Welcome to www.templeseeker.com, my cultural solo female travel blog. My name is Amy Green and I am a British traveller, currently based in Liverpool, UK. I first went to the USA aged 20 to work for a summer and then travelled along the East Coast. It’s true to say that there’s something undeniably exciting about landing in the United States for the first time. The scale. The skylines. The accents. The sheer energy. And if you’re travelling from the UK, the East Coast is the perfect introduction to America. In today’s travel blog, I bring to you my Ultimate East Coast USA Itinerary, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC.
Featured Image: New York skyline by Justin Brown on Flickr
The route from Boston to New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC offers iconic landmarks, political history, world-class museums, diverse food scenes and neighbourhoods that feel completely different from one another. Although the route initially might feel overwhelming, it is actually quite compact by American standards and it is brilliantly connected by train. I found the trains in the USA very easy to book and comfortable, with friendly staff. I highly recommend the AMTRAK trains for travelling along the East Coast (more on that later).
This guide is designed specifically for backpackers and mid-range travellers – whether you’re planning your first Stateside adventure or returning for more. Inside this article, you’ll find practical visa advice, packing tips, suggested itineraries, where to stay, and the essential sites in each city.
Let’s dive in.
East Coast US Itinerary – Getting there and away from UK
Yes, it is very easy to get to the East Coast of America from the UK, with numerous direct, daily flights from major UK airports (London Heathrow/Gatwick, Manchester) to cities like New York, Boston, and Washington D.C. Direct flights typically take 6–8 hours.
I flew from Manchester to New York with Virgin Atlantic. If you are looking to break the flight up a bit and get your ticket as cheap as possible, then you can go from Manchester to Dublin (Ireland) or Reykjavik (Iceland) and then on to New York.
When to Go the East Coast USA?
The East Coast experiences four distinct seasons, and when you visit will shape your experience considerably.
Spring (April–June) – Spring is one of the best times to visit. Expect mild temperatures (10-20°C), blossoming parks and fewer crowds than summer. Boston and DC are particularly beautiful in spring.
Summer (July–August) – Expect summer on the East Coast to be warm or hot, especially in Washington DC, which can reach 30/31°C in July and August. This is peak tourist season, so higher prices and busier attractions are the norm, and for me, this is a reason to avoid a summer trip. However, summer brings rooftop bars, open-air events and long evenings.
Autumn (September–October) – Autumn (Americans call it ‘fall’) us arguably the ideal time. Crisp air, colourful foliage (especially around Boston), comfortable sightseeing weather and manageable crowds. Autumn temperatures in Boston are around 22°C – 24°C.
Winter (November–March) – The East Coast of America is cold and occasionally snowy, particularly in Boston and New York (I would personally avoid winter for this reason). However, December brings magical Christmas decorations in NYC, and hotel prices (outside the festive period) can be lower. The temperatures in New York in winter are around 6°C–7°C (daytime) and can drop to –1°C at night.
Best overall months: May, June, September and October.
Planning for your East Coast US Itinerary
Before you go, make sure that you have your route drafted and accommodation booked in advance. There are several apps that I would recommend downloading onto your Smartphone including AMTRAK (trains), Greyhound (buses), UBER (taxis) and Booking.com (accommodation). Plan your budget and order your USD currency in advance, taking a mixture of cash and credit cards. I’d also recommend that you purchase a good guide book (such as the Lonely Planet Eastern USA). it is always nice to read on trains and helpful in times when you don’t have internet access. One of the most important things that you need to plan for is your ESTA visa if you are travelling from the UK…
Visa Considerations for UK Travellers – ESTA
Most UK passport holders travelling to the USA for tourism do not need a traditional visa for short stays in the States. Instead, you will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) under the Visa Waiver Program. You will need to apply online before you travel, and the passport will be electronically held in your passport.
The ESTA is usually valid for two years (or until passport expiry) and allows stays of up to 90 days. Make sure that you apply at least a week before you travel – officially you need 72 hours before departure, but I personally wouldn’t be comfortable leaving it that late in case there were any delays with the ESTA visa coming through. Also, be aware that there are lots of scam websites that try to over-charge unnecessarily to help you with your ESTA – you don’t need these. Go straight to the USA ESTA official website here. The current price is $40.27 (payable online).
At US border control, you’ll be asked about your trip, accommodation and return flight. Be prepared with:
- Proof of onward travel
- Accommodation details
- A clear travel plan
Always check official government guidance before travelling, as rules can change.
What to Pack for your East Coast US Itinerary
The East Coast involves a lot of walking. Comfort matters. You will also need to consider the weather at the time of year that you are travelling. However, here are the essentials that you need to pack, whatever the weather…
Essentials for Backpackers doing an East Coast US Itinerary
- Travel documentation, gadgets and chargers (Smartphone, laptop, camera and tablet).
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk miles daily) – mine are Karrimor women’s walking boots (lightweight and waterproof).
- Weather-appropriate layers – T shirts, hoodies and fleeces are great for travelling in the USA.
- Lightweight waterproof jacket – This Trespass one is a good budget option.
- Day backpack – Mine is a Deuter Daypack (comfortable and hard-wearing).
- Portable charger – such as this Charmast power bank (make sure that it is fully charged before packing).
- Travel adaptor (US plug type A/B) – make sure that it is the correct 3 pin to 2 pin converter.
- Reusable water bottle – I like SIGG bottles as they are easy to carry and very durable.
- Small padlock for hostel lockers – great if you are travelling on a budget and don’t mind sharing dorms with other travellers.
- A good guide book – This is always nice to read on trains and helpful in times when you don’t have internet access. I recommend the Lonely Planet Eastern USA.
- Travel insurance – printed and digital copies as healthcare is very expensive in the USA and you need it handy should any health issues crop up.
For Mid-Range Travellers
- Smart-casual outfit for theatre or nicer restaurants – tailored trousers and loafers with a blouse and smart-casual cardigan work well.
- Compact umbrella – good for autumn or winter weather and keeps you dry.
- Cross-body bag for city exploring – more stylish than a daypack!
- Camera or upgraded phone storage for photos – some photographers like to take their DSL camera.
Remember: Americans dress casually, but New York in particular has a slightly sharper edge in the evenings.
Getting Between Cities on your East Coast US Itinerary
The beauty of this itinerary lies in how easy it is to travel between destinations. You can use Amtrak for train travel (book Amtrak trains here) and the Greyhound buses (book Greyhound buses here). I have used both and they were both reliable and comfortable in my experience. It’s better to book in advance to avoid disappointment and get better prices. Remember to download these apps onto your smartphone before you travel. Here is a rough guide as to what to expect in terms of the lengths of these journeys:
🚆 Amtrak Trains
The most comfortable and scenic option. Routes connect:
- Boston → New York (approx. 4 hours)
- New York → Philadelphia (1.5 hours)
- Philadelphia → Washington DC (2 hours)
🚌 Budget Buses
Companies like Megabus and Greyhound are cheaper but slower. Ideal for backpackers watching their budget.
- Boston → New York: approximately 4–6 hours
- New York → Philadelphia: approximately 1.5–2 hours
- Philadelphia → Washington DC: approximately 2.5–4 hours
The Ultimate 13-Day East Coast USA Itinerary
For ease of travel, I would personally recommend flying into New York and then travelling from North to South from Boston to Washington DC by Amtrak trains. It would be possible to fly into Boston and out of DC of course, but that would add a significant cost onto your flights and probably isn’t worth it considering the public transport links.
🇺🇸 Days 1–3: Boston, Massachusetts
Boston feels European in its scale but unmistakably American in spirit. I totally loved Boston, and I would say that it was my favourite out of all of the East Coast cities. I stayed in an Air BnB with two massive golden retrievers who came to wake me up every morning!
Must-See Highlights of Boston include:
- The Freedom Trail – A 2.5-mile red-brick walking route linking historic sites from the American Revolution.
- Harvard University – Located in Cambridge, just across the river. Wander the historic campus and soak up the academic atmosphere.
- Boston Common and Public Garden – The oldest public park in America — beautiful for a morning stroll.
- Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market – Lively marketplace with food stalls and street performers.
- North End – Boston’s Little Italy is perfect for cannoli and hearty pasta.
Where to Stay in Boston
Backpackers: Hostels in Downtown or Fenway areas.
Mid-range: Back Bay or near Copley Square for central access.
🗽 Days 4–7: New York City
There is nowhere quite like New York. It’s intense, inspiring and unforgettable. Most of your time as a tourist will probably be spent travelling to liberty island and exploring Manhattan, but don’t underestimate the beauty of some other local areas such as West Village, the meatpacking district and Brooklyn Heights. Don’t miss the following iconic sites:
- Statue of Liberty – Take the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island for immigration history.
- Central Park – 843 acres of greenery in the middle of Manhattan. Walk, cycle or simply relax.
- Times Square – Bright, chaotic and buzzing — best experienced after dark.
- Empire State Building – Classic observation deck views.
- Brooklyn Bridge – Walk at sunrise for fewer crowds and incredible skyline views.
- Greenwich Village – One of the coolest bohemian neighbourhoods in NYC with jazz clubs and late opening book shops.
- Museums – The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), The Metropolitan, The American Museum of Natural History and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral – On Fifth Avenue – most iconic and important cathedral in New York.
- Shopping – Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue (luxury), trendy boutiques in Soho and Nolita, iconic department stores like Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman, and unique finds at Brookfield Place, Century 21, and the Brooklyn Flea Market.
Suggested 4-Day Plan
Day 4: Midtown highlights and Empire State Building
Day 5: Statue of Liberty and Financial District, with 9/11 Memorial
Day 6: Central Park and Museums
Day 7: Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) with a Broadway show to finish!
Where to Stay in New York
Backpackers: Upper West Side or Brooklyn hostels.
Mid-range: Midtown, Chelsea or Lower Manhattan.
Avoid staying too far from a subway line — location matters more than hotel size.
🇺🇸 Days 8–9: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Smaller, walkable and packed with American history. I feel like Philadelphia is doable in two days rather than three. If you are on a very tight schedule and need to cut it down to be more manageable, then this is the city to miss out. Must-See Sites in Philadelphia include:
- Independence Hall – Where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
- Liberty Bell – An iconic symbol of American freedom.
- Reading Terminal Market – One of America’s oldest public markets.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art – Run up the “Rocky Steps” for fun and fantastic views.
- Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul – The Catholic Basilica of Philadelphia.
- Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church – The oldest church in Pennsylvania, established in 1700.
- Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens – A Funky folk art venue with mosaic galleries, a sculpture garden maze and educational programs.
- Queen Village – A leafy stretch where Colonial houses mingle with innovative dining spots and shopping districts.
- Penns landing viewing deck and the Benjamin Franklin Suspension Bridge.
Where to Stay in Philadelphia
Backpackers: Old City or City Centre hostels.
Mid-range: Rittenhouse Square for charm and dining.
🇺🇸 Days 10–13: Washington DC
Washington DC feels very different — cleaner, greener and politically powerful. One thing that I will say about the Smithsonian museums is that they are absolutely MASSIVE! It won’t be possible to do them all in a few days, pick two or three to focus on. The ones that I find most interesting personally are the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History and the Holocaust Museum (powerful and emotionally draining but so worth it). If you are a big fan of museums, then you may want to choose to stay in DC for longer. I found DC on the whole to be accessible and friendly. Key Highlights of DC include:
- National Mall – A vast open park lined with monuments and the world class Smithsonian museums.
- Smithsonian Museums – There are 21 museums (plus a Zoo!) and most museums are free, including the Air and Space Museum and the Museum Natural History.
- Lincoln Memorial – This is a national memorial honouring Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. It is iconic and especially beautiful at sunset.
- United States Capitol – This is the seat of the U.S. Congress and the legislative branch of the federal government. You can go inside if you book your tour in advance (I recommend booking with Get your Guide here).
- The White House – The official residence and workplace of POTUS (President of the United States – currently Donald Trump). Tourists can visit the White House for free, but it requires advance planning (7–90 days) and you need to submit a request through a Member of Congress.
- Churches and Cathedrals – Washington National Cathedral, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle.
- Georgetown – Charming cobbled streets, boutiques and cafés (my favourite part of Washington DC). Don’t miss Georgetown University, and if you are a horror movie fan, you can visit the Exorcist steps!
Where to Stay in Washington DC
Backpackers: Near Dupont Circle or metro-connected outskirts.
Mid-range: Downtown or Capitol Hill.
USA Travel Tips and Culture Shocks for UK Visitors
There are a few things that you might find a little different if you are visiting the East Coast USA from the UK. There are a few cultural and financial nuances that we are not used to in the UK, such as tipping, tax at tills and over-friendliness are some things that Brits can be taken aback by!
Tipping Culture
Tipping is expected is frequently expected in the USA, which is 15-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink in bars and around 15% for services including taxi drivers and hair dressers. This is a shock to the system for us Brits, and it significantly adds to our budget – don’t let this be unexpected! The best thing to do is to plan tipping into your daily costs so that it doesn’t come as a shock.
Sales Tax
Prices displayed in shops usually exclude tax – it’s added at the till. This was a bit of a shocker the first time I went shopping in Manhattan – when I got to the till, it was way more than I expected and I gasped out loud! Again, prepare yourself for the sales tax as well as the tipping.
Gun Culture
The hardest thing for me to accept about travelling in the United States was the gun culture. I wasn’t used to seeing police or border force agents carrying guns and I found this quite intimidating at US immigration control. I was also shocked to see a gun fall out of an American friends car dashboard, to which he responded – I’ve got to protect my family! We’re not used to seeing this kind of thing in the UK at all and so it can be rather intimidating, but Americans do have the right to bear arms according to the Second Amendment (rules vary from state to state). It is important to understand that with the prevelance of gun culture, there is some level of associated risk that comes with that.
Transport
Subways in Boston, New York and DC are reliable and Philadelphia is very walkable, so you won’t have trouble finding your way around. However, do expect to see some graffiti and experience some strange smells on the New York subway. It is also more normal to see buskers actually on the trains, which you don’t really get on the London Underground!
Safety
Stick to well-lit areas at night and follow usual city precautions. There is crime in the big US cities and you just need to have some awareness. Avoid carrying your phone openly in crowded areas where it could get swiped. 911 is the number for a police or medical emergency in the USA.
Over Friendliness
People in the USA are naturally more open and friendly than us Brits, who can tend to be more reserved, especially when meeting new people. Don’t get put off by people being friendly and inquisitive, they are probably just interested, especially when they hear your accent. However, by all means don’t let the friendliness of people allow you to compromise your safety – if you are uncomfortable, you are allowed to just walk away.
SIM Cards
The cost of texting or calling may be expensive if your data plan doesn’t include the USA. Consider buying a US SIM or using an eSIM to avoid roaming charges.
Budgeting for your East Coast US Itinerary (Approximate Daily Costs)
Backpacker:
£70–120 per day (hostel, budget meals, public transport)
Mid-Range Traveller:
£150–250 per day (3-star hotel, restaurants, attractions)
Remember, New York will be your most expensive stop.
Suggested Trip Variations – USA East Coast Itinerary
10 Days: Reduce Boston or DC by one day.
14 Days: Add a day trip to Niagara Falls or extend NYC or Washington DC.
Longer Trips: Consider adding Charleston or heading south.
Final Thoughts
For UK travellers, the East Coast USA offers the perfect blend of familiarity and difference. English-speaking, historically connected and easy to navigate, yet culturally bold, ambitious and vast. From walking Boston’s revolutionary streets to standing beneath Manhattan skyscrapers, from Philadelphia’s founding halls to Washington’s monuments, this itinerary delivers both history and modern energy.Whether you’re travelling with a backpack and train ticket or enjoying mid-range comfort with theatre evenings and boutique hotels, this route gives you an unforgettable introduction to America.
And once you’ve done the East Coast – you’ll almost certainly be planning your return. 🇺🇸✨
Further Reading on North America
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