Washington, D.C.-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Monday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to the iconic National Mall, which stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the United States Capitol. Take a stroll along the Tidal Basin and enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom trees (if visiting in spring).
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the World War II Memorial, a moving tribute to the 16 million Americans who served during World War II.

Lunch

  • Grab lunch at Ben’s Chili Bowl (1213 U St NW), a D.C. institution since 1958, serving up delicious chili dogs and half-smokes.

Afternoon

  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, one of the world’s largest natural history museums.
  • 4:00 PM: Take a stroll through the Tidal Basin and enjoy the scenery.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Head to Georgetown for dinner at Fiola (601 Pennsylvania Ave NW), an upscale Italian restaurant with stunning views of the Potomac River.
  • 9:30 PM: End the night with a scenic walk along the Georgetown Waterfront.

Day 2: Tuesday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the National Gallery of Art, which features a world-class collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Supreme Court Building, one of the most iconic buildings in D.C.

Lunch

  • Grab lunch at The Counter (1701 Pennsylvania Ave NW), a fun, build-your-own-burger joint with a wide variety of toppings.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, a powerful tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.
  • 3:30 PM: Take a stroll through the beautiful National Arboretum.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill (675 15th St NW), America’s oldest saloon, established in 1856.
  • 8:00 PM: Catch a show or concert at the Kennedy Center, one of the world’s premier performing arts centers.

Day 3: Wednesday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the National Archives Building, home to some of America’s most important historical documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, which features a vast collection of American artifacts.

Lunch

  • Grab lunch at Ted’s Bulletin (1818 14th St NW), a D.C. institution since 2007, serving up delicious burgers and milkshakes.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts, which features an impressive collection of art by women from around the world.
  • 3:30 PM: Take a stroll through the beautiful Dumbarton Oaks gardens.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Hamilton (600 14th St NW), a modern American restaurant with stunning views of the city.
  • 8:00 PM: Catch a performance or event at the National Theatre, one of D.C.’s premier performing arts centers.

Day 4: Thursday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Lincoln Memorial, a stunning tribute to America’s 16th president.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which honors the lives lost in the Vietnam War.

Lunch

  • Grab lunch at The Partisan (1200 New Jersey Ave NW), a modern American bistro with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the National Air and Space Museum, one of the world’s premier aviation and space museums.
  • 3:30 PM: Take a stroll through the beautiful Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Blue Duck Tavern (1201 New York Ave NW), an upscale American restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
  • 8:00 PM: End the night with a scenic walk along the Potomac River waterfront.

Where to Stay

D.C. has plenty of great hotels and neighborhoods to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Some popular options include:

  • The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C., located in the heart of downtown.
  • The Four Seasons Hotel Washington D.C., which offers luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the city.
  • Airbnb is also a great option, with plenty of apartments and houses available throughout the city.

Getting Around

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

  • The Metrorail, which connects many parts of the city.
  • DC Circulator, a affordable bus service that runs through many neighborhoods.
  • Capital Bikeshare, a bike-sharing program that makes it easy to get around on two wheels.

Tips and Essentials

  • Always carry a map or use your phone’s GPS to navigate the city.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Try some of D.C.’s famous foods, like Ben’s Chili Bowl or Old Ebbitt Grill.
  • Don’t miss the stunning views from the top of the Washington Monument (but be prepared for a long wait).
  • Take a scenic walk along the Potomac River waterfront to enjoy the city’s beautiful parks and gardens.

Additional Resources

  • The D.C. Visitor’s Guide, which offers plenty of helpful tips and information.
  • The Smithsonian Institution website, which features a wealth of information about the Smithsonian museums and collections.
  • The National Park Service website, which provides information on the national parks and monuments in D.C.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C.!