Things to do along in DC and NYC

[hentheeighth]

Not sure this really counts as 'holidays' but I've got a work trip coming up to Washington DC and NYC. Which is great in a way as I'd never spend that on a much on a family holiday (DH is very jealous!) but means time to explore is limited due to work during the days, and while I might do the odd dinner/drinks with colleagues it would be nice to have some options if I end up with a spare few hours.

Never been to US before and might be a while before I can go again, so need help from wise well-travelled MNers.

I've got 3 nights in Washington DC (Georgetown area) and 1 in NYC (central Manhattan) - so mostly evenings that'll be free but potentially a clear afternoon in Washington.

From London so v comfortable using public transport & exploring strange cities! Bit of a politics nerd but also love food, art, history and just wandering around side streets soaking up culture.

And obviously that should say 'alone' in heading - woops

In DC I’d target the Museum of American History, part of the Smithsonian, and often referred to as America’s attic. Really great collection of all sorts of Americana. You can spend a few hours looking at some of the sections, all of it takes a proper full day.

In NYC the 9/11 museum and memorial is brilliantly done, prob takes about 3 hours (book ahead though). At night, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller gives great views. I loved the NBC studios tour as well but not sure of these go on after usual office hours.

Definitely do the hop on hop off bus tours in both as a really good way to see the whole city and have a narrative.

In DC you may be able to go to the Smithsonian.

If you’re a politics nerd, the UN tour (book ahead) in New York is a must do. You’d probably also like Ellis Island (history of immigration) as well, if you have time.

Ooh yes Ellis Island is fascinating. Don’t bother to get off the boat at the Statue of Liberty, very underwhelming

Definitely the hop on/off bus in DC. My highlights were a tour of the Supreme Court and Arlington Cemetery. There's loads of museums to get around.

These are all great tips thank you! I do worry that I could lose a whole afternoon to one museum and see nothing else so bus tour might be the way to go...

I did always wonder about the Statue of Liberty @VanCleefArpels , surely the best view is from far away!!

This. We went in the summer and absolutely loved Washington.

I love walking tours and often see solo travellers on them, such a great way to see the city and get a feel for it, especially as many are conducted by locals. I went on this one and thought it was amazing.

Went to NYC in May and did basically all of the observation decks, my favourite was SummitOV.

There may be late nights at museums, so check this out. I too think the American history museum is brilliant. You might also be able to do a bus trip to see the further sights. Capital Hill to Arlington Cemetery is a long way though! Georgetown is lovely. Atmospheric and good restaurants.

If you are staying mid town in NY, going down to 911 wastes time. It’s quite a haul. We found it somewhat miserable and not great for a short stop over. I would walk around! What’s near the hotel? The High Line is great. Just looking at the buildings is fun! Get some ideas from Lonely Planet - there will be something to see near you. United Nations is also not central. You wouldn’t go wrong with any world class museum or art gallery for a few hours. Do the research and pick out highlights for you.

In DC, all the Smithsonian museums are amazing. Also free.

You can also apply to visit the Capitol and the White House. I did both a few years ago. You can apply via the website of congress woman for DC:

norton.house.gov/services/tours-and-tickets

If you can possibly squeeze this in around your work, so it. It is amazing.

a walking tour of DC is definitely worth it. The museums are free too.
NYC, Ellis Island is great or if you have the time the museum of moving image in queens is brill(if it’s still open I have no idea)

Love the sound of a walking tour! Will def look into that.

Great tips thank you @TizerorFizz! A long stroll round the neighbourhood is definitely on the cards...

Queens and Ellis Island are some way from mid town NY. For a very short stay, keep
it local.

Yes, The Capitol and the Library of Congress might also interest you OP. When Congress is sitting you might see Congress members being interviewed by TV. It can be quite busy!

We used to be able to book White House tours via the British Embassy. We got allocated one 2 hours before our flight home! I think it’s still difficult to get one during a narrow window.

Unfortunately White House tours for UK citizens have not been available for some years now. Only American citizens can tour the White House and in order to do that they have to contact their state US congress representative.

Ah that's a shame, thanks @AtAttilaTheMeerkat!

Sounds right up my alley, appreciate it @TizerorFizz ! Hoping for some nice long gaps between meetings... 🤞

I had heard that about the White House but I wasn’t sure. However just seeing it is worth it.

My DH's cousin and family live in Washington and they did apply for us to tour the White House, but the tour was over subscribed. We weren't told that as British citizens we weren't eligible, but maybe that was the real reason? We did do a Capitol tour though with their senator's assistant and it was absolutely brilliant. We loved Washington, wish we'd had longer there to be honest.

We were in DC and New York this summer and did several walking tours with freewalkingtours.com. you just pay whatever you feel as a tip. All the guides we had were great. I've also done one of the Tenement Museum tours in New York on my own and that was really interesting.