Explore a Weekend Itinerary in Washington, DC

There’s so much capital, so little time…but with a weekend in Washington, DC, you can wander the National Mall, visit the best museums and monuments, snap a photo of the White House, and even spend an evening in U St, Shaw, Georgetown, or Columbia Heights to see how the city ticks. This itinerary demands a fast pace; however, it rewards you with sensory explosions and a peek into the political heart of America.

DAY ONE

What to See

The National Mall

The Mall is often called ‘America’s front yard,’ and thousands of visitors take time to wander the 1.9 mile green heart of the nation. Most museums have free admission and are open 10am to 5:30pm daily, while park rangers are on hand at the memorials and monuments until 10pm. Our museum and monument picks for day one are:

• Lincoln Memorial: In a city of icons, the inspiration for the back of the penny stands out in the crowd. It evokes classicism with its Greek temple design, perfectly anchoring the Mall’s west end and embodying the stony dignity of Lincoln’s gaze and the power of his speeches engraved in the walls. This visit, while gazing over the reflecting pool, is a defining DC moment.

• Washington Monument: Oldest joke in DC: ‘What part of Washington is his monument modeled on?’ Just peaking at 555ft (and 5in), the tallest building in the district took two phases of construction to complete; note the different hues of the stone. The monument is temporarily closed, but you can still admire it from below.

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial: A low-sloping black ‘V’ that cuts into the Mall and the American psyche, known as ‘the Wall,’ inscribed with the names of about 58,000 casualties of the Vietnam War, is one of the most moving pieces of architecture in America.

• National Museum of Natural History: Every kid’s (and quite a few adults’) favorite museum features mummies, stuffed animals from every continent, an insect room, and an elephant in the lobby. It also showcases Javanese shadow puppets and the supposedly cursed Hope Diamond.

• National Museum of African American History and Culture: The painful story of African Americans throughout the evolution of the United States is shared in this stellar museum. The mood shifts in the galleries on the third and fourth floors, celebrating African American contributions in sports, music, theater, and culture.

White House

It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve seen it on TV – the first time you spot the White House with your own eyes, it’s gasp-worthy. The president’s home exudes dignity and grandeur, shimmering on cold nights with a ghostly luminescence. Each occupant has left their mark, from Jackie Kennedy’s interior revamp to Coolidge’s personal zoo. Getting inside can be tough, but the spiffed up White House visitor center provides a good taste of what’s on offer inside.

The Capitol

The classical structure soaring atop Capitol Hill is easily one of DC’s most recognizable icons. That 288ft dome encapsulates every memory of the nation’s capital. The grand building is steeped in history. Free tours are available from the visitor center, where staff lead you into the ornate halls and whispery chambers. Look for statues of famous residents per state, plus stunning baroque/neoclassical architecture.

Library of Congress

Other sites might be more iconic, but this is a favorite place for new visitors to DC. It’s not just the neoclassical architecture and Old World influences; it houses the largest library in the world, amassing immense knowledge.

Where to Eat

Mitsitam Café

Located in the National Museum of the American Indian, this cafe offers the best museum food on the Mall. Mitsitam introduces visitors to regional American Indian cuisines, from blue corn tortillas and slow-smoked barbecue of the Southwest to wild-rice-and-maple-brined turkey of the Northern woodlands.

Sweet Home Café

This museum restaurant on the Mall showcases African-American culinary influences from the South to the Creole coast and beyond. Since the museum opened in 2016, it has received rave reviews; therefore, be prepared to wait in line.

Founding Farmers (White House Area)

The decor here combines rustic elements with modern art, representing New American fare. Favorites include buttermilk fried chicken and waffles and zesty shrimp and grits, all served at buzzy wood tables. Don’t miss the legendary buttery skillet cornbread.

Ben’s Chili Bowl (U St)

Ben’s is a landmark in DC, primarily serving half smokes, the district’s smokier version of hot dogs. For more than 60 years, it has attracted presidents, movie stars, and justices, but only the Obamas eat for free.

What to Do at Night

Right Proper Brewing Co (Shaw)

The artwork – a chalk mural of the National Zoo’s giant pandas – complements the sublime ales produced here. Right Proper occupies a building adjacent to where Duke Ellington used to play pool, making it a cherished space in the burgeoning Shaw District.

Black Cat (14th St)

Still one of the best venues for rock or indie, the Cat consistently hosts quality events, from soul funk nights to heavy metal dance-offs and independent film screenings.

The Anthem (District Wharf)

Live concerts, comedy shows, and intimate musical acts are delivered in an industrial-chic venue that accommodates up to 6,000, thanks to the owner of the ever-popular 9:30 Club.

Where to Stay

DC offers classic accommodations at the top end and hip boutique options in the mid-range bracket. Quality picks include the Jefferson Hotel (Dupont), Kalorama Guest House (Upper Northwest DC), American Guest House (Adams Morgan), and the Line Hotel DC (Adams Morgan).

DAY TWO

What to See

Reynolds Center for American Art & Portraiture

The Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery come together in one mighty building, housing the largest collection of American art globally. This engaging space is filled with innovative special exhibitions, making it a must-visit.

National Archives

Housed in an imposing neoclassical temple, these archives evoke a powerful connection between the American citizen and their country, particularly when reading the originals of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence under dim light.

Arlington National Cemetery

Simple white headstones spread over 624 hilly acres mark the graves of veterans of every US war from the Revolution to Iraq and Afghanistan. Look for the eternal flame at JFK’s grave and the Tomb of the Unknowns, where sentinels maintain a round-the-clock vigil and perform an elaborate changing of the guard every half-hour (every hour in winter). The cemetery remains active, making it common to see families gathered around flag-draped caskets.

Where to Eat

Le Diplomate (14th St)

This is one of the hottest tables in town. Many DC celebrities gather in the leather banquettes and sidewalk tables for an authentic slice of Paris, featuring coq au vin, aromatic baguettes, and vintage decor, including nude photos in the bathrooms.

Martin’s Tavern (Georgetown)

Forget that JFK proposed to Jackie in booth number three or the powerful lunches frequented by major political figures. This dark-wood wonder is famous for its cold beer and the best cheeseburger in town.

Ted’s Bulletin (Capitol Hill and 14th St NW)

Comfort food with a twist is served at this cozy restaurant featuring house-made pop tarts, adult milkshakes (ice cream with vodka and Kahlua), and beer-battered fish and chips. Breakfast is served all day.

What to Do at Night

Kennedy Center

Gown-clad concert-goers flow through Washington’s most elegant performance hall, overlooking a bend of the Potomac. The on-site terrace is romantic for drinks, and free concerts are hosted on the Millennium Stage every night at 6pm. Both the National Symphony Orchestra and National Opera are based here.

The Raven (Columbia Heights)

The best jukebox in Washington offers a dark interior packed with locals and a tough but friendly bar staff, making this spot an embodiment of DC’s best dive.

U Street Music Hall (U St)

This is the place to get your groove on without the VIP/bottle-service crowd. Owned and operated by two local DJs, it resembles a no-frills rock bar but features a pro sound system and cork-cushioned dance floor. Rock and indie bands perform regularly, keeping the atmosphere lively.

This article was originally published in September 2018 and updated in June 2019.