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

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.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Thu): get a new perspective on nature at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and then appreciate the history behind Vietnam Veterans Memorial. On the 16th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: ponder the world of politics at White House, then explore the world behind art at National Gallery of Art, then examine the collection at National Air and Space Museum, and finally appreciate the history behind Lincoln Memorial.

To see ratings and other tourist information, go to the Washington DC journey builder website .

Nashville to Washington DC is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or drive. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Nashville to Washington DC due to the time zone difference. In November, daily temperatures in Washington DC can reach 59°F, while at night they dip to 42°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Fri) to allow time to take a train to Philadelphia.

Steeped in cultural and historical heritage, Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of U.S.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Sat): tour the pleasant surroundings at Wissahickon Valley Park, explore the world behind art at Philadelphia Museum of Art, then wander the streets of Society Hill, and finally browse the exhibits of Independence Hall.

To see more things to do, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Philadelphia road trip planner .

You can take a train from Washington DC to Philadelphia in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In November, plan for daily highs up to 57°F, and evening lows to 40°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) early enough to catcht the bus to New York City.

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

On the 18th (Sun), appreciate the history behind 9/11 Memorial and then go for a walk through Central Park. Here are some ideas for day two: enjoy breathtaking views from Empire State Building, admire the masterpieces at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and then snap pictures at Brooklyn Bridge.

To find more things to do, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, use the New York City travel route app .

Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to New York City takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 57°F in November, and nighttime lows around 44°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.