USA: Washington DC – Boston – Philadelphia

In 2011 my friend A. and I travelled to New York to take a TEFL course. We tried to make the most out of our trip to the USA, and visited some other cities at the East Coast as well.
We didn’t get to spend as much time in the cities as we’d like, but we were able to see the main historic sides in every city. Very touristy, I know! But hey, touristy things are touristy because they’re worth seeing. It was so cool to see the places, we heard so much about in the history lessons, in real life. You guys ready for a little walk down memory lane?

Washington DC

The capitol of the United States of America, and probably one of the most impressive cities I have ever been! With its imposing white buildings and grant memorials, the city simply breaths patriotism.

The National Mall is probably the most well-known part of Washington DC (well, ok maybe after the White House). It’s where you’ll find all the famous monuments and museums. Technically the Mall stretches from the Washington Monument to Capitol Hill, but most people include everything up to the Lincoln Memorial. As DC is a compact city it’s very nice to walk from monument to monument. All of the memorials are outdoors and free to visit, so make sure to stop by; The Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Washington Monument.

You can’t go to Washington D.C. and not get a glimpse of the White House right?

One of the loveliest strolls in DC is around the Tidal Basin. Unfortunately we didn’t see it, while the cherry blossoms were in bloom, but we liked it anyways. During the walk you’ll come across some other remarkable memorials, such as Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and Martin Luther King Memorial, especially the latter was very moving.

The capital is known for it’s Smithsonian museums, but as we were only in the city for such a short time, we didn’t get a chance to see any. Good to know is that all museums are free of charge. We did go to the National Archives though, where the Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence are being kept.

Arlington National Cemetery is located across the Potomac River from Washington DC. Although it’s a military cemetery, there are also former presidents and politicians buried upon the grounds. The Kennedy family gravesite is just one of the many memorials you can visit upon Arlington National Cemetery.

Boston

Boston is one of the best cities in America to learn about the country’s history. A lot of the buildings are well preserved and the city has done a great job of making sure history comes to life for tourists. One of the most popular tours in Boston is the Freedom Trail. We did a walking tour with a guide who was dressed as one of the citizens of Boston in the 1700s, which was a fun way to learn about the history.

The Freedom Trail has 16 official sites and usually starts at Boston Common, which was founded in 1634 and is America’s oldest public park.

Granary Burying Ground was established in 1660. Some of America’s most notable citizens rest here. Only to name a few, Samuel Adams (founding father), Paul Revere, James Otis, …

One of Boston’s most prominent and popular historic buildings is the Old State House, which was used as the colony’s government house in 1713. It was the location of many events that eventually led to the American Revolution and resistance against the British rule. The Declaration of Independence was first read here to Boston’s citizens in 1776 at its balcony. Nowadays the Old State House is being used as an information centre to inform visitors about the revolution. Some of the historic items are on display, like a tea vial from the Boston Tea Party and a musket that was used at the Battle of Lexington.

Our guide took us to many other places that were of great importance during the American Revolution, such as the Site of Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Beacon Hill, … The Freedom Trail really is something you should do, when in Boston! Not only does it take you to the main tourist sites, it gives you a lot of interesting insights into the city’s past.

Boston has a huge Italian influence, and the North End is where you’ll find most of it. This part of the city is really charming and if you are looking for a nice restaurant, most definitely the place to be!

Philadelphia

Philadelphia plays a very important role in the American history. Between 1790 and 1800, it was the nation’s capital and it’s where the Declaration of Independence was signed. As we only had one full day in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ we decided to stick with the touristy stuff and visit Philly’s historic district.

We started our sightseeing adventure with a guided tour of Independence Hall, which was organized by the National Park rangers. In the Assembly room you can see George Washington’s “rising sun” as it was during the Constitutional Convention. In one of the adjacent rooms, the original inkstand used to sign the Declaration of Independence and an original draft of the Constitution are displayed. Our tour of Independence Hall included Congress Hall as well. This is where the House of Representatives assembled while the Senate met upstairs. The inaugurations of Washington and Adams were held at Congress Hall.

President’s House served as America’s first ‘White House’. Both Presidents George Washington and John Adams lived in the house. Across the street you’ll find the Liberty Bell, America’s iconic symbol for independence. 

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