8 days in Pennsylvania & New York City Itinerary

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

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Mon): grab your bike and head to The Struble Trail and then ponder the design of Longwood Gardens. On the 29th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate the long history of Independence Hall, admire the masterpieces at Philadelphia Museum of Art, hike along Kelly Drive, tour the pleasant surroundings at Schuylkill River Trail, then stroll through Valley Forge National Historical Park, and finally buy something for everyone on your list at King of Prussia Mall.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Philadelphia trip planner.

Tampa to Philadelphia is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Tampa in December, things will get much colder in Philadelphia: highs are around 48°F and lows about 35°F. On the 30th (Wed), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off 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.

Get in touch with nature at Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours and Liberty State Park. You'll find plenty of places to visit near New York City: Gun For Hire Shooting Range (in Woodland Park), Henry Hudson Trail (in Marlboro) and Sussex (Monument Trail & High Point Cross Country Ski Center). There's much more to do: make a trip to Central Park, take some stellar pictures from Top of the Rock, admire the majestic nature at Gantry Plaza State Park, and pause for some photo ops at 9/11 Memorial.

For more things to do, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the New York City sightseeing app.

You can take a train from Philadelphia to New York City in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in New York City are 48°F, while nighttime lows are 36°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Mon) to allow time to travel back home.