Washington, D.C. 4 Day Itinerary

Washington, D.C. 4-Day Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: National Mall & Monuments Tour

Morning:

  • Start your day at the National Mall. Visit the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Reflecting Pool.
  • Head to the U.S. Capitol for a guided tour (reserve in advance).

Lunch:

  • Grab a bite at Papa Po’s DC-Deli & Bar near the U.S. Capitol for authentic American sandwiches.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Don’t miss the Hope Diamond!
  • Next, visit the National Air and Space Museum.

Dinner:

  • Dine at The Fish Market in Georgetown for fresh seafood.

Day 2: Museums & Embassies

Morning:

  • Visit the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, both part of the Smithsonian.
  • Explore the National Museum of African Art or the National Museum of American History.

Lunch:

  • Lunch at Thai Takoree for some delicious Thai cuisine in Dupont Circle.

Afternoon:

  • Embassy Row (Massachusetts Ave NW) - Visit international embassies open to the public like Australia, Canada, and India.
  • Stop by Georgetown University for a beautiful campus tour.

Dinner:

  • Have dinner at Rasika, an upscale Indian restaurant in Penn Quarter.

Day 3: Exploring Neighborhoods & Nightlife

Morning:

  • Head to Eastern Market in Capitol Hill for local goods, food, and art.
  • Visit the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.

Lunch:

  • Lunch at Ben’s Chili Bowl for iconic half-smokes and chili dogs.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Adams Morgan with its colorful street art, diverse restaurants, and lively bars.
  • Relax at Meridian Hill Park, featuring a stunning fountain and panoramic city views.

Dinner:

  • Dine at G by Mike Isabella in Mosaic District (Fairfax, VA) for innovative American cuisine.

Day 4: Arlington & Georgetown Activities

Morning:

  • Visit the Arlington National Cemetery. See the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Kennedy Gravesite, and the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb.
  • Explore the USS Constitution Museum (Old Town Alexandria).

Lunch:

  • Lunch at Virtue Feed & Grain in Old Town Alexandria for Southern comfort food.

Afternoon:

  • Return to D.C. and take a boat tour along the Potomac River from Georgetown Waterfront Park.
  • Stroll around Georgetown University’s Healy Hall and admire its beautiful architecture.

Dinner:

  • Have a farewell dinner at Fiola Mare, an upscale Italian seafood restaurant in Georgetown.

Things to Know:

  • Metro is the primary public transportation system in D.C. (WMATA.com)
  • Uber and Lyft are also widely available.
  • Taxis can be expensive, especially between neighborhoods.
  • Dress comfortably as you’ll spend a lot of time walking.
  • Plan your visits to museums and monuments during off-peak hours or reserve tickets online to avoid long lines.

Stay:

  • Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. (Penn Quarter)
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Monaco Washington DC (Chinatown)
  • Budget: HI Washington DC Hostel (Adams Morgan)