One Day in Washington DC – The Perfect Itinerary
What to do if you only have one day in Washington DC? See my best tips and spots for your perfect day.
Top 12 Main Attractions Of Washington DC
To help you know what to expect when you visit Washington DC for the first time, here is a little overview of some of the main sights.
1. The Capitol
2. The White House
3. National Mall
4. Smithsonian Institution
5. Lincoln Memorial
6. National Gallery of Art
7. National Museum of Natural History
8. National Air and Space Museum
9. Washington Monument
10. Jefferson Memorial
11. Smithsonian National Zoological Park
12. United States Botanic Garden
One Day Itinerary For Washington DC
Morning
Breakfast and Stroll
Enjoy a good breakfast at The Market Lunch or Ted’s Bulletin and stroll through the historic neighborhood of Capitol Hill. The Market Lunch is located inside Eastern Market which is one of the most popular markets in DC.
Tour the United States Capitol
A tour of the Capitol Building is one of the most popular activities in Washington DC. And on top of that, it is also free of charge. So it’s recommended to book in advance to get a spot on the guided tours.
Visit a Museum
Another must-do when you visit Washington DC is to go to a museum… or two. Here are some of the most popular ones:
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Afternoon
Lunch Time
If you didn’t pack a lunch (which I would recommend) head outside and grab a nice meal or a quick bite at one of the following restaurants:
Continue Exploring the National Mall
See the Washington Monument, Martin Luther King Memorial, Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and of course the Lincoln Memorial.
It might be because of TheSimpsons, but the Lincoln Memorial impressed me the most.
And don’t forget to head up north to see White House Rose Garden.
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Evening
Visit Georgetown Waterfront Park
After such an eventful day, rewind at the Georgetown Waterfront Park.
Enjoy a Nice Dinner in Georgetown
Find here a selection of restaurants that you might enjoy:
Night Out in Adams Morgan District
If you still have some energy left go to the Adams Morgan district for a fun night out. Adams Morgan is a multicultural neighborhood where the lively neighborhood draws you in. It features fancy murals, eclectic bars, and music venues.
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Day Trip Ideas from Washington DC:
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Gettysburg
- Chesapeake Bay
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