Washington Dc 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Washington D.C. Itinerary:

For the history buff:

  • Day 1:

    • Morning: Arrive in Washington D.C., check into your hotel (see “Where to Stay” section below), and grab a bite at one of the city’s many iconic breakfast spots like Ted’s Bulletin (for their boozy milkshakes!) or Founding Farmers (farm-to-table brunch).

    • Afternoon:

      • Explore the National Mall, visiting the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and World War II Memorial.
      • Reflect on history at the National Museum of American History.
      • Enjoy a picnic dinner with a view of the Washington Monument.

    • Dinner: Grab dinner from a food truck near the National Mall.

  • Day 2:

    • Morning: Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and marvel at the dinosaur fossils in the Hall of Dinosaurs.

    • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the world of art at the National Gallery of Art, admiring works from renowned artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt.

    • Dinner: Indulge in a delicious meal at Ben’s Chili Bowl - a must-visit for a taste of D.C.’s history!

    • Tip: Check out the dinosaurs before heading to lunch, they are always a crowd pleaser!

  • Day 3:

    • Delve into American politics at the National Archives, where you can view historical documents** like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

    • Immerse yourself in history and culture at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture.

    • Dinner: Enjoy a meal with a view at The Founding Farmers restaurant near the Lincoln Memorial (lunch menu available for dinner!).

    • Tip: Consider booking a tour in advance to get the most out of your visit.

  • Day 4:

    • Explore the National Archives, and learn about the history of our nation’s documents.
    • Discover the Smithsonian Museum of American History, exploring artifacts from across American history.
    • Stay: Immerse yourself in the artistic ambiance of the National Museum of African American History & Culture

  • Day 5:

    • Enjoy a final dose of history and inspiration at the Library of Congress.

    • Explore the vibrant neighborhoods like **Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, or Georgetown.

      • Tip: Check out the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History website for information on exhibits and events during your visit.

    • Enjoy a delicious farewell meal at one of the many restaurants in the city.

Where to Stay:

  • Budget-Friendly: The HI Washington, DC Hostel offers a unique and affordable experience in the heart of the city.
  • Mid-Range: Look for boutique hotels in neighborhoods like U Street, Logan Circle, or Shaw for charm and convenience.
  • Luxury: For an unforgettable stay, choose from luxurious accommodations like The Willard InterContinental Hotel, The Hay-Adams, or The Jefferson - all within walking distance of the Smithsonian museums and historical landmarks.

Where to Eat:

  • Ben’s Chili Bowl (DC institution): This iconic DC eatery has been serving up chili dogs, half-smokes, and other comfort food classics since 1958.

  • The Hamilton: Enjoy delicious brunch in a lively environment at this popular U Street restaurant.

  • **Ted’s Bulletin (another DC classic) **: This retro diner chain offers a variety of breakfast options with a twist.

Day 3:

  • Explore the National Museum of American History: Discover the history and culture behind the museum’s exhibits, such as the evolution of the American food industry, the impact of technology on our lives, or the cultural significance of the objects on display.
  • Enjoy a meal at a Smithsonian museum: The museum offers several dining options within its walls for a quick bite or a sit-down meal.

For a truly unique D.C. experience, try a food stall near your chosen museum.

Day 4:

  • Explore the National Museum of American History: Immerse yourself in the stories behind everyday objects and delve into the history of America through its cultural artifacts.
  • Enjoy a delicious meal at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture: This museum’s cafeteria offers traditional dishes with a focus on local chefs and food vendors, often featuring African-American cuisine.

Day 5:

  • Enjoy a delicious final meal in Washington D.C.: Try a variety of cuisines and explore the city’s diverse culinary landscape.

Things to do:

  • Explore museums: Visit iconic museums like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History**, the National Air and Space Museum, or the National Museum of American History for a glimpse into history and culture**.
  • Walk the National Mall: Take a stroll along this historic parkway and admire the monuments and museums.
  • Visit the White House: Take a photo from afar and explore the surrounding area.

For a more budget-friendly experience, try eating lunch at one of the many food trucks near the Smithsonian museums. These trucks often offer delicious and affordable meals, including:

  • Lunch:

    • The Founding Farmers restaurant (for a classic D.C. experience)
    • Food truck adventures: Enjoy a variety of cuisines from local vendors in a fun and casual setting.

Possible Food Truck Options:

  • Falafel Inc. for authentic Middle Eastern flavors.

  • District Taco for delicious tacos and Mexican-inspired dishes (they have multiple locations, including near the museums!).

  • Brunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the National Mall with a view of the monuments.

  • Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History: This museum showcases the history of the United States through its artifacts and collections.

Tips for Visiting Washington D.C.:

  • Plan ahead: Book flights and accommodations in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season (spring and fall).

  • Take advantage of public transportation: The Metro system is a great way to get around the city.

  • Explore beyond the National Mall: While the Monuments are a must-see, D.C. has much more to offer! Consider visiting neighborhoods like Georgetown, Adams Morgan, or Dupont Circle for unique restaurants, shops, and experiences.

  • Visit during off-peak times: The Museums are less crowded on weekdays and during the off-season (winter).

  • Pack comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking while exploring the city.

  • Bring a reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is important when you’re out and about sightseeing.

  • Check for free events: Many museums offer free admission days or evenings.

  • Take advantage of the “Smithsonian Spark” program: This program offers free access to online resources and museum programs for kids and families.

  • Consider a Smithsonian National Zoo pass: A few hours at the zoo are a perfect way to spend a morning/afternoon exploring history and culture, especially if you’re interested in learning about the past of the city.

  • Enjoy local cuisine from food trucks (like the “Smithsonian” food truck options mentioned above) or restaurants.

  • Walk the National Mall: Explore the iconic memorials and museums that line this historic parkway.

  • Visit the Smithsonian museums: Explore the Smithsonian’s 19 museums and galleries, which are free to enter.

  • Enjoy a picnic lunch on the National Mall: Pack a blanket and enjoy a meal with a view of the monuments.

Enjoy some local favorites:

  • Ted’s Bulletin (for their classic American diner fare) for a fun and affordable experience.
  • Take a walk through Rock Creek Park, a sprawling green space perfect for hiking, biking, or simply enjoying nature.

For a more formal experience, consider dining at the elegant Willard InterContinental Hotel.

  • Enjoy fine dining:

    • Many restaurants in the **city offer exquisite meals with a view of the monuments. **

  • Explore the history of the city: The “National Mall” is a great place to start, but remember that D.C. has many historical sites and attractions, including:

  • The Smithsonian museums:

    • Explore the National Museum of American History, with its fascinating exhibits on everything from the history of flight to the life and times of Abraham Lincoln.

  • Visit the National Museum of American History

  • Enjoy a museum tour.

For a more casual experience, grab a bite at one of the many cafes or restaurants in D.C.

  • Explore: The city’s history and culture are rich with opportunities to learn about the past.

  • Visit a Smithsonian museum: The museums offer a variety of experiences for visitors to enjoy, including:

    • Free museum options:

    • The National Museum of American History, like the “National Air and Space Museum” or the “National Museum of Natural History”.

  • Enjoy a meal at the National Museum of American History: Explore the museums’ exhibits, and visit charming local eateries.

Where to Eat

  • Ben’s Chili Bowl (D.C.)
  • Union Station: A great place for a variety of cuisines.

Restaurants:

  • The Smithsonian:

    • The “Smithsonian” restaurant options are a perfect example of the city’s culinary diversity.

  • Local restaurants: Explore the diverse food scene and enjoy delicious, local cuisine.

Enjoy a meal at a nearby cafe or restaurant For a more formal experience:

  • Enjoy a casual meal at a market: This is a great way to experience the local culture and try some fresh food.

  • Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere:

  • Consider a formal tour: This city has much to offer, from historical tours of the National Mall to museum exhibits on different topics.

  • Try a “Smithsonian” restaurant: These restaurants are often located in interesting areas and offer delicious meals.

Enjoy a variety of restaurants:

  • Enjoy the diverse culinary offerings at “Union Market” or “Eastern Market”.
  • The city also offers many unique dining experiences, from casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants.