United States-5-day-itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Traveling in the United States

Day 1: Arrival in New York City

  • Places to Go: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
  • Activities:
    • Take a ferry to Liberty Island to see the iconic Statue of Liberty up close
    • Visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum to learn about the history of immigration in the United States
  • Things to Know:
    • The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are located on separate islands, so be prepared for a short ferry ride between them
    • Security checks are in place at both locations, so plan for some extra time in your day
  • Visa Requirements: As a tourist, you will not need a visa to enter the United States from most countries. However, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
  • Transportation:
    • Fly into one of New York City’s three major airports (JFK, LGA, or EWR)
    • Take a taxi or ride-sharing service to your hotel
    • Use the subway or walk to get around the city
  • Other Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for large crowds and long lines at both attractions
    • Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks as you’ll be outside for most of the day

Day 2: Exploring New York City

  • Places to Go: Central Park, Times Square, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Activities:
    • Take a stroll through Central Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world
    • Catch a Broadway show or explore the bright lights of Times Square
    • Spend some time exploring the vast collections at the Met, including art and artifacts from around the world
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions like Central Park and Times Square
    • The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers free admission on Fridays from 5pm to 8pm
  • Transportation: Use the subway or walk to get around the city. You can also take a taxi or ride-sharing service if needed.
  • Other Things to Know:
    • Bring comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking
    • Don’t miss out on some of the street performers and food vendors in Times Square

Day 3: Traveling to Washington, D.C.

  • Transportation:
    • Take a train or bus from New York City to Washington, D.C.
    • You can also drive if you prefer, but be aware that traffic in Washington, D.C. can be heavy
  • Places to Go: National Mall and Memorial Parks, Smithsonian Museum of American History, and the Lincoln Memorial
  • Activities:
    • Take a stroll along the National Mall and visit some of the many memorials, including the World War II Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
    • Spend some time exploring the vast collections at the Smithsonian Museum of American History
    • Visit the Lincoln Memorial, where many famous speeches have been delivered over the years
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions like the National Mall and Memorial Parks
    • The Smithsonian museums offer free admission every day of the year
  • Other Things to Know:
    • Bring comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking
    • Don’t miss out on some of the street performers and food vendors in the National Mall area

Day 4: Exploring Washington, D.C.

  • Places to Go: National Archives Building, United States Capitol Building, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
  • Activities:
    • Visit the National Archives Building to see some of the most important documents in American history, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution
    • Take a tour of the United States Capitol Building, where Congress meets
    • Spend some time exploring the vast collections at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, including historic aircraft and spacecraft
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions like the National Archives Building and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
    • The United States Capitol Building offers guided tours during the day, but be sure to book in advance as spots fill up quickly
  • Transportation: Use the subway or walk to get around the city. You can also take a taxi or ride-sharing service if needed.
  • Other Things to Know:
    • Bring comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking
    • Don’t miss out on some of the street performers and food vendors in the National Mall area

Day 5: Return Travel

  • Transportation:
    • Take a train or bus back from Washington, D.C. to New York City
    • You can also drive if you prefer, but be aware that traffic in both cities can be heavy
  • Places to Go: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute attractions
  • Activities:
    • Take a stroll through one of the many parks or gardens in either city
    • Visit any last-minute museums or galleries
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions on your final day
    • Don’t forget to grab some last-minute snacks or souvenirs before departing
  • Other Things to Know:
    • Bring comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking
    • Don’t miss out on some of the street performers and food vendors in both cities