Exploring Washington DC on a Shoestring Budget in 2.5 Days

Day 1: Historic Washington

Washington, D.C.

8:00AM

Breakfast at Woodlands Pure Vegetarian Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty buffet at Woodlands, where you can enjoy authentic South Indian vegetarian fare such as idli, dosa, and sambar.
Take the Metro to the Gallery Place-Chinatown station, then walk two blocks to the restaurant.
USD15, 30 mins

8:30AM

Visit the National Mall

Stroll along the National Mall, where iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument await your exploration.
Walk 10 minutes from Woodlands to the National Mall.
USD0, 2 hrs

10:30AM

Tour the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

Dive into the history of aviation and space exploration at one of the most popular free museums in the country.
It's located right on the National Mall, just a 5-minute walk from the Lincoln Memorial.
USD0, 1.5 hrs

12:00PM

Lunch at Rasika West End

Savor a delicious vegetarian lunch with a modern twist at Rasika, where traditional Indian flavors combine with a chic atmosphere.
Take the Metro from L'Enfant Plaza to Dupont Circle, then walk 5 minutes to Rasika.
USD20, 1.5 hrs

1:30PM

Explore the National Gallery of Art

Enjoy an afternoon surrounded by stunning artworks in one of the most prestigious art galleries in the United States.
Walk 15 minutes from Rasika to the National Gallery of Art.
USD0, 1.5 hrs

3:00PM

Visit the United States Capitol

Take a guided tour to learn about one of the most significant government buildings in the nation.
Walk about 20 minutes from the National Gallery of Art to the U.S. Capitol.
USD0, 1.5 hrs

4:30PM

Relax at the Botanical Garden

Unwind amid diverse plant life at the U.S. Botanic Garden, a beautiful oasis right next to the Capitol.
It's just a 5-minute walk from the Capitol.
USD0, 1 hr

5:30PM

Dinner at Masala Art

Enjoy dinner at Masala Art, a hidden gem offering a variety of Indian vegetarian dishes, nestled in a cozy setting.
Take the Metro from Capitol South to Virginia Ave, then walk to the restaurant, about 20 mins total.
USD15, 1.5 hrs

7:00PM

Evening Stroll along the Tidal Basin

Witness the tranquil beauty of the Tidal Basin, especially stunning at sunset, and enjoy views of the Jefferson Memorial.
Walk about 15 minutes from Masala Art to the Tidal Basin.
USD0, 1 hr

8:00PM

Night Tour of the Monuments

Cap off your day with a picturesque night tour of the monuments, where all the major landmarks are beautifully lit.
Join an evening walking tour, which starts at the Tidal Basin.
USD20, 1 hr
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