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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