Washington D C 4 Day Itinerary

Washington, D.C. 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: National Mall and Memorials

  • Morning: Start at the National Archives, home to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights (opens at 10 am).
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Ben’s Chili Bowl, a D.C. institution since 1958.
  • Afternoon: Visit the World War II Memorial, followed by the Lincoln Memorial and its stunning views of the National Mall.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic restaurant near the White House.

Day 2: Smithsonian Museums

  • Morning: Explore the National Museum of Natural History, featuring over 145 million natural history specimens and artifacts (opens at 10 am).
  • Lunch: Take a break at Sweetgreen, a healthy salad chain with multiple locations in D.C.
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Air and Space Museum, home to historic aircraft and spacecraft, including the Wright Brothers’ Flyer and Apollo 11 (opens at 10 am).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Bad Saint, a Filipino restaurant with creative small plates.
  • Morning: Spend the morning exploring the National Gallery of Art, featuring an impressive collection of Western European and American art (opens at 10 am).
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at The Pig, a farm-to-table restaurant with delicious sandwiches.
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll along the picturesque Georgetown Waterfront, offering beautiful views of the Potomac River.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at 1789 Restaurant, a historic Georgetown institution serving American cuisine.

Day 4: Arlington National Cemetery and Kennedy Center

  • Morning: Visit Arlington National Cemetery, paying respects to America’s fallen heroes (opens at 8 am).
  • Lunch: Head to The Fish Market, offering fresh seafood options.
  • Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (tours available from 10 am to 9 pm).
  • Evening: Catch a performance at the Kennedy Center or enjoy dinner at Fiola, an upscale Italian restaurant.

Where to Stay

Consider staying in the following neighborhoods:

  • Foggy Bottom: Conveniently located near the National Mall and Foggy Bottom Metro Station.
  • Dupont Circle: A vibrant neighborhood with plenty of dining options and easy access to the Red Line Metro.
  • Georgetown: Historic and charming, with beautiful waterfront views.

Transportation

  • Metro: Washington D.C.’s subway system is efficient and convenient. Buy a SmarTrip card for easy travel.
  • Bus: The DC Circulator offers affordable fares and convenient routes.
  • Ride-hailing: Uber and Lyft operate in D.C., but be aware of surge pricing during peak hours.

Tips and Other Things to Know

  • Security: Be prepared for security checks at popular attractions.
  • Weather: D.C. can be hot and humid in the summer, so stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
  • Tipping: A 15% to 20% tip is standard in D.C. restaurants and bars.
  • Free Attractions: Take advantage of free museums and attractions, like the National Museum of Natural History and the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.
  • Embassy Row: Stroll along Massachusetts Avenue NW to see the grand embassies of various countries.

Enjoy your trip to Washington, D.C.!