Washington DC, United States 7 Day Itinerary

Washington D.C. 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & National Mall Exploration

  • Arrive at Washington Reagan National Airport or Dulles International Airport.
  • Check-in at your hotel (recommended: The Watergate Hotel, Kimpton George, or The Jefferson, DC).
  • Start with the Lincoln Memorial and walk along the National Mall, visiting the Washington Monument, Capitol Building, and the National Museum of American History.
  • Have dinner at Martin’s Tavern, a historic restaurant that has been a favorite for D.C. politicians since 1933.
  • Tips: Free shuttle buses operate between the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall, making transportation easy.

Day 2: Smithsonian Museums & Georgetown

  • Spend the morning exploring the Natural History Museum, Air and Space Museum, and American Art Museum located on the National Mall.
  • Have lunch at Elle in the American Art Museum’s Kogod Courtyard.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Smithsonian National Zoo or head to Georgetown. Explore Georgetown University campus, walk along Georgetown Waterfront Park, and grab a sweet treat at Georgetown Cupcake.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Fabio Trattoria, an authentic Italian restaurant in Georgetown.

Day 3: Monuments by Night & U Street

  • Take a night tour of the monuments, including the Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The Washington Monument is also illuminated at night.
  • Have dinner on U Street, known as D.C.’s cultural epicenter. Try Ben’s Chili Bowl, famous for its half-smokes.
  • After dinner, enjoy live music at a venue like the Black Cat or Bohemian Caverns.

Day 4: Arlington National Cemetery & Museum of the Bible

  • Spend the morning at Arlington National Cemetery. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  • Have lunch nearby at Parker’s Barbecue.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Museum of the Bible.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Mission Navy Yard, a lively restaurant in the vibrant Navy Yard neighborhood.

Day 5: Eastern Market & Union Market

  • Spend the morning exploring Eastern Market and Capitol Hill. Grab lunch from one of the vendors at Union Market.
  • In the afternoon, visit the United States Botanic Garden or the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
  • Dinner: Have dinner at Rasika, a renowned Indian restaurant in Penn Quarter.

Day 6: National Arboretum & Dupont Circle

  • Spend the morning at the National Arboretum, home to some of the world’s most beautiful collections of bonsai trees and azalea plants.
  • Have lunch at the Arboretum’s Cafe on the Columns.
  • In the afternoon, explore Dupont Circle, visit the Embassy Row, and grab a coffee at Philz Coffee.
  • Dinner: Try G by Mike Isabella, offering modern Italian cuisine in the heart of Dupont Circle.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs or revisiting favorite spots before heading to the airport.