From the Past to Now: Philadelphia and Washington D.C.
For October break, I traveled to Philadelphia and Washington D.C. In both cities there was so much we (my 7 travel companions and I) wanted to do. Both cities are full of so much history, from the beginning of the country to our current government. I would recommend that anyone go to either place, it was an incredible experience.
In Philadelphia, first stop was of course the liberty bell. We stood in line for a while, watched a few educational videos and each took pictures by bell. Other experiences include the museum of the countries start, and of course have a big group picture under the large “Love” sign. After all it is the city of brotherly love. We also tried our very first Philly steak and cheese sandwich. It was delicious! After that we explored the first congress building and hung out in a park with a gorgeous fountain. It was a very time in Philadelphia.
Next the trip to DC. This is by far my favorite place in the United States. There is a lot of activity and things to do. The only bad thing is that there are not many good restaurants open late. We explored the city at night first. It was a really good choice. We visited the typical sites, war monuments, George Washington’s monument and Lincoln’s. It was gorgeous to see them all lite up at night.. it brings a different experience then what I had visited them during the day. I would recommend to everyone that they stop by at least the WWII monument at night. We also visited the white house, took pictures were we acted like the president, and explored the house of congress. Over all my favorite part was the mall of course. With all the museums. And the Holocaust museum is incredible.
(Story by Bethany. Photo credit)
62 Comments
Find A Travel Guide
Travel Destinations
Recent Travel Guides
Travel by Photos
Travel Topics
Most Popular Travel Guides
Send us your travel stories
Subscribe to Better Travel Guide .com
Philly is such a great place to visit! There are so many places in the United States that are rich with our patriotic history. You picked two awesome places to see. Glad you had a great time!
I would love to visit both places. I never thought about a night trip to Washington DC, but that sounds like such a unique twist to viewing the City.
I love Washington, DC! There is always so much to do that I feel like I never have enough time. I always go to Ben’s Chilli Bowl on U St. and The Diner in Adams Morgan.
I love Philly, it’s a wonderful, energizing city, and such a fun place to visit. On our recent trip there, we had a great time just wandering around, enjoying all the sights and sounds.
The American history Museum (Smithsonian) has got to be one of my favorite museums anywhere–it’s a must-see if you’re in the city. I also appreciate the free entry, so you can spend a few hours in the museum, grab lunch somewhere else, and go back without having to pay admission twice!
My last time in DC, we stayed in Dupont Circle, and there were plenty of restaurants open until at least 9pm. I don’t remember names, but there was a good Thai restaurant.
D.C. is by far one of the coolest cities to visit on the East Coast. The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum is a geek’s dreamland. Just be sure to avoid D.C. in either deep summer or mid winter. The heat is horrendous in July and the wind will cut right through you in winter. Springtime is always my favorite time to visit. The cherry trees are amazing.
I enjoyed my time in D.C. There is a lot of things to do there. I wasn’t able to see half the monuments because there are so many. You really need a lot of time set aside so you can see everything, and be able to appreciate what you’ve seen. You can waste a few days in one of the Smithsonian museums alone. That’s just one tiny part of Washington D.C.
It’s been a long time since I visited the area, but I have two great memories about DC in general, and the Smithsonian Museum especially.
I’m 55 years old now, and my first big trip was during high school, when our junior class visited Washington, DC for a weekend. It was my first sleep-over trip, and my classmates and I shared fun and adventure visiting patriotic sites, answering a booklet of questions given to us by the school. We all had chances to win prizes by providing the right answers, and the only way to get the answers was to learn about such things as the Washington Monument, the Declaration of Independence, etc. We took photos of ourselves visiting many sites… and I still have them to this day.
My second memory is about the Smithsonian (which I didn’t visit during my high school trip – it’s HUGE!). My boyfriend and I took a friend and her young son from New York to DC. He was somewhat stubborn, and decared he hated history because it was boring, he couldnt remember dates, etc. She was worried about him getting a passing grade. We made it fun for him by showing him all around the Museum. At the time, they had some hands-on projects for kids, in which he participated. He especially loved seeing the full-sized airplane(s), and before you knew it, history had become real to him. It was no longer some dry subject about the past. It made us all smile when he said “Mom, history is the present and the future, too!” He wrote a surprise report for his class, and got extra credit. Needless to say, he passed!
I will be visiting again, once I have the time after retirement.
Always wanted to go to D.C. and see the Capitol Building and monuments, thank you for your description of your travel experience, I wonder if the tickets to get into the buildings are still free? I think you can get them from your state representatives.
Philly’s a great city! I’ve never been to DC but I’d love to. Your experience of seeing the city lit up at night sounds incredible. If you’re looking for more historical cities, I’d suggest Boston–it’s beautiful and full of historical sites!
Washington DC is one of my favorite places to visit because there are so many FREE attractions! I am quite frugal and love being able to walk into a museum without paying admission. There is never enough time to see everything you want to see in this great city.
Philly is a wonderful place to visit. I went there as a young boy and loved the city and it’s vibe. I haven’t been to DC yet, but it seems like an awesome vacation.
I’ve been to both Philadelphia and D.C. and out of both I would have to say that the cobblestone streets if Philly are the most beautiful I’ve seen in the U.S.
D.C. is also lovely in the spring, especially when the trees are budding and blooming. The scenery makes the trips even more worth it.
I have been to Washington D.C. and it is one of the most amazing places I have ever been to. I am planning on going back this summer and can’t wait.
I have been to D.C. before and I enjoyed a lot of the experience. National monuments are great, but the lines to get in (National Archives) are awful when it gets hot (as was my experience). I’d love to go again though (didn’t get to see the Jefferson Memorial).
I went to DC with my family many years ago. I agree, there are many fascinating places to go. I think I need to visit again since a lot of great places have been added since I was there in the ’70′s!
While Philadelphia has some interesting things to do and see, Washington D.C. is a much better place to visit – either with children or without children. A couple of tips: Go see the Washington Monument, but wait in line early in the morning for tickets (when it’s not as hot and crowded) for an afternoon entrance. Also, call your local congressman well in advance of your trip. He or she may be able to get you into a White House tour, or if he or she is in Washington during your visit, will at least meet with you and take pictures.
I went to Washington D.C. with my boyfriend a few years ago. We didn’t have a lot of money, but it turned out to be an extremely cheap vacation because all of the attractions and museums in the area are free. I would highly recommend this for anyone on a budget.
Washington D.C. is such a great place to visit. So much to see and you get tons of exercise at the same time.
These two cities are excellent places to visit, full of rich historic heritage. I would definitely second your approval, especially of the holocaust museum!
I visited Washington, D.C. on a class trip in the 6th grade. I absolutely adored the Smithsonian and could have spent the whole trip wandering around the museum. I was surprised how much “pop culture” memorabilia they had. I loved seeing Jackie Gleason’s jacket from The Honeymooners and the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. I was also impressed with the Lincoln Memorial; I don’t remember quite why, other than Lincoln being so recognizable.
I would love to go back to Washington, D.C. now that I am an adult and can better appreciate the history and importance of the sites in our nation’s capitol. I would also love to see how much has changed (new monuments, etc.) since I visited 20+ years ago.
I notice that some of the previous posters refer a little to the weather in D.C.. Spring and Fall are great times to visit. Winter and Summer, not so much. Besides the heat, it can also get terribly humid. The saving grace is that a large number of the attractions are indoors.
I’ve been getting into historical and genealogical research lately, and a few of my lines lead to Washington, DC. I so hope I get to visit soon to research the past and see the present.
I absolutely love Washington D.C. it is so beautiful. I went there a few summers ago and I can’t wait to go back.
Have never been to the capital it would be so educational and forever a treat. The museums and monuments are grand and forever the best of the best.
My mother went to Washington D.C. for a neuroscience conference. She said at night it was one of the most beautiful places she had ever been; she and her friend explored it for hours.
That sounds like it was a wonderful trip. I have family that resides near Tyson’s Corner in Virginia, but I’ve never had the opportunity to visit DC the way I would like to. Hopefully I will have the chance to soon.
I went to Washington D.C. a few months ago with my husband and we loved it. I didn’t think I would like it at first, but I did and I can’t wait to go back.
Washington D.C. has such a rich history and so many historical land marks that almost anyone will find something interesting there. The beauty and sentimental values of the various monuments and building are so alluring. You can almost close your eyes and imagine the history that has taken place there.
Also since you are practically in Va I highly recommend checking out colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown. I believe all three of these places including Philadelphia compliment each other especially when it comes to Colonial history. Though DC defiantly has the most historical value out of any of them.
I have never been to Philly as I never made it there in my travels as a truck driver. It sounds like a wonderful city. Washington DC sounds beautiful; I hope to get there soon.
I lived in Philadelphia for a year, and while not a fan of being a resident I found it really enjoyable to take a visitor to Center City and Old City for the day. Really hoping to get back for a weekend now that I haven’t been there for a few years!
My typical “day in Philly” usually had us checking out the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and walking through Washington Square to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and the Bicentennial Moon Tree. Then swing by the Mint and check out Benjamin Franklin’s gave nearby.
The cool thing is that’s a load of history, and the grand total to see it all: nothing.
Favorite cheesesteak place in the Center City/Old City area is Sonny’s on 3rd and Market, but definitely check out the shops in the Reading Terminal Market as well. Plenty of stores along the way when walking to these destinations – you’ll get some good exercise! And it’s a long walk or short cab ride, but the Art Museum is also great – one of the more famous art museaums in the country!
There’s nothing as amazing as taking some time and visiting our nation’s capital, and some of the places that has had such an impact on the history of our country. Washington DC is so full of beautiful things to see and learn
I loved my trip to Washington D.C. it was so incredibly fun and amazing. I can’t wait until I get a chance to go back.
I always wanted to visit Washington DC but the plan was not working out. But last year when we shifted from North Carolina to Delaware. Our first trip was to Washington DC on my birthday. I was with my husband and 2 kids in summer. My kids enjoyed the hot summer and a big walk from one monument to another. My daughter was so excited to see White House. My son is 2 yrs and he was all running around everywhere.
We also visited Washington DC during the Cherry Blossom festival. It was just amazing to see that beautiful place. My daughter just thanks us to taking her to such beautiful place. It was just lovely. Unforgettable trip that we had.
About Philadelphia we visited Long Wood Garden. a great place for kids. We all enjoyed the beautiful flowers. The water lilies and also the fountain show. Also we have been to Phili Zoo. We had a lovely day there too.
I would love to visit Philly! It has always seemed like such a beautiful city. I’ve been to DC, but only got to see the airport while waiting to switch flights. I did have a lot fun checking it out during my 3 hour lay over
I took a night time tour of D.C once as well. The Roosevelt memorial was the best, very cool with the whole fireside chat aspect.
The Philadelphia Art Museum and the Franklin Institute are both great museums. The Barnes Foundation is moving its collection of French Impressionist work into a new building right next to the Rodin Sculpture Garden, all in same area off the Ben Franklin Parkway. With so many museums close by, it would make sense to get a hotel in the Rittenhouse Square area, which is an easy walk to the museums, and enjoy the cafes along the way. There is also a shuttle bus to the museums from spots in town.,
As an 8th grader we took a very informative approach to both cities. It was fun, but nothing compares to going back in your young adulthood and really appreciating the sites. I spent hours upon hours in all the museums that D.C. has to offer- I really recommend devoting at least a day to just the museums and no other sites.
It must be so interesting to come to Philadelphia as a visitor. Having lived here for so many years, it seems like it would be a difficult place to “break into” if you’re interested in going to any off-the-beaten path, more local-interest places.
I have been to Washington, D.C. twice and can honestly say there is no experience in the world like it. Just knowing you are in D.C does something to you. And, of course there is much to see, do and learn. There are never enough days to take advantage of it all. I can not wait to go back!
having grew up in Virginia Beach, VA and now living in Rhode Island, the D.C./Maryland area isn’t one that fascinates me as much as those who have never lived in the area. I can agree, however, that there is plenty of amazing things to see if you are here, and for those interested in History, there is no better place in the world to be.
Washington DC is so full of history. There are several museums there and I tried to visit all of them. (smile) I’ve been told that you can’t really get lost in DC because of the city’s layout. Well, I’ve proven everyone wrong, I got lost several times. The good news is that I always ended up lost, but at a nice restaurant or store!
DC is really an interesting place. It’s hard to imagine just how much of America’s history was made here. Even today, D.C. has it’s own state laws that are unique to the entire country
I have been to both Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. I must say that there is so much history in both places. It sounds like your trip was not only fun but educational. Trust me, you would learn even more if you visited again. The amount of history there is so vast!
I can’t wait to go there this summer. its historical momument and i love ancient places like this.. i am going to visit this amazing place to the nearest future
I love Philly cheese steaks, but I wonder is if there are really the best. I have a few restaurants here in Kentucky that can make some mean sandwiches. Washington, D.C. is absolutely huge, it can be a bit overwhelming to a small town girl like myself. I cant wait to visit again.
Very informative, I’ve alwase wanted to see Philly and DC, the history is fascinating. Also I love cheesesteaks and want to try the original so bad, hehe.
Thanks for the tips! My husband was a military kid who has seen much of the US and he has been wanting to take me to DC for a while now. I would love to go. We both love history!
What great places to visit. There is no better way to learn about the rich history of our country than visiting two SUCH historic places. Each place is so unique yet they represent what America stood for then..and now
DC is a great place to visit, take the kids of any age. Last fall we took our 24 year old son and a friend for their first visit. They were old enough to enjoy the city, appreciate the monuments and the history associated. Being a history major, my son was able to share historical tidbits not heard in the usual tour situation.
We will always have very special memories of this trip, not to mention the fantastic seafood.