7-Day United States Itinerary: Complete First-Timer's Guide
Experience America's greatest hits in one epic week. From Manhattan's skyline to the Capitol's monuments to Vegas's neon lights, this itinerary delivers the quintessential American adventure first-time visitors dream about.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Touch down in the city that never sleeps and get your bearings with a gentle introduction to Manhattan. Start with Times Square's sensory overload, then unwind in Central Park before experiencing your first authentic New York pizza slice.
Pro tip: Buy a 7-day MetroCard for $33 on arrival - it pays for itself after 12 rides.
Route Map
Budget Breakdown
Estimated cost per person for 7 days. Includes accommodation, all meals, local transport, activities, and miscellaneous expenses. Does not include international flights or travel insurance.
| Category | Daily | Total |
|---|---|---|
| accommodation | $140 | $980 |
| food | $55 | $385 |
| transport | $75 | $525 |
| activities | $40 | $280 |
| misc | $20 | $140 |
| Total | $330 | $2310 |
* Budget tier: mid-range. Prices in USD per person.
Money-saving tips:
- Buy 7-day MetroCard in NYC ($33) and 3-day DC Metro pass ($28) for transport savings
- Many DC museums are completely free including all Smithsonian institutions
- Vegas buffets are expensive but offer good value - eat one big meal instead of three
- Book Broadway shows and train tickets 2-3 weeks ahead for better prices
- Factor in Vegas resort fees ($35-45/night) not included in hotel rates
When to Go
Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and comfortable weather for walking tours
Hot, humid summers especially in DC and Vegas can be uncomfortable for outdoor sightseeing
Neighborhood Guide
Get oriented before you arrive — what each area feels like and how to get around.
Times Square & Theater District
excellent walkabilityPure sensory overload where neon signs tower overhead and the energy never stops. The crowd moves like a river around you, and there's this electric buzz that makes your heart race even if you're just walking to get coffee.
Known for: Broadway theaters and massive digital billboards
Local tip: New Yorkers avoid Times Square like the plague. Walk through quickly on your way to actual theater shows, but eat and hang out literally anywhere else.
Transit: Times Square-42nd St (N,Q,R,W,S,1,2,3,7)
Best time: evening
Not stroller-friendly
Central Park & Upper East Side
excellent walkabilityStepping into Central Park feels like finding a secret garden in the middle of concrete chaos. The Upper East Side has this old-money elegance where even the dog walkers look like they stepped out of a magazine.
Known for: Museum Mile and Central Park recreational activities
Local tip: Hit the Met Museum on Friday/Saturday evenings when it's pay-what-you-wish for NY residents, but tourists pay full price. Locals picnic in Sheep Meadow with bodega wine.
Transit: 86th St (4,5,6) or 81st St-Museum of Natural History (B,C)
Best time: morning
Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO
excellent walkabilityBrooklyn Heights feels like a secret neighborhood where brownstones whisper stories of old New York. DUMBO pulses with converted warehouse energy and that perfect Manhattan skyline view that makes you understand why people move here.
Known for: Brooklyn Bridge views and cobblestone streets
Local tip: Skip the crowded Brooklyn Bridge walkway. Locals get better photos from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1, and there's actually space to breathe.
Transit: High St-Brooklyn Bridge (A,C) or York St (F)
Best time: afternoon
Las Vegas Strip
moderate walkabilityWalking the Strip feels like being inside a fever dream where Egyptian pyramids neighbor Parisian cafes and time doesn't exist. The artificial energy is intoxicating, and everything is designed to make you forget the outside world completely.
Known for: Mega-casinos, world-class shows, and themed resorts
Local tip: Locals never gamble on the Strip - the odds are terrible. They hit up local casinos like Red Rock or Green Valley Ranch for better payouts and cheaper drinks.
Transit: Las Vegas Monorail serves major hotels
Best time: evening
Not stroller-friendly
Fremont Street & Downtown Vegas
excellent walkabilityThis is Vegas with its shirt off and a beer in hand - raw, loud, and unapologetically tacky. The LED canopy overhead creates this weird outdoor-indoor feeling while street performers and drunk tourists create a carnival atmosphere.
Known for: Vintage Vegas vibe and the Fremont Street Experience
Local tip: Locals come here for the cheap drinks and gambling with better odds than the Strip. The real scene happens at the bars just off Fremont like Atomic Liquors.
Transit: Fremont Street is walkable from downtown bus stations
Best time: evening
Not stroller-friendly
Hollywood & West Hollywood
good walkabilityHollywood Boulevard has this desperate glamour energy where dreams and delusion walk hand in hand past cracked stars on the sidewalk. West Hollywood feels younger and shinier, like everyone's either heading to or coming from an audition.
Known for: Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and entertainment industry
Local tip: Locals avoid Hollywood Boulevard entirely. They hit up the Hollywood Farmers Market on Sundays or drink at No Vacancy in Hollywood for the scene without the tourist traps.
Transit: Hollywood/Highland (Red Line)
Best time: afternoon
Not stroller-friendly
Santa Monica & Venice
excellent walkabilitySanta Monica has this polished beach town energy where yoga moms power-walk past tourists. Venice feels like organized chaos - street art, muscle beach, and that slightly unpredictable edge that keeps you alert while you're entertained.
Known for: Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach boardwalk, and beach culture
Local tip: Locals park at Santa Monica Place mall for free validation instead of paying $25 for beach parking. They also know Manhattan Beach is actually nicer for swimming.
Transit: Downtown Santa Monica (Expo Line)
Best time: morning
What to Eat inUnited States
New York City
Eating etiquette
- •Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 18% minimum for good service
- •Don't eat pizza with a fork - fold it in half
- •Coffee shop counter service doesn't require tips
Breakfast
New Yorkers grab coffee and a bagel on the go. Get a bacon, egg & cheese on a roll from any bodega for under $5.
Lunch
Lunch specials run 11:30am-2:30pm at most restaurants. Food trucks and delis offer the best value - look for $8-12 combo meals.
Dinner
Prime dinner time is 7-8pm. Make reservations 1-2 weeks ahead for popular spots. Many great restaurants don't take reservations - arrive right at opening.
Dishes you can't miss
130-year-old recipe, hand-cut pastrami that melts in your mouth
Katz's Delicatessen · $28-30
Thin crust, perfect grease-to-cheese ratio that defines NYC
Joe's Pizza or Prince Street Pizza · $3-4 per slice
100-year-old appetizing shop, perfect schmear technique
Russ & Daughters · $19
Street food highlights
Las Vegas
Eating etiquette
- •Tip 20% at restaurants, dealers $5-10 per winning session
- •Buffets are self-service but tip the beverage server $2-3
- •Cocktail waitresses expect $1-2 per drink minimum
Breakfast
Vegas runs late - most breakfast specials run until 11am or noon. Casinos offer cheap breakfast deals to keep you gambling.
Lunch
Lunch specials at off-Strip casinos offer incredible value. Look for $8-15 steak dinners at locals casinos like South Point.
Dinner
Dinner starts late (8-9pm) and reservations are essential for celebrity chef restaurants. Dress codes are enforced - no shorts or sandals at upscale spots.
Dishes you can't miss
Massive portion, old Vegas pricing in classic steakhouse atmosphere
The Redwood Room at California Hotel · $12.99
Vegas institution since 1959, served in classic tulip glass
Golden Gate Casino · $3.99
Retro Vegas diner with portions that could feed a small village
Peppermill Restaurant · $8-15
Street food highlights
Los Angeles
Eating etiquette
- •Tip 18-20%, valet tip $2-5 when getting your car
- •Casual dress is acceptable almost everywhere
- •Many restaurants are BYOB - call ahead
Breakfast
LA does brunch hard. Weekend waits can be 1-2 hours at popular spots. Weekday breakfast burritos from trucks are a local staple.
Lunch
Food trucks offer gourmet meals for $8-15. Happy hours start early (3-4pm) with substantial food offerings.
Dinner
Dinner reservations essential for trendy spots. Many places don't start serving until 5:30pm. Lots of outdoor seating year-round.
Dishes you can't miss
LA has the best Korean food outside Seoul - premium meats, perfect banchan
Park's BBQ in Koreatown · $25-35
Baja-style with crispy fish, cabbage slaw, and crema
Guelaguetza or any beach taco stand · $3-4 each
Invented here in 1918, dipped in natural beef jus
Philippe the Original · $12-15
Street food highlights
Getting Between Cities
How to book: Book directly with airlines or use Google Flights. Tuesday/Wednesday flights are cheapest. Book 6-8 weeks ahead.
Platform: Las Vegas airport is huge - allow 30 minutes to walk to baggage claim. Use moving walkways.
Luggage: Check bags if you have souvenirs - Vegas airport security is strict about carry-on liquids and snow globes
Pro tip: Left side of plane for Grand Canyon views on approach
How to book: Southwest and Spirit offer frequent service. Book direct with airlines. Burbank airport is smaller and easier than LAX.
Platform: LAX is notorious for traffic - allow 2+ hours to get anywhere. Burbank is much more manageable.
Luggage: Southwest allows 2 free checked bags - take advantage if you shopped in Vegas
Pro tip: Right side window for coastline views approaching LAX
Daily Walking Distances
Packing List
NYC requires 6+ miles of walking daily on concrete and subway stairs
Heavy camera/GPS use in all three cities drains batteries fast
Vegas and LA get cold at night, NYC buildings are over-air conditioned
Essential in Vegas desert sun and LA year-round brightness
Vegas shows and upscale LA restaurants have dress codes
Vegas pools and LA beaches - bring backup suit for Vegas pool parties
NYC tips, Vegas gambling, LA valet parking - $200+ in $1s, $5s, $10s
Carry water, snacks, cameras while walking miles in each city
Vegas desert and LA beach sun is intense - reapply frequently
Vegas hotel pools, LA beach walks, easy airport security removal
Stay hydrated in Vegas desert climate and during long LA beach days
5+ hour NYC-Vegas flight, possible delays at LAX
Touching subway rails, casino chips, and crowded tourist attractions
Vegas nightlife and LA dinner scenes - something between sneakers and heels
Skip These
Save your time and money — here's what to skip and what to do instead.
Overpriced wax museum ($40) with long lines and disappointing figures that barely look like celebrities
→ Instead:Free Staten Island Ferry for Statue of Liberty views and actual NYC harbor experience
$30+ drinks, $50-100 covers, aggressive promoters, and you'll spend more time in line than dancing
→ Instead:Downtown Las Vegas bars like Commonwealth or Atomic Liquors for actual locals and better prices
Dirty sidewalk with cracked stars, aggressive street performers, and nothing actually interesting to see
→ Instead:Griffith Observatory for actual Hollywood sign views and free planetarium shows
Tourist trap prices ($25 burgers) for mediocre food you can get anywhere in America
→ Instead:Hell's Kitchen neighborhood (2 blocks west) for actual NYC restaurants at normal prices
Tiny outdoor gym with more tourists taking photos than actual workout equipment
→ Instead:Santa Monica Beach for better swimming, cleaner sand, and the actual fun pier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough for the United States?
Seven days allows you to experience America's greatest hits across three iconic cities. You'll get a taste of NYC's urban energy, DC's political heart, and Vegas entertainment culture, but the US is vast - this itinerary focuses on classic first-timer experiences rather than comprehensive coverage.
How much does 7 days in the United States cost?
Budget around $2,300 per person for a mid-range trip including flights, accommodation, food, and activities. NYC and Vegas are the most expensive cities, while DC offers many free attractions. Factor in extra costs like Vegas resort fees and Broadway show tickets.
What is the best month to visit the United States?
April-May and September-October offer the best weather nationwide with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Avoid July-August when DC and Vegas can be uncomfortably hot and humid, though NYC summer has great energy despite the heat.
Do I need a visa for the United States?
Most visitors need either a visa or ESTA authorization. EU, UK, and many other countries can use the Visa Waiver Program with ESTA ($21, apply 72 hours before travel). Others need a B-2 tourist visa from a US consulate. Check travel.state.gov for your country's requirements.
Travel Tips forUnited States
Tipping is mandatory in the US
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, $1-2 per bag for hotel staff, and 15-20% for taxi/rideshare. Tipping is not optional - service staff depend on tips as part of their income.
Public transit varies dramatically by city
NYC subway runs 24/7 but can be confusing. DC Metro is clean and efficient but stops at midnight. Vegas has limited public transport - walking the Strip takes longer than expected due to distances.
Americans are generally friendly and helpful
Don't be surprised if strangers make small talk or offer directions. Personal space is valued, but Americans are typically more outgoing than Europeans. Customer service is usually enthusiastic and tip-focused.
Tourist areas are generally very safe
Stick to well-lit, busy areas at night. Times Square, the National Mall, and the Vegas Strip have heavy security. Use common sense about displaying valuables and trust your instincts about situations.
Portions are enormous by international standards
Restaurant portions can easily feed two people. Don't hesitate to take leftovers home - it's completely normal. Many restaurants offer lunch portions of dinner items at better prices.
Essential Info
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Carry some cash for tips and small vendors. ATMs widely available but may charge $3-5 fees.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 15-20% for taxis, $1-2 per bag for hotel staff. Tipping is expected, not optional.
T-Mobile tourist plans or AT&T prepaid for best coverage across all three cities
More Options inUnited States
Places that didn't make the main itinerary but are worth knowing about.
More Activities
More Restaurants
Shopping
Cafes & Coffee
Bars & Nightlife
Explore Each City
Want to spend more time in a specific city? Check out our city-level deep-dive guides.
Related Itineraries
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