A 7-day urban road trip through Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Princeton, and Jersey City
Estimated cost
₩2,070,000estimated total
Stays
₩1,270,000
Fuel
₩62,000
Food
₩450,000
Other
₩288,000
Estimates generated at planning time — your actual costs may vary.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
85 km1h 28mDepart 15:14
Start
Montgomery Village Avenue, Gaithersburg
Drive 74 km in ~51 min from Montgomery Village Avenue via MD-200 E, I-95 N, and the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel.
74 km51m
1
Attraction
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Baltimore, United States
16:05–17:201h 15m here₩22,000
Harbor fort where the U.S. national anthem was inspired
Park in the visitor-center lot before its evening closure; walk the seawall and fort grounds tied to Baltimore’s defining historic event.
Drive 3.8 km in ~11 min via Key Highway, then walk up the signed park steps.
4 km11m
2
Attraction
Federal Hill Park
Baltimore, United States
17:35–18:1035m here
Hilltop panorama over Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
Use metered parking near Warren Avenue and climb the north steps; the overlook gives the clearest orientation to the Inner Harbor.
Drive 3.6 km in ~14 min to the Caroline Street Garage, then walk 500 m through Fells Point.
4 km14m
3
Food
Thames Street Oyster House
Baltimore, United States
18:30–20:001h 30m here₩65,000
Fells Point seafood restaurant known for oysters
Ask for a bar seat if tables are full and order local oysters or the lobster roll; nearby garages avoid scarce Fells Point street parking.
Drive 3.2 km in ~13 min along Thames Street and Key Highway to the hotel garage.
3 km13m
4
Overnight
The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore
Baltimore, United States
20:20–07:2011h here₩235,000
Harborfront hotel with garage parking
Use the attached garage and request a harbor-facing room if available; the location supports tomorrow’s waterfront sightseeing without moving the car.
Day 2
16 km59mDepart 07:25
Leave the hotel after collecting the car later, then walk 800 m along Light Street to breakfast.
1 km5m
5
Food
Miss Shirley's Cafe, Inner Harbor
Baltimore, United States
07:30–08:401h 10m here₩28,000
Popular Maryland breakfast cafe near the harbor
Arrive near opening to avoid the weekend-style summer queue; try the crab cake eggs Benedict for a distinctly Maryland breakfast.
Walk 700 m in ~10min around the Inner Harbor promenade.
1 km5m
6
Attraction
National Aquarium
Baltimore, United States
09:00–12:003h here₩72,000
Major aquarium spanning tropical and Atlantic habitats
Buy the earliest available timed ticket before walking over; start with Blacktip Reef, then descend through Atlantic Coral Reef before crowds peak.
Walk 500 m to Convention Center station, then ride light rail and walk a total of 2 km in ~20min.
2 km8m
7
Food
Faidley's Seafood
Baltimore, United States
12:20–13:201h here₩35,000
Lexington Market counter famed for jumbo lump crab cakes
Order one jumbo lump crab cake at the standing counter; park only if needed, as Lexington Market is an easy light-rail or rideshare hop.
Walk 1 km in ~15min north through downtown to Mount Vernon.
1 km5m
8
Attraction
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore, United States
13:40–15:402h here
Free collection of ancient and European art
Enter on North Charles Street and prioritize the Chamber of Wonders and medieval galleries; admission is free and the collection is unusually broad.
Walk 500 m in ~7min around Washington Place.
0 km1m
9
Attraction
George Peabody Library
Baltimore, United States
15:50–16:2535m here
Ornate nineteenth-century library atrium
Enter through the Peabody Institute and confirm public-access hours at the desk; the cast-iron balconies make this Baltimore’s essential interior.
Walk 2 km in ~25min downhill along Charles Street to the Inner Harbor landing.
4 km12m
10
Activity
Baltimore Water Taxi
Baltimore, United States
16:55–17:551h here₩30,000
Harbor boat ride linking Baltimore waterfront districts
Board at the Inner Harbor landing and check the final weekday loop before paying; the ride links the skyline and working waterfront without traffic.
Walk 500 m to the hotel garage, then drive 2 km in ~10min north to Mount Vernon.
4 km14m
11
Food
The Helmand
Baltimore, United States
18:30–20:001h 30m here₩43,000
Long-running Afghan restaurant in Mount Vernon
Reserve online if a same-day table remains and order kaddo borwani with a lamb entrée; use the Franklin Street garage rather than circling for parking.
Drive 2 km in ~10min south via Charles Street and Conway Street.
2 km9m
12
Overnight
The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore
Baltimore, United States
20:15–07:0510h 50m here₩235,000
Harborfront hotel with garage parking
Return through the attached garage and settle the parking charge at reception; keeping the same room avoids repacking after a full city day.
Day 3
136 km2hDepart 08:36
13
Attraction
Havre de Grace Promenade
Havre de Grace, United States
09:25–10:2055m here
Boardwalk beside the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay
Park near Concord Point and walk south on the boardwalk; this scenic river-mouth break neatly divides the I-95 leg without a detour.
Walk 400 m in ~5min along the waterfront promenade.
1 km2m
14
Attraction
Friends-Concord Point Lighthouse
Havre de Grace, United States
10:22–10:5230m here
Historic lighthouse at the Susquehanna’s mouth
Keep the same parking space and check whether the tower is open; the grounds still offer clear views where river water meets the Chesapeake.
Drive 58 km in ~47 min via I-95 N and DE-9 into Old New Castle.
58 km47m
15
Food
Jessop's Tavern & Colonial Restaurant
New Castle, United States
12:00–13:151h 15m here₩38,000
Colonial-style tavern serving hearty Delaware fare
Park in the public spaces by Market Square and order shepherd’s pie or fish and chips; the historic setting suits the colonial town stop.
Walk 200 m in ~3min across Market Square.
0 km1m
16
Attraction
New Castle Court House Museum
New Castle, United States
13:16–14:161h here
Colonial courthouse central to Delaware state history
Enter from Delaware Street and join the next available guided visit; the courthouse explains Delaware’s separation from Pennsylvania in context.
17
Food
Bardea Food & Drink
Wilmington, United States
18:15–20:001h 45m here₩78,000
Acclaimed modern Italian dining in downtown Wilmington
Check for a same-day bar seat and choose several small plates rather than one entrée; park in the nearby Community Services garage.
Walk 600 m in ~8min along Market Street, retrieving the car only if using valet parking.
1 km5m
18
Overnight
HOTEL DU PONT
Wilmington, United States
20:05–07:0010h 50m here₩250,000
Landmark downtown hotel with historic interiors
Use the hotel’s valet or adjacent garage and ask whether a discounted overnight rate applies; the landmark property anchors the Wilmington visit.
Day 4
79 km1h 41mDepart 07:02
Check out of Hotel Du Pont, then drive 6.1 km in ~13 min to Trolley Square and use metered street parking.
6 km13m
19
Food
Legal Grounds Cafe
Elsmere, United States
07:15–08:151h here₩22,000
Neighborhood cafe serving breakfast and local coffee
Order at the counter and try a breakfast sandwich with locally roasted coffee; street spaces turn over quickly at this early hour.
Drive 18 km in ~23 min through the Brandywine Valley via DE-52 and US-1 N.
18 km23m
20
Attraction
Brandywine Museum of Art
Chadds Ford, United States
09:30–11:302h here₩30,000
Wyeth-family art in a converted riverside mill
Park in the museum lot and begin with the Wyeth galleries; arriving at opening avoids tour groups and leaves the afternoon for Philadelphia.
Drive 2 km in ~5min along US-1 from the museum.
1 km2m
21
Food
Hank's Place - Chadds Ford
Chadds Ford, United States
11:40–12:451h 5m here₩30,000
Roadhouse-style local favorite for lunch near Brandywine
Use the restaurant lot and order a turkey sandwich or crab cake platter; its quick service keeps the Philadelphia arrival comfortably on schedule.
Drive 50 km in ~43 min via US-1 N and I-95 N, then park at the Independence Visitor Center garage.
50 km43m
22
Attraction
Independence Hall
Philadelphia, United States
14:00–15:001h here₩2,000
Birthplace of the Declaration and U.S. Constitution
Secure the next available timed ticket and enter through the security screening on Chestnut Street; this is Philadelphia’s indispensable landmark.
Walk 400 m in ~5min across Independence Mall.
0 km2m
23
Attraction
Liberty Bell Center
Philadelphia, United States
15:10–15:5040m here
Exhibition housing the iconic cracked Liberty Bell
Join the security line from Market Street and view the bell from outside if the queue exceeds 30 minutes; no timed ticket is required.
Walk 500 m in ~7min east along Chestnut Street.
1 km5m
24
Attraction
Museum of the American Revolution
Philadelphia, United States
16:00–17:401h 40m here₩36,000
Immersive museum tracing the American Revolution
Buy admission at the desk and prioritize Washington’s War Tent presentation; the galleries add essential context to nearby Independence Hall.
Walk 700 m in ~10min through Society Hill.
1 km5m
25
Food
Zahav
Philadelphia, United States
18:15–20:001h 45m here₩105,000
Celebrated Israeli restaurant near Society Hill
Ask immediately about a bar walk-in or cancellation; if seated, order hummus-tehina and the tasting menu, with Laser Wolf as the practical fallback.
Walk 1 km in ~15min to the garage, then drive 2 km in ~10min to the hotel’s recommended parking facility.
2 km8m
26
Overnight
Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City
Philadelphia, United States
20:20–07:1010h 50m here₩220,000
Stylish central hotel beside Reading Terminal Market
Retrieve the car from Independence garage and use the Parkway garage beside the hotel; leave it parked during the central-city walking days.
Day 5
11 km46mDepart 07:55
Leave the car parked at the hotel and walk 300 m in ~5min into Reading Terminal Market.
1 km5m
27
Food
Dutch Eating Place
Philadelphia, United States
08:00–08:5555m here₩23,000
Pennsylvania Dutch breakfast counter in Reading Terminal
Take a counter seat and order apple dumplings or blueberry pancakes; confirm Thursday opening because the stall follows market trading days.
Walk 500 m in ~7min west along Market Street.
1 km5m
28
Attraction
Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia, United States
09:05–09:4035m here
Monumental civic building topped by William Penn
Walk through the central courtyard and photograph the tower from Dilworth Park; morning light best reveals the elaborate Second Empire facade.
Walk 1.6 km in ~22min along Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
1 km5m
29
Attraction
Barnes Foundation
Philadelphia, United States
10:00–12:302h 30m here₩42,000
Exceptional collection of Impressionist and modern art
Purchase the 10:00 timed entry and follow the founder’s room arrangements rather than hunting individual artists; photography rules are strict.
Walk 600 m in ~8min north through the Fairmount neighborhood.
0 km2m
30
Food
Sabrina's Cafe
Philadelphia, United States
12:40–13:501h 10m here₩32,000
Popular neighborhood cafe near the Parkway museums
Join the online waitlist before leaving the Barnes and choose a seasonal sandwich or salad; portions are large enough to avoid over-ordering.
Walk 1 km in ~15min toward the Parkway’s western end.
2 km7m
31
Attraction
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia, United States
14:05–17:053h here₩42,000
Major art museum above the famous Rocky Steps
Enter through the North Entrance to bypass the main steps queue; prioritize American art, the period rooms, and one wing rather than rushing all galleries.
Walk 200 m in ~3min from the museum’s main entrance to the upper terrace.
0 km1m
32
Attraction
Rocky Steps
Philadelphia, United States
17:10–17:4030m here
Famous museum staircase overlooking the Parkway
Descend after the museum visit and use the upper terrace for the skyline photograph; the statue queue is usually longer than the steps themselves.
Walk 1.8 km in ~25min down the Parkway and through Logan Square.
3 km11m
33
Food
Vernick Food & Drink
Philadelphia, United States
18:30–20:151h 45m here₩95,000
Refined New American restaurant near Rittenhouse Square
Check for a same-day counter seat and order toast plus one wood-fired main; smart-casual dress fits the polished room without feeling formal.
Walk 1.4 km in ~20min east through Center City to the hotel.
2 km10m
34
Overnight
Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City
Philadelphia, United States
20:35–07:2010h 45m here₩220,000
Stylish central hotel beside Reading Terminal Market
Walk back rather than moving the car; ask reception to validate the garage ticket and keep the same room for tomorrow’s historic-neighborhood loop.
Day 6
17 km57mDepart 07:56
Leave the car parked at the hotel and walk 1.2 km in ~17min east along Market Street.
1 km4m
35
Food
High Street
Philadelphia, United States
08:00–09:001h here₩29,000
Artisan bakery and cafe serving seasonal breakfasts
Order a breakfast sandwich on house-milled bread and coffee; arriving early secures a table before Old City offices and visitors fill the room.
Walk 700 m to Market Street, take SEPTA bus 48, then walk 300 m for a total journey of ~30min.
4 km12m
36
Attraction
Eastern State Penitentiary
Philadelphia, United States
10:00–12:152h 15m here₩35,000
Atmospheric ruined prison with acclaimed exhibits
Buy the first timed admission and bring headphones only if preferred over the supplied audio tour; exposed cellblocks become hot by afternoon.
Walk 150 m in ~2min across Fairmount Avenue.
0 km2m
37
Food
Jack's Firehouse
Philadelphia, United States
12:25–13:351h 10m here₩38,000
Southern-influenced American cooking in a firehouse
Request a shaded or indoor table and order the pulled-pork sandwich or seasonal special; it sits directly opposite the penitentiary entrance.
Walk 1.2 km in ~17min south toward Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
1 km5m
38
Attraction
Rodin Museum
Philadelphia, United States
13:50–15:001h 10m here₩18,000
Intimate collection of Rodin sculpture and gardens
Enter through the garden and focus on The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and the mansion galleries; the compact scale balances the larger museums.
Take SEPTA bus 48 southeast and walk 500 m for a total journey of ~30min.
5 km11m
39
Attraction
Elfreth's Alley Museum
Philadelphia, United States
15:35–16:2550m here₩5,000
Historic residential lane dating to the early 1700s
Keep voices low because most houses remain private homes; visit the small museum if open, then photograph the lane from its less crowded east end.
Walk 1.5 km in ~20min south along the Old City waterfront.
1 km6m
40
Attraction
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Philadelphia, United States
16:45–18:001h 15m here
Seasonal Delaware River park with hammocks and gardens
Enter from Spruce Street and choose the riverfront boardwalk over the busiest hammock area; summer concessions and restrooms operate seasonally.
Walk 1.2 km in ~17min south through Society Hill and Queen Village.
1 km5m
41
Food
Royal Sushi & Izakaya
Philadelphia, United States
18:20–20:001h 40m here₩72,000
Highly regarded Japanese izakaya in Queen Village
Use the izakaya walk-in section rather than relying on the scarce omakase booking; order yakitori, sashimi, and one rice dish at the bar.
Walk 1.9 km in ~25min north through Washington Square West to the hotel.
3 km11m
42
Overnight
Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City
Philadelphia, United States
20:25–07:1010h 45m here₩220,000
Stylish central hotel beside Reading Terminal Market
Use a rideshare if tired rather than retrieving the parked sedan; confirm checkout and garage access tonight for an efficient departure tomorrow.
Day 7
157 km2h 22mDepart 07:25
Check out of Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City, leave luggage in the sedan, then walk 300 m in ~5min into Reading Terminal Market.
1 km5m
43
Food
Down Home Diner
Philadelphia, United States
07:30–08:2555m here₩25,000
Classic diner breakfast inside Reading Terminal Market
Sit at the counter and order eggs with scrapple if curious about a regional staple; settle the hotel bill first so the car can leave directly afterward.
44
Food
Agricola Eatery
Princeton, United States
12:40–13:551h 15m here₩48,000
Farm-focused restaurant in central Princeton
Park in the Spring Street Garage and request a bar seat if busy; choose the seasonal grain bowl, burger, or locally sourced lunch special.
Walk 800 m in ~10min through Palmer Square and the Princeton University campus.
1 km6m
45
Attraction
Art Museum
Princeton, United States
14:01–15:161h 15m here
University art collection in a major new museum building
Confirm 2026 admission procedures before walking over and prioritize the American and ancient collections; the campus setting makes this the best final cultural stop.
83 km1h 18m
Finish
NY, USA
Before you go
Local tips
- 1Check live same-day admission slots before leaving each hotel, especially Independence Hall, the Barnes, and Grounds For Sculpture.
- 2Keep the sedan parked during the two full Philadelphia days; walking and SEPTA are faster than repeated garage changes.
- 3Refuel in Delaware, where gasoline is often cheaper than central Philadelphia or New Jersey Turnpike service areas.
- 4Use E-ZPass lanes for Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey toll facilities; avoid cash-only assumptions.
- 5Check museum websites each morning because late-August maintenance, private events, or weekday hours can change access.
Good to know
- 1I-95, the Fort McHenry Tunnel, Delaware toll plaza, and New Jersey Turnpike charge tolls; E-ZPass generally receives the simplest rate.
- 2Baltimore and Philadelphia curb rules change by block, and residential permit zones are actively enforced; use named garages near central stops.
- 3August heat and thunderstorms can make exposed waterfronts uncomfortable; indoor attractions provide the safest midday blocks.
- 4The New Jersey Turnpike and approaches to Manhattan can slow sharply on Saturday afternoon; preserve at least 45 minutes of arrival buffer.
- 5No border documents, vignettes, mountain passes, or seasonal road closures apply to this entirely domestic urban corridor.
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