Day 1: National Mall and Museums - Start the day at the Washington Monument and walk towards the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art for great exhibits. Afterwards, visit the United States Capitol and the Library of Congress to see the stunning architecture and rich history. End the day with a visit to the White House and Lincoln Memorial.
Day 2: Monuments and Memorials - Begin at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and continue to the awe-inspiring World War II Memorial. Spend some time at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. In the evening, enjoy a guided Monuments by Moonlight Tour to see the various monuments and memorials light up.
Day 3: Georgetown and Arlington Cemetery - Start the day with a walk around the charming Georgetown neighborhood to visit boutique shops and dine at local restaurants. In the afternoon, take a short trip to the Arlington National Cemetery to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Good timing could also include a visitable tour to Arlington House.
Day 4: Smithsonian Zoo and National Cathedral - Spend the day exploring the National Zoo, home to over 2,700 animals, including giant pandas. After lunch, visit the stunning National Cathedral, the sixth largest cathedral in the world. End the trip with a visit to the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, a 1920s-era beaux-arts home and museum set in enchanting gardens.
Time and Costs Estimates
Washington Monument (2 hours, free)
Smithsonian National Museum of American History (2-3 hours, free)
National Gallery of Art (2-3 hours, free)
United States Capitol (1-2 hours, free)
Library of Congress (1-2 hours, free)
White House (1-2 hours, free)
Lincoln Memorial (1 hour, free)
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (1-2 hours, free)
World War II Memorial (1-2 hours, free)
Thomas Jefferson Memorial (1 hour, free)
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (30 minutes-1 hour, free)
Monuments by Moonlight Tour (2 hours, $45)
Georgetown neighborhood (2-3 hours, free)
Arlington National Cemetery (2-3 hours, free)
National Zoo (2-3 hours, free)
National Cathedral (1-2 hours, free + donation)
Dumbarton Oaks Gardens (1-2 hours, $10 entry fee)
Total Estimated Costs: $55
Transportation
While walking is the best way to experience the beauty of Washington DC, the Metrorail and bus systems are very convenient and efficient for tourists. The Metrorail operates from 5 am to midnight on weekdays and till 3 am on weekends and charges fares depending on the distance traveled. The buses have similar hours and accept SmarTrip cards or cash. Uber and Lyft are easily accessible and convenient, but may be more expensive during peak hours. Overall, it is important to consider the travel time and costs when selecting a transportation method.
Useful Tips
For those with more time, consider visiting the National Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of Natural History. The National Building Museum is also worth visiting, especially for its stunning interior. For those with less time, consider visiting only the key monuments and memorials. Remember to stay hydrated while exploring and wear comfortable shoes. Lastly, Washington DC can be busy, so planning ahead and arriving early will help to avoid crowds and lines.
Airports
Washington DC has three major airports: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). DCA is the closest to the city (only 4 miles away!) and primarily serves domestic flights. IAD and BWI are further out and serve both domestic and international flights. Both IAD and BWI are roughly 30-40 minutes from the city center, depending on traffic conditions.