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North America · Open jaw · 11 NIGHTS

Northeast USA museums by train

Short middle stop and a slower finish

Submitted by Station to Station
Use this itinerary

Route and nights

  1. Boston4 nights
  2. New York City2 nights
  3. Philadelphia5 nights

Trip format: Open jaw · One hotel or guesthouse per overnight base

Tradeoff: Two nights in the middle means one main visit. Keep a substantial final base for the last stretch.

Compare: Rail

Trip stats

Trip days
12
Nights
11
Home Bases
3
Scheduled entries
76

Days by place

Philadelphia
5
Boston
4
New York City
2
Wilmington, Delaware
1

Hotels and other stays

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHG
5 nights
The Godfrey Hotel Boston
4 nights
Arlo Midtown · New York City
2 nights

Schedule by type

Activity
32
Meal
31
Lodging
6
Rail
4
Ground transport
3

Day-by-day agenda

Jump to Calendar View
Day 1 Boston
  1. to · Lodging Check in and drop your bags The Godfrey Hotel Boston
  2. to · Activity Take a short orientation walk near the hotel Boston Common

    Skip this block if you arrive later.

  3. to · Meal Have dinner near the hotel Downtown Crossing, Boston
The Godfrey Hotel BostonBoston
Day 2 Boston
  1. to · Meal Breakfast in Back Bay Back Bay, Boston
  2. to · Activity Visit the Boston Public Library's Central Library Boston Public Library Central Library, Boston

    Check public hours before setting out. Start with the McKim Building and Bates Hall if open.

  3. to · Activity See the buildings around Copley Square Copley Square, Boston

    Explore the square and see the Trinity Church exterior from the public sidewalk.

  4. to · Meal Lunch around Newbury Street Newbury Street, Boston
  5. to · Activity Follow the Boston Literary District through Beacon Hill Beacon Hill, Boston

    Use publicly visible plaques and streetscapes and respect residential entrances.

  6. to · Activity Browse a bookstore near Boston Common Boston Common, Boston
  7. to · Meal Dinner around Downtown Crossing Downtown Crossing, Boston
The Godfrey Hotel BostonBoston
Day 3 Boston
  1. to · Meal Breakfast near the Public Garden Boston Public Garden, Boston
  2. to · Activity Walk the Public Garden paths and lagoon Boston Public Garden, Boston

    Treat seasonal boat service as an optional add-on.

  3. to · Activity Follow Commonwealth Avenue Mall Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Boston

    Choose a stretch that leaves time for a slow lunch.

  4. to · Meal Lunch in Back Bay Back Bay, Boston
  5. to · Activity Walk a west-side Esplanade section Charles River Esplanade, Boston

    Use a marked pedestrian bridge and keep the walk short in poor weather.

  6. to · Activity Browse shops or bookstores around Newbury Street Newbury Street, Boston
  7. to · Meal Dinner in Back Bay Back Bay, Boston
The Godfrey Hotel BostonBoston
Day 4 Boston
  1. to · Meal Breakfast near Boston Common Boston Common, Boston
  2. to · Activity Start the Freedom Trail at Boston Common Boston Common, Boston

    Follow the trail markers toward the Massachusetts State House and Park Street.

  3. to · Activity Visit Granary Burying Ground and see King's Chapel Granary Burying Ground, Boston

    Use posted access and opening times for interiors.

  4. to · Activity Explore Old South Meeting House Old South Meeting House, Boston

    Check admission and opening hours. Keep the Old State House as an alternative if needed.

  5. to · Meal Lunch around Faneuil Hall Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston
  6. to · Activity Follow the trail into the North End North End, Boston

    Pick Paul Revere House or Old North Church if you want one more interior visit. Confirm hours before committing.

  7. to · Activity Walk to Copp's Hill and the waterfront Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Boston
  8. to · Meal Dinner in the North End North End, Boston
The Godfrey Hotel BostonBoston
Day 5 New York City
  1. to · Meal Have breakfast before checking out Downtown Crossing, Boston
  2. to · Lodging Check out and allow time to reach your departure point The Godfrey Hotel Boston
  3. to · Rail Travel from Boston to New York City Boston South Station

    Check South Station versus Back Bay on your ticket. Allow time to exit Moynihan Train Hall or Penn Station and reach the hotel. Use the departure and arrival times from your booking.

  4. to · Lodging Check in after reaching the new base Arlo Midtown

    Keep dinner flexible if the transfer runs late.

  5. to · Meal Have dinner near your new hotel if time allows Midtown West, New York City
Arlo MidtownNew York City
Day 6 New York City
  1. to · Meal Breakfast around Rockefeller Center Rockefeller Center, New York City
  2. to · Activity Take a studio tour at 30 Rockefeller Plaza NBC Studios, New York City

    Check the current NBC tour schedule and reserve a slot. If unavailable, use the Rockefeller Center public spaces and Radio City exterior as the alternative.

  3. to · Activity See Radio City Music Hall and its marquee Radio City Music Hall, New York City
  4. to · Meal Lunch around Sixth Avenue Midtown Manhattan, New York City
  5. to · Activity Visit the Museum of Modern Art Museum of Modern Art, New York City

    Give yourself time to choose two or three galleries. This is the flexible block if the studio tour starts later.

  6. to · Meal Dinner in Hell's Kitchen Hell's Kitchen, New York City
Arlo MidtownNew York City
Day 7 Philadelphia
  1. to · Meal Have breakfast before checking out Midtown West, New York City
  2. to · Lodging Check out and allow time to reach your departure point Arlo Midtown
  3. to · Rail Travel from New York City to Philadelphia Moynihan Train Hall, New York City

    Use the correct Penn Station entrance and leave time for the short city connection from 30th Street Station. Use the departure and arrival times from your booking.

  4. to · Meal Have lunch near your new base Old City, Philadelphia
  5. to · Lodging Drop bags and check in when the room is ready Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHG
  6. to · Activity Take a short orientation walk if time allows Independence Mall, Philadelphia
  7. to · Meal Have dinner near your new hotel if time allows Old City, Philadelphia
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHGPhiladelphia
Day 8 Philadelphia
  1. to · Meal Breakfast near Independence Mall Independence Mall, Philadelphia
  2. to · Ground transport Check in for Independence Hall and allow for security Independence Hall, Philadelphia

    Use National Park Service instructions and adjust the schedule around your tour reservation.

  3. to · Activity Take the Independence Hall tour Independence Hall, Philadelphia

    Check current timed ticket requirements and arrive early enough for security.

  4. to · Activity See the Liberty Bell Center Liberty Bell Center, Philadelphia

    Allow for a separate entrance line and keep time for the exhibits before the bell.

  5. to · Meal Lunch in Old City Old City, Philadelphia
  6. to · Activity Visit the National Constitution Center National Constitution Center, Philadelphia

    Check opening days and the timing of the presentations you want to see.

  7. to · Activity Walk past Congress Hall and the Second Bank Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia

    Use the exteriors as the default and enter only if hours and access fit.

  8. to · Meal Dinner near Washington Square Washington Square West, Philadelphia
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHGPhiladelphia
Day 9 Wilmington, Delaware
  1. to · Meal Breakfast near the hotel Old City, Philadelphia
  2. to · Ground transport Get to William H. Gray III 30th Street Station William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, Philadelphia
  3. to · Rail Take a train to Wilmington and continue to the museum Wilmington Station, Delaware

    Use actual Amtrak or SEPTA departures. Verify the museum is open and plan a local ride from the station.

  4. to · Activity Visit the Delaware Art Museum Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington, Delaware

    Check opening days and pick a collection. Use the museum's sculpture garden if weather allows.

  5. to · Meal Lunch near the Wilmington Riverfront Wilmington Riverfront, Delaware
  6. to · Activity Walk the Christina River waterfront Wilmington Riverfront, Delaware

    Turn back with enough time to reach the station.

  7. to · Rail Return to Philadelphia William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, Philadelphia

    Match this slot to a scheduled train.

  8. to · Meal Dinner near the hotel Old City, Philadelphia
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHGPhiladelphia
Day 10 Philadelphia
  1. to · Meal Coffee and breakfast in Old City Old City, Philadelphia
  2. to · Activity Walk from the Chinatown Friendship Gate toward the market Philadelphia Chinatown Friendship Gate, Philadelphia
  3. to · Meal Lunch at Reading Terminal Market Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia

    Check vendor hours and give yourself time to walk the aisles before choosing lunch.

  4. to · Activity Walk the Rail Park's open section The Rail Park, Philadelphia

    Confirm which section is open and use the marked public entrances.

  5. to · Activity Walk through Washington Square Washington Square, Philadelphia

    Take side streets back toward the hotel or use the open block to rest.

  6. to · Meal Dinner in Chinatown Chinatown, Philadelphia
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHGPhiladelphia
Day 11 Philadelphia
  1. to · Meal Breakfast in Old City Old City, Philadelphia
  2. to · Activity Walk Elfreth's Alley and nearby blocks Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia

    Treat the alley as a residential street. Check separate access for any museum interior.

  3. to · Activity See Christ Church and the Benjamin Franklin Museum area Christ Church, Philadelphia

    Verify access if you want an interior stop. Keep the walk outdoors when services or hours limit entry.

  4. to · Meal Lunch around Market Street Old City, Philadelphia
  5. to · Activity Visit the Museum of the American Revolution Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia

    Choose the galleries that best complement your Independence Hall visit.

  6. to · Activity Walk the Delaware River waterfront Penn's Landing, Philadelphia
  7. to · Meal Dinner in Old City Old City, Philadelphia
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHGPhiladelphia
Day 12 Philadelphia
  1. to · Meal Have breakfast near the hotel Old City, Philadelphia
  2. to · Activity Take an optional last walk Independence Mall, Philadelphia

    Skip the walk if you have an early departure.

  3. to · Lodging Check out and collect luggage Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHG
  4. to · Ground transport Allow time for onward travel Old City, Philadelphia

    Use the confirmed departure and pickup times from your booking.

Trip calendar

Itinerary map Print itinerary

Suggested schedule · All times are local. Check hours and availability for your dates.

  1. Day 1

    Boston

    America/New_York Open map for Boston
    1. to · Lodging Check in and drop your bags The Godfrey Hotel Boston
    2. to · Activity Take a short orientation walk near the hotel Boston Common

      Skip this block if you arrive later.

    3. to · Meal Have dinner near the hotel Downtown Crossing, Boston
    The Godfrey Hotel BostonBoston
  2. Day 2

    Boston

    America/New_York Open map for Boston
    1. to · Meal Breakfast in Back Bay Back Bay, Boston
    2. to · Activity Visit the Boston Public Library's Central Library Boston Public Library Central Library, Boston

      Check public hours before setting out. Start with the McKim Building and Bates Hall if open.

    3. to · Activity See the buildings around Copley Square Copley Square, Boston

      Explore the square and see the Trinity Church exterior from the public sidewalk.

    4. to · Meal Lunch around Newbury Street Newbury Street, Boston
    5. to · Activity Follow the Boston Literary District through Beacon Hill Beacon Hill, Boston

      Use publicly visible plaques and streetscapes and respect residential entrances.

    6. to · Activity Browse a bookstore near Boston Common Boston Common, Boston
    7. to · Meal Dinner around Downtown Crossing Downtown Crossing, Boston
    The Godfrey Hotel BostonBoston
  3. Day 3

    Boston

    America/New_York Open map for Boston
    1. to · Meal Breakfast near the Public Garden Boston Public Garden, Boston
    2. to · Activity Walk the Public Garden paths and lagoon Boston Public Garden, Boston

      Treat seasonal boat service as an optional add-on.

    3. to · Activity Follow Commonwealth Avenue Mall Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Boston

      Choose a stretch that leaves time for a slow lunch.

    4. to · Meal Lunch in Back Bay Back Bay, Boston
    5. to · Activity Walk a west-side Esplanade section Charles River Esplanade, Boston

      Use a marked pedestrian bridge and keep the walk short in poor weather.

    6. to · Activity Browse shops or bookstores around Newbury Street Newbury Street, Boston
    7. to · Meal Dinner in Back Bay Back Bay, Boston
    The Godfrey Hotel BostonBoston
  4. Day 4

    Boston

    America/New_York Open map for Boston
    1. to · Meal Breakfast near Boston Common Boston Common, Boston
    2. to · Activity Start the Freedom Trail at Boston Common Boston Common, Boston

      Follow the trail markers toward the Massachusetts State House and Park Street.

    3. to · Activity Visit Granary Burying Ground and see King's Chapel Granary Burying Ground, Boston

      Use posted access and opening times for interiors.

    4. to · Activity Explore Old South Meeting House Old South Meeting House, Boston

      Check admission and opening hours. Keep the Old State House as an alternative if needed.

    5. to · Meal Lunch around Faneuil Hall Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston
    6. to · Activity Follow the trail into the North End North End, Boston

      Pick Paul Revere House or Old North Church if you want one more interior visit. Confirm hours before committing.

    7. to · Activity Walk to Copp's Hill and the waterfront Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Boston
    8. to · Meal Dinner in the North End North End, Boston
    The Godfrey Hotel BostonBoston
  5. Day 5

    New York City

    America/New_York
    1. to · Meal Have breakfast before checking out Downtown Crossing, Boston
    2. to · Lodging Check out and allow time to reach your departure point The Godfrey Hotel Boston
    3. to · Rail Travel from Boston to New York City Boston South Station

      Check South Station versus Back Bay on your ticket. Allow time to exit Moynihan Train Hall or Penn Station and reach the hotel. Use the departure and arrival times from your booking.

    4. to · Lodging Check in after reaching the new base Arlo Midtown

      Keep dinner flexible if the transfer runs late.

    5. to · Meal Have dinner near your new hotel if time allows Midtown West, New York City
    Arlo MidtownNew York City
  6. Day 6

    New York City

    America/New_York Open map for New York City
    1. to · Meal Breakfast around Rockefeller Center Rockefeller Center, New York City
    2. to · Activity Take a studio tour at 30 Rockefeller Plaza NBC Studios, New York City

      Check the current NBC tour schedule and reserve a slot. If unavailable, use the Rockefeller Center public spaces and Radio City exterior as the alternative.

    3. to · Activity See Radio City Music Hall and its marquee Radio City Music Hall, New York City
    4. to · Meal Lunch around Sixth Avenue Midtown Manhattan, New York City
    5. to · Activity Visit the Museum of Modern Art Museum of Modern Art, New York City

      Give yourself time to choose two or three galleries. This is the flexible block if the studio tour starts later.

    6. to · Meal Dinner in Hell's Kitchen Hell's Kitchen, New York City
    Arlo MidtownNew York City
  7. Day 7

    Philadelphia

    America/New_York
    1. to · Meal Have breakfast before checking out Midtown West, New York City
    2. to · Lodging Check out and allow time to reach your departure point Arlo Midtown
    3. to · Rail Travel from New York City to Philadelphia Moynihan Train Hall, New York City

      Use the correct Penn Station entrance and leave time for the short city connection from 30th Street Station. Use the departure and arrival times from your booking.

    4. to · Meal Have lunch near your new base Old City, Philadelphia
    5. to · Lodging Drop bags and check in when the room is ready Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHG
    6. to · Activity Take a short orientation walk if time allows Independence Mall, Philadelphia
    7. to · Meal Have dinner near your new hotel if time allows Old City, Philadelphia
    Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHGPhiladelphia
  8. Day 8

    Philadelphia

    America/New_York Open map for Philadelphia
    1. to · Meal Breakfast near Independence Mall Independence Mall, Philadelphia
    2. to · Ground transport Check in for Independence Hall and allow for security Independence Hall, Philadelphia

      Use National Park Service instructions and adjust the schedule around your tour reservation.

    3. to · Activity Take the Independence Hall tour Independence Hall, Philadelphia

      Check current timed ticket requirements and arrive early enough for security.

    4. to · Activity See the Liberty Bell Center Liberty Bell Center, Philadelphia

      Allow for a separate entrance line and keep time for the exhibits before the bell.

    5. to · Meal Lunch in Old City Old City, Philadelphia
    6. to · Activity Visit the National Constitution Center National Constitution Center, Philadelphia

      Check opening days and the timing of the presentations you want to see.

    7. to · Activity Walk past Congress Hall and the Second Bank Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia

      Use the exteriors as the default and enter only if hours and access fit.

    8. to · Meal Dinner near Washington Square Washington Square West, Philadelphia
    Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHGPhiladelphia
  9. Day 9

    Wilmington, Delaware

    America/New_York Open map for Wilmington, Delaware
    1. to · Meal Breakfast near the hotel Old City, Philadelphia
    2. to · Ground transport Get to William H. Gray III 30th Street Station William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, Philadelphia
    3. to · Rail Take a train to Wilmington and continue to the museum Wilmington Station, Delaware

      Use actual Amtrak or SEPTA departures. Verify the museum is open and plan a local ride from the station.

    4. to · Activity Visit the Delaware Art Museum Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington, Delaware

      Check opening days and pick a collection. Use the museum's sculpture garden if weather allows.

    5. to · Meal Lunch near the Wilmington Riverfront Wilmington Riverfront, Delaware
    6. to · Activity Walk the Christina River waterfront Wilmington Riverfront, Delaware

      Turn back with enough time to reach the station.

    7. to · Rail Return to Philadelphia William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, Philadelphia

      Match this slot to a scheduled train.

    8. to · Meal Dinner near the hotel Old City, Philadelphia
    Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHGPhiladelphia
  10. Day 10

    Philadelphia

    America/New_York Open map for Philadelphia
    1. to · Meal Coffee and breakfast in Old City Old City, Philadelphia
    2. to · Activity Walk from the Chinatown Friendship Gate toward the market Philadelphia Chinatown Friendship Gate, Philadelphia
    3. to · Meal Lunch at Reading Terminal Market Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia

      Check vendor hours and give yourself time to walk the aisles before choosing lunch.

    4. to · Activity Walk the Rail Park's open section The Rail Park, Philadelphia

      Confirm which section is open and use the marked public entrances.

    5. to · Activity Walk through Washington Square Washington Square, Philadelphia

      Take side streets back toward the hotel or use the open block to rest.

    6. to · Meal Dinner in Chinatown Chinatown, Philadelphia
    Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHGPhiladelphia
  11. Day 11

    Philadelphia

    America/New_York Open map for Philadelphia
    1. to · Meal Breakfast in Old City Old City, Philadelphia
    2. to · Activity Walk Elfreth's Alley and nearby blocks Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia

      Treat the alley as a residential street. Check separate access for any museum interior.

    3. to · Activity See Christ Church and the Benjamin Franklin Museum area Christ Church, Philadelphia

      Verify access if you want an interior stop. Keep the walk outdoors when services or hours limit entry.

    4. to · Meal Lunch around Market Street Old City, Philadelphia
    5. to · Activity Visit the Museum of the American Revolution Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia

      Choose the galleries that best complement your Independence Hall visit.

    6. to · Activity Walk the Delaware River waterfront Penn's Landing, Philadelphia
    7. to · Meal Dinner in Old City Old City, Philadelphia
    Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHGPhiladelphia
  12. Day 12

    Philadelphia

    America/New_York Open map for Philadelphia
    1. to · Meal Have breakfast near the hotel Old City, Philadelphia
    2. to · Activity Take an optional last walk Independence Mall, Philadelphia

      Skip the walk if you have an early departure.

    3. to · Lodging Check out and collect luggage Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHG
    4. to · Ground transport Allow time for onward travel Old City, Philadelphia

      Use the confirmed departure and pickup times from your booking.