New York City - Wasington February 2017
Dec 28th, 2016, 04:43 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
New York City - Wasington February 2017
Good afternoon to all.
I was wondering if it is safe to travel to New York City this February. I really want to visit the country, it will be a lfe-time trip, and unfortunatey, I cannot find a company this period, that could afford this trip!!
I was thinking about spending 10-11 nights there and about 2 nights in Washington, just to see the basics sigthseeings. What is your opinion? And what about some sighseeings? Which ones do you recommend?
I was wondering if it is safe to travel to New York City this February. I really want to visit the country, it will be a lfe-time trip, and unfortunatey, I cannot find a company this period, that could afford this trip!!
I was thinking about spending 10-11 nights there and about 2 nights in Washington, just to see the basics sigthseeings. What is your opinion? And what about some sighseeings? Which ones do you recommend?
Dec 28th, 2016, 05:44 AM
#2
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 7,342
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What safety concerns are you referring to that you think apply in February and why aren't you asking the same about Washington? Are you under the impression that Washington, DC is more safe than NYC?
I think 10 - 11 nights in one city is a lot.
I think 10 - 11 nights in one city is a lot.
Dec 28th, 2016, 06:25 AM
#3
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,975
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I too am traveling to NYC in February, and I don't have any concerns about safety.
10-11 nights in NYC seems like a long time for a winter visit but if you can afford the $250-300 per night hotel cost then there is more than enough to keep you busy for that long.
10-11 nights in NYC seems like a long time for a winter visit but if you can afford the $250-300 per night hotel cost then there is more than enough to keep you busy for that long.
Dec 28th, 2016, 01:01 PM
#4
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would definitely split your time differently - at least 4 days in Washington, and 10-11 is more than you need (even in the greatest city in the world 
).
You do know it will likely be extremely cold in both places?
(Note: In February, you can likely find a very decent hotel for much less than $250 a night, it's low season in NY)
). You do know it will likely be extremely cold in both places?
(Note: In February, you can likely find a very decent hotel for much less than $250 a night, it's low season in NY)
Dec 28th, 2016, 05:50 PM
#5
Are you flying into say NYC and out from D.C. or vice versa? Or are you thinking of flying into and out of NYC with a side trip to D.C.? You could do either as I live half way in between both and have gone to D.C. on day trips while in school.
Depending on your plans just consider travel time between both places as you don't say if the 2 days in D.C. are full days or not. I find the metro in D.C. easy to figure out. The mall will have the Smithsonian, Washington monument and Lincoln Memorial all in area and depending on your interest in museums can either be quick or days to see it all. It's a couple of stops to the White house if you want to walk by to take a photo. Arlington cemetery is further out but not sure I'd do that in February. I've done all on my own so no tours to recommend. There still are things I haven't seen so if you are ok to only see some things not everything, I say it's doable in 2 days.
Others have already said it will be cold. February is usually the coldest month of the year so dress warm. I was there 2 weeks ago and it was so cold when I went to see the White house and national tree that I almost turned around. It was only about 3 or so blocks from the metro.
As far as safety goes in either place just use common sense. If you feel unsafe then move along. It's no different than any other places I've been to in the world.
Depending on your plans just consider travel time between both places as you don't say if the 2 days in D.C. are full days or not. I find the metro in D.C. easy to figure out. The mall will have the Smithsonian, Washington monument and Lincoln Memorial all in area and depending on your interest in museums can either be quick or days to see it all. It's a couple of stops to the White house if you want to walk by to take a photo. Arlington cemetery is further out but not sure I'd do that in February. I've done all on my own so no tours to recommend. There still are things I haven't seen so if you are ok to only see some things not everything, I say it's doable in 2 days.
Others have already said it will be cold. February is usually the coldest month of the year so dress warm. I was there 2 weeks ago and it was so cold when I went to see the White house and national tree that I almost turned around. It was only about 3 or so blocks from the metro.
As far as safety goes in either place just use common sense. If you feel unsafe then move along. It's no different than any other places I've been to in the world.
Dec 28th, 2016, 07:14 PM
#6
In February, you are more likely to get from one city to the other by riding an Amtrak Northeast Regional train instead of trying to fly or ride a bus.
There are 2 cities that you might want to visit for a night in between NYC and Washington. Philadelphia and Baltimore have plenty to see.
There are 2 cities that you might want to visit for a night in between NYC and Washington. Philadelphia and Baltimore have plenty to see.
Dec 29th, 2016, 05:52 AM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello to everyone.Thank you very much all for your replies. About the accommodation cost, I have been surprised! 250-300$?? It is too expensive!! I didn't think that it will be so much! I was thinking about 80-100 euros per night.
The weather is a thing.. I don't like cold, but happily there are not many rains, right?
I will think about spliting the days between two cities. And the idea of Philadepheia is not bad at all.
The weather is a thing.. I don't like cold, but happily there are not many rains, right?
I will think about spliting the days between two cities. And the idea of Philadepheia is not bad at all.
Dec 29th, 2016, 07:29 AM
#9
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you don't like cold, seriously, February is not the time to visit the Northeastern United States. On the other hand, that's when hotels are cheapest. Look on booking dot com -- you can find hotels in February for very low prices. For instance, clicking on "$50-$100" in Washington DC for the dates February 9-12, there are 19 hotels, some of which look ok.
Dec 29th, 2016, 08:44 AM
#10
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 10,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can get the Country Inn & Suites Long Island City (in Queens) for about $80 a night in mid-February, and that would be about the cheapest actual hotel room you'll find in NYC. It's 1 to 3 subway stops from Manhattan, so convenient, in an industrial looking but safe neighborhood, a block from the subway. You really can't do better than that price-wise.
Prices in DC are cheaper on weekends than during the week. If you can arrange an open-jaw ticket, arriving n NYC and leaving from Dulles, then you might save some money on the train fare. Trains in the US, as in Europe, are considerably cheaper if booked in advance, but the trains to DC are particularly expensive if booked at the last minute, so keep that in mind.
It's safe to come to NYC, but February has the strongest possibilities for snow and ice of any month, and it will be very cold.
Prices in DC are cheaper on weekends than during the week. If you can arrange an open-jaw ticket, arriving n NYC and leaving from Dulles, then you might save some money on the train fare. Trains in the US, as in Europe, are considerably cheaper if booked in advance, but the trains to DC are particularly expensive if booked at the last minute, so keep that in mind.
It's safe to come to NYC, but February has the strongest possibilities for snow and ice of any month, and it will be very cold.
Dec 29th, 2016, 05:44 PM
#12
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It will be cold. It may rain. Bring cold-weather clothing and a travel umbrella. The good news is that both cities offer world-class museums and indoor attractions, so it's not as though you won't have opportunities to get inside and warm up.
I echo the suggestions of previous posters to split your time more evenly between NYC and DC. There's so much to see in both places!
You'll want to budget closer to $150-$200 per night for hotels. Alternatively, in DC, you can usually find an Air BnB that's reasonably priced and offers more space. (I believe Air BnB and sites like it are illegal within NYC, so you'll have to book a hotel or hostel there.)
In NYC, I love seeing Broadway shows (Get cheap tickets at the tkts booth!), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MOMA, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Grand Central Station (just to watch some of the general busyness), Radio City Music Hall (Their backstage tour is so fun!), the American Museum of Natural History, and the NY Public Library. You could visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and the Empire State Building and/or Top of the Rock, but you will be COLD, as much of these are open-air.
In DC, I love the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the National Archives (where they house originals of America's founding documents - the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration os Independence), the National Museum of American History, Ford's Theatre (ESSENTIAL), the Library of Congress, and the National Air and Space Museum. You can also tour the U.S. Capitol and (by advance appointment) the White House. I also love walking the National Mall and visiting Arlington Cemetery, but again, these two are outdoor activities, and weather may prevent you from enjoying them fully.
Happy trip planning!
I echo the suggestions of previous posters to split your time more evenly between NYC and DC. There's so much to see in both places!
You'll want to budget closer to $150-$200 per night for hotels. Alternatively, in DC, you can usually find an Air BnB that's reasonably priced and offers more space. (I believe Air BnB and sites like it are illegal within NYC, so you'll have to book a hotel or hostel there.)
In NYC, I love seeing Broadway shows (Get cheap tickets at the tkts booth!), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MOMA, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Grand Central Station (just to watch some of the general busyness), Radio City Music Hall (Their backstage tour is so fun!), the American Museum of Natural History, and the NY Public Library. You could visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and the Empire State Building and/or Top of the Rock, but you will be COLD, as much of these are open-air.
In DC, I love the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the National Archives (where they house originals of America's founding documents - the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration os Independence), the National Museum of American History, Ford's Theatre (ESSENTIAL), the Library of Congress, and the National Air and Space Museum. You can also tour the U.S. Capitol and (by advance appointment) the White House. I also love walking the National Mall and visiting Arlington Cemetery, but again, these two are outdoor activities, and weather may prevent you from enjoying them fully.
Happy trip planning!
Dec 29th, 2016, 08:45 PM
#13
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As a solo woman traveler, I treasure my time in NYC and DC. Of course, one needs to be mindful and exercise common sense.
As already noted, you can't be sure about the weather -- it will likely be cold in either city; you could have snow or rain or sleet or clear skies or overcast ones. For historical climate data, check wunderground.com or timeanddate.com or a good guidebook.
While I can easily see spending 10 days in NYC, you might want to split your time a bit differently. For my tastes, I'd go for 6 nights in NYC, 3 or 4 in DC, and 2 or 3 in Philadelphia -- BUT it all depends on what YOU want to see and experience, and ONLY you can decide that. Time to hit the guidebooks! (You should be able to consult some in your local library.)
Have fun!
As already noted, you can't be sure about the weather -- it will likely be cold in either city; you could have snow or rain or sleet or clear skies or overcast ones. For historical climate data, check wunderground.com or timeanddate.com or a good guidebook.
While I can easily see spending 10 days in NYC, you might want to split your time a bit differently. For my tastes, I'd go for 6 nights in NYC, 3 or 4 in DC, and 2 or 3 in Philadelphia -- BUT it all depends on what YOU want to see and experience, and ONLY you can decide that. Time to hit the guidebooks! (You should be able to consult some in your local library.)
Have fun!
Dec 30th, 2016, 07:40 AM
#14
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Agree with kja that adding Philadelphia would be a great idea, given the number of days you have.
bradshawgirl, I had to laugh at your list of must-sees in DC. I've been in DC at last 15 times (my son and DIL live there, and I'd been there before they did for both leisure and business). I've been to everything on your list except the one you named as "Essential" (Ford's Theater). I've got to plan a trip that includes that spot! (I consider the Archives "essential" for every American to see at least once).
bradshawgirl, I had to laugh at your list of must-sees in DC. I've been in DC at last 15 times (my son and DIL live there, and I'd been there before they did for both leisure and business). I've been to everything on your list except the one you named as "Essential" (Ford's Theater). I've got to plan a trip that includes that spot! (I consider the Archives "essential" for every American to see at least once).
Jan 3rd, 2017, 05:17 AM
#15
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 10,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just to clarify, Long Island City in Queens is NOT a suburb. It's part of NYC and directly across the East River from Manhattan, one of the cheapest and most convenient hotel neighborhoods you'll find in any large US city. That's not the case in Philadelphia and DC, where outlying neighborhoods can be inconvenient and not accessible by public transit. In those cities, you're better off staying in the heart of the city.
However you split your time, you must be realistic about weather. It's the northeast, and cold snowy weather is always a possibility during the coldest month of the year.
However you split your time, you must be realistic about weather. It's the northeast, and cold snowy weather is always a possibility during the coldest month of the year.
Jan 3rd, 2017, 05:32 AM
#16
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,234
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have been to DC and Philly in early March. I think I'd go in February, but mostly because I prefer the cold over the summers there. But the weather was unpredictable- it actually rained less than it does in the summer but the wind is what got me. Very chilly.
I don't know. If you don't like the cold, I'd probably split time between NYC and Philly. Or even Boston over DC. I love DC. I love the Smithsonian. I can, and have spent a whole week just walking around the national mall and going to the Smithsonians. It's also really cheap because the Smithsonian is completely free.
However. I spend a lot more time walking around outside in DC than pretty much any other city. There's just a lot of places a car or transit doesn't take you. Just going between the Smithsonians is a lot of walking outdoors. And then is the fact that things like the Washington Monument involve waiting out in the weather to get admitted. Philly and Boston and NYC are easier in terms of spending time indoors. And as far as cities go, I prefer all 3 over DC. I love DC for its monuments and museums but I'm not actually all that fond of the city.
I really like the DC HI hostel though, and with that and the Smithsonians, DC is a very cheap trip. Boston is even more expensive than NYC. Philly wasn't too bad but that's because I spent a lot of time eating my way through reading terminal market and walking around.
I don't know. If you don't like the cold, I'd probably split time between NYC and Philly. Or even Boston over DC. I love DC. I love the Smithsonian. I can, and have spent a whole week just walking around the national mall and going to the Smithsonians. It's also really cheap because the Smithsonian is completely free.
However. I spend a lot more time walking around outside in DC than pretty much any other city. There's just a lot of places a car or transit doesn't take you. Just going between the Smithsonians is a lot of walking outdoors. And then is the fact that things like the Washington Monument involve waiting out in the weather to get admitted. Philly and Boston and NYC are easier in terms of spending time indoors. And as far as cities go, I prefer all 3 over DC. I love DC for its monuments and museums but I'm not actually all that fond of the city.
I really like the DC HI hostel though, and with that and the Smithsonians, DC is a very cheap trip. Boston is even more expensive than NYC. Philly wasn't too bad but that's because I spent a lot of time eating my way through reading terminal market and walking around.
Jan 6th, 2017, 04:49 PM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,067
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are numerous decent hotels in Manhattan in January and February for around 100€. Hotel Bellclaire (http://www.hotelbelleclaire.com/) on the upper west side has winter special prices in January/February of about $99 night. This hotel is around $300 in high season.
Hotel Belvedere is another one with winter special prices http://www.belvederehotelnyc.com/spe...vings-for-2017
Long Island City Hotels are not a bad idea, but not necessary in the dead of winter.
It will be cold and either rain or snow are possible (both about equally likely) but the northeast doesn't really have 'rainy periods' like a lot of places. Most months of the year you have about 30% chance of precipitation on any given day.
Hotel Belvedere is another one with winter special prices http://www.belvederehotelnyc.com/spe...vings-for-2017
Long Island City Hotels are not a bad idea, but not necessary in the dead of winter.
It will be cold and either rain or snow are possible (both about equally likely) but the northeast doesn't really have 'rainy periods' like a lot of places. Most months of the year you have about 30% chance of precipitation on any given day.
Jan 18th, 2017, 06:04 AM
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello!
Guys you convisted me that February is not a good option for a visit to America, and it would be better to do it After May probably (?). And maybe, I should make mybudget bigger, in order to avoid the hostels maybe.
Many option and choices about sightseeing and Broadway performances! Oh my God, I have to choose. Too many things to see and to do!!
Guys you convisted me that February is not a good option for a visit to America, and it would be better to do it After May probably (?). And maybe, I should make mybudget bigger, in order to avoid the hostels maybe.
Many option and choices about sightseeing and Broadway performances!
Oh my God, I have to choose. Too many things to see and to do!!
Jan 18th, 2017, 05:19 PM
#19
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think you will enjoy your time in these locations MUCH more in May than in February -- good call! And May can be a great time to visit, with spring (and spring flowers) beginning and not yet into the busiest tourism season (which doesn't start until schools let out, usually in early June). Although the differences in temperatures would be slight, you might want to think about starting in DC and working your way north.... just a thought!
