Washington, D.C. 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the National Mall

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Dabney, located in the DuPont Circle neighborhood. Try their delicious Southern-inspired dishes.

  • Afternoon: Head to the National Mall, home to many iconic landmarks such as:

    • The Lincoln Memorial
    • Washington Monument (Reservations required for elevator access)
    • U.S. Capitol Building (Guided tours available; book in advance)
    • National Museum of American History and National Museum of Natural History (Free admission)

  • Evening: For dinner, visit Le Diplomate, a French bistro in the Logan Circle neighborhood. Enjoy some classic dishes while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

  • Transportation: The Washington Metro is an efficient way to get around the city. Purchase a SmarTrip card for unlimited rides.

Day 2: Exploring Museums and Embassies

  • Morning: Begin your day with brunch at Founding Farmers, located in the downtown area. They offer a variety of American comfort foods.

  • Afternoon: Visit the following museums, all within walking distance from one another:

    • National Gallery of Art
    • National Portrait Gallery
    • The Renwick Gallery (Currently closed for renovation; check for updates)
    • Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

  • Evening: Explore the Embassy Row area in Dupont Circle and visit some embassies that are open to the public, like Australia House or the British Embassy. For dinner, try Rasika, an upscale Indian restaurant.

Day 3: Neighborhoods and Sightseeing

  • Morning: Have breakfast at Baked & Wired, a popular coffee shop and bakery in Georgetown. Grab a pastry and coffee to go before exploring the neighborhood.

  • Afternoon: Take a stroll down M Street, visit Georgetown University’s Healy Hall, and see the famous Exorcist Stairs (from the movie). Cross Key Bridge for stunning views of the city skyline.

  • Evening: For dinner, visit Teddy & The Bully Bar in Dupont Circle, themed around the Teddy Roosevelt era. Afterward, take a night tour of the U.S. Capitol (reservations required).

Things to Know:

  1. Many attractions are free, but some require timed-entry tickets or reservations. Check their websites in advance to avoid disappointment.
  2. Washington D.C. has a pedestrian-friendly layout, making it easy to explore on foot.
  3. Be aware of the city’s smoking laws; smoking is not allowed in most outdoor spaces within 200 feet of federal buildings or parks.
  4. Dress comfortably for walking and weather conditions, as you will be spending a lot of time outdoors.
  5. Washington D.C. has a rich history and culture, so take the time to learn about it while you’re there!