Washington DC, United States 3 Day Itinerary

Title: 3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Washington D.C.

Day 1: Historical Landmarks & Monuments

  • Morning:

    • Start your day at the National Mall. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol Building. (Map)
    • Have breakfast at Stanton Park Bistro located nearby. Menu

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Smithsonian museums, which include the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of Natural History. (Map)
    • For lunch, head to Ford’s Theatre for a meal at their first-floor restaurant, The Green Room. Menu

  • Evening:

    • Take a relaxing boat ride on the Potomac River with DC Cruises. (Ticket Info)
    • Dine at Le Diplomate, a French bistro in Dupont Circle. Menu

Day 2: Art & Culture

  • Morning:

    • Visit the National Gallery of Art. (Map)
    • Have breakfast at Baked and Wired, a popular coffee shop in Georgetown. Menu

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Freer Gallery of Art and the Sackler Gallery, both part of the Smithsonian. (Map)
    • Have lunch at Thai Takoree, a delicious Thai restaurant in Dupont Circle. Menu

  • Evening:

    • Visit the Kennedy Center for a performance. Check their event schedule to plan accordingly. (Tickets)
    • Dine at Rasika, an upscale Indian restaurant in Penn Quarter. Menu

Day 3: Neighborhood Exploration & Nightlife

  • Morning:

    • Explore the historic neighborhood of Georgetown. Stroll along M Street and visit Tudor Place, a historic mansion museum. (Tudor Place)
    • Have brunch at Blue Duck Tavern in the Park Hyatt Washington D.C.. Menu

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (Map)
    • Have lunch at Pho 14, a popular Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown. Menu

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of D.C. in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, known for its diverse bars and clubs. (Neighborhood Guide)
    • For dinner, try G by Mike Isabella, an innovative restaurant in the Mosaic District of Fairfax, VA, accessible via Metro. (Menu)

Transportation: The Washington Metro is a convenient and affordable way to navigate the city. Purchase a SmarTrip card for unlimited rides. Metro Map

Things to Know:

  • DC Staycation Deals: Check out local hotels offering special rates for visitors. (Explore DC)
  • Free Smithsonian Museums: All Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are free of charge.
  • Monument Illumination: Most monuments are beautifully illuminated at night, providing a different but equally breathtaking view.
  • Parking: Street parking can be challenging in downtown areas. Consider using parking garages or apps like Parkmobile for on-street parking.