5 Days in Washington D.C.: History, Culture and More

• Day 1: National Mall - The National Mall is a large open space that serves as a National Park and is home to many of the city's most famous monuments and museums. Start the day at the Lincoln Memorial, which offers expansive views of the Mall and is a great photo spot. Continue on to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where you can learn about our nation's past. In the afternoon, visit the National Gallery of Art, which boasts an incredible collection of American and European art.
• Day 2: Georgetown and Arlington Cemetery - Take a break from the museum scene and head to the historic district of Georgetown, where you can explore charming shops, cafes, and boutiques along the waterfront. In the afternoon, visit the Arlington National Cemetery and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Day 3: Capitol Hill and the Library of Congress - Today is all about the legislative branch. Start the day at the U.S. Capitol Building, where you can take a guided tour of the iconic dome and surrounding buildings. After lunch, head to the Library of Congress, the world's largest library and an architectural gem. Make sure to take a photo in the stunning Reading Room.
• Day 4: Dupont Circle and National Zoo - Today is all about exploring two of D.C.'s vibrant neighborhoods. Begin with a walk around Dupont Circle, known for its historic architecture and popular with locals. In the afternoon, head to the National Zoo, located in the leafy neighborhood of Woodley Park, and spend a few hours watching the pandas and other animals.
• Day 5: Smithsonian Institution and the White House - End your trip with a visit to the Smithsonian Institution, home to 19 different museums and galleries. Choose a few that pique your interest, such as the National Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of Natural History. In the afternoon, take a tour of the White House and learn about the history and traditions of our nation's most famous residence.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Lincoln Memorial (1-2h, free)
• Smithsonian National Museum of American History (2-3h, free)
• National Gallery of Art (2-3h, free)
• Georgetown shopping district (2h, varies)
• Arlington National Cemetery (2-3h, free)
• U.S. Capitol Building (1-2h, free)
• Library of Congress (1-2h, free)
• Dupont Circle (1-2h, varies)
• National Zoo (2-3h, free)
• Smithsonian Institution (3-4h, free)
• White House (1-2h, free) Total Estimated Costs (excluding transportation): $50-100

  Transportation

  In D.C., there are a variety of options for getting around including the Metro, buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. The Metro is a great option for those who want to save money, but it can get crowded during rush hour. Expect to spend around $2-3 per ride, with discounted rates available for multi-day passes. Taxis can be expensive, but ride-share services are convenient and often cheaper, especially for short trips. Give yourself plenty of time to get around, as traffic can be heavy during commute hours.

  Useful Tips

  If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby attractions like Mount Vernon, Annapolis or Gettysburg. If you have less time, consider skipping some museums and instead taking a walking tour of historic neighborhoods or trying some local cuisine. There are plenty of food options in D.C., from trendy brunch spots to classic diners.

  Airports

  D.C.'s main airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located just 4 miles from downtown. Dulles International Airport (IAD) is also an option, but is located about 25 miles from the city center. Both airports have a variety of transportation options, including taxis, ride-share services, and public transit.