A 6-Day City Experience in Washington DC

• Day 1:National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial
  Start your trip by exploring the National Mall and visiting a few of the Smithsonian Museums. The National Mall is home to numerous monuments and memorials such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and World War II Memorial. Be sure to check out the incredible views of the city from the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.
• Day 2: US Capitol, Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court
  Start off your day by exploring the US Capitol Building and learning about the legislative process in the United States. Then, visit the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, and the Supreme Court.
• Day 3: Georgetown, Washington Harbour, and Arlington National Cemetery
  Visit the historic and charming Georgetown with its beautiful architecture and quaint shops. Washington Harbour is a perfect spot to relax, dine, and enjoy the view of the Potomac River. Finally, pay your respects to the fallen heroes of the United States by visiting the Arlington National Cemetery.
• Day 4: National Gallery of Art, Newseum, and The Capital Wheel
  Visit the National Gallery of Art and view priceless pieces of art from all around the world. Then, head over to the Newseum, a museum dedicated to news and journalism, and learn about the history of media in the United States. End your day with a ride on The Capital Wheel, a 180-foot observation wheel.
• Day 5: The White House, International Spy Museum, and Ford's Theatre
  Start off your day with a visit to The White House and learn about the history of the presidency in the United States. Then, visit the International Spy Museum and discover the truth about the world of espionage. Finally, visit Ford's Theatre where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865.
• Day 6: Zoo, National Cathedral, and Dupont Circle
  End your trip by visiting the National Zoo and getting up close and personal with giant pandas, elephants, tigers, and other animals from all around the world. Then, head over to the National Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Finally, explore Dupont Circle with its art galleries, shops, and cafes.

Time and Costs Estimates

• National Mall (3-5 hours, Free)
• US Capitol (2-3 hours, Free)
• Library of Congress (2-3 hours, Free)
• Georgetown (3-5 hours, Free)
• Arlington National Cemetery (2-3 hours, Free)
• National Gallery of Art (2-3 hours, Free)
• Newseum (2-3 hours, $26)
• International Spy Museum (2-3 hours, $26)
• Ford's Theatre (2-3 hours, Free)
• National Zoo (3-5 hours, Free)
• National Cathedral (2-3 hours, $12)
• Dupont Circle (3-5 hours, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: $76

Transportation

Washington D.C.'s Metro system is the best way to get around the city. A one-way fare is $2.00 - $6.00 depending on the time of day and distance traveled. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available but can be more expensive than public transportation. It is recommended that you use public transportation during your trip to save money and time.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum or the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Both museums are highly recommended and offer a unique perspective on the history of the United States. If you have less time, skip the National Zoo or the National Cathedral and spend more time exploring other areas of the city such as Adams Morgan, The Wharf or H Street Corridor.

Airports

The main airport in Washington D.C. is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). It is located in Arlington, Virginia, just 4 miles from downtown Washington D.C. Another airport option is Dulles International Airport (IAD) located 26 miles west of downtown Washington D.C. Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is also an option to consider, located 30 miles northeast of downtown Washington D.C.