Washington DC 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the National Mall

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Baked and I’m In (2287 I St NW), known for their pastries and sandwiches.

  • Mid-Morning: Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and National Air and Space Museum. Both are free to enter and located on the National Mall.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at Ford’s Theatre Restaurant, a historic site that also offers excellent food. Try their clam chowder or she-crab soup.

  • Afternoon: Continue your exploration at the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Don’t miss the Reflecting Pool for a beautiful photo opportunity.

  • Dinner: Dine at Rasika (600 Massachusetts Ave NW), one of Washington DC’s top-rated Indian restaurants.

  • Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along the Georgetown Waterfront or explore the historic district of Georgetown.

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

Day 2: Monuments by Night & Dupont Circle

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe (1514 Connecticutt Ave NW), located in the heart of Dupont Circle.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, which showcase Asian art, and the nearby National Museum of Natural History.

  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Thai X-ing (1837 M St NW), a popular Thai spot in Dupont Circle.

  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring the boutiques, bookstores, and cafes around Dupont Circle.

  • Dinner: Dine at G by Mikael Jansen (1350 New Hampshire Ave NW), a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Scandinavian cuisine.

  • Evening: Embark on the National Mall Monuments by Twilight Tour. This guided tour offers a unique perspective of iconic monuments like the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial, beautifully illuminated at night.

Day 3: Capitol Hill & Eastern Market

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at The Dabney (122 Blagden Alley NW), a farmhouse-inspired restaurant.

  • Mid-Morning: Visit the U.S. Capitol. Don’t forget to check the schedule for a guided tour of this historic building.

  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Hill Country Barbecue Market (410 7th St SE), known for its Southern-style BBQ.

  • Afternoon: Explore Capitol Hill, including the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and Botanic Garden.

  • Evening: Visit Eastern Market (225 7th St SE) for unique shopping experiences, then have dinner at one of the local eateries in the area.

Day 4: Georgetown & Arlington

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Georgetown Cupcake (3207 M St NW) or Baked & Wired (1023 Wisconsin Ave NW), both popular spots for delicious pastries and coffee.

  • Mid-Morning: Take a stroll around Georgetown University campus, then visit the Georgetown Waterfront Park.

  • Lunch: Dine at Fish Market (3050 K St NW), offering fresh seafood in a casual setting.

  • Afternoon: Cross the Key Bridge to Arlington and visit the Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and John F. Kennedy’s Gravesite.

  • Dinner: Dine at The Wharf (intersection of 7th St SW & Maine Ave SW) for a variety of dining options, from seafood to Italian cuisine.

  • Evening: Return to your hotel and reflect on your memorable experiences in Washington DC.