Washington, DC Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & National Mall

Morning: Arrive at Reagan National Airport and take a taxi or Metro to your hotel in downtown DC. After checking in, enjoy a quick breakfast at a nearby café before heading to the National Mall for a leisurely stroll.

Afternoon: Explore the iconic Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History, each offering interactive exhibits that can easily fill a few hours. Grab a light lunch from a food truck near the Mall.

Evening: Dine at the vibrant Penn Quarter district, where you can choose from upscale restaurants or casual eateries. End the night with a relaxed walk around the illuminated Washington Monument.

Day 2: Capitol Hill & Cultural Highlights

Morning: Take a guided tour of the historic United States Capitol and marvel at the stunning architecture of the Library of Congress. The nearby Supreme Court building offers a quick photo stop.

Afternoon: Visit the world‑class National Gallery of Art, admiring masterpieces from the Renaissance to modern art. Have lunch at the museum’s courtyard café.

Evening: Head to the charming Georgetown waterfront for dinner at a riverside restaurant, then wander the historic streets lined with boutiques and historic row houses.

Day 3: Arlington & Monument Night Tour

Morning: Cross the Potomac to Arlington National Cemetery and witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Pay respects at the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame.

Afternoon: Return to DC and explore the solemn Lincoln Memorial, the reflective Reflecting Pool, and the towering World War II Memorial. Grab a snack at a nearby kiosk.

Evening: Experience a guided night tour of the monuments, where the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial are beautifully illuminated, creating a memorable end to your trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• National Mall (walk) – 1.5 hrs – Free
• Smithsonian National Museum of American History – 2 hrs – Free
• National Museum of Natural History – 2 hrs – Free
• United States Capitol tour – 1.5 hrs – $15 (tour fee)
• Library of Congress – 1 hr – Free
• National Gallery of Art – 2 hrs – Free
• Arlington National Cemetery – 2 hrs – Free (parking $5)
• Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool – 1.5 hrs – Free
• Night Monument Tour – 2 hrs – $30 (guided tour)
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – 3 days – $90 (average $30 per day)
• Transportation (Metro, taxis) – 3 days – $25
Total Estimated Cost: $190

Tips

To extend your stay, consider adding a day to visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and a half‑day trip to nearby Mount Vernon. If you need to shorten the trip, combine the Capitol Hill and museum visits into a single day and skip the night monument tour, focusing on the must‑see monuments during daylight.