Washington DC, United States-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: National Mall and Memorials

Morning

  • Start at the National Mall, a large open park in the heart of Washington D.C.
  • Visit the Washington Monument, a iconic obelisk honoring the first president of the United States
  • Walk to the World War II Memorial, a beautiful tribute to the 16 million Americans who served in the war

Afternoon

  • Head to the Lincoln Memorial, an stunning Greek-inspired temple dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln
  • Take a short walk to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a moving tribute to the soldiers who fought in Vietnam
  • End the afternoon at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, featuring 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers

Evening

  • Eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl, a D.C. institution serving classic American fare like chili dogs and burgers
  • Stay at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, a comfortable hotel with great amenities

Things to Know

  • The National Mall is open 24/7, but some memorials may have limited hours or be closed due to events
  • Be prepared for security checks at popular attractions

Transportation

  • Metro: Take the Blue or Orange line to Foggy Bottom-GWU Station and walk to the National Mall
  • Bus: Several bus lines stop near the National Mall, including the DC Circulator

Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather
  • Bring sunscreen and water during the summer months

Day 2: Smithsonian Museums

Morning

  • Visit the National Museum of Natural History, featuring over 145 million natural history specimens and artifacts
  • Explore the Hope Diamond and the Butterfly Pavilion

Afternoon

  • Head to the National Air and Space Museum, home to historic aircraft and spacecraft like the Wright Brothers’ Flyer and Apollo 11
  • Discover the National Museum of American History, showcasing American culture and history

Evening

  • Eat at Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic restaurant serving oysters, steak, and pasta
  • Take a stroll around the Tidal Basin, a picturesque lake with beautiful views of the Jefferson Memorial

Things to Know

  • Smithsonian museums are free and open daily from 10am-5:30pm (except Dec 25)
  • Plan your day according to museum hours and crowds

Transportation

  • Metro: Take the Blue or Orange line to Federal Triangle Station
  • Bus: Several bus lines stop near the Smithsonian museums, including the DC Circulator

Tips

  • Consider purchasing a SmarTrip card for convenient travel on the Metro
  • Download the Smithsonian’s mobile app for interactive exhibits and maps

Day 3: Arlington National Cemetery and Pentagon

Morning

  • Visit Arlington National Cemetery, a military cemetery honoring American heroes
  • Watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Afternoon

  • Take a guided tour of the Pentagon, the headquarters of the US Department of Defense
  • Stop by the Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, a historic house-turned-museum

Evening

  • Eat at The Liberty Tavern, a cozy American bistro with a focus on local ingredients
  • Take a sunset walk along the Potomac River, offering stunning views of the D.C. skyline

Things to Know

  • Arlington National Cemetery is open daily from 8am-5pm (except Dec 25)
  • Pentagon tours must be booked in advance through the Pentagon Tour Office

Transportation

  • Metro: Take the Blue line to Arlington Cemetery Station
  • Bus: Several bus lines stop near Arlington National Cemetery, including the Metroway

Tips

  • Be respectful of the cemetery’s rules and visitors
  • Bring a photo ID for Pentagon tour security checks

Day 4: Georgetown and the Waterfront

Morning

  • Explore historic Georgetown, a charming waterfront neighborhood with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture
  • Visit the Georgetown University campus, featuring beautiful gardens and historic buildings

Afternoon

  • Take a stroll along the Waterfront, offering picturesque views of the Potomac River
  • Stop by the Kennedy Center, a world-renowned performing arts center with stunning architecture

Evening

  • Eat at The Fish Market, a seafood restaurant with fresh catches and waterfront views
  • Take a romantic dinner cruise on the Potomac River, offering breathtaking views of D.C.

Things to Know

  • Georgetown is accessible by car, bus, or water taxi
  • The Kennedy Center offers free performances on the Millennium Stage

Transportation

  • Bus: Take the DC Circulator or several other bus lines to Georgetown
  • Water Taxi: Catch a ride from various waterfront locations, including Old Town Alexandria

Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking in Georgetown’s historic streets
  • Book dinner cruise reservations in advance

Day 5: Capitol Hill and Eastern Market

Morning

  • Visit the United States Capitol Building, the seat of Congress (book a tour in advance)
  • Explore the beautiful United States Botanic Garden, featuring over 65,000 plants

Afternoon

  • Head to Eastern Market, a historic public market with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and food vendors
  • Visit the nearby Folger Shakespeare Library, home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare materials

Evening

  • Eat at Bistro Bis, a cozy French bistro with delicious cuisine
  • Take a stroll around the Capitol Hill neighborhood, featuring charming row houses and historic buildings

Things to Know

  • The US Capitol Building is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30am-4:30pm (closed Sundays and federal holidays)
  • Eastern Market is open Tuesday-Sunday from 7am-7pm (closed Mondays)

Transportation

  • Metro: Take the Blue or Orange line to Eastern Market Station
  • Bus: Several bus lines stop near Capitol Hill, including the DC Circulator

Tips

  • Book a guided tour of the US Capitol Building in advance
  • Bring cash for vendors at Eastern Market