16 days in New York City & 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.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Central Park and Empire State Building. There's still lots to do: explore the world behind art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, examine the collection at New York Public Library, take in panoramic vistas at Top of the Rock, and admire the striking features of Rockefeller Center.

To find other places to visit, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read New York City trip planner.

Sydney, Australia to New York City is an approximately 26-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time to Eastern Standard Time is minus 15 hours. Traveling from Sydney in September, expect New York City to be a bit warmer, temps between 31°C and 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sat) early enough to take a 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.

Bring the kids along to National Air and Space Museum and White House. When in Washington DC, make a side trip to see Mount Vernon Trail in Arlington, approximately Arlington away. There's much more to do: explore the world behind art at National Gallery of Art, pause for some photo ops at Washington Monument, get a sense of history and politics at United States Capitol, and learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at National Zoological Park.

To find ratings, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Washington DC sightseeing website.

Getting from New York City to Washington DC by train takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: fly; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 25°C in October, and nighttime lows around 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.