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3-Day Ultimate Washington DC Itinerary

Viewed by 273 travelers

Day 1: Historic Landmarks

Washington, DC, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Founding Farmers

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Founding Farmers, known for its farm-to-table dining experience, where you can enjoy their famous Farmers Hash.
Located near Foggy Bottom, it's a short walk from the George Washington University area.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Lincoln Memorial

After breakfast, stroll to the Lincoln Memorial and take in the iconic views while learning about President Lincoln.
Walk straight down 23rd St NW for about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore the National Mall

Next, take a leisurely walk around the National Mall and see other monuments such as the Washington Monument and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Walk around the Mall, it's all within a few blocks.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill

Savor a quintessential DC lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill, famous for their oysters and classic American fare.
Located a short walk from the Mall on 15th St NW.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the National Gallery of Art

Immerse yourself in art history at the National Gallery of Art, where you can see masterpieces from the likes of Van Gogh and Vermeer.
It's right on the National Mall, about a 10-minute walk.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Capital Grille

Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Capital Grille, known for its dry-aged steaks and extensive wine list.
Head northwest on Constitution Ave NW, about a 20-minute walk from the gallery.
USD50, 2 hours

8:30 PM

Evening stroll at the Tidal Basin

Wrap up your first day with a peaceful evening stroll around the scenic Tidal Basin, especially stunning during sunset.
A 15-minute walk from The Capital Grille.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Museums and Culture

Washington, DC, USA

8:30 AM

Breakfast at Blue Duck Tavern

Enjoy a cozy breakfast at Blue Duck Tavern, known for its delicious pancakes and house-made pastries.
Located in the West End, a quick Uber ride from downtown.
USD20, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Discover aviation and space history at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which houses the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft.
Short walk from the restaurant; head east towards the National Mall.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Grab a quick and tasty lunch at Shake Shack, known for its burgers and shakes, perfect for refueling your energy.
It's just a short walk from the Air and Space Museum.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore the National Museum of Natural History

Continue your museum adventure with a visit to the National Museum of Natural History, featuring incredible exhibits from gems to dinosaurs.
Walk back to the National Mall, a quick stroll.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Tour the United States Capitol

Join a guided tour of the United States Capitol and learn about America’s legislative process.
It's a 20-minute walk east from the museum.
Free (reservation required), 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Georgia Brown's

Enjoy a taste of Southern cuisine at Georgia Brown’s, celebrated for its fried chicken and gumbo.
It's located in the downtown area, just a short Uber ride away.
USD40, 2 hours

8:30 PM

Night Tour of the Monuments

Experience the magic of DC at night with a guided tour of iconic monuments illuminated after dark.
Combine with a local tour company for pickup/drop off service.
USD35, 2 hours
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Day 3: Local Experiences

Washington, DC, USA

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, where you can savor organic breads and pastries.
Located in the Dupont Circle area, easily accessible by Metro.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the United States Botanic Garden

Take a peaceful stroll at the U.S. Botanic Garden, a living plant museum with beautiful conservatories.
Take the Metro or a cab from Dupont Circle to the garden.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Hamilton

Dine at The Hamilton, offering a diverse menu with something for everyone in a vibrant atmosphere.
A short walk from the botanic garden.
USD30, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore the Newseum

Dive into the realm of news and journalism at the Newseum, which features interactive exhibits and historic artifacts.
A direct 15-minute walk from The Hamilton.
USD25, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Tour the White House

Experience a taste of history with a guided tour of the White House, the residence of every U.S. President.
It's about a 20-minute walk from the Newseum.
Free (reservation required), 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Founding Farmers (retry)

Cap off your visit with a memorable meal at Founding Farmers, allowing you to enjoy a different dish from your first visit.
A short walk back to the Foggy Bottom area.
USD30, 2 hours

8:30 PM

Live Music at The Anthem

Finish your DC experience with a live music show at The Anthem, a premier performance venue located on the waterfront.
A short Uber ride from Founding Farmers.
Variable (check event schedule), 2-3 hours
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