USA City Break Guide – What to Eat, Do and Where to Stay this Holiday Season

We know how city breaks can go. It starts with excitement, then planning begins and excitement can turn to stress. Pinning down your destination, or schedule becomes a hassle, and the costs begin to build up. Thankfully, we’ve got a handy guide to help you choose where to go and what to do this holiday season. Even better, we’ve handpicked a few American cities that are the perfect distance from Toronto to make your glamorous weekend getaway, that much easier.

BEST FOR NIGHTLIFE – WASHINGTON DC

After taking your prerequisite photos by the White House, you’ll be pleased to know that the Capital’s charms go far beyond the political. 

STAY

Adams Morgan is one of the most ethnically and economically diverse communities in DC. The multicultural haven offers heaps of heaving bars for the evening and local amenities.

Check yourself into THE LINE, if you want to be close to the city’s activity. Each swanky room inside this converted church offers luxury furnishings and elegant decoration. (Rooms from US $186.24.)

EAT

After you drop your bags off, it’s time to head out for a bite to eat. Mintwood Place provides authentic French cuisine at its finest. Be sure to reserve a table before your visit as it can get busy. 

If you love to try new flavours, Cane on H Street’s rum induced menu and fresh Caribbean spices take the lead. 

For a veggie-friendly delight, Dorjee Momo on South Street serves up an assortment of finger-licking entrees from eggplant salads to tofu and veggie-filled steamed buns.

DO

It’s oh-so-easy to hop on the Metro or a bike and explore all that DC has to offer. The Gargantuan National Gallery of Art showcases an impressive collection of modern art including works from Vincent van Gogh. 

For all things ‘Space-related’, visit the National Air & Space Museum. Expect aircraft models and missiles all within one stellar establishment. 

Alternately, take a walk through Rock Creek Park, a favourite in the city for biking, skating, running and even horseback riding.

BEST FOR HISTORY – PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia, or Philly as it’s called locally, is the birthplace of the American Revolution and arguably the most famous American historical city.

STAY

Old City is the oldest neighbourhood in Philly, home to The Liberty Bell and the Independence National Historical Park. 

Put your feet up after a day of sightseeing in the pet-friendly Hotel Monaco, offering complimentary bike rental. The quirky shades of deep blue and purple, geometric wallpaper designs and mirrored end tables, create a chic retro feel. (Rooms from US $197.23.)

Be sure to check out the Stratus Rooftop Lounge above the hotel, grab an aperitif and enjoy the sunset views.

EAT

Head down to St James Street to Zahav, the city’s favourite. Or get to Chestnut Street for Buddakan’s Chinese, Amada’s rustic Spanish tapas, and mouth-watering sushi at Morimoto. 

The Ranstead Room on Ranstead Street serves delightful cocktails within its speakeasy-style space.

DO

Walking through Philly is like making your way through a melting pot of cultures. Isaiah Zagar’s urban art gallery Magic Gardens springs to mind (tickets are US $10.) The 3,000 square feet space sits between 1022 – 1026 South Street. Experience fourteen years of work influenced by Philly history and community spirit. Plus, various mosaic workshops, concerts, and dance performances.

Iconic meets icon at the base of the Philadelphia Art Museum’s 72 ‘Rocky Steps’. A bronze statue of Balboa has been permanently installed to celebrate the films. Inside, it exhibits 200 galleries of world-class art (tickets are US $25.)

Mütter Museum inside The College of Physicians of Philadelphia houses many medical oddities, including the skeleton of the tallest known man and Albert Einstein’s brain. (Tickets are US $20.)

BEST FOR CULTURE – NEW YORK CITY

New York is a city filled with exciting landscapes and feverish energy that spills out onto its streets. The bright lights, ultra-modern skyscrapers, shopping avenues, Broadway nightlife, and diverse community only go so far as to describe the many things one can do.

STAY

The Standard on Washington Street boasts floor to ceiling windows in each guest room. The spectacular views of the Hudson river or Highline are not to be missed. Nor are its LA style rooftop lounge and live jazz performances. (Rooms from US $367.57).

EAT

You may be hard pushed to walk through the streets of New York and not be tempted by the authentic New York-style restaurants. 

If you happen to be anywhere near 49th Street, then head over to Don Antonio. Their wood-oven pizzas and Italian cocktails will blow your mind. 

Experience the best Mediterranean cuisine the city has to offer at Gemelli. The distinctive decor alone will leave your senses euphoric.

DO

Take a trip to the Empire State Building. At 1,454-feet tall, the ESB is an American icon and offers breath-taking views across Manhattan. (Tickets from US $43.55.)

Learn about Ellis Island’s unique history of immigration and freedom with a trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum (tickets from US $18.50.)

Central Park receives around 37 million visitors each. Its 3.5 square miles offer the ultimate escape from the surrounding concrete jungle.

Grab yourself a New York Pass to maximize your time and money. It includes The ESB, Lady Liberty with Ellis Island trip and Central Park tours. Plus countless NYC attractions, all at a price that won’t break the bank this holiday season.