Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

4-Day Ultimate Itinerary in Washington, D.C.

Viewed by 84 travelers

Day 1: Monumental Beginnings

Washington, D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Founding Farmers

Start your day with a hearty and farmer-inspired breakfast at Founding Farmers, where you can enjoy their famous French toast and fresh coffee.
Walk or take a short Uber ride to your first destination.
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the National Mall

Stroll through the National Mall to soak in iconic views of the Capitol Building, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial.
Walk around the Mall.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Smithsonians

Choose two or three of the fabulous Smithsonians (like the National Air and Space Museum and National Museum of American History) to explore and learn about American history.
Walk to the museums on the Mall.
Free, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at the Museum Café

Recharge at the Museum Café with a light lunch, offering salads, sandwiches, and sweet treats.
Located inside the museum, it’s easy to stop here and continue exploring.
USD15, 1 hour

3:30PM

Tour the U.S. Capitol

Take a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol to learn about the history and the legislative process.
Pre-book a tour and walk to the Capitol.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill

End your day at Old Ebbitt Grill, famous for its oysters and classic American dishes, situated just a couple of blocks from the White House.
Take a short walk from the Capitol.
USD40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Washington

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Washington, D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy organic and rustic breakfast options like fresh baked goods and artisanal coffee at Le Pain Quotidien.
Walk or take a quick ride to the café from your hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the National Gallery of Art

Admire masterpieces ranging from the Middle Ages to the present at the National Gallery of Art, including works by Van Gogh and Monet.
Walk to the gallery on the National Mall.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Tour the White House

Take an official tour of the White House to explore this iconic symbol of the American presidency.
You must book the tour in advance through your senator's office.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Hamilton

Savor globally inspired dishes at The Hamilton, just steps from the White House.
Continue walking from the White House.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the International Spy Museum

Dive into the world of espionage and get a thrilling insight into the lives of spies at this interactive museum.
Short walk to the museum.
USD24, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Reflect on this powerful memorial dedicated to the civil rights leader, with beautiful granite sculptures and serene surroundings.
Take a quick Metro ride to the Tidal Basin.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Jaleo

Experience authentic Spanish tapas at Jaleo, a vibrant restaurant by renowned chef José Andrés.
Take a short Metro ride back to the Penn Quarter.
USD50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Washington

Day 3: History and Nature

Washington, D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Busboys and Poets

Start the day with a literary twist, enjoying creative breakfast options in this artsy café.
Walk or ride to the café near your hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Georgetown

Spend the morning exploring the charm of Georgetown, with its historic homes and shopping district.
Take a quick Metro to Foggy Bottom and walk to Georgetown.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Tour the Kennedy Center

Join a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to see its stunning architecture and learn about its history.
Metro ride back to Foggy Bottom.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Capital Grille

Enjoy a luxurious lunch experience at The Capital Grille, known for its dry-aged steaks and extensive wine list.
Short ride back to downtown.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the National Zoo

Spend your afternoon at the National Zoo, part of the Smithsonian Institution, and see the adorable giant pandas.
Metro to Woodley Park and walk to the zoo.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Rasika

Indulge in creative Indian cuisine at Rasika, praised for its modern twist on traditional dishes.
Metro back to the West End after your zoo visit.
USD60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Washington

Day 4: Day of Reflection

Washington, D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sadie's Kitchen

Enjoy a homey breakfast with local flavors at Sadie's Kitchen, where the pancakes are fluffy and the coffee is strong.
Conveniently located near your hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore the Holocaust Memorial Museum

Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for a profound and moving experience.
Ride the Metro to the museum.
Free (but timed tickets recommended), 2 hours

11:00AM

Wander the Tidal Basin

Take a peaceful walk around the Tidal Basin, perhaps stopping to see the Jefferson Memorial.
Walk to the Tidal Basin from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Baked & Wired

Grab a casual lunch and famous baked goods at Baked & Wired in Georgetown.
Take a quick Metro or bike ride back to Georgetown.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the National Archives

See the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights at the National Archives.
Quick walk back to the Archives.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Oval Room

Enjoy a delightful farewell dinner at The Oval Room, where the upscale atmosphere and inventive menu make for a memorable end to your trip.
Walk or take a short Metro ride.
USD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Washington
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your dc Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go