Top 5
Captains Top 5 Tips
1) Enjoy dinner aboard one of Washington DC’s dinner cruise ships on the Potomac River
2) Take a helicopter ride over Manhattan or arrive in style by doing a helicopter airport transfer to the city.
3) Head to Macy’s and Bloomingdales in New York for a shopping extravaganza!
4) Visit the Italian area in Philadelphia with its wonderful restaurants run by generations of original families.
5) Run up the steps to the Museum of Art just like Rocky.
Explore the Eastern States
The East Coast is the oldest part of the USA and where the declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in 1776. It is crammed full of history from historic Boston to the beauty of New England where the first pilgrims landed. It is of course home to most famous city in the USA, New York, the city that never sleeps, as well as the capital Washington DC.
We have 130 Flight Centre stores in the USA and have travelled extensively throughout the country so our knowledge of this region is second to none. We can offer you the best advice to get the most out of your next holiday to the East Coast, whether that’s a weekend shopping in New York or a relaxing self-drive tour of New England.
Known as the ‘Big Apple’ the city is a melting pot of nationalities that contributes to its unique buzz. From the imposing skyscrapers of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building to the majestic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, New York is awe-inspiring. The shopping is some of the best in the world, the restaurants some of the hippest and the people some of the coolest! Check out downtown areas of Chelsea, Tribeca, SoHo and Greenwich Village, with their sidewalk cafés, markets, bookshops and plenty of cosmopolitan New Yorkers.
There is plenty to do in Washington DC and its well worth spending a few days there. It's not just about the White House or one of the many fantastic museums, memorials, parks and theatres. To obtain a true insight into the city, make sure you leave time to discover another side of Washington DC, the trendy downtown district for fantastic cuisine and great nightlife.
Less than two hours from New York City by train, Philadelphia is the true birthplace of the nation and is home to the Liberty Bell. Must-sees include Independence National Historic Park plus the many special interest museums and art galleries. Film buffs might even like to run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art as Sylvester Stallone did in the film Rocky.
Boston is the gateway to beautiful New England and with its mix of colonial charm and historic sights, plus great shopping and restaurants it makes an ideal city break. Stroll along 300 years of history along the Freedom Trail, walk over the Charles River and discover the secrets of the famous Harvard University and soak up the atmosphere of this special place. With a mix of colonial charm and modern architecture, Boston is perfect for exploring on foot.
Chicago, sitting on the shore of Lake Michigan is renowned for its skyscrapers, live jazz and blues, fabulous architecture, legendary gangsters and much more. Discover beautiful lakefront parks and beaches, the designer boutiques of Michigan Avenue, outstanding restaurants and exciting nightlife.
North America is a land not just about fantastic modern, cosmopolitan cities that offer great value for money and wonderful shopping opportunities. Typically, just around the corner from the malls and monoliths is some of the most wonderful scenery the world has to offer. From the beautiful forests and picture postcard coves and bays of New England to the wide open spaces and iconic national parks in the West North America is blessed with a variety of beautiful landscapes and stunning vistas.
New York
New York is the city that never sleeps - it is non-stop action. 24-hour fun and excitement. From the imposing skyscrapers of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building to the majestic Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island. New York is simply awe-inspiring.
"Escape the hustle & bustle of the city and take stroll around Central Park, in the winter enjoy ice skating in the summer have a picnic!. Or mix with the locals and buy a ticket for the baseball and cheer on the Yankees or the Mets!"
Evan, Flight Centre Head Office
USA Specialist
Chicago
Sitting on the Shores of Lake Michigan, surrounded by imposing Skyscrapers you begin to feel that Chicago has an intoxicating feel. The city, home to legendary gangsters and famous musicians offers an enticing alternative to the East coast.
"I loved that you could sit on the beach during the day and then listen to some of the best live jazz musuc in the evenings."
John, Flight Centre Duke Street
USA Specialist
Boston
Boston is the gateway to beautiful New England and with its mix of colonial charm and historic sights, plus great shopping and restaurants it makes an ideal city break. Stroll along 300 years of history along the Freedom Trail, walk over the Charles River and discover the secrets of the famous Harvard University and soak up the atmosphere of this special place.
"Steeped in history and Boston is an intriguing and beautiful city. Walking along the Freedom trail or across Boston Common I felt more like I was in Europe rather than North America. Modern America was of course born here, by the legacy created by The Boston Tea Party. Alongside history Boston is a food lovers delight and I will be going back from more clam chowder."
Domonique, Flight Centre Head Office
USA Specialist
Philadelphia
Less than two hours from New York City by train, Philadelphia is the true birthplace of the nation and is home to the Liberty Bell. Must sees include Independence National Historic Park plus the many special interest museums and art galleries. Film buffs might even like to run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art as Sylvester Stallone did in the film Rocky.
"Philly is not just about history it's also about shopping (as there is no sales tax) and cheese steaks. Debate rages throughout the city as to who makes them the best, but you can't go wrong with the old Favourite, Gino's."
Emma, Flight Centre Thayer Street
USA Specialist
Washington DC
Washington, DC is not as the books say, all about museums and monuments. The city is full of hip restaurants, charming neighbourhoods, stunning hotels and terrific shopping options as well as free access to some of the most famous and interesting attractions in the world. It’s the combination of the two that is making Washington more and more a favourite with the international traveller.
"Take in some jazz down on U Street, which inspired legends such as Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie."
Peter, Flight Centre Head Office
USA Specialist
Events 2008-2009
4 Nov New York Marathon
22 Nov Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
8-16 Mar New England Spring Flower Festival
23 Mar St Patrick’s Day Parade, Boston
Mar -Apr Cherry Blossom Festival
April Art Chicago
4 Jul Independence Day Celebrations, Philadelphia