Traveling to USA - (NYC, washington d.c.)

[whatson]

Me and my friends are traveling to USA this summer (from EU), to spend a couple of weeks in New York and Washington (and Philly maybe).

For now, I have some questions:
- where to stay? Where in NY and where in Washington? We're under 30, so hostels are options.
- do we need some city guide (person) to see and know the city?
- what is the best way to travel from NYC to d.c. (online prices wanted)

Thanks guys.

w

 

[toekramp]

Originally posted by: whatson

- what is the best way to travel from NYC to d.c. (online prices wanted)

well the cheapest way to travel from NYC to DC is the Chinatown Bus Line

$25

 

[iwantanewcomputer]

philly...people from philly don't even go there

 

[whatson]

Ok, we'll skip Philly then.

 

[qaa541]

I just got back from my second business trip to Philly... Not much there besides the government and historical stuff like the Mint, Liberty Bell and a few museums. You can pretty much see all the interesting stuff in a day or two. I would skip that and go somewhere else if I were you.

 

[Phlargo]

Don't underestimate Philadelphia.. I've spent a good deal of time in NY and still find more things I like and enjoy doing in Philadelphia. Great restaurants and hotels... great city to walk - center city is very accessible.

Capogiro - fantastic gelato
La Columbe - best espresso I've had in the US
great bakeries and restaurants - not too expensive

I would also say that the small cities surrounding DC are totally great too.

NY is vastly overrated.

 

[whatson]

Ok thanks, how many days should we plan to see all the stuff in NY? Five days? More?
And DC? Are 3 days enough for DC?

What other things should we visit around DC al NY or on the road between?

 

[tennisflip]

Check out the forums here. Also check out tripadvisor.

 

[JDrake]

Don't skip Philly!
I bet you've never even had a cheeseteak.
And make sure to get pizza while in NY..

 

[Apathetic]

I you like science/historical stuff check out the Smithsonian while you're in DC. It's actually several different museums: air and space, american history, natural history, etc. You can spend days and days exploring them.

Dave

 

[glenn1]

Boston is a nicer city than NYC to visit when paired with DC. From either, taking the train (AMTRAK) to travel to DC is the best option - driving in the northeast is a PITA, traffic is terrible, and the tolls are expensive. Having grown up outside of Philadelphia, I would concur that there are nicer places for a foreign tourist to visit - it's simply a working class city like Milan without a lot of world-class attractions to keep your interest.