Philadelphia and New York City 2-Day Trip from Washington DC

Thinking about squeezing in a quick jaunt from Washington DC to see the highlights of Philadelphia and New York City? There’s a lot to love about this 2-day guided tour, especially if you’re after a mix of history, skyline views, and urban buzz—all in a manageable package. We’ve looked into what makes this trip tick and what you should keep in mind before booking.

What really catches our eye are the stunning vistas from One World Trade Center and the chance to see the Statue of Liberty from the water—both experiences that offer a different perspective than just wandering around. Plus, the tour’s focus on iconic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell means you’re not just ticking boxes but really tapping into the stories that make these cities special.

Of course, this kind of short trip isn’t without its quirks. It’s a packed schedule, so if you prefer more relaxed pacing or want to explore each city in depth, this might feel a bit hurried. And while the price is reasonable for everything included, some optional activities like the observatory or cruise aren’t included unless you choose the “All Tickets Inclusive” option.

All in all, this trip suits travelers who want a taste of both cities in a short timeframe—whether it’s your first visit or a quick revisit—and who enjoy a mix of guided sightseeing and panoramic views.

Key Points

• Comfortable roundtrip transportation from Washington DC makes logistics straightforward.
• Includes hotel accommodation for one night, saving you the hassle of finding a place last minute.
• Highlights major landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, and One World Trade Center.
• Long, busy days but well-structured, with a mix of bus tours, walking, and water cruises.
• Optional tickets mean you can customize your experience, but some attractions cost extra.
• Ideal for travelers who want to combine history, skyline views, and city vibe in just two days.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point: Washington DC to Philadelphia

The adventure kicks off early, with departure options from various locations around Washington DC at 7:30 am or later, depending on where you’re staying. The drive to Philadelphia doesn’t take long, and once there, the tour hits Independence National Historical Park. Here, you’ll get to stand where American independence was declared at Independence Hall and see the iconic Liberty Bell—both symbols of freedom that resonate deeply.

What we like: The guide’s narration around these landmarks makes history feel alive rather than just a photo op. It’s a great way to get a sense of the city’s revolutionary roots without spending all day wandering.

Possible drawback: The stop here is about 40 minutes, so if you’re a history buff, you might find that brief. Still, it’s enough to appreciate the significance and snap a few photos.

Journey to the Big Apple

After lunch, it’s time to head north toward New York. The drive offers a scenic transition from historic Philly to the energetic skyline of Manhattan. Once in New York, the tour dives into the financial district, passing by landmarks like the New York Stock Exchange and the Charging Bull. You’ll see famous sites like Trinity Church and the Federal Hall—places that echo the city’s historic financial power.

The highlight: The New York City Fortune Tour is done mostly by car with some walking, so it’s accessible even if you’re not keen on long hikes. You’ll get outside views of buildings like Woolworth Building and the Rockefeller Center (just passing by), which are impressive even from afar.

Evening magic: The Night Tour takes you around Times Square, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Fifth Avenue—seeing New York transform after dark is a real treat. The city lights and bustling streets create an entirely different vibe.

Pro tip: The tour emphasizes outside visits and photo stops, so don’t expect to go inside many buildings unless you opt for the full ticket package.

Overnight Stay & Rest

Your hotel for the night will be at a convenient location such as Fairfield Newark Liberty International Airport or Holiday Inn Newark International Airport, giving you a comfortable base close to the city and transportation options for the next day.

Note: Hotels are typical of airport-area accommodations and have varying room types, generally accommodating 2-4 people—so traveling with friends or a partner works well, but families with more members should check room configurations.

Exploring New York on Day Two

Your second day kicks off with a visit to the One World Trade Center Observatory—the perfect spot for panoramic views over Manhattan and beyond. Then, the Liberty Cruise offers an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty from the water, providing a perspective you won’t get just walking around.

What we appreciated: The combination of images from above and the water gives a well-rounded view of these symbols. The cruise is an optional add-on, but in our opinion, it’s one of the best ways to see the Statue of Liberty.

Next, you’ll visit the Hudson Yards area, home to the Vessel and Little Island, both internet-famous landmarks. These spots are not only Instagram-worthy but also give you a taste of NYC’s modern architectural scene.

Final stops: The tour wraps up at Chelsea Market, where you can sample some New York snacks—definitely a highlight for food lovers.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

For $412 per person, the tour covers transportation, hotel, and some guided sightseeing. The mandatory New York Fortune Tour and Night View are included if you book after July 28, 2025, but other attractions like the One World Observatory and Liberty Cruise are optional unless you pick the all-inclusive ticket.

Food and drinks aren’t included, so plan to budget for meals. The tour’s pace is busy, and while you get to see a lot, that means less time for lingering at a single spot.

Real Traveler Feedback

One reviewer from Saudi Arabia shared, “A very nice trip and I thank Booming for being patient with us throughout the trip.” That suggests guides are approachable and accommodating, which makes a big difference on a packed schedule. The overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 from three reviews indicates most travelers are satisfied, especially with the views and the guide’s knowledge.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a quick, well-organized overview of Philadelphia and New York City, this tour offers good value. It’s particularly suited to those who want to see the highlights without worrying about logistics or planning. The inclusion of hotel stays and transportation simplifies things, making it ideal for first-timers or those short on time.

However, if you prefer a slower pace or want to explore each city in depth, you might find the schedule a bit tight. It’s a whirlwind experience, but one that packs in the essentials, especially if you’re okay with outside visits and quick photo stops.

FAQs

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, roundtrip transportation is provided, and the vehicle used depends on the number of guests.

Is hotel accommodation included?
Yes, you get one night’s stay at a hotel near Newark Liberty International Airport, which is convenient for the next day’s activities.

What attractions are included in the tour?
Highlights include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the New York City Fortune Tour, Times Square, and the One World Trade Center Observatory (if you choose the all-inclusive ticket).

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so you should plan to buy your own.

Can I customize the experience?
Optional tickets like the observatory and cruise are available if you select the all-tickets package. Otherwise, these are outside visits with outside views only.

What’s the pace of the tour?
It’s a busy schedule with a mix of driving, walking, and water cruises. Expect long days but a well-organized itinerary.

Is this suitable for children or families?
The tour is more geared toward adult travelers or groups interested in sightseeing and city views. It may not be ideal for very young children or those needing more relaxed pacing.

How long are the stops at each site?
Stops vary, but for example, the Pennsylvania visit is about 40 minutes, and the NYC stops are mostly outside with photo opportunities.

What about the cost of optional attractions?
The all-inclusive option covers fees for attractions like the observatory and cruise, but if you don’t select it, those would be extra.

Is there any flexibility in scheduling?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if plans change.

Final Thoughts

This Philadelphia and New York City 2-Day Trip from Washington DC offers a solid, straightforward way to see major sights in both cities without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. With comfortable transportation, a hotel stay, and guided tours, it’s a convenient choice for travelers who want a taste of urban America’s highlights in just a weekend.

While the pace is brisk and some attractions are outside-only, the views and landmarks you’ll experience are well worth it. Perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time, this tour packs in the essentials with a good balance of history, skyline views, and city energy.

If you’re looking for a practical way to explore these iconic cities and don’t mind a busy schedule, this trip can deliver an energizing, memorable experience that leaves you with plenty to talk about—and maybe even a few new favorite spots to revisit later.

You can check availability for your dates here: