USA Bucket List: From the Big Apple to the Golden Gate!

'I want to be part of it, New York, New York' – is it Frank Sinatra who provides your soundtrack for today? Or is it Alicia Keys, who sings 'New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of'? Goodbye, home and hello, United States! You head for adventure, and before you know it, your feet are on American soil! Then you hail a taxi or take the metro and arrive at your hotel.
You check in but can't stay inside for long. You're just way too curious about the megacity outside your door! And what better way to get a better look at the metropolis than from above? The Edge offers you a breathtaking view of New York's unmistakable skyline (optional, payable on site) with the chance to venture out onto a sky deck and take a heart-stopping look through its glass floor at a dizzying height of 1,131 feet. Your last destination for today: Times Square, the pulsing heart of the city that's flashy, colourful, hectic and loud at any time of day or night. Neon signs and video walls vie for your attention, and you have no idea where to look first!

Ready to explore the urban jungle? Start your trip through the city early in the morning at the famous Brooklyn Bridge. There's something magical about the view of Manhattan in the light of the rising sun. Want some breakfast? Try the bagel creations at Ess-a-Bagel! And when you're good and full, drift through Manhattan – literally! Hop aboard the free ferry to Staten Island, which will bring you to the city's most famous landmark, Lady Liberty. It's truly an incredible feeling to stand right in front of the iconic US symbol of freedom, inspiration and hope. From the ferry, you'll also have a fantastic view of the New York skyline – a sea of skyscrapers shimmering in the sun. And when you're back on land, you can visit another must-see: the 9/11 Memorial (optional, payable on site), which commemorates the terror attack of 11 September 2001. At Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers once stood, there are now two fountains that make the grounds of the old World Trade Center clearly visible. After your solemn visit, Greenwich Village makes perhaps the best place to end the afternoon. When you arrive, you'll find it teeming with lovely boutiques, vintage shops and cosy cafés.

While you're here, you've got to visit a diner. Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Ellen's Stardust. When you're done, head around the corner and you'll find the famous Broadway, where you might even meet your favourite movie star – nothing's impossible in New York! If you're interested in one of the many musicals on offer, be sure to stop by the ticket office and check if tickets are still available. With a bit of luck, you can even get a good bargain. And one big highlight's still missing: Central Park! New York's green lung is a must on every trip, and luckily, it's not far away. Grab a coffee, head over and escape the urban jungle for a while. Make yourself comfortable on a park bench and observe life away from the hustle and bustle before taking a closer look at Midtown Manhattan. In addition to the famous Empire State Building and the Flatiron Building, you'll also find plenty of food trucks that'll make your foodie heart beat faster.

Today's the day. It's time to bid New York farewell. But you're not doing that without first visiting one of the most extraordinary parks in the world: High Line Park, where you can stroll through the greenery amongst skyscrapers at a height of 29.5 feet. Sound crazy? It is, because the park was built on an old elevated railway. After enjoying your walk above the New York streets, it's time to make your way to the train station. The Amtrak train has just stopped at your platform, and you settle into your seat by the window. Your view switches back and forth between small towns, large metropolises, green landscapes and pure wilderness as you speed down the tracks, and after a good three hours, you hear the words you've been waiting for, 'Next stop: Washington, D.C.!' Welcome to the US capital! You put your bags away in your hotel room, but you don't stay for long. Your curiosity about the most powerful city in the world is just far too great. When you finally get to exploring, D.C. comes across as unexpectedly tranquil. Hectic, hustle and bustle, skyscrapers? Not here! Head for the cobblestone streets of Georgetown, the city's perhaps most beautiful district. And when you're done with that, have a taste of what they're serving up at Ben's Chili Bowl. It's not without reason that D.C.'s most iconic restaurant attracts all the big names from both show business and politics!