Submitted by MajesticBread9147 t3_104kk8f in washingtondc
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Comments
MajesticBread9147 OP t1_j35jsgk wrote
I've never been to any of them, but that's what I'm leaning towards. Being a DC area native, I've never really been to any "big cities" with skyscrapers and millions of people, unless you count Charlotte and Phoenix.
IAmTerdFergusson t1_j35l74x wrote
You're native to DC and have never once taken the train to NYC? damn. Yeah, go see the apple man
MajesticBread9147 OP t1_j35lqji wrote
A am a native to northern Virginia technically. One half of my family came from Anne Arundel and PG county and the other from Virginia, and both kinda landed in the DC area because it was the closest city.
I've never been to NYC because I have no family up north that were close enough to have an excuse/ opportunity to visit, and as an adult the travel is always the cheapest part, the time off work and hotel is what is expensive.
eatwearnest t1_j35nk7r wrote
Now is a good time to hit NYC. It’s going to get quite expensive as the weather warms. Take advantage of this crazy weather. Check out Pod 39 in Murray Hill.
I also love Philly. There are interesting things to do and good food. The train ride is super cheap.
medievalmachine t1_j372kxv wrote
NYC I love for the food, the museums (natural history on the train line and the aircraft carrier) and Lady Liberty. Getting around is a real chore
Philly has a great car museum, some American history stuff and is doable for a day trip or on the way back from NYC so I would do both.
IAmTerdFergusson t1_j35lwk3 wrote
Yeah, that's all fair! If hotel is too much, you can always taken an early train up for the morning and the late train home at night and have all day in NYC! one of the best perks about living in DC. take the 6AM, get to NYC around 930/10am and then take the late train back to DC
MajesticBread9147 OP t1_j35n4ea wrote
I mean I know I can definitely spend less money by staying in a cheaper area and "commuting" in to the fun parts. After all I travel to experience a city while I'm awake haha.
I know Philly has Camden, NYC has Brooklyn and The Bronx, and I think Boston has Southie? Although I'm definitely gonna research further.
DCGinkgo t1_j362yik wrote
Camden is across the Delaware River in New Jersey and not worth a visit unless you are going to the NJ Aquarium IMHO. Put it this way, no one goes to Philly to see Camden (Don't mention "visiting" Camden to anyone in Philly because they will die laughing.)
For 1st visit, stick to Philly "Center City" (downtown shopping! restaurants! skyscrapers!) & Independence Mall area (History! More Museums!) OR Logan Circle -(Arts! Sciences!) Museum District. Go to the top of City Hall -beautiful building -If open. Seems the tower observation deck at Liberty Place (skyscraper) is closed permanently. Too bad.
That's more than enough for a day trip. Decide which museums you want to see and stick to those because $$$. (You aren't in DC anymore no more free museums!) Indep Hall and Logan Circle are in two totally diff parts of the city so keep that in mind. The Museum of Fine Arts is HUGE also keep that in mind. The Natural History Museum and Franklin Institute (with its famous walk through heart!) are great too if you are into those subjects. Southie which is in Boston is similar to Camden in that no one goes to Boston just to go to Southie which is mostly residential though there are museums on the waterfront edges, which might technically not be in S. Boston, but somebody can check me there.
Also would not try to do Philly and NYC in one day. Again IMHO Toooo much. Def different trips. Why rush? You would spend more time on bus/train than in either.
Also whatever you do if you take Amtrak, get your ticket 14 days in advance. As you get closer to the date you want to go the more expensive tickets get. Also might be good to sign up for Guest Rewards and earn points for *free* future travel. As for bus would never take it to NYC because traffic on NJ Turnpike is no joke. It is almost 24/7/365. YMMV. If you must bus, leave as late or as early as possible because traffic. If you like to sit in traffic, well...OK have plenty of things to do/read/watch/snacks/sandwiches etc.
Wammio272 t1_j36huk8 wrote
Do not visit or stay in Camden.
It's cheap for a reason.
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MajesticBread9147 OP t1_j3ajbzo wrote
I always thought Brooklyn was cheap given how it's depicted in the media. Biggie, was from there after all.
[deleted] t1_j3brlo3 wrote
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MajesticBread9147 OP t1_j3btbyb wrote
Jesus, I guess Brooklyn is New York's Alexandria / Navy Yard. If this keeps happening there will come a point I'll consider creating my own ad campaign against moving to DC and the east coast cities.
"Work from home? Move to Scenic Dayton™ instead! You'll live like a king with affordable rents along the tropical Miami river waterfront."
But in all seriousness I looked at Queens on Google Street view and honestly I loved it. it looks like Baltimore yet within commuting distance of like the greatest city in America(Even with a nearby Locust Point!). I just need to freshen up on my parallel parking skills haha.
Also I'm aware that there's no metro train that goes from Queens or Brooklyn to the Bronx, is that as big a deal as everyone says it is?
[deleted] t1_j3bxb0m wrote
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messmaker523 t1_j36h8z1 wrote
Bronx*. You didn't say "The Brooklyn"
MajesticBread9147 OP t1_j36hws7 wrote
Sorry I mixed the two up in my head, but both are good options
FennelSuperb7633 t1_j36rgne wrote
I 100% agree with this. But isn’t the train more expensive than flying these days. We’re talking $50 dollar flights on Spirit. I haven’t seen Amtrak tickets for less than $150. I find Amtrak to be pretty expensive. Where are you finding these cheap train tickets — I’m generally interested because I’m planning a trip.
fakecoffeesnob t1_j36s3xw wrote
If you book further out, you can get $50 train tickets. Maybe a little less if you can stack the student discount on there.m Eta: buses are also an option if you’re price sensitive! Those usually run closer to $30.
wowihaveanopinion t1_j35n6ft wrote
like… no desire/friends/shows/interest in visiting the arguably greatest city in the world? honestly just curious 💗 have u travelled outside the states?
MajesticBread9147 OP t1_j35nkxx wrote
Not really the lack of desire, just lack of opportunity. I'm only 22 so I've only really had agency for 4 years, and in those years my focus was supporting myself and my family.
I have never travelled outside America but I have been close. I had grandparents out in Arizona, and when I visited them years ago they took me to Nogales, which is a border city kinda like Arizona's San Diego, however I couldn't cross into Mexico as I didn't have a passport at the time.
Edit: I think I have been in an embassy once or twice.
gator_fl t1_j35rogq wrote
I'm no longer surprised at the number of adults who lived here their entire life that have never visited NYC.
Some not adventurous, some told you'd be murdered, some never had the time or thought expensive to visit (had no idea about cheap buses).
Also not surprised anymore about adults in MD or VA and even DC who never took a metro train.
DCGinkgo t1_j3636c8 wrote
Never took Metro?! Seriously?
foreverurgirl t1_j36hadp wrote
I think OP listed the cities they should visit in the perfect order. You just need some good walking shoes and can make a budget friendly trip of all of those places! I agree NYC first. Just compare ticket prices and lodging costs and plan your trips that way.
Good luck- keep us updated. This sounds fun.
Agirlisarya01 t1_j35u66n wrote
Save Chicago for the spring. I’ve been in the winter, and it was the coldest I’ve ever been. Which I say as a native New Englander.
PunctualPoops t1_j36yeuv wrote
Also not close-ish. I just drove back from Chicago for the holidays. 11hr drive.
Agirlisarya01 t1_j371rg1 wrote
I assumed they were thinking of flying. But 1) how uncertain the flight schedules have been lately and 2) how snowy it gets there, are two more arguments for waiting to visit in the spring.
PunctualPoops t1_j371ys4 wrote
100%, just didn’t seem like a flight type of scenario. But that was my assumption.
m4m4b4 t1_j35lh1z wrote
Richmond. Easy trip, different enough from DC, bang for buck
MajesticBread9147 OP t1_j35mo2p wrote
Excellent suggestion. I've been to Richmond many times and liked it, but only to visit elderly family members, so I haven't truly "been to Richmond" .
m4m4b4 t1_j35mwqs wrote
If you want to see something new then my vote goes to Philly then - some of the New York vibe without the insane prices, overstimulation, and dirt/grime (well a little dirt/grime), and interesting regional food/culture. And points for being most convenient
PanAmargo t1_j35tw3h wrote
The only answer based on info you’ve provided is New York.
Take the cheap ass bolt bus. Get a dorm bed in a hostel. Just fucking wander around and people watch and eat cheap pizza, falafel, pierogi. Don’t even need to do any tourist stuff besides Times Square (go late night, it’s always worth it somehow even just for 5 min.) Central Park, Washington square park, wander around the east village, hit up prospect park, go out to Brighton beach or Coney Island. Hit up some thrift stores. Go to some dive bars or rock shows in Brooklyn.
Can do a budget round trip weekend trip for $500 easy.
zi9g t1_j36rjz1 wrote
I wouldn't describe a regional weekend trip that's $500 as 'budget', even if it's NYC. If I'm taking the bus and sleeping in a hostel I'd better be out less than 500 for it.
Though granted it's been awhile since I've tried a trip like that and maybe prices are such that 500 is the absolute floor. Which is sad, if so, and helps explain why many people might never have done what sounds to others like a no-brainer trip.
PanAmargo t1_j3727su wrote
$25 both ways - $50 transport
$50 - 70 a night in a hostel - $100 - $150
5 or 6 meals - varies widely but let’s say an average of $10, now you’re at $50
Transport - $20 for subway rides
One Random cab or Uber spending on where you’re going and when - $25
Just the basics around $250 - 300, but since it’s New York one may be tempted to spend on random stuff to bring home
endlessly_apollo t1_j35juwa wrote
Chicago isn’t really close-ish thou it a great city to visit— the loop, lake and bars in West Loop etc
MajesticBread9147 OP t1_j35kdj2 wrote
I included Chicago because I have done a lot of reading on the city already and thought I would love to move there. A big city, with goog public transportation, jobs, and it's CHEAP. On e of my favorite hobbies is to "travel" to places on Google Street view, and Chicago is one of my favorite places to "visit".
Then I discovered that when people say Chicago is cold, that means it sometimes gets in the double digits negatives which I didn't know was possible in the continental U.S. so kind of scrapped that idea, but I still want to go there sometime in my life.
endlessly_apollo t1_j35ktl0 wrote
Interesting. Lived there for a few months. It’s pretty amazing. Huge city feel but cheaper COL than DC. I left because October was so cold and everyone said it only get colder.
MajesticBread9147 OP t1_j35l512 wrote
Yeah, although I'm honestly convinced it won't be low cost of living for long. Not being susceptible to sea level rise or drought should be a big determining factor in future housing values nationally before many people think.
aafdttp2137 t1_j35qn1j wrote
It's not LCOL. Even Chicago's outer burbs are MCOL.
Agree 100% - the current and future changes in climate should absolutely be more prevalent in housing valuation.
lizzylulu957 t1_j36qv91 wrote
Chicago was called the Windy City because of the politicians but the actual wind there is no joke, especially in the winter.
Seconding one of the other comments though, Chicago isn't actually a cheap city, unless you're comparing it to SF.
Appropriate-Ad-4148 t1_j36xxm5 wrote
It's cheap compared to the other 5 big, dense, American cities - LA, SF, DC, NYC, Boston.
A 2b/2b, say looking over the lake in Chicago on a high floor, is typically going to be a lot cheaper than one on the water in Seattle, or right in downtown Portland or Austin, or downtown Denver or Miami.
CriticalStrawberry t1_j35xbs1 wrote
NYC would be my first choice. If you can avoid driving, the train/bus makes the trip that much more enjoyable. Amtrak drops you center of the city and you can use your feet and public transit to get around easily from there.
Philly and Boston both great as well. But hard to beat NYC if you've never been.
diaymujer t1_j35kdb8 wrote
Visit Chicago in the late spring or summer only. Fall may be fine, but the year I lived there it was winter for 3/4 of the year and I’m only exaggerating a little bit.
Philly is close enough to hop on a train (or a bus if you must) and do a quick weekend trip. Any of the others I would save for a long weekend at minimum, just because you’re spending longer getting there. Once you’ve been to NYC a few times, you can do it for a shorter weekend or even a very long day trip (I have done this, though I don’t actually recommend it).
mister-jesse t1_j35pu71 wrote
New York feels awesome and it is very different from all other cities in America. And easy to get around and lots of different vibes and experiences and really good food
Playful-Translator49 t1_j35kyhn wrote
Can you be more vague or give us less details into what your interests or you like doing? All the options are great but are all different. Depending on your jam might make one more ideal for your tastes?
MajesticBread9147 OP t1_j35mf62 wrote
Admittedly I have only truly "travelled" to a couple cities so my experience is limited. I'd like to see a city with skyscrapers and tall buildings, New York has to WTC and the statue of liberty which I'd like to see which is a point for NYC, but I'd also like to be in a place where I can like, truly feel like what another city is like.
I'd like to go to a city with museums and history, where I can learn new stuff, and see stuff from history.
A music scene is a plus, if the city has like a dark basement where I can go to shows every night I'd love that.
I'm not really a foodie, like local cuisine is nice, but I'm more interested in trying something authentic that a local would buy on their lunch break, rather than spending $50 on a steak dinner in Manhattan
[deleted] t1_j371lxb wrote
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Playful-Translator49 t1_j3c4tem wrote
NYC sounds like the place to go for your first adventure. It’s easy to get to, so much to see and so. Good luck and have a magical time
ratherbeinrome t1_j35v09j wrote
It would be pretty doable to take the train or bus up to NYC and hit Philly on the way home—I did it once and had a lot of fun. If money is tight maybe do 2 nights in NYC and one long day in Philly on the way back. PM me if you want some more specific sightseeing ideas.
keyjan t1_j36ky81 wrote
Start slow. Go to Philly, then next trip, NYC.
I want to go to Chicago one of these days myself, but it’s pretty far…
pineapplewars t1_j36l0h6 wrote
Chicago is amazing! Great food, beautiful city, and tons to do!
bluegreenspark t1_j36uaw2 wrote
Do a day trip to Philly! If you book Amtrak enough in advance they can be as cheap as $19 each way. For your first trip I'd stick to city center and/or a couple tourists type things.
I've spent many hours roaming the town. The best part? No hotel costs and you only need one day off. Plus at 22 you should have the energy to do a long day.
merpderp33 t1_j35v6vz wrote
There’s so much to do in NYC, def worth going there first. From there to Philly, it’s also just a $20 bus ticket usually if you want to try to cram both.
NYC, Philly, Chicago in that order.
Do Chicago proper when you have a long weekend - my second fav food city in the US (first is LA)
I’ve been to Boston a few times… it’s okay. Do the other cities first imo before Boston.
Reasons2BCheerfulPt1 t1_j366mv0 wrote
New York by Amtrak. You arrive in the heart of Manhattan and the world is your oyster. If you book weeks in advance, it’s much cheaper. Hotels are pricy and cabs are fewer since the pandemic (we now use Uber exclusively to get around).
Chicago is awesome but only in Summer and early fall. Take the architecture boat tour, and visit the Art Institute. Hotels are often much cheaper in winter if you can gear cold and wind.
ekkidee t1_j36yw7g wrote
Richmond.
ehtooh t1_j3711of wrote
Imo, start with Philly, NYC can be overwhelming solo as a first trip like this. Book ahead on Amtrak and if you sign up for an account they’ll send you deals. It’s a short and easy ride. You can do a day trip or a weekend for a reasonable price. Look up what you want to do and where you want to go first and have a plan. I usually research things to death because I want to walk around confident, and I end up stumbling across something unplanned and have a great experience. Good luck!
BleuSloth t1_j371lki wrote
Philadelphia'a great city to visit. Good food, good museums.
wreckfish111 t1_j373irp wrote
Baltimore is a great city and a big change of pace from DC. My wife and I did an overnight there and had a blast. We stayed in Little Italy and explored the Inner Harbor, Canton and Fells Point.
oldskooldork23 t1_j37448d wrote
I mean New York is New York. Pretty much infinite things to see and do, and I feel like every east-coaster should have at least one New York experience under their belt. It can be an overwhelming place to be for sure, but I usually have a great time. It's expensive though (though admittedly not much worse than just day-to-day-life in DC).
I find Chicago a similarly good time as New York, but I would recommend waiting for the warmer months on that one unless you know what you're getting in to. While the temperatures are currently alright, it can be brutally cold at times.
I also really like Philly and it's cheaper and quicker to get to and do stuff in.
Still haven't had a chance to get up to Boston myself.
gator_fl t1_j35rx93 wrote
NYC and cheap buses and hostels.
TechByDayDjByNight t1_j36668s wrote
Go yourself and figure out, the question you asked is very subjective.
wowihaveanopinion t1_j35neus wrote
you need to be given a large quantity of psychedelics and gently tossed out in the southwest on a spirit quest. i am not being facetious
MajesticBread9147 OP t1_j35npuc wrote
I've been in the southeast, and I've had large quantities of psychedelics, but not at the same time. I consider this a missed opportunity
celj1234 t1_j35jlui wrote
New York. Esp if you’ve never been before.