Washington DC-4-day-itinerary
Washington D.C. 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: National Mall and Memorials
- Morning: Start at the National Mall and visit the Washington Monument. Take a stroll around the Tidal Basin, a beautiful spot surrounded by famous cherry blossom trees.
- Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl, a D.C. institution since 1958. Try their famous half-smoke or chili dog.
- Afternoon: Visit the World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. Take a short walk to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
- Evening: Head to the Georgetown Waterfront for dinner and a stroll along the Potomac River. Try The Old Ebbitt Grill for oysters and American cuisine.
Day 2: Smithsonian Museums
- Morning: Spend the morning exploring the National Museum of Natural History. Be sure to see the Hope Diamond and the Butterfly Pavilion.
- Lunch: Grab lunch at the museum’s café or head to Shake Shack for a burger.
- Afternoon: Visit the National Air and Space Museum. See the Wright Brothers’ Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Bad Saint, a Filipino restaurant with creative dishes.
Day 3: National Archives and Capitol Hill
- Morning: Visit the National Archives Building to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
- Lunch: Head to Eastern Market for lunch and shopping. Try Tortilla Café for Mexican cuisine.
- Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the United States Capitol Building.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill’s Oyster Bar or The Hamilton for live music and American cuisine.
Day 4: Arlington National Cemetery and Kennedy Center
- Morning: Take a short metro ride to Arlington National Cemetery. Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Lunch: Grab lunch at The Fish Market or Café Pizzaiolo.
- Afternoon: Visit the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Take a guided tour of the building and enjoy the views of the Potomac River.
- Evening: End your trip with dinner at The Source or Rasika, both serving modern American cuisine.
Where to Stay
- Budget-friendly: Hi Washington DC Hostel or Washington DC House Hostel
- Mid-range: Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall or Residence Inn Washington, DC/Capitol
- Luxury: The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C. or The Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
Transportation
- Metro: The Metrorail system is efficient and convenient. Buy a SmarTrip card for easy travel.
- Bus: The DC Circulator bus is a affordable option for shorter trips.
- Ride-hailing: Uber, Lyft, and Via are popular ride-hailing services in D.C.
Tips and Essentials
- Weather: Be prepared for hot summers and cold winters. Pack accordingly.
- Security: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Tickets: Book tickets to popular attractions in advance to avoid long lines.
- Walking shoes: Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Power adapter: Don’t forget to pack a power adapter for charging your devices.
Things to Know
- Tipping culture: Tipping 15-20% is standard at restaurants and bars.
- Hours of operation: Check the hours of operation for attractions and restaurants to plan your day.
- Dress code: Dress appropriately for the season and occasion.
- Respect monuments: Be respectful when visiting national monuments and memorials.
Enjoy your trip to Washington D.C.!