Washington Dc United States 4 Day Itinerary

Washington D.C. 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Capitol Hill & The National Mall

Morning:

  • Start your day with breakfast at Baked & Wired (1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW). This cozy café serves delicious pastries and coffee.
  • Visit the United States Capitol Building. Remember to book a tour in advance! Capitol Visitor Center

Afternoon:

  • Head over to the National Mall. Explore iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Jefferson Memorial.
  • Grab lunch at Good Stuff Eatery (303 Pennsylvania Ave SE). Try their signature “Capital Burger”.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Don’t miss the First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns exhibition! American History Museum

Evening:

  • For dinner, head to Le Diplomate (1601 14th St NW). Savor classic French cuisine in a bustling atmosphere.
  • Take a relaxing walk along the Georgetown Waterfront or explore historic Georgetown neighborhood.

Day 2: The National Mall (cont.) & Museums

Morning:

  • Continue exploring the National Mall, visiting the National Gallery of Art, and the U.S. Botanic Garden.
  • Enjoy brunch at Founding Farmers (1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW). This farm-to-table restaurant offers hearty meals made from fresh, local ingredients.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Freer Gallery of Art and the Sackler Gallery, showcasing Asian and Middle Eastern art. Freer Sackler
  • Grab a quick snack at Panda Gourmet (1205 20th St NW). Try their famous “DC Bombs”.

Evening:

  • For dinner, explore the diverse food scene in Adams Morgan. Some recommendations include Gogo Yubari Ramen or Takorema.
  • Catch a live music performance at the legendary 9:30 Club (815 V St NW). Check their schedule to see who’s playing! 9:30 Club

Day 3: Arlington National Cemetery & Georgetown

Morning:

  • Visit the Arlington National Cemetery. Attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and pay your respects at JFK’s Eternal Flame.
  • Have lunch at Potomac Grille (1501 Lee Hwy, Arlington). Enjoy classic American fare with a view of the Potomac River.

Afternoon:

  • Return to Washington D.C. and stroll through historic Georgetown. Explore the charming streets, browse independent shops, and take a boat tour on the Potomac River.
  • For dinner, try Fish Market (3000 K St NW). This seafood restaurant is a local favorite.

Evening:

  • End your day with a drink at The Tombs (1246 36th St NW), a speakeasy-style bar hidden beneath the historic Old Stone House.

Day 4: Embassy Row & Dupont Circle

Morning:

  • Start your day exploring Embassy Row, home to numerous foreign embassies and consulates. You can often view beautiful gardens or flag displays.
  • Grab lunch at Thai X-ing (1835 14th St NW). This popular Thai spot offers a variety of delicious dishes.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. This former home of the famed abolitionist and civil rights leader is now a museum and national park. Douglass NHS
  • Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring Dupont Circle’s vibrant shops, galleries, and cafes.

Evening:

  • For your final dinner in Washington D.C., try Rasika (600 I St NW). This Michelin-starred Indian restaurant offers innovative dishes in a stunning setting.
  • End your trip with drinks at the rooftop bar of the Eaton Hotel (1201 K St NW) or enjoy live jazz music at Bohemian Caverns Jazz Club (2001 11th St NW). Bohemian Caverns

Transportation: The Washington Metro is a convenient way to navigate the city. Purchase a SmarTrip card for easy travel between stations. You can also use ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, or rent bikes from Capital Bikeshare.

Tips: Dress comfortably, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking! Bring water and snacks, especially during the summer months. Remember to tip 20% in restaurants and round up for taxi rides. Enjoy your trip to Washington D.C.!