Washington Dc 6 Day Itinerary

Washington D.C. 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the National Mall

  • Morning: Arrive in Washington D.C. and check-in to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Mall, starting from the Washington Monument and walking towards the World War II Memorial.
    • Must-see attractions: Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ben’s Chili Bowl, a D.C. institution since 1958.

Day 2: Smithsonian Museums

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum of Natural History (open daily from 10am to 5:30pm).
    • Must-see exhibits: Hope Diamond, Butterfly Pavilion, and Ocean exhibit
  • Afternoon: Head over to the National Air and Space Museum (open daily from 10am to 5:30pm).
    • Must-see exhibits: Wright Brothers’ Flyer, Apollo 11 Command Module, and Hubble Space Telescope Test Unit
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic restaurant near the White House.

Day 3: National Archives and Capitol Hill

  • Morning: Visit the National Archives Building (open daily from 10am to 5:30pm).
    • Must-see exhibits: Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights
  • Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the United States Capitol Building (free tickets available through www.visitthecapitol.gov).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Source, a modern American bistro near the National Mall.

Day 4: Arlington National Cemetery and Georgetown

  • Morning: Visit Arlington National Cemetery (open daily from 8am to 5pm).
    • Must-see attractions: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Changing of the Guard ceremony, and President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite
  • Afternoon: Explore Georgetown, a historic waterfront neighborhood with upscale shops and restaurants.
    • Recommended activity: Take a stroll along the C&O Canal Towpath or rent a kayak to paddle on the Potomac River
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Georgetown Cupcake, a popular bakery with delicious treats.
  • Morning: Visit the National Gallery of Art (open daily from 10am to 5pm).
    • Must-see exhibits: West Building’s Rotunda, East Building’s Modern and Contemporary Art collection
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant U Street Corridor, known for its street art, live music venues, and eclectic shops.
    • Recommended activity: Visit Ben’s Next Door, a popular spot for burgers and milkshakes
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Brixton, a British-inspired pub with live music.

Day 6: Newseum and Departure

  • Morning: Visit the Newseum (open daily from 9am to 5pm).
    • Must-see exhibits: Pulitzer Prize-winning photos, Berlin Wall Gallery, and Today’s Front Pages display
  • Afternoon: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local neighborhood.
  • Evening: Depart for the airport and head home.

Transportation

  • Metro: Washington D.C. has an efficient metro system with six lines that cover most areas of interest. Buy a SmarTrip card for convenient travel.
  • Bus: The DC Circulator is a affordable bus service that connects popular tourist spots.
  • Ride-hailing: Uber and Lyft operate in Washington D.C.

Tips and Essentials

  • Weather: Be prepared for humid summers and chilly winters. Pack accordingly.
  • Security: Be aware of your surroundings, especially around crowded areas like the National Mall.
  • Tickets: Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to avoid long lines.
  • Tipping: 15% to 20% is standard for good service at restaurants and bars.

Other Things of Interest

  • Kennedy Center Performances: Catch a show or concert at this iconic performing arts center.
  • Embassy Row: Explore the scenic stretch of Massachusetts Avenue NW, lined with embassies and diplomatic missions.
  • Georgetown Waterfront: Take in the views of the Potomac River while enjoying food and drinks at one of the many restaurants.

Enjoy your trip to Washington D.C.!