If you’re like me—a NYC transport from the other side of the country—then you have never experienced the Northeast. Honestly, I still don’t know whether Rhode Island is above or below us, nor do I understand how you can be in another state with less than an hour of travel! If you’re itching to get out of the city and breathe some fresh air, or perhaps just explore another cramped and polluted place, then here are 5 places you can go to escape NYU this weekend:

Boston

Boston, the city of my dreams. With cobblestone roads and old Irish ale, it’s hard to resist (at least I’m pretty sure… I’ve never been). Boston is the type of city that a friend of mine recently said is perfect for me because of the quaint buildings and history. I long to check out Quincy Market and play tourist for a while. And it’s only a bus ride away!

Philadelphia

To be honest, I just want to eat a tried and true Philly Cheese Steak and see the Liberty Bell, but Philadelphia seems like a cool place to hang out for the weekend, anyway.

Washington D.C.

What better city to explore than the nation’s capital! Do you even know how much there is to do in D.C.? Monuments, history, museums galore! Gosh, I can’t even contain my excitement for a potential visit to D.C…. I really can’t, it’s just too cool.

Seneca Lake

Because sometimes we should pay attention to upstate New York. Seneca Lake looks perfect for a camping weekend, complete with hiking, bird-watching, and swimming. Honestly, it’s the kind of place that seems so magically outdoorsy that you’ll never want to leave… but I’m not too much of a camper so two days may actually be long enough.

Montreal

Grab your neck pillow, it’s going to be a long trip! Montreal is a city that almost rivals New York City, in my opinion, from their walker-friendly roads and famous bagels. Montreal could be the perfect getaway for you and your friends. Dust off your high school French and eat some delicious Poutine!

And if you decide that it's too short notice to explore a city this weekend, then plan a trip for a future weekend! Most of these trips are only a few hours on a bus, and the payoff (and pictures!) will be worth it.