Washington, D.C.-6-day-itinerary

Washington, D.C. 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: National Mall and Memorials

  • Morning: Start at the National Mall, visiting the Washington Monument (free tickets available online) and the World War II Memorial.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl, a D.C. institution since 1958.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, then head to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic restaurant located near the White House.
  • Stay: Consider staying in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, with plenty of hotel options within walking distance to the National Mall.

Day 2: Smithsonian Museums

  • Morning: Spend the morning exploring the National Museum of Natural History, featuring over 145 million natural history specimens and artifacts.
  • Lunch: Take a break at the museum’s café or grab food from a nearby food truck.
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Air and Space Museum, home to historic aircraft and spacecraft, including the Wright Brothers’ Flyer and Apollo 11.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Hill Country Barbecue Market, serving up delicious BBQ in a rustic setting.
  • Stay: Continue staying in Foggy Bottom or consider moving to the Dupont Circle neighborhood.

Day 3: National Archives and Capitol Hill

  • Morning: Visit the National Archives Building, home to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at The Capitol Lounge, offering up classic American fare with a view of the Capitol Building.
  • Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol Building (free tickets available online).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Art and Soul, serving up Southern-inspired cuisine in a stylish setting.
  • Stay: Stay in the Capitol Hill neighborhood or consider moving to the Adams Morgan neighborhood.

Day 4: Georgetown

  • Morning: Explore historic Georgetown, visiting the Georgetown Waterfront and taking a stroll along the C&O Canal Towpath.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at The Old Ebbitt Grill’s sister restaurant, Clyde’s of Georgetown.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Dumbarton Oaks Museum, featuring Byzantine and pre-Columbian art.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at 1789 Restaurant, offering up contemporary American cuisine in a historic setting.
  • Stay: Stay in Georgetown or consider moving to the downtown D.C. area.

Day 5: Arlington National Cemetery and The Pentagon

  • Morning: Visit Arlington National Cemetery, watching the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at The Pentagon’s food court or nearby eateries.
  • Afternoon: Take a guided tour of The Pentagon (free tickets available online).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ray’s the Steaks, serving up top-quality steaks in a lively atmosphere.
  • Stay: Stay in Arlington or consider moving back to downtown D.C.

Day 6: Newseum and Penn Quarter

  • Morning: Visit the Newseum, an interactive museum dedicated to the history of the news industry.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at one of the many eateries in the Penn Quarter neighborhood.
  • Afternoon: Explore the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, featuring over 150 modern and contemporary sculptures.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Rasika, serving up innovative Indian cuisine in a chic setting.
  • Stay: Stay in the Penn Quarter neighborhood or consider moving back to Foggy Bottom.

Things to Know:

  • D.C. is a very walkable city, but be prepared for crowds and security checks.
  • Consider purchasing a SmarTrip card for convenient travel on the Metrorail system.
  • Be respectful of the city’s many monuments and memorials, avoiding flash photography and keeping a safe distance from sensitive areas.

Transportation:

  • Metrorail: D.C.’s comprehensive subway system connects most major attractions.
  • Bus: The D.C. Circulator bus offers affordable fares and convenient routes.
  • Taxi/Ride-hailing: Plenty of options available, but be aware of surge pricing during peak hours.

Tips:

  • Book accommodations and restaurants well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
  • Consider purchasing a Washington, D.C. tourist pass for discounted admission to many attractions.
  • Be prepared for variable weather, packing layers and rain gear as needed.

Enjoy your trip to Washington, D.C.!