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4-Day Ultimate Washington D.C. Itinerary

Viewed by 126 travelers

Day 1: Monuments & Museums

Washington D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Founding Farmers

Start your day with farmhouse-inspired breakfast dishes at Founding Farmers, an ideal spot just a short walk from the National Mall.
Located at 1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Lincoln Memorial

Begin your exploration at the iconic Lincoln Memorial, taking in the powerful ambiance and stunning views of the Reflecting Pool.
Head directly down Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool from Founding Farmers.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the National Museum of American History

Dive into America's rich history at the National Museum of American History, home to the Star-Spangled Banner and numerous exhibitions.
Located at 1300 Constitution Ave NW, a 15-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Capital Grille

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at The Capital Grille, known for its dry-aged steaks and extensive wine selection, just steps away from the National Mall.
Located at 601 Pennsylvania Ave NW.
USD40, 1 hour

2:30PM

Tour the U.S. Capitol

Join a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol to learn about the legislative process and view the stunning architecture firsthand.
A short 10-minute walk from The Capital Grille.
Free (Reservation recommended), 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the National Gallery of Art

Wander through the National Gallery of Art, home to an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present.
A quick walk of 10 minutes from the U.S. Capitol.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill

Conclude your first day with dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic site known for its oysters and classic American cuisine.
Located at 675 15th St NW, a 15-minute walk.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 2: Culture & Cuisine

Washington D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Duck Tavern

Savour seasonal American breakfast dishes in a refined atmosphere at Blue Duck Tavern, located in the West End.
Located at 1201 24th St NW.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Marvel at the history of aviation and space exploration at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, where displayed rockets and aircraft will amaze you.
Take the Metro to L'Enfant Plaza Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ben's Chili Bowl

Dig into a Washington classic, the half-smoke sausage, at Ben's Chili Bowl, a staple since 1958.
A 15-minute walk or Metro ride to U Street.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Reflect at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, where inspiring quotes carve the stone and serenity fills the air.
A short 10-minute walk from Ben's Chili Bowl.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Learn about the African American experience, culture, and history at this engaging and interactive museum.
A 15-minute walk to the museum on the National Mall.
Free (Reservation recommended), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Hamilton

Unwind with dinner at The Hamilton, offering a diverse menu and close to the National Mall.
A quick walk of 5 minutes.
USD40, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening stroll at the Tidal Basin

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Tidal Basin, especially beautiful during sunset.
A 15-minute walk from The Hamilton.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: A Day in Arlington

Arlington, VA, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Silver Diner

Start your day with a classic American breakfast at The Silver Diner in Arlington, known for its vibrant decor and local ingredients.
Located at 1500 Wilson Blvd.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Arlington National Cemetery

Pay your respects at Arlington National Cemetery, witnessing the solemn Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Take the Metro from Ballston to Arlington Cemetery Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Contemplation Court at the Memorial

Enjoy a simple picnic lunch at The Contemplation Court, surrounded by tranquil gardens.
Located within Arlington National Cemetery, just a short walk.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

Commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001, at the beautiful National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
A short 15-minute walk from Arlington National Cemetery.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Iwo Jima Memorial

Admire the iconic Marines Memorial, celebrating the bravery of those who fought in World War II.
A short Metro ride or taxi from the Pentagon Memorial.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Legal Sea Foods

Savour fresh seafood dishes at Legal Sea Foods, known for their top-quality fare and casual atmosphere.
A quick taxi ride to the restaurant.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Deep Dive

Washington D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your last day with an organic breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, enjoying fresh pastries and artisanal bread.
Located at 800 17th St NW.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Museum of Natural History

Explore the wonders of nature, from the Hope Diamond to dinosaur fossils, at the National Museum of Natural History.
A short walk from the restaurant to the museum on the Mall.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Grab an iconic burger and shake at Shake Shack, conveniently located near the National Mall.
A 15-minute walk.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the National Archives

See historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives, a must-see in D.C.
A quick 10-minute walk from Shake Shack.
Free (Reservation recommended), 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Walk through the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery

Enjoy the portraits of influential figures in American history at the National Portrait Gallery.
A 15-minute walk from the National Archives.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Peacock Café

End your Washington adventure with a delightful dinner at Peacock Café, offering a delicious menu inspired by international cuisines.
Located at 3251 Prospect St NW, a taxi or Uber ride is recommended.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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