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore modern and contemporary art from renowned artists around the world.
Take the subway to 53rd Street.
USD25, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Modern

Enjoy sophisticated dishes with beautiful views of the sculpture garden.
Located within MoMA.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shop on Fifth Avenue

Indulge in shopping at iconic stores along this famous avenue.
Walk from MoMA to Fifth Avenue, just a few minutes away.
Variable, 3 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Empire State Building

Ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the city at sunset.
Walk or take the subway to 34th Street.
USD42, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Keens Steakhouse

Experience this historic restaurant known for its amazing steaks and atmosphere.
Short walk from the Empire State Building.
USD70, 2 hours
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Day 5: Travel to DC

Washington DC, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Smith

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your journey to Washington DC.
Located in Midtown, New York.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Washington DC

Take the Amtrak train and enjoy a comfortable ride with beautiful scenery.
Train departs from Penn Station.
USD150, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Founding Farmers

Savor farm-to-table American dishes at this popular restaurant.
Located near the National Mall.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the National Mall

Walk around this iconic park that features monuments and memorials.
Short walk from Founding Farmers.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Discover exhibits that showcase American heritage and culture.
Located at the National Mall.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill

A seasonal American menu in an iconic DC establishment.
Located a short walk from the National Mall.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Historic DC

Washington DC, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Duck Tavern

Enjoy a delightful breakfast with locally sourced ingredients.
Located in the West End.
USD30, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the U.S. Capitol

Take a guided tour of the iconic home of Congress.
A short walk or metro ride from your hotel.
Free but requires advance reservation., 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Library of Congress

Discover the largest library in the world with stunning architecture and exhibitions.
Located near the Capitol.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Capital Grille

Feast on a delicious meal in an upscale steakhouse atmosphere.
A short walk from the Library.
USD50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the National Gallery of Art

Explore an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present.
Located near the Capitol and the Library of Congress.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Rasika

Enjoy modern Indian cuisine at this award-winning restaurant.
A short distance from the National Gallery.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 7: Outdoor Adventure

Washington DC, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Opt for a healthy breakfast with organic ingredients and artisanal breads.
Located in Dupont Circle.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Zoo

Spend the morning exploring animals from around the world in this free zoo.
Metro ride to Woodley Park-Zoo station.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Great American Bistro

Grab a casual meal with classic American bistro fare.
Walk to the nearest bistro post zoo tour.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through the Tidal Basin

Walk around this picturesque area famous for its cherry blossoms and historical monuments.
Metro to the Tidal Basin or 15-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Jefferson Memorial

Admire the stunning architecture dedicated to Thomas Jefferson.
Located right at the Tidal Basin.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Fish Market

Enjoy fresh seafood in this casual eatery overlooking the waterfront.
Located near the Wharf.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Museums & Memorials

Washington DC, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Diner

Venture into a classic diner setting for a hearty breakfast.
Located in Logan Circle.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Air and Space Museum

Marvel at the world's largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft.
Metro to the National Mall.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Experience rich narratives and representations of African American history.
Located at the National Mall.
Free but requires timed entry., 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at the Museum Cafe

Grab a light lunch at the cafe located inside the museum.
Located conveniently in the museum.
USD15, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Lincoln Memorial

Stand in awe of the commemorative figure of Abraham Lincoln.
Walk from the cafe to the memorial.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Union Market

Choose from a variety of food stalls offering cuisines from around the world.
Take the metro to the nearest station.
USD40, 2 hours
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Day 9: Return to NYC

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Croissant Shop

Grab a delicious pastry and coffee before your journey back to NYC.
Located in the Georgetown area.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train back to New York City

Enjoy another scenic ride back to the bustling streets of NYC.
Board the Amtrak at Union Station.
USD150, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Halal Guys

Treat yourself to delicious street food that New Yorkers rave about.
Located near 53rd St & 6th Ave.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore SoHo

Spend your afternoon shopping and exploring the artistic neighborhood of SoHo.
Take the subway or walk from The Halal Guys.
Variable, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at St. Anselm

Enjoy an all-American dinner with grilled meats in a stylish setting.
Located in Williamsburg.
USD40, 2 hours
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Day 10: Last Day in NYC

New York City, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at A.O.C. and Patisserie

Indulge in a rich breakfast offering fresh breads and pastries.
Located in the Flatiron district.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the One World Observatory

Head to the top for breathtaking views of the New York skyline.
Take the subway to the World Trade Center station.
USD40, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Brookfield Place

Enjoy a variety of gourmet options available within this stunning waterfront area.
Walk over from One World Observatory.
USD30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Battery Park

Take a leisurely walk through this beautiful park with views of the harbor.
Stroll over from Brookfield Place.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Reflect at this poignant site commemorating the events of September 11, 2001.
Located near Battery Park.
USD30, 2 hours

5:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Tao Downtown

End your journey with a lavish dining experience in a stunning setting.
A short Uber ride from the 9/11 Memorial.
USD80, 2 hours
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