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IAmTerdFergusson t1_j35lwk3 wrote

Reply to comment by MajesticBread9147 in What is the best close-ish city to visit for the first time? by MajesticBread9147

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

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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.

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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.

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Wammio272 t1_j36huk8 wrote

Do not visit or stay in Camden.

It's cheap for a reason.

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[deleted] t1_j36mggi wrote

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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.

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[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?

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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.

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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.

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