Washington D C 5 Day Itinerary

Washington, D.C. 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: National Mall and Memorials

  • Morning: Start at the National Mall, visiting the Washington Monument (free, but tickets required for elevator access). Take a stroll around the World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
  • Afternoon: Head to the Lincoln Memorial, where you can enjoy stunning views of the National Mall. Visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ben’s Chili Bowl, a D.C. institution since 1958.

Accommodation

Stay at Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill or Hotel Harrington, both centrally located and within walking distance to many attractions.

Transportation

Use the Metrorail system, which connects most areas of the city. You can buy a SmarTrip card at any station for convenient travel.

Tips

  • Be prepared for security checks at popular attractions.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the National Mall.
  • Take advantage of free museums and galleries on Sundays.

Day 2: Smithsonian Museums

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum of Natural History, home to over 145 million natural history specimens and artifacts. Explore the Hope Diamond and Butterfly Pavilion exhibits.
  • Afternoon: Head to the National Air and Space Museum, featuring historic aircraft and spacecraft, including the Wright Brothers’ Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic restaurant near the White House.

Things to Know

  • The Smithsonian museums are free and open daily from 10am to 5:30pm, with extended hours on some days.
  • Download the Smithsonian’s mobile app for interactive exhibits and maps.

Day 3: National Archives and Capitol Hill

  • Morning: Visit the National Archives, home to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
  • Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the United States Capitol (free, but book tickets in advance).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Hamilton, a modern American bistro with live music.

Transportation

Day 4: Arlington National Cemetery and Georgetown

  • Morning: Visit Arlington National Cemetery, where you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  • Afternoon: Explore historic Georgetown, with its charming cobblestone streets, upscale shops, and waterfront restaurants. Take a stroll along the Georgetown Waterfront Park.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Fish Market, serving fresh seafood in a lively atmosphere.

Things to Know

  • Arlington National Cemetery is open daily from 8am to 5pm, with extended hours during peak season.
  • Be respectful of the cemetery’s grounds and rules.

Day 5: Newseum and Penn Quarter

  • Morning: Visit the Newseum, an interactive museum dedicated to the history of news and journalism. Explore exhibits on Pulitzer Prize-winning photography and the Berlin Wall.
  • Afternoon: Head to the vibrant Penn Quarter neighborhood, known for its street art, trendy bars, and eclectic restaurants.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Rasika, serving modern Indian cuisine.

Tips

  • Book tickets to the Newseum in advance, as it often sells out quickly.
  • Explore Penn Quarter’s many street art murals and take Instagram-worthy photos.

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