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Washington DC · Philadelphia · New York · 7 days itinerary

Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York in 7 Days

Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

This trip visits the main sites of Washington DC over two days, then Philadelphia for two days and New York for three. Days are ordered to cover central monuments first in each city before moving to outlying areas. Travel between cities uses trains. The order allows efficient use of time in each location with minimal backtracking.

7 daysWashington DCPhiladelphiaNew YorkTrain travelBy travli· Checked by the travli team, September 2026

Day by day

Day 1

The National Mall

  1. 9:00Washington DCSight
  2. 10:00Washington DCSight
  3. 11:30Washington DCSight
  4. 14:00Washington DCSight
Day 2

Capitol Hill

  1. 9:00Washington DCSight
  2. 11:00Washington DCSight
  3. 12:30Washington DCSight
  4. 15:00Washington DCSight
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Day 3

To Philadelphia

  1. 8:00Train to PhiladelphiaWashington DCTransfer
  2. 11:00PhiladelphiaSight
  3. 12:30PhiladelphiaSight
  4. 15:00PhiladelphiaWalk
Day 4

Philadelphia's museums

  1. 10:00PhiladelphiaSight
  2. 14:00PhiladelphiaSight
  3. 17:00PhiladelphiaSight
Day 5

To New York

  1. 8:30Train to New YorkPhiladelphiaTransfer
  2. 12:00New YorkSight
  3. 15:00New YorkSight
  4. 17:00New YorkWalk
Day 6

Midtown and Central Park

  1. 9:00New YorkSight
  2. 11:30New YorkSight
  3. 15:00New YorkWalk
Day 7

The High Line and Brooklyn

  1. 10:00New YorkWalk
  2. 13:00New YorkWalk
  3. 16:00New YorkWalk
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Questions about this trip

Do I need to book the Empire State Building in advance?

Reserve timed tickets online at least a day ahead. Booking online avoids long lines at the ticket desk.

How long is the train ride from Washington DC to Philadelphia?

Amtrak trains take about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Book ahead for lower fares and keep your ticket on your phone.

Do I need reservations for the 9/11 Memorial Museum?

Buy timed entry tickets online in advance. Allow two hours and arrive early for security.

Is the Philadelphia Art Museum free?

General admission is 30 dollars for adults and free for visitors 18 and under. It is pay what you wish on the first Sunday of each month. Book online on busy days.

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