DC to NYC in September
 

We are planning an 8 day trip to DC and NYC in September. We already have a bucket list of things we want to see, but I'm not sure about airports, lodging, and restaurants. Both cities have 3 airports in close proximity to each other? Is there one you recommend over the others? Have you found a great hotel that you loved the price and location of? I know we'll encounter great food, any must-eat restaurants in either of those cities?

We are also throwing around the idea of flying/taking a train through Philly on our way to NYC and doing a day or 2 there. Would it be worth the time? Or would you suggest we spend more time in DC and NYC?

Thanks!!!!

While Philly has many charms it really does not compare to NY and DC.

Of the three NYC airports JFK is the farthest from Manhattan. Newark is more convenient if you are staying and leaving from the west side and LGA is more convenient if you are staying on the eastside.

And the best way between NYC and DC is AMTRAK because it takes you from middle of the city to the middle of city and you need not bother with all the annoyances of flying.

Thanks!!!

As far as food is concerned in NY, depends on how much you want to spend and what you like to eat. There is great food from cheap up to over $500 a person.

NYC and DC each have 3 airports near the city - but not near each other. I would not pick an airport - but pick the fares and most convenient flights.

Take Amtrak from DC to NYC - the trains runs very frequently and are usually on time (unlike th buses they re not subject to traffic). Train won;t take longer than plane since they are city center to center and there is no trekking to/fro airports, security lines and arriving at gate at lest 30 minutes before flights and are MUCH more comfortaable. If you buy the tickets in advance there are good discounts.

In terms of lodging, how many are you and what is your nightly budget - specific amount in 4 please. "Moderate" or "won;t break the bank" can mean almost anything.

Each city has thousands of good restaurants - what is your budget and style - and what types of food do you like/dislike?

What we can recommend probably depends on your budget. If you can afford $250 a night for a hotel, you'll have a few choices. If not, then you won't. And do you have kids? Are you a couple?

National is the most convenient aiport for DC, but some people choose Baltimore and take the train into DC. Dulles is the least convenient.

In NYC, EWR is actually easiest to reach from certain parts of the city, LGA from others. Unless you are flying JetBlue or from LA, it's quite unlikely you'll fly into JFK.

Trains are generally best between DC and NYC, and a stopover in Philadelphia might be nice if you haven't been. I'd just spend one night there, however, and then head on to NYC the following afternoon.

In DC I would check airfares as they can vary considerably with DCA being the most expensive but closest to the city. You can take the metro from DCA into the city. IAD is in VA and you have to take a taxi or shuttle into the city, no train/metro. BWI is in Maryland and you can take the MARC train, AMTRAK or a shuttle. There is a bus but that takes you to a metro stop in MD not into the city.

If you do a search you will find tons of restaurant recs for both cities.

I agree skip Philadelphia.