If it’s your first time visiting Washington DC, or if you just have a handful of days to see it all, begin with this itinerary of Must-See Attractions that’s perfect for visitors of all ages!
Day One
The National Mall, residence to numerous of the magnificent museums of the Smithsonian Institution, is a fantastic location to begin your day. See the magnificent jewels, dinosaurs and mammals on show at the National Museum of Natural History, the airplanes and interactive flight simulators at the National Air and Space Museum, and the stories, arts and crafts at the National Museum of the American Indian. And it’s all free of charge of charge. The museums also provide free tours to groups who reserve in advance.
There’s much more to discover on the National Mall than just the Smithsonian Institution. Art lovers won’t want to miss a go to to the National Gallery of Art, whilst the National Archives is a need to for any American background buff.
Evening
Take pleasure in a speedy dinner in downtown or at a Capitol Hill neighborhood eatery then go to Union Station. The glorious train station is the departure point for tours of the monuments at moonlight provided by Tourmobile and Old Town Trolley. Bike the Websites and City Segway Tours (ages 16 & up) also supply evening tours in season departing from other points in the city. If you’ve booked a private charter, resist the temptation to see all of the monuments throughout the day and quit on your way back from dinner to see a handful of of them at evening time.
DAY Two
Head to U Street for breakfast at a DC institution, Ben’s Chili Bowl. Or, if you’re visiting on a weekend, visit the colorful farmer’s marketplace at Dupont Circle or Eastern Market place on Capitol Hill.
After breakfast, tour the Capitol Hill neighborhood and discover the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress and Supreme Court. The neighborhood is also home to Union Station and the Folger Shakespeare Library, which houses the largest collection of Shakespeare memorabilia outside of England.
For lunch, take Metro to downtown’s Penn Quarter neighborhood. You’ll also find lots of dining alternatives-from casual barbeque to sophisticated French-close to the Verizon Center. Or, feast on fresh noodles and flavorful soups in DC’s Chinatown.
Go undercover at the International Spy Museum, exactly where you can crack codes, take on covers and even let your group take on its very own covert operation. Or, cease by the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, the newest addition to the Smithsonian system. Other neighborhood should-sees include Madame Tussaudsand the Newseum (opening April 11).
Ride to the top of the Washington Monument (tickets required) or the Old Post Office Pavilion for a panoramic view of the city. Animal lovers might also want to pay a visit to the National Zoo, home to giant pandas, cheetahs, tigers and other exotic species.
Evening
Uncover DC’s theatre scene. The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage provides free of charge performances at 6:30 pm nightly. Other theatres, such as the Shakespeare Theatre Business, Arena Stage, Warner Theatre, National Theatre, often present familiar classics. For something a bit more contemporary, catch a display at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Organization or Studio Theatre.
DAY three
Commence your morning in one particular of DC’s prized neighborhood attractions, like the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum, The Phillips Collection, Washington National Cathedral or Hillwood Museum & Gardens, then head to Georgetown for wonderful purchasing and sightseeing in a charming historic setting. Step back in time with a mule-driven barge ride on the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and stop for lunch at a casual bistro.
Evening
Sports fans can watch the Washington Nationals, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Washington Capitals or DC United in action. If your group is searching for nightlife, head to U Street for reside jazz music or Adams Morgan to expertise DC’s eclectic, international scene.
