Start your foodie journey in Georgetown, known for its historic buildings and cobblestone streets. Start with brunch at Martin's Tavern, which has been serving presidents since Truman. Walk off breakfast by exploring the unique shops and boutiques along M Street, then indulge in a cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes. End the evening with dinner at Kafe Leopold, a European-inspired bistro with authentic Austrian cuisine.
Start your day at Eastern Market, an indoor/outdoor public marketplace with fresh food and artisan goods. Grab breakfast at one of the local vendors, then hop on the Metro to Capitol Hill. Take a tour of the Capitol Building and visit the Library of Congress, then grab a late lunch at Barracks Row, a pedestrian-friendly street lined with restaurants and cafes. End your day with dinner at Beuchert’s Saloon, a farm-to-table restaurant with seasonal dishes and locally sourced ingredients.
Start your morning with a breakfast sandwich from Call Your Mother Deli, known for its freshly baked bagels and unique flavors. Walk along the U Street Corridor and stop at Ben's Chili Bowl for a classic DC lunch. Explore the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum and the nearby historic Howard Theatre. For dinner, grab a reservation at Tico DC, a Latin-inspired restaurant with inventive small plates and cocktails.
Start your day with dim sum at China Chilcano, a fusion restaurant with Peruvian and Chinese cuisine. Walk to the National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum, both part of the Smithsonian Institution, for a cultural experience. Grab lunch at Oyamel, a Mexican-inspired restaurant with unique small plates and margaritas. Visit the nearby Spy Museum for an interactive and entertaining spy-themed experience. For dinner, indulge in some French cuisine at Le Diplomate.
Start your day with a coffee and pastry from Baker's and Baristas. Walk around the picturesque Dupont Circle and visit the iconic Embassy Row area nearby. For lunch, visit the diverse restaurants and bars in Adams Morgan, such as Mintwood Place, known for its French-American dishes. End your final day with dinner at Little Serow, a Northern Thai-inspired restaurant with a family-style tasting menu.
Traveling by Metro is the most efficient and cost-effective way to get around Washington DC. A one-way ticket ranges from $2.00 to $6.00 depending on the distance. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available, but can be more expensive during peak hours and often get stuck in traffic.
If you have more time, explore the museums and monuments on the National Mall or take a day trip to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. For a more local experience, visit the farmers markets and breweries in DC's up-and-coming neighborhoods, such as Navy Yard and Brookland. If you have less time, consider combining some of the neighborhoods into one day or skipping some of the lesser-known attractions.
There are three major airports in the Washington DC area: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). DCA is the closest to the city center, located just 4 miles away in Arlington, Virginia. IAD and BWI are located further away, approximately 25-30 miles from the city.