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This itinerary covers 4 days in Washington dc, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

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Plan your perfect 4 days trip to Washington dc. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Four-Day Washington, D.C. Highlights: Capitol, Museums, Portrait Gallery & Cathedral - August 13 to August 16, 2025

Viewed by 59 travelers

Day 1: Capitol and Library

Washington, D.C., USA on August 13, 2025

9:00am

U.S. Capitol Building Tour

Begin your D.C. adventure with a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol, the symbolic center of American democracy; tours start at 8:30am and require prior reservation, free of charge.

USD0, 1h30m

11:00am

Library of Congress

Visit the stunning Thomas Jefferson Building with its remarkable architecture and expansive collections, open 8:30am to 4:30pm, free admission.

USD0, 1h

2:00pm

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Explore historic aircraft and spacecraft that shaped aviation and spaceflight, open 10:00am to 5:30pm, free entry.

USD0, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill

Enjoy classic American dishes in D.C.’s oldest saloon near the White House, open until 10:30pm, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

USD40, 1h30m

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Day 2: Mall Museums & Portrait Gallery

Washington, D.C., USA on August 14, 2025

9:30am

National Museum of American History

Dive into the rich tapestry of American culture and history; the museum opens at 10:00am with free admission.

USD0, 2h

11:30am

National Gallery of Art West Building

Admire a world-class collection of European and American art ranging from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, open 10:00am to 5:00pm, free entry.

USD0, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Mitsitam Native Foods Café

Savor indigenous-inspired dishes featuring Native American ingredients at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, open 11:30am to 5:00pm.

USD25, 1h

2:30pm

National Portrait Gallery

Explore portraits of famous Americans from all walks of life, including presidents, artists, and activists; the gallery opens at 11:30am and closes at 7:00pm, admission is free.

USD0, 2h

5:00pm

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Discover fascinating natural exhibits such as the Hope Diamond and dinosaur fossils; open till 5:30pm, free admission.

USD0, 1h30m

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Day 3: Cathedral and Modern Art

Washington, D.C., USA on August 15, 2025

9:30am

Washington National Cathedral

Tour this majestic Gothic Revival cathedral known for its impressive architecture and panoramic city views; open 10:00am to 5:00pm, no admission fee.

USD0, 2h

11:45am

National Gallery of Art East Building

Visit this striking modern structure housing contemporary and modern art collections, open 10:00am to 5:00pm, free entry.

USD0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café East

Relax over a casual lunch near the gallery with sandwiches and salads, open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Tidal Basin and Monuments

Stroll around the scenic Tidal Basin and visit landmarks like the Jefferson Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in the gentle afternoon light.

USD0, 2h

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Day 4: Leisure and Optional Visits

Washington, D.C., USA on August 16, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Founding Farmers

Start your last day with a farm-to-table breakfast that features fresh and sustainable ingredients; open from 7:00am, reservations recommended.

USD25, 1h

10:30am

Visit Smithsonian American Art Museum

Delight in American art from colonial times to the present day, including folk art and contemporary pieces; open 11:30am to 7:00pm, free admission.

USD0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at We, The Pizza

Enjoy creative gourmet pizzas in a casual setting close to the National Portrait Gallery; open 11:00am to 10:00pm.

USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at the Sculpture Garden

Unwind in the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden's lovely outdoor space for a peaceful afternoon, open until 7:00pm with free entry.

USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Le Diplomate

Cap off your Washington D.C. trip with exquisite French cuisine at this stylish bistro, open for dinner starting at 5:30pm.

USD50, 2h

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Itinerary created by Plantrip Team July 12, 2025 AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Four-Day Washington, D.C. Highlights: Capitol, Museums, Portrait Gallery & Cathedral - August 13 to August 16, 2025

Day 1: Capitol and Library

9:00am

11:00am

2:00pm

5:30pm

Day 2: Mall Museums & Portrait Gallery

9:30am

11:30am

1:15pm

2:30pm

5:00pm

Day 3: Cathedral and Modern Art

9:30am

11:45am

1:30pm

3:00pm

Day 4: Leisure and Optional Visits

9:00am

10:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

5:00pm

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