For first-timers visiting the northeast from elsewhere in the country, or even from outside of it, experiencing these three iconic and historic cities is a necessity. This classic itinerary hugs the coast, breezing through Rhode Island and Connecticut past harbors, marshes, and the Atlantic Ocean before you skate past the Big Apple skyline. The beauty of this journey is that you can ditch your car and travel by train—all three cities are on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Acela Express routes. It’s one of America’s few urban pipelines that’s nearly as well-serviced by trains as Europe. Tack more cities onto the journey, or make a swap if you’d like—the Northeast Regional also makes stops in Providence, Rhode Island; Philadelphia; and Baltimore; among many others.
Where to stop: If you have limited time in each of these cities, you can’t go wrong with the following classic activities. In Boston, attend a Red Sox game at vibrant and energetic Fenway Park (or another sporting event, as seasons dictate). In New York, enjoy the Upper East Side with a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, followed by a stroll in Central Park next door, capping the evening off with a drink at the Carlyle’s Bemelmans Bar. In DC, stroll the National Mall and visit the Air and Space Museum. These cities are universes unto themselves, and these are just a few ideas to get your itinerary started. To do more research on what they each have to offer, check out our official Boston, NYC, and Washington, DC, travel guides.
Where to eat: In Boston, where you’ll find some of the freshest seafood around, you can’t go wrong with a lobster roll from Neptune Oyster, which won Boston magazine’s 2023 best lobster roll award. While you’re in the North End, snatch up some cannolis from Mike’s Pastry. In New York, where the culinary options are almost more overwhelming than anywhere else on Earth, consider getting lost in Chinatown, where you can opt for something affordable yet delicious—like dim sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor—or something elevated and special, like family dinner at Hwa Yuan Szechuan. In DC, Ben’s Chili Bowl is a must-visit stop, a landmark institution famous for its half-smokes, a local delicacy involving half-beef, half-pork smoked sausage covered in chili. For more ideas, explore our Boston, NYC, and Washington, DC, restaurant guides.
Where to stay: Kick off the trip with a stay at Boston’s timeless Fairmont Copley Plaza. The historic hotel, a repeat-Readers’ Choice Awards winner, has stood next to Boston Public Library since 1912, and has the elegance of old-time Boston, but with all of the modern amenities you’ll need. For detailed, on-the-ground hotel intel, read Condé Nast Traveler’s Boston, NYC, and Washington, DC, guides to the best hotels.
