Washington, D.C.-2-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Nation’s Capital

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day at the iconic National Mall, a sprawling green space in the heart of Washington, D.C. Take a stroll along the Tidal Basin and visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the World War II Memorial, a poignant tribute to the 16 million Americans who served in the war.

Lunch

  • Head to Ben’s Chili Bowl, a D.C. institution since 1958, for some delicious half-smokes and chili.
  • Alternatively, try Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic restaurant that’s been serving up American cuisine since 1856.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the National Archives, home to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
  • 3:00 PM: Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, one of the world’s largest museums with over 126 million natural history specimens and artifacts.

Dinner

  • Try some Georgetown cuisine at The Georgetown Waterfront Restaurant, which serves up fresh seafood and American classics.
  • Alternatively, head to Penn Quarter for a diverse range of restaurants, including Bistro Cacao for French-inspired cuisine.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Catch a performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, one of the world’s premier arts centers.
  • 9:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Georgetown Waterfront, with its charming shops and restaurants.

Day 2: History, Politics, and Culture

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the National Museum of American History, which explores American culture and history through exhibits on everything from First Ladies’ gowns to the original Star Trek costumes.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the Supreme Court, where you can watch oral arguments (if scheduled) or take a guided tour.

Lunch

  • Try some Southern cuisine at The Hamilton, a stylish restaurant with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Alternatively, head to Capitol Hill for some classic American fare at The Capitol Hill Cafe.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts, which celebrates the contributions and achievements of women artists throughout history.
  • 3:00 PM: Take a guided tour of the United States Capitol Building, including its stunning architecture and impressive art collection.

Dinner

  • Try some Adams Morgan cuisine at La Plaza, which serves up Mexican-inspired dishes in a lively atmosphere.
  • Alternatively, head to Shaw for some upscale dining at The Shaw Street Cafe, with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Catch a show or concert at the historic The 9:30 Club, a legendary music venue that’s hosted everyone from Prince to David Bowie.
  • 9:00 PM: End your trip with a visit to the National Mall at sunset, for a final moment of reflection on this incredible city.

Things to Know

  • Getting Around: Washington, D.C. has an excellent public transportation system, including the Metrorail (which you can pay with your credit card) and buses.
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for security checks at many attractions, especially those related to government or politics.
    • Bring comfortable walking shoes, as many of these attractions are located within a short walk of each other.
    • Try some of the delicious food options available throughout the city!
  • Other Tips and Recommendations:
    • Consider purchasing a Washington, D.C. Explorer Pass, which grants you admission to several attractions at a discounted rate.
    • If you have time, take a day trip to nearby Alexandria or Mount Vernon.

Where to Stay

There are countless hotels and accommodations available in Washington, D.C., ranging from budget-friendly options like Hostel World to luxurious resorts like the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. Some popular neighborhoods for staying include:

  • Downtown: Closest to many attractions, but can be quite expensive.
  • Penn Quarter: A lively neighborhood with plenty of restaurants and shops.
  • Georgetown: Upscale area with historic charm and plenty of dining options.

Transportation

Washington, D.C. has an excellent public transportation system, including:

  • Metrorail: Easy to navigate and pay for with your credit card.
  • MetroBus: A network of buses that cover most areas of the city.
  • Capital Bikeshare: Rent a bike for short trips or longer adventures.

Remember to validate your parking tickets at any of the many designated parking meters throughout the city!