Washington DC and Philadelphia
 

I am an Australian student who is currently on exchange in the US. I have a weeks vacation in October. I am considering visiting Washington DC and Philadelphia as I am interested in learning more about American politics and history.
I have 7 days for sightseeing (excluding travel days from SLC and between the cities by bus or train).
What is the best way to split my time? I am thinking 3 days in Philadelphia (4 nights) and 4 days in Washington (5 nights)?
I am not a big museum person but do enjoy history museums. I like walking or cycling tours, exploring markets and neighborhoods and visiting monuments. Are there any absolute must see sights, or off the beaten track sights people recommend?

I am considering staying in the Apple Hostel in Philadelphia and Hostelling International in Washington. Are these in good central locations for sightseeing? Any other suggestions for accommodation (I am a student so I don't have a large budget)?

I think your days split time is good.

According to Google, Hostelling International in Washington is located at 1009 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001. That is a good location, and you can walk to a lot places from there. Have you looked at a map? http://goo.gl/maps/LSxMN


Apple Hostel in Philadelphia is located (also according to Google) at 32 S Bank Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
http://goo.gl/maps/N5hT9

The Apple Hostel is ideally located for visiting the historical sites in "Old City" Philadelphia.

> interested in learning more about American politics and history
You'll be three blocks from Independence Hall, BY FAR the most important building in American history.

Philadelphia is a very walkable city, and you'll be able to explore history and markets and neighborhoods very easily either by foot or using public transportation. To give you a taste of the city, my Philadelphia blog is here: missalg.tumblr.com
(Not to worry, folks, it's not for profit.)

There are some great hints at www.visitphilly.com, and we're always happy to give you walking tours and such, like this:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...iladelphia.cfm

If you like history museums, don't miss the National Museum of American History.

americanhistory.si.edu/

It's part of the Smithsonian complex, so it's free.

If you're really interested in american history and get another weekend head for Boston - a hotbed of the revolution and activities leading up to it.

One movie - a musical - but interesting - is 1776 - which gives an idea of some of the major personalities involved in the birth of the U - except Washington of course - who was initially being chased all over the northeast by the British and Hessians - until he turned on them from Valley Forge as a last desperate measure in protecting Philadelphia.

I think your division of time quite good. Both cities are wonderful - enjoy!

I's be hard-pressed to think of something LESS worthwhile than the Hershey's Chocolate Factory...

~Liz

A whole day for that? No, lol. No way. I agree with elberko, there may be less worthy destinations for the OP, but I can't think of one.

I recently did a Segway tour of DC and it was fantastic. I've lived in the area all my life and it was still such a neat way to experience a variety of monuments and cover a lot of ground without having to walk. We used Capital Segway and had lunch at Zaytinya. If you're interested in Greek food, you'll enjoy it.

> I's be hard-pressed to think of something LESS worthwhile
> than the Hershey's Chocolate Factory

What? You didn't enjoy the singing cows? :^)

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. Hotel locations seem ideal and have booked them.
Looks like I will do some walking tours and will definitely have a look at the American History Museum. Given my limited time in Philadelphia and that I have been to Cadbury's chocolate factory, I think I will give the Hershey's Chocolate Factory a miss.

We enjoyed the nighttime monuments tour with DC by Foot. http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/washington-dc-tours/ Our tour guide was knowledgeable and entertaining, and it's a tip-based tour, so you can pay whatever you can afford.

Mr. Pickle rented a bike one evening from Capital Bikeshare http://www.capitalbikeshare.com/ and rode to some of the monuments we hadn't had time to see on the DC by Foot tour. He really enjoyed that.

Lee Ann

In DC..Segway tours and a meal at Zaytinya may well be out of your price range.
For markets.. have a meal at the Eastern Market. There are many free sights in DC.. the Smithsonian museums along the mall, the National Holocaust Museum (you can get a free timed ticket in advance), you can tour Congress, the US Supreme Court, and the beautiful Library of Congress, and also visit the National Archives for free.

In Philadelphia get a free timed ticket to Independence Hall and take a free tour guided by the national park service..
the Reading Terminal Market has places to eat.. and if you are there on a Saturday late in the day the Amish bakeries mark down what's left as they are not open on Sundays.

Both cities have a number of colleges and universities so you will find places to eat that are geared to your budget

Thank you for all the suggestions! Am super excited as heading off tomorrow. Will let you know my experiences and highlights!

If you're still checking, suggestions for Philadelphia:

Independence Hall
Constitution Center
Liberty Museum
Reading Terminal, and of course
A "Rocky" run up the steps of the Art Museum.