Washington DC-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Monday

Morning

Place to Visit: National Mall and Memorial Parks

Start your day with a stroll along the National Mall, which stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the United States Capitol Building. Take in the grandeur of the monuments and memorials.

Afternoon

Activity: Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Head over to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, one of the world’s largest natural history museums. Spend a few hours exploring the vast collections and exhibits.

Lunch at Ben’s Chili Bowl (2313 14th St NW)

Take a break for lunch at this iconic DC eatery, which has been serving up chili dogs since 1958. Try their famous half-smoke!

Evening

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill (675 15th St NW)

End your day with dinner at one of the oldest restaurants in DC. This historic eatery has hosted presidents and celebrities alike.

Stay: Hotel George (15th and K Streets NW)

Spend the night in this luxurious hotel, located just a short walk from the National Mall.

Transportation

  • Metro: Use the Farragut West or Smithsonian metro stations to access many of the attractions on this itinerary.
  • Walking: Take advantage of DC’s pedestrian-friendly streets and walk whenever possible.
  • Ride-hailing: Consider using Uber or Lyft for longer journeys.

Tips

  • Be prepared for security checks at some of the monuments and museums.
  • Bring sunscreen, as the sun can be strong in Washington DC.
  • Try to avoid visiting popular attractions during peak hours (usually between 11am-3pm) if possible.

Day 2: Tuesday

Morning

Place to Visit: National Archives Building

Start your day by exploring the National Archives Building, where you can see some of America’s most iconic documents up close. Be sure to visit the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.

Afternoon

Activity: Take a Tour of the US Capitol Building

Get an insider’s look at the US Capitol Building with a guided tour. Learn about its history and architecture, and catch a glimpse of the Senate and House chambers.

Lunch at The Red Hen (1822 Columbia Rd NW)

Take a break for lunch at this cozy Italian restaurant in the Columbia Heights neighborhood.

Evening

Dinner at Fiola (601 Pennsylvania Ave NW)

End your day with dinner at this upscale Italian restaurant, which serves up fresh seafood and pasta dishes.

Stay: The Hay-Adams Hotel (16th and Lafayette Streets NW)

Spend the night in this historic hotel, located just a short walk from the White House.

Transportation

  • Metro: Use the Archives or Judiciary Square metro stations to access the National Archives Building.
  • Walking: Take advantage of DC’s pedestrian-friendly streets and walk whenever possible.

Things to Know

  • The US Capitol Building is closed on Sundays and some federal holidays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
  • Consider booking a tour in advance to ensure availability.

Day 3: Wednesday

Morning

Place to Visit: National Museum of American History

Start your day by exploring the National Museum of American History, which features a vast collection of artifacts related to American culture and history.

Afternoon

Activity: Take a Tour of the White House (if booked in advance)

If you’ve managed to secure tickets, take a tour of the White House, one of America’s most iconic buildings. Learn about its history and architecture, and catch a glimpse of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden.

Lunch at The Hamilton (600 14th St NW)

Take a break for lunch at this modern American bistro, which serves up fresh seasonal ingredients.

Evening

Dinner at Carmine’s (4250 Pennsylvania Ave NW)

End your day with dinner at this family-style Italian restaurant in the Georgetown neighborhood.

Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. (1155 22nd St NW)

Spend the night in this luxurious hotel, located just a short walk from the White House.

Transportation

  • Metro: Use the Foggy Bottom-GWU or Metro Center metro stations to access many of the attractions on this itinerary.
  • Walking: Take advantage of DC’s pedestrian-friendly streets and walk whenever possible.

Tips

  • Be prepared for security checks at the National Archives Building and White House.
  • Consider booking a tour in advance to ensure availability.

Day 4: Thursday

Morning

Start your day by exploring the National Gallery of Art, which features an impressive collection of Western European and American art from the Middle Ages to the present.

Afternoon

Activity: Take a Stroll through the Tidal Basin

Take a leisurely stroll around the Tidal Basin, a beautiful man-made lake in the heart of DC. Rent a paddleboat or take a scenic walk around its shores.

Lunch at The Diner (1800 14th St NW)

Take a break for lunch at this retro-style diner, which serves up classic American comfort food.

Evening

Dinner at Etto (1909 14th St NW)

End your day with dinner at this cozy Italian restaurant in the Logan Circle neighborhood.

Stay: The Kimpton Rouge Hotel (1315 New Hampshire Ave NW)

Spend the night in this stylish hotel, located just a short walk from the White House.

Transportation

  • Metro: Use the McPherson Square or Gallery Place-Chinatown metro stations to access many of the attractions on this itinerary.
  • Walking: Take advantage of DC’s pedestrian-friendly streets and walk whenever possible.

Things to Know

  • The National Gallery of Art is closed on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
  • Consider booking a tour in advance to ensure availability.