Washington Dc United States 7 Day Itinerary

Washington D.C. 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the National Mall

• Morning: Arrive in Washington D.C. and check-in to your hotel or accommodation.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
  • Walk along the National Mall and take in the sights of the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial.
• Evening:
  • Grab dinner at Ben’s Chili Bowl, a D.C. institution since 1958.
  • Take a stroll around the Tidal Basin and enjoy the sunset.

Day 2: Museums and Galleries

• Morning:
  • Visit the National Museum of Natural History to explore the Hope Diamond and Butterfly Pavilion.
  • Stop by the National Gallery of Art, which features a vast collection of Western European and American art.
• Afternoon:
  • Head to the National Museum of American History to see the First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns and American Enterprise exhibits.
  • Visit the Newseum, an interactive museum dedicated to the history of the news industry.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic restaurant near the White House.
  • Catch a show or concert at the Kennedy Center.

Day 3: Memorials and Monuments

• Morning:
  • Visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial.
  • Stop by the World War I Memorial.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
  • Visit the United States Navy Memorial.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy dinner at The Hamilton, a contemporary American bistro.
  • Take a sunset stroll along the Potomac River.

Day 4: Arlington National Cemetery and More

• Morning:
  • Visit Arlington National Cemetery to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  • Explore the Pentagon Memorial.
• Afternoon:
  • Head to the National Zoo, home to over 1,800 animals from around the world.
  • Visit the United States Botanic Garden, a living plant museum.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy dinner at Rasika, an Indian restaurant with multiple locations in D.C.
  • Catch a baseball game at Nationals Park (seasonal).

Day 5: Georgetown and Waterfront

• Morning:
  • Explore the charming neighborhood of Georgetown, with its cobblestone streets, upscale shops, and waterfront restaurants.
  • Visit the Georgetown University campus.
• Afternoon:
  • Take a stroll along the Georgetown Waterfront, offering beautiful views of the Potomac River.
  • Stop by the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage for free performances.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy dinner at The Fish Market, a seafood restaurant with waterfront views.
  • Take a romantic evening cruise on the Potomac River.

Day 6: National Arboretum and More

• Morning:
  • Visit the United States National Arboretum, featuring beautiful gardens, walking trails, and scenic views.
  • Explore the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.
• Afternoon:
  • Head to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, with its vast collection of aircraft and spacecraft.
  • Visit the Reston Zoo, a small zoo with a variety of animals.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy dinner at La Tasca, a Spanish tapas restaurant.
  • Catch a live music or comedy show at the 9:30 Club or The Lincoln Theatre.

Day 7: Departure

• Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local neighborhood.
• Afternoon: Depart for the airport and head back home.

Accommodation Options

• Budget: Hi Washington DC Hostel or Capital Hostel
• Mid-range: Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall or Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Georgetown
• Luxury: The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C. or Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

Getting Around

• Metro: The Metrorail system is efficient and convenient, with six lines that cover much of the city.
• Bus: The D.C. Circulator offers affordable fares and convenient routes to popular attractions.
• Ride-hailing: Uber and Lyft are widely available in Washington D.C.
• Walking: Many attractions are within walking distance, making it a great way to explore the city.

Tips and Essentials

• Weather: Be prepared for hot summers and chilly winters. Pack accordingly.
• Security: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Tipping: 15-20% is standard for good service at restaurants and bars.
• Power: The US uses Type A and B power sockets, with a standard voltage of 120V.

Other Things to Know

• Washington D.C. is not part of any state, but rather a federal district.
• The city has a rich history, with many landmarks and attractions related to American politics and culture.
• Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak tourist season (June-August).
• Take advantage of free museums on the National Mall, which are open daily except December 25.