Washington DC, United States-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Monday

Places to Go:

  • National Mall: Start your day with a stroll along the National Mall, exploring the monuments and memorials. Visit the Washington Monument (open from 9am-5pm) for panoramic views of the city.
  • Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Spend the morning at this world-renowned museum, featuring historic aircraft and spacecraft.

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of the United States Capitol Building (book in advance).
  • Visit the World War II Memorial or the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Where to Eat:

  • Try Ben’s Chili Bowl (a DC institution since 1958) for delicious chili dogs and burgers.
  • Grab breakfast at Old Ebbitt Grill, the oldest saloon in Washington D.C. (established in 1856).

Where to Stay:

  • Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill: Conveniently located near the National Mall and with easy access to public transportation.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for security checks at major attractions.
  • Don’t forget your sunscreen, as DC can be quite sunny!

Day 2: Tuesday

Places to Go:

  • National Archives Building: Visit the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, home to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights (open from 10am-5:30pm).
  • Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History: Explore the vast collections of natural history specimens and artifacts.

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of the White House (book in advance).
  • Visit the National Gallery of Art, featuring an impressive collection of Western European and American art.

Where to Eat:

  • Try &Pizza for artisanal pizza.
  • Grab lunch at DC’s famous food truck: Ben’s Chili Bowl Truck.

Where to Stay:

  • The Westin Georgetown: A luxurious hotel in the heart of historic Georgetown.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and security checks at popular attractions.
  • Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony at the White House (daily at 12pm).

Day 3: Wednesday

Places to Go:

  • National Museum of American History: Visit the Smithsonian’s museum showcasing American culture, history, and innovations.
  • Georgetown Waterfront: Take a stroll along the Georgetown waterfront, exploring shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

Activities:

  • Take a scenic bike ride along the Capital Crescent Trail (rent bikes at the nearby dock).
  • Visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), featuring an impressive collection of works by women artists.

Where to Eat:

  • Try Old Ebbitt Grill for upscale American cuisine.
  • Grab breakfast at Baked & Wired, a popular bakery and coffee shop.

Where to Stay:

  • The Hay-Adams: A luxurious hotel located near the White House, with elegant rooms and exceptional service.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and security checks at popular attractions.
  • Don’t miss the sunset views from the Georgetown waterfront!

Day 4: Thursday

Places to Go:

  • National Museum of African American History and Culture: Explore the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans in America.
  • Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Pacific American History: Visit this unique museum showcasing the history and experiences of Asian Pacific Americans.

Activities:

  • Take a tour of the historic Ford’s Theatre (where President Lincoln was assassinated).
  • Visit the National Children’s Museum, featuring interactive exhibits for kids.

Where to Eat:

  • Try The Hamilton for delicious seafood.
  • Grab lunch at DC’s famous food truck: Taco Bamba Truck.

Where to Stay:

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.: A luxurious hotel located near the White House, with elegant rooms and exceptional service.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and security checks at popular attractions.
  • Don’t miss the sunset views from the National Mall!

Day 5: Friday

Places to Go:

  • National Museum of American Diplomacy: Visit this new museum showcasing America’s diplomatic history.
  • Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: Explore the vast collections of historic aircraft and spacecraft.

Activities:

  • Take a tour of the iconic Kennedy Center (book in advance).
  • Visit the National Archives Building, featuring historical documents and artifacts.

Where to Eat:

  • Try Carmine’s for Italian cuisine.
  • Grab lunch at DC’s famous food truck: Ben’s Chili Bowl Truck.

Where to Stay:

  • The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C.: A luxurious hotel located near the White House, with elegant rooms and exceptional service.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and security checks at popular attractions.
  • Don’t miss the sunset views from the National Mall!

Day 6: Saturday

Places to Go:

  • Georgetown Flea Market: Visit this bustling flea market featuring vintage shops, food vendors, and local artisans.
  • National Arboretum: Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and scenic walking trails.

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of the historic Tudor Place (book in advance).
  • Visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), featuring an impressive collection of works by women artists.

Where to Eat:

  • Try &Pizza for artisanal pizza.
  • Grab lunch at DC’s famous food truck: Taco Bamba Truck.

Where to Stay:

  • The Graham Georgetown: A luxurious hotel located near the White House, with elegant rooms and exceptional service.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and security checks at popular attractions.
  • Don’t miss the sunset views from the National Mall!

Day 7: Sunday

Places to Go:

  • National Museum of Natural History: Visit this world-renowned museum featuring a vast collection of natural history specimens and artifacts.
  • Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History: Explore the rich history, culture, and innovations of America.

Activities:

  • Take a tour of the historic White House (book in advance).
  • Visit the National Archives Building, featuring historical documents and artifacts.

Where to Eat:

  • Try Old Ebbitt Grill for upscale American cuisine.
  • Grab breakfast at Baked & Wired, a popular bakery and coffee shop.

Where to Stay:

  • The Westin Georgetown: A luxurious hotel located near the White House, with elegant rooms and exceptional service.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and security checks at popular attractions.
  • Don’t miss the sunset views from the National Mall!

Transportation:

  • Metrorail: The most convenient way to get around DC, with multiple lines and stations throughout the city.
  • Capital Bikeshare: Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.
  • Uber/Lyft: Ride-hailing services are widely available in DC.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for security checks at major attractions.
  • Don’t forget your sunscreen, as DC can be quite sunny!
  • Try to avoid visiting popular attractions during peak hours (11am-3pm).
  • Take advantage of the city’s many free museums and attractions!

Other Things to Know:

  • The Smithsonian museums are all free to visit, but some special exhibitions may require a fee.
  • The National Archives Building offers free tours, but be prepared for security checks.
  • The White House offers free guided tours, but be sure to book in advance.

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring Washington D.C.!