10 days in New York City, Philadelphia & Washington DC Itinerary

Writer Pearl Buck once called New York City “a place apart,” and this giant urban center remains unlike any other in the world.

Family-friendly places like Central Park and Statue of Liberty National Monument will thrill your kids. The adventure continues: don't miss a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, pause for some serene contemplation at St. Patrick's Cathedral, admire the landmark architecture of Grand Central Terminal, and hunt for treasures at Artists & Fleas at Chelsea Market.

For maps, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the New York City journey planner.

Milan, Italy to New York City is an approximately 12-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 6 hours traveling from Milan to New York City. Traveling from Milan in July, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in New York City, with lows of 72°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Fri) to allow enough time to take a train to Philadelphia.

Steeped in cultural and historical heritage, Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of U.S. democracy, as it was once the meeting place for the country's Founding Fathers.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Sat): browse the collection at Masonic Temple, admire the natural beauty at Chanticleer, and then admire the local landmark of Longwood Gardens. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: admire the masterpieces at Philadelphia Museum of Art, then have some family-friendly fun at Urban Axes Philadelphia, then ponder the world of politics at Independence Hall, and finally take a stroll through Society Hill.

For ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Philadelphia day trip planner.

Getting from New York City to Philadelphia by train takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Philadelphia can reach 88°F, while at night they dip to 72°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Sun) early enough to catch the train to Washington DC.

The capital of the United States, the District of Columbia contains the lion's share of the country's most treasured monuments, memorials, and public museums.

On the 17th (Mon), see the interesting displays at National Air and Space Museum, then appreciate the history behind Washington Monument, then appreciate the history behind Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and finally admire the masterpieces at National Gallery of Art. Here are some ideas for day two: get engrossed in the history at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, ponder the world of politics at United States Capitol, then get a new perspective on nature at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and finally get a sense of history and politics at White House.

To see where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Washington DC trip itinerary builder tool.

You can take a train from Philadelphia to Washington DC in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 89°F in July, and nighttime lows around 73°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) to allow time to fly back home.