Washington D C 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the National Mall

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Baked & Wired (1056-C N. Saint, Thomas St., Georgetown), known for its artisanal pastries and coffee.
  • Take the Metro (Orange/Blue Line - L’Enfant Plaza Station) to the National Mall. Visit the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Reflecting Pool.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Capitol Building for a tour. Book your free tour in advance at visitthecapitol.gov.
  • Visit the National Museum of American History or the National Air and Space Museum. Both are located on the National Mall.
  • For lunch, grab a bite at Potbelly Sandwich Shop inside the National Air and Space Museum.

Evening:

  • Explore the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (Cedar Hill) or the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
  • Enjoy dinner at Rasika (600 Massachusetts Ave, NW), an upscale Indian restaurant in Penn Quarter.

Day 2: Discovering Other Attractions

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at Founding Farmers (1924 Pennsylvania Ave SE), a farm-to-table restaurant.
  • Take the Green Line to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Spend your morning exploring the various exhibits.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Ford’s Theatre, where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, and the Petersen House museum.
  • For lunch, grab a quick bite at Ben’s Chili Bowl (1213 U St NW), a legendary D.C. eatery known for its half-smokes.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the United States Botanic Garden.

Evening:

  • Take the Metro to Georgetown and stroll along the picturesque streets.
  • Have dinner at The Graham Georgetown (1075 Thomas Jefferson St NW), a restaurant offering contemporary American cuisine with stunning views of the city.

Things to Know:

  • Washington, D.C., is walkable, but also has an extensive Metro system for easy transportation.
  • Many museums and attractions are free to enter, making it a budget-friendly destination.
  • Plan ahead: Some attractions require advance booking or timed tickets.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.
  • The city can get quite hot and humid in the summer, so pack accordingly.

Stay:

  • Kimpton George Hotel (15 E St NW) - A boutique hotel located near many attractions.
  • The LINE DC (2017 14th St NW) - A modern hotel in the vibrant Adams Morgan neighborhood.
  • Capital Hilton (1001 16th St NW) - Located next to the White House, this historic hotel offers luxury accommodations.