Please help with my first trip in DC and NY

I'll be traveling with a teenager and we'll have rental car and staying in Alexandria. We're into museums, monuments, historical sites, etc. This is what I have so far and please suggest or recommend additional sites to visit.

First day - Alexandria Old Town, Tours By Foot (Memorials & Moonlight (National Mall) 8:30pm)

Second day - Free Tours By Foot at 1:30pm to 3:30pm (Capitol Hill & Library of Congress) And probably visit Georgetown for dinner

Third day - Free Tours By Foot (DC all in one at 9am - 1pm), Lincoln Assassination at 7pm.

Please recommend restaurants/foodtrucks for breakfast, brunch/lunch and dinner near the sites and areas where people hang out (nightlife).

How hard and expensive to find parking during daytime when I visit the sites above in DC? And where?

This is what we plan so far for NYC but I'd like to add more but not overplanned. Please suggest and recommend.

Does it save more to buy the 7-day MetroCard or just pay-per-ride? Is it safe to walk at night (not late) especially around Prospect Park area? Please recommend restaurants and foodtrucks near the sites and areas that people hang out and dine outside (nightlife).

Day 1 - Arrived in Manhanttan by bus by noon 1pm. We'll stay by Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

Day 2 - Free Tours by Foot (911 Memorial and Brooklyn Bridge Night Tour at 7:30pm to 9:30pm)

Day 3 - Statue Liberty with Pedestal at 12pm

Day 4 - Free Tours By Foot (NY in one day at 10am to 4pm) Tour covers the Wall Street, Financial District, New York Stock Exchange, Trinity Church, World Trade Center, 911 Memorial, Woolworth Building, Greenwich Village ,Washington Square Park, SoHo’s Cast Iron District, Little Italy, Chinatown, Chelsea Market, The High Line Park, and much more.

Day 5 - my flight is at 7:30am from JFK. Is there any pick-up service to/from airports? Or just public transportation and uber?

Thank you so much!

How hard and expensive to find parking during daytime when I visit the sites above in DC? And where?

Don't bother. Take transit from Alexandria into DC.

Tours By Foot

Why so many tours? DC is easy to explore on your own.
For someone who likes museums, you should be devoting those two days to the various Smithsonian museums. Yet they aren't even on your list. The Smithsonian is the largest museum complex in the world.

First day - Alexandria Old Town

Old Town is nice, but it's small. Most of it is shops and restaurants. You could easily stroll it in an afternoon or evening. Spend more time in DC, then come back a little early one day for this.

Capitol Hill & Library of Congress

Book an official Capitol Tour instead.
And just walk to the Library of Congress. There are free tours of the Jefferson Building (definitely worth it).

How hard and expensive to find parking during daytime when I visit the sites above in DC?

Very, and very. And let's not forget traffic. I have relatives from out of the area, and they were surprised when we hit traffic at 10 am. Another time, it was 2 pm. They had trouble understanding that this area is traffic-choked. My usual response for "why is there so much traffic," even on weekends--"it's DC."

So I'll repeat the suggestion above--take Metro.
(But be aware that they are currently undergoing SafeTrack, an intensive program of repairs, which may shut down various sections. See info here

And probably visit Georgetown for dinner

Georgetown is fine for a stroll, but the chains are taking over. You may prefer to head across the bridge into Rosslyn-Ballston corridor area of Arlington for dinner.

Day 4 - Free Tours By Foot (NY in one day at 10am to 4pm)

Again, I think you're taking too many tours.
NYC is also easy to get around on your own.

Also, consider the Lower East Side Tenement Museum.

Day 3 - Statue Liberty with Pedestal at 12pm

Book in advance. A week or so.

Is there any pick-up service to/from airports?

Transportation options.

http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com
I think it's helpful since it's my first time traveling to DC and NY with my teenager sister. Thanks for your inputs.

It's fine to do a tour, but to fill your days with them is rather meaningless. You will tour everything yet see nothing.
Scale it back and explore the cities on your own. And again, some of those places you "tour" really deserve more time than what the tour will give. Not setting foot in a Smithsonian museum is a travesty, and some could easily take a half day or more to enjoy.

Staying near Prospect Park can mean various neighborhoods. Park Slope is totally safe. Lefferts Gardens and Crown Heights east of the park are slightly less safe, but you should be OK, no problems if you are careful, don't walk alone, etc.

From this neighborhood, you can just use the subway system to go to JFK airport. It will take 1/2 hour to 45 minutes, and you'll need to switch to the airport train at the Howard beach stop on the A train.

Thanks. I'll be near the Planet Fitness on Flatbush ave.

I'm a big fan of tours, but agree that you don't need them to see the sights of DC - better to explore on your own than be rushed by a group and not get to linger where you want. That said, I loved the Monuments by Moonlight tour when I visited - great way to see all the monuments lit up.

In NY, I did a food tour at the Chelsea Market that I loved - if you love to sample different foods, I recommend this company!

I would recommend the 7-day Metro card for NYC. If you do 12 trips (which in your case will be 2 or three trips a day) you will save money. I agree that you are too heavy on the free tours, but that is a personal preference and incredibly enough yours may be different, but they are not 'free' as you pay what you want. It would take a heart of stone cold coal to pay nothing.

A bit of research will show you where totally free park ranger tours are happening, for example at The Vietnam War memorial, in DC.

I'm not sure when you are visiting but if you are able to book the Crown of the Statue of Liberty I would recommend it. The tenement museum recommended previously is awesome as is the African American culture and history museum in DC but bookings for the latter, while free, are much sought after.

if you are able to book the Crown of the Statue of Liberty I would recommend it

Just be aware that these sell out months in advance.

the African American culture and history museum in DC but bookings for the latter, while free, are much sought after

There are "same day" tickets, but lines can form by 6 am, and your timed ticket may not let you in until 4 pm (assuming you get one; they sell out fast). Hopefully the crowds are lessening a bit by the time you get here, but this is still a very new and popular place.

Many museums offer free tours led by volunteer docents. Sometimes you have to book in advance, but usually it's just "tour starts at 10 AM at the reception desk." These are often a better deal than a more general local tour, because the docent is an expert on that museum and its subject.

Although they are not free, there are hop on/hop off buses in Washington DC. During the ride, they play a recording that tells you what you are driving by. I did that the last time I was there and found it quite informative. It also beat tromping around the Mall on a very hot and humid day.

For food in the Mall area, I suggest the American Indian Museum. They define "America" as both continents and feature foods from many regions. For the less adventurous, some dishes are "in the style of," rather than fully authentic.

It is worthwhile checking full details on the website as there are no walk-ups on weekends and I think walk-ups are given out from 1pm on weekdays so I'd be surprised if people are still queuing from 6am since this change and others were introduced (although it is possible that people would queue for seven hours). There are also some same day released online each day (I think). A good long look at the website is definitely needed if you are going before October for which tickets are released in early July.

Agree with others that you've overbooked yourself on tours, but there are several D.C. tours of the national monuments at night. Highly recommend those -- it's a great way to beat the heat (if you're going in the summer) and see things when most tourists are in for the night. You definitely need to see some portion of the Smithsonian, but the Newseum is the best museum I've ever been to. It's a bit expensive but is incredibly interesting/moving/important.

I'd also recommend you hit up the Eastern Market. It's open daily except for Mondays. Great place to grab a fun meal/snacks, plus the perfect place to start a stroll around Capitol Hill, which is a really pretty neighborhood. Food trucks are also good -- if I remember correctly, there are always a dozen or more parked at Franklin Square park for lunch.

In terms of D.C. nightlife. H Street is the best place for a consolidated collection of bars, hip restaurants,etc. Obviously, U.S. drinking age is 21 and some bars won't let anyone younger in, some allow 18+.

Thanks. I'll be near the Planet Fitness on Flatbush ave.

This is the Lefferts park area. I stayed overnight there a few years ago. You should be safe enough on Flatbush Ave. there. But it doesn't have a vibrant nightlife scene or a whole lot of restaurant choices.

Hi,
You should definitely reconsider skipping the car in DC. It will be more of a nuisance and expensive. The metro system is safe, clean, and really convenient to all of the tourists sites you'd want to see with only 3 days. I live in northern va just outside of DC and I never drive in when I am being a tourist. Most parking will not be that close to the sites anyway and the limited free street parking is about to be a thing of the past. Your best bet would be to stay in a hotel within walking distance to a metro station. King Street station is in Old Town Alexandria. If you insist on the car, you should still drive to a metro station and metro into the city. But better to spend your money on a nice dinner or tickets to a show.

You shouldn't miss the museums on the national mall. Almost all are free, so you don't need to commit a whole day to any one to feel like you are getting your money's worth. You could take a tour, but it's so easy to do on your own and that way you get to see what you find interesting -- not someone else's opinion. A teenager might be interested in the Air and Space museum, natural history museum (dinosaurs, mummies, woooly mammmoth, hope diamond, iMax), or American history museum (ruby slippers, first ladies' gowns, flag from revolutionary war). The National Gallery is an amazing art museum, split between 2 buildings (east and West). The below ground cafeteria between the 2 buildings is one of the better ones on the mall. The restaurant in the native American museum is supposed to be amazing, though I have not yet been there. A few blocks off the mall is the Newseum. This one is not free, but is fantastic. I think student tickets are not too expensive. You could use the money that you save on not renting a car and splurge on dinner at The Source, which is on the backend of the Newseum building (reservations required). It's expensive but delicious. Fiola is also near there -- also expensive but a real treat.

Another great museum that is a few blocks off the mall is the international Spy museum. Not free but Hugely popular, particularly for a teenager. In that area, Penn Quarter, there are lots of great restaurants and when you are finished with dinner, metro is right there to take you directly back to King Street station. Jaleo is one of my favorite restaurants in that area (Spanish tapas, small plates to share). There's also Oyamel (Mexican), Rasika (Indian) and Hill Country BBQ. All are kinda trendy and would be fun for a teenager. I think you would like this are much more than Georgetown. Honestly, Georgtown is not as exciting as it may have been 10-15 years ago. Old Town Alexandria will give you a similar quaint neighborhood experience - I actually prefer Old Town.

You should also spend a day seeing the monuments (Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, Korean, Vietnam, WWII, MLK) and a walk by the White House. This is all doable on your own but have good walking shoes. If you don't want to walk that much, the hop-on hop-off bus would be a good option. You would get a bit of a guided tour between stops as well.

There's tons of great restaurants in Old Town, but stay away from the overpriced tourist traps on the water. Bilbo Baggins is always a fun, casual place. You can also take a day or evening river cruise from Old Town. Depending on when you are going, there is a river taxi that will take you directly to Nationals Park to see a baseball game. It's a beautiful ball park. Get your river taxi tix in advance, but most likely you could buy tickets to the game once you got to the park.

I hope this helps -- I will leave NYC advice to others. Have fun!

Thoughts on your NYC Itinerary:

Day 4 - Free Tours By Foot (NY in one day at 10am to 4pm) Tour covers the Wall Street, Financial District, New York Stock Exchange, Trinity Church, World Trade Center, 911 Memorial, Woolworth Building, Greenwich Village ,Washington Square Park, SoHo’s Cast Iron District, Little Italy, Chinatown, Chelsea Market, The High Line Park, and much more.

I'm with you in that I love walking tours, and Free Tours by Foot is a fave. I think, however, that most of the stuff on this particular tour is not actually that cool or fun, and it sounds like a long day (NYC gets really, really hot if you're coming in Summer, and if this were me I would get very cranky). Wall St/FiDi/Stock Exchange has a bit of "old New York" feel in certain spots, but is mostly charmless, WTC/9-11 Memorial you're already seeing (the museum, I've heard, is excellent), Woolworth Building is nothing, Cast Iron District is a made up thing for tourists, Chelsea Market is cool but not where you want to be with a big group, ditto the High Line.

I recommend you do about half the stuff that's on this tour, and do it independently in your own time. I know it's tempting to want to see as much of the city as possible, and a whole-city tour seems like the answer, but I think doing fewer things more slowly will be more enjoyable and will give you a better sense of the city. Moreover, you simply cannot see all of NYC even in a lifetime, so release yourself from that obligation. Here are my recommendations:

The High Line, Chelsea Market, and Washington Square Park are all 100% navigable on your own, in your own time. You don't need more than an hour for each, unless you're planning to do serious shopping at Chelsea Market. When you go to Washington Square Park, you can wander in any direction and find cute coffeeshops, bars and restaurants, which will satisfy your "Village" checkbox. Little Italy and China Town are all about food - I recommend Wo Hop in Chinatown and Paesano's in Little Italy for sit-down meals.

When you go to the Statue of Liberty, you can pop over to Trinity Church or the Stock Exchange on your way to/from the Ferry - if, that is, you feel strongly about it, which you don't need to. If you don't feel strongly, skip it. If you're doing this, I also recommend a stop in the new WTC PATH station - sort of a futuristic Grand Central.

And, speaking of the Statue of Liberty, it definitely does not require an entire day. I've personally never been to Liberty Island (where the statue is), but the ferry there is only 15-20 minutes and you're not going to spend more than an hour or two at the statue if you're going in the pedestal. You might even find that a quick round trip on the Staten Island Ferry (free, 20min each way) gets you better views of the statue or that a trip to Ellis Island gets you both great statue views and also a cool museum experience.

I also recommend you spend a bit of time in Prospect Park, and/or in Brooklyn Bridge Park (and if you do, eat the best pizza at Juliana's nearby). I also notice that your NYC itinerary includes no museums, and I feel compelled to press you to change that (the Brooklyn Museum is near where you're staying, incredible, a manageable size, and pay-what-you-wish, and also did I say incredible?)

Also, for this itinerary, you should absolutely get the weekly metro card. :)

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Wow. Thanks everyone for your inputs. I really appreciate your time and efforts in reading and giving me helpful advices. If there's something I should visit or remove from my itinerary, please feel free to add!
@deeohbee, thanks. I'll adjust Day 4 and probably tour them myself with subway/public transportation.

Please look at my 2nd draft an help me arrange it. Does it save us some money/time if we use public transportation and Uber instead of having a rental car?

The places below are the ones to visit and spend 2 to 2.5hrs for the first two museums and probably a little less for other sites. Is it do-able? Also, please recommend any additional places to visit if we can squeeze in and places to eat. I really appreciate Lonelyplanet community for helping!

National Museum of Natural History

National Museum of American History

National Archive

Supreme Court

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Washington Monument (is it open for ticket?)

White House (outside for pics)

The Old Post Office Tower

Eastern Market

Georgetown, Old town Alexandria or Alexandria Waterfront (is it worth for a quick stop?)

Night time - Einstein Memorial combine with Lincoln Memorial, WWII, Jefferson, and FDR Memorial, A tour of the monuments/national mall after dark/by sunset.

The Southwest Waterfront

Kennedy Center

Day 3 - US capitol at 9:30am (confirmed), library of congress (do i need to reserve?)

Lincoln Assassination at 7pm

Day 4 - morning bus to NY

The Washington Monument is currently closed for renovations, so I'd suggest you just include that in your nighttime walk of other monuments on the mall. You can still get up close to it for pictures, but the interior is closed.

You don't need more than 10-15 minutes to look at the White House, just fyi! The crowds will be insane. I personally prefer to walk by it at night.

**Georgetown, Old town Alexandria or Alexandria Waterfront (is it worth for a quick stop?)
**

In my opinion, no. But if you really want to see that sort of old town vibe, I'd recommend Alexandria over Georgetown.

Thanks. Can you help me arranging these sites into Day 1, 2, 3 at the most convenient? Anything else you'd recommend to visit? How about places to eat? Thank you again!

When are you travelling and how are you arriving (train, Dulles, Reagan National?).

National Museum of Natural History
National Museum of American History

You may find yourself spending more time at each of these than you think, especially given the crowds that can form.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Not worth the time and effort.

Georgetown, Old town Alexandria or Alexandria Waterfront (is it worth for a quick stop?)

Didn't you say you were staying in Alexandria? Are you not staying in Old Town? If you are, you may as well spend some time there. If not, reconsider, as getting around the rest of the city can be cumbersome without a car.

The Southwest Waterfront

Not worth it. (Do not confuse this with the Tidal Basin, which is nice.)

Kennedy Center

There are free shows.

library of congress (do i need to reserve?)

No. Just show up for the tour.

Landing in DCA at 9am next week.

I stay 10 mins away from DCA airport. So is my itinerary good/doable? I dont wanna over-plan. Thanks a lot!

I stay 10 mins away from DCA airport.

That doesn't mean anything. "10 minutes away" encompasses a wide area in many directions.

So is my itinerary good/doable?

See the above comments on the "good" part.

For a reasonable itinerary:
Spend one day at your two museums, then do the monuments tour. You could probably fit the Post Office tower in between.
The next day, you can visit the Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and Eastern Market.
On your third day, you can explore other places you may have missed, like Arlington Cemetery, Spy Museum, Newseum, National Gallery, Air & Space Museum, Hirshhorn, American Indian, etc. (You won't get to all, so choose a couple and go.)

Hi,

I cannot help you with DC but perhaps I can with NYC as I was there just under 12 months ago.

Although I was not a rigorous person ( I was there mainly for business and not pleasure...:)) I can let you know of a really good restaurant in Brooklyn. It 's not outside dining but it's good food and quite inexpensive.

The Restaurant is called 'The Wicked Monk".

Here too is a link to good food places specifically in the Prospect Park area that may help you.

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-prospect-park-restaurants

As to gettting to the airport for your 7.30am flight, I would suggest booking a limo service. I was able to get one 24/7 when I was there and the commute ( no matter how many people or luggage) was all inclusive, $50. When taking into account bridge tolls and such, it's a cheap ride out to JKF. I will look though my email to see who I went through specifically to get that rate if you like. :)

Don't know if that helps you at all.

PS. I am wondering why you're not taking Coney Island in during your time there. As you're travelling with a teen, it could be a fun night out for you both. :) I had fun when I was there and I didn't even go on any of the rides! lol

Thank you for your inputs. They help a lot! :)

Hi,

I cannot help you with DC but perhaps I can with NYC as I was there just under 12 months ago.

Although I was not a rigorous person ( I was there mainly for business and not pleasure...:)) I can let you know of a really good restaurant in Brooklyn. It 's not outside dining but it's good food and quite inexpensive.

The Restaurant is called 'The Wicked Monk".

Here too is a link to good food places specifically in the Prospect Park area that may help you.

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-prospect-park-restaurants

As to gettting to the airport for your 7.30am flight, I would suggest booking a limo service. I was able to get one 24/7 when I was there and the commute ( no matter how many people or luggage) was all inclusive, $50. When taking into account bridge tolls and such, it's a cheap ride out to JKF. I will look though my email to see who I went through specifically to get that rate if you like. :)

Don't know if that helps you at all.

PS. I am wondering why you're not taking Coney Island in during your time there. As you're travelling with a teen, it could be a fun night out for you both. :) I had fun when I was there and I didn't even go on any of the rides! lol

Thank you! Any casual restaurants and seafood places you'd recommend in Manhattan? And may I get the info to book the limousine? I've never been in one and $50 sounds good!
How many days did you spend in NY? And can you share your itinerary?

Hi,

I cannot help you with DC but perhaps I can with NYC as I was there just under 12 months ago.

Although I was not a rigorous person ( I was there mainly for business and not pleasure...:)) I can let you know of a really good restaurant in Brooklyn. It 's not outside dining but it's good food and quite inexpensive.

The Restaurant is called 'The Wicked Monk".

Here too is a link to good food places specifically in the Prospect Park area that may help you.

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-prospect-park-restaurants

As to gettting to the airport for your 7.30am flight, I would suggest booking a limo service. I was able to get one 24/7 when I was there and the commute ( no matter how many people or luggage) was all inclusive, $50. When taking into account bridge tolls and such, it's a cheap ride out to JKF. I will look though my email to see who I went through specifically to get that rate if you like. :)

Don't know if that helps you at all.

PS. I am wondering why you're not taking Coney Island in during your time there. As you're travelling with a teen, it could be a fun night out for you both. :) I had fun when I was there and I didn't even go on any of the rides! lol

Thank you! Any casual restaurants and seafood places you'd recommend in Manhattan? And may I get the info to book the limousine? I've never been in one and $50 sounds good!
How many days did you spend in NY? And can you share your itinerary?

Hi Sunset06,

I have to be honest with you. I personally did not like Manhattan. That may have had a lot to do with the timing of my flight in ( I travelled from Australia-LAX-JKF, consecutive flights back to back :/) so my time there for "pleasure" was fleeting. I stayed the first night at Hilton Homewood Suites Midtown Manhattan. ( I would not recommend it to anyone to be frank...nice room but NIL customer service) but the limo from the Airport right in to Manhattan, was all told $71.00 and during peak hour traffic. ( it's a longer ride than directly to Brooklyn and incurs more toll costs for the ride - BTW that also included to the tip as well). That was with: http://www.lincolnlimousine.com/ They actually trekked me from Manhattan to Brooklyn for $50 and then on my trip back to JFK FROM Brooklyn, $50. as well when I needed it. Cool thing is, they accept CC bookings online and do not charge you, if you choose to pay the driver direct but your booking is secure no matter which way you want to pay. :)

The rest of the time I was staying with a friend ( and business associate) in Brooklyn ( close to Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn) and I was fortunate enough to have her car to use when I needed it. As such, she and I ate at local digs close to her place and the food was great no matter where we went.

I was there from August 8th until August 20th, 2016 ( yes...the HEATWAVE). Any down time I had, we went up to Long Island...Greenport. SO pretty and quaint. I took in some winery trips and such. ( again, not suitable with a teen in tow). Like I said, most of my time was for business that trip. Next time I may go sight seeing and I can't recommend any restaurants in Manhattan. I went to a Pub very close to the hotel I stayed when in Manhattan and the food looked good, but I didn't eat anything as I just wanted to have a drink and go to bed pretty much after my flights. :/

I am sorry I cannot help you personally any more in that regard but I also have other friends who are locals IN Manhattan and I can put my feelers out for them to suggest places that perhaps "only the locals know" ;)

Hi,

I cannot help you with DC but perhaps I can with NYC as I was there just under 12 months ago.

Although I was not a rigorous person ( I was there mainly for business and not pleasure...:)) I can let you know of a really good restaurant in Brooklyn. It 's not outside dining but it's good food and quite inexpensive.

The Restaurant is called 'The Wicked Monk".

Here too is a link to good food places specifically in the Prospect Park area that may help you.

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-prospect-park-restaurants

As to gettting to the airport for your 7.30am flight, I would suggest booking a limo service. I was able to get one 24/7 when I was there and the commute ( no matter how many people or luggage) was all inclusive, $50. When taking into account bridge tolls and such, it's a cheap ride out to JKF. I will look though my email to see who I went through specifically to get that rate if you like. :)

Don't know if that helps you at all.

PS. I am wondering why you're not taking Coney Island in during your time there. As you're travelling with a teen, it could be a fun night out for you both. :) I had fun when I was there and I didn't even go on any of the rides! lol

Thank you! Any casual restaurants and seafood places you'd recommend in Manhattan? And may I get the info to book the limousine? I've never been in one and $50 sounds good!
How many days did you spend in NY? And can you share your itinerary?

Hi Sunset06,

I have to be honest with you. I personally did not like Manhattan. That may have had a lot to do with the timing of my flight in ( I travelled from Australia-LAX-JKF, consecutive flights back to back :/) so my time there for "pleasure" was fleeting. I stayed the first night at Hilton Homewood Suites Midtown Manhattan. ( I would not recommend it to anyone to be frank...nice room but NIL customer service) but the limo from the Airport right in to Manhattan, was all told $71.00 and during peak hour traffic. ( it's a longer ride than directly to Brooklyn and incurs more toll costs for the ride - BTW that also included to the tip as well). That was with: http://www.lincolnlimousine.com/ They actually trekked me from Manhattan to Brooklyn for $50 and then on my trip back to JFK FROM Brooklyn, $50. as well when I needed it. Cool thing is, they accept CC bookings online and do not charge you, if you choose to pay the driver direct but your booking is secure no matter which way you want to pay. :)

The rest of the time I was staying with a friend ( and business associate) in Brooklyn ( close to Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn) and I was fortunate enough to have her car to use when I needed it. As such, she and I ate at local digs close to her place and the food was great no matter where we went.

I was there from August 8th until August 20th, 2016 ( yes...the HEATWAVE). Any down time I had, we went up to Long Island...Greenport. SO pretty and quaint. I took in some winery trips and such. ( again, not suitable with a teen in tow). Like I said, most of my time was for business that trip. Next time I may go sight seeing and I can't recommend any restaurants in Manhattan. I went to a Pub very close to the hotel I stayed when in Manhattan and the food looked good, but I didn't eat anything as I just wanted to have a drink and go to bed pretty much after my flights. :/

I am sorry I cannot help you personally any more in that regard but I also have other friends who are locals IN Manhattan and I can put my feelers out for them to suggest places that perhaps "only the locals know" ;)

Thank you so much! I love wine tasting too but I'm traveling with my sibling so there's a limit lol.

Yeah I get that and frankly, if either of my daughters had been with me, my time probably would have been spent differently.

I will though again suggest you taking time to go to Coney Island as you will be in Brooklyn. One.. the ICONIC Nathan's is there, you can get some awesome salt water taffy and there is also a very cool memorial outside the MCU stadium for those from Brooklyn fallen due to the events of 911.

I cannot remember the place we ate, but it was teen friendly and I had one of the best burgers I have ever had and my friend had a shrimp and calamari plate. They had live music as well as arcade games and such for a younger crowd. ( I don't know how old your sibling is...if it helps my two daughters are 24 and 16 respectively...so... even when I think of things they MIGHT be able to do collectively when THEY travel together... sheesh...lol).

As I said, the food and music is great there. ( they also had Aussie wines which was a bonus for me. :))

Hmm.. actually my eldest was in DC and Maryland a couple of years back on a trip so she may be able to pip in with stuff to do in DC as well? I cannot be sure if what she is into you two would ( she attends CONS - Otakon, Comicon...etc).

I won't see her again until my Saturday now, but I can ask her for any input she may have for your venture as well.

Tracey.

I almost suggested Coney Island, my only hesitation is that it's definitely an all-day activity (beach + amusement park + food+ potentially a baseball game if the timing is right) and you don't have all the time in the world. If you like rides and roller coasters, Coney Island is fun, and a pretty unique place (I think it was the first amusement park in the world?) but if you're just going for the beach, it might not be worth it.

Manhattan is not for everyone, but it's also a huge island and most tourists only see midtown and Times Square, which are ironically, the most hated parts of the city by New Yorkers. If you spend most of your trip downtown and in Brooklyn, you'll have a good time.

I think it was the first amusement park in the world?

Not even close, not even to second place.

As for DC, I think that people have already recommended some great ideas. My top would be Air and Space museum, Natural History, American History, Holocaust Museum, and the National Zoo. I would recommend renting bikes as it is a quick and easy way to get around and faster than driving due to traffic.

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