Chicago or Washington

bigfoot125

which is best,any ideas for a 5-6 day break

thanks

torbrex

I went to Washington last year and there is plenty to see and do there, probably too much for a short break but if you plan it right you certainly could fill the time that you intend going.

It is also an easy place to get around without a car, I got a 7 day pass for the metro and just walked between places.

My diary from last year is here.

duchy

Depends what interests you-Loads to see in Chicago too and as a city I like it better than Washington (crime rates are lower too). Both have decent public transport but Chicago is on the lakes which is a winner for me.

I'd read up on the sights for both on tripadvisor and then decide which interests you more

richardw

Chicago is a great unpretentious city, lots to do.

flutterbyuk25

Washington is fab I loved it. Spent 3 nights there 18months ago and it was brilliant. So much to see and do.

Not done Chicago so can't compare the two.

x

Quidco-ette

Chicago is a beautiful city, we went in December 08 and it was absolutely freezing! so I would recommend going during the warmer months. But saying that, the christmas lights were all up and we went outdoor ice skating so we had a fab time. The shopping is great too. Also, depending on whether you would want to spend half a day in a studio you might be able to get tickets to be in the audience of Oprah or Jerry Springer (if thats your cup of tea)..

LondonDiva

:)Chicago:)

moonrakerz

Washington is much maligned as regards personal safety.
If you stay in the city centre and lodge out in one of the "better" suburbs you are far safer than in many places in the UK.
Use the Metro, DON'T get a car !!!!

Great place !

UnluckyT

i cant compare the two as ive also only been to washington.
quite enjoyed it myself, visited the spy museum, did a tour on an amphibiouse car which was a novel experience, the madam tusseds was tiny when i visited plus went up in the needle thing which was good. plus the whitehouse etc to see.
would definatly reccomend finding out what in the area that you want to do either way and making the most of the time their.
went on the underground and it ws okay.

old_motters

Washington is an awesome city, definitely definitely Washington. New York is day trip distance too by train.

vicious_vic

DC- definately! I lived there for 1.5 years, and still never saw/did everything. There is so much free stuff to do too, so it's real value for money. You can get a tour of just about everything - but you may need to book in advance. The National Mall is great - all the Smithsonians are on it. There are a few monuments a bit further away, but the subway system is great. If you are looking for someplace to stay, Crystal City is a great choice. it's in Virginia, but only a few stops from Smithsonians. And it's near the Pentagon, and also has a great shopping mall. Georgetown can be more difficult to access, but it's worth a visit. Lots of trendy shops and cafes.

Chicago is vastly disappointing (sorry or all you Chicago fans!). You can go to a baseball game (if you're there for the right season), which is fun. But it's not a 'tourist' city the way that DC is. You can go to a blues club and look at the tall skyscrapers, but you'll be much more spoilt for choice in DC. Unless there is something specific you are dying to see in Chicago (the Oprah show??), don't waste your time. Go to the Nations Capitol. YOu won't be disappointed. (Warning though - it gets very hot, muggy and crowded in the summer, and is very cold in the winter. If you can go in spring or autumn, do try. Both seasons are lovely.)