Washington, D.C. marries living history with a modern city’s pulse. Laid out by Pierre L’Enfant in the 1790s, the capital evolved from muddy lanes to a world stage where marble memorials, leafy parks, and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist. The National Mall anchors it all, flanked by Smithsonian museums, the Washington Monument, and memorials that invite both awe and reflection.

Beyond the icons, you’ll find a serious food city. From José Andrés tapas and Michelin-star wood-fire kitchens to soul food institutions and bagel delis, DC’s dining scene spans essential classics and new-wave flavor. Neighborhoods like Georgetown, Shaw, Capitol Hill, The Wharf, and Navy Yard reward wandering—each with a distinct identity.

Practical notes: Most Smithsonian museums are free, but some use timed entry—plan ahead for the Air & Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History & Culture. The Metro and buses make getting around easy (SmarTrip card recommended). Spring cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin are gorgeous but busy; summer is hot and humid; fall is golden and comfortable; winter brings festive lights and thinner crowds.

Washington, D.C.

Why go now: This Washington DC itinerary mixes can’t-miss monuments with local neighborhoods, guided history tours, and standout food. You’ll see the National Mall, tour Capitol Hill, ride to the top of the Washington Monument, and explore Georgetown’s cobblestones and waterfront.

• Top sights: Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Tidal Basin (Jefferson & MLK Jr. Memorials), Smithsonian museums, Arlington National Cemetery, Georgetown waterfront, The Wharf.
• Food highlights: Le Diplomate (French brasserie), Old Ebbitt Grill (presidential-era saloon), The Dabney (Mid-Atlantic hearth), Albi (Levantine live fire), Ben’s Chili Bowl (U Street icon), Chaia (vegetarian tacos), Mi Vida (beachy Mexican at The Wharf).
• Fun fact: The height of DC’s buildings is limited by law, so the Washington Monument remains the skyline’s arrow.

Where to stay: Browse central neighborhoods (Downtown, Penn Quarter, Dupont, Georgetown) for easy sightseeing. See options on Hotels.com or book an apartment on VRBO. Standout picks:

• The Hay-Adams (Downtown): Old-world elegance and a storied bar (Off the Record) steps from the White House.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. (West End): Refined base with spacious rooms and polished service.
• Omni Shoreham Hotel (Woodley Park): Grand resort-style property near the National Zoo and Rock Creek Park.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. Georgetown: Suites with kitchenettes—great for families.
• Hotel Hive (Foggy Bottom): Micro-rooms, rooftop vibe, easy walk to the Mall and GWU.
• Pod DC Hotel (Chinatown): Value stay with compact rooms near Capital One Arena and museums.

How to get there: Fly into DCA (closest; Metro-accessible), IAD (Silver Line to downtown ~50–55 min), or BWI (MARC/Amtrak to Union Station ~35–45 min). Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical flight times: NYC ~1.5 hrs ($100–$250), Chicago ~2 hrs ($150–$350), LAX ~5 hrs ($200–$500).

Local transport: The Metro is efficient; fares vary by distance ($2–$6). Rideshares fill gaps at night. DC is walkable around the National Mall—pack comfortable shoes.

Day 1: Arrival, National Mall Stroll, Monuments by Night

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs on the National Mall—start at the Smithsonian Castle garden, then wander toward the WWII Memorial fountains. Grab a pick-me-up at Compass Coffee (smooth house blends) or Peregrine Espresso (artisan roasts).

Evening: Classic first-night dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill near the White House—oysters and crab cakes in a Gilded Age setting. Then see the city glow on the DC Memorials Night Tour (Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War, MLK Jr., Jefferson). It’s the most photogenic way to orient yourself.

Night: Toast the view at Off the Record (beneath The Hay-Adams)—a classic DC power bar—or sip a nightcap at Allegory (library-themed cocktails) if you prefer speakeasy style.

Day 2: Capitol Hill, Library of Congress, Eastern Market

Morning: Espresso and a sesame croissant at Peregrine Espresso on Eastern Market’s plaza. Join The Original Capitol Hill Small Group Tour w/ Reserved Passes to see the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court exterior, and the Library of Congress’s Beaux-Arts splendor—insider context makes these institutions come alive.

Afternoon: Lunch on Barracks Row: Ambar’s unlimited Balkan small plates is great for sharers; or Good Stuff Eatery for a farmhouse burger and hand-spun shake. Browse Eastern Market’s food hall and weekend crafts, then stroll leafy rowhouse blocks to see 19th-century architecture.

Evening: Dinner at Rose’s Luxury (inventive American; warm hospitality)—their pastas and lychee salad are cult favorites. For something cozier, Beuchert’s Saloon offers seasonal Mid-Atlantic plates in a 19th-century tavern space. Cocktails at The Eastern can cap the night.

Day 3: Smithsonian Highlights + Washington Monument

Morning: Start with a croissant and lemon curd at Bread Furst (Van Ness) or grab-and-go at Seylou (whole-grain bakery). Then join the Smithsonian Highlights Walking Tour w/ Reserved Air & Space Entry—a curated pass through American History, Natural History, and reserved entry to the reimagined Air & Space Museum.

Afternoon: Eat at Mitsitam Cafe (National Museum of the American Indian) for Indigenous-inspired stews, fry bread, and roasted corn. Then head skyward with No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets—the panoramic view aligns the Capitol, Mall, and Lincoln Memorial into one unforgettable axis.

Evening: Reserve The Dabney (Michelin-starred live-fire Mid-Atlantic—think ember-kissed oysters and Shenandoah trout). For a lively alternative, Jaleo serves paellas and tapas with a playful spirit. Nightcap at The Hamilton (often with live music) or the Hay-Adams bar.

Day 4: Georgetown’s Waterfront, Canal, and Cobblestones

Morning: Start at Baked & Wired for hefty cupcakes and standout coffee, then walk the C&O Canal towpath. If weather permits, rent a kayak or paddleboard at Key Bridge Boathouse (seasonal) for Potomac River views of Roosevelt Island and the spires of Georgetown University.

Afternoon: Lunch at Martin’s Tavern (since 1933; order the crab cake sandwich) or Chaia Tacos (vegetable tacos with inventive salsas). Tour Tudor Place or Dumbarton Oaks Gardens for Gilded Age calm, then browse M Street and Wisconsin Avenue boutiques.

Evening: Dinner at Fiola Mare (refined seafood, superb crudo) or trattoria-style Filomena (house-made pasta; festive decor). Jazz at Blues Alley, an intimate club tucked in a carriage house, makes for a timeless DC evening.

Day 5: Arlington National Cemetery + The Wharf and Navy Yard

Morning: Cross the river to Arlington National Cemetery. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (catch the Changing of the Guard), Kennedy gravesites, and the hilltop view at Arlington House that frames the entire Mall.

Afternoon: Head to The Wharf for lunch: Mi Vida (guacamole flight, Baja fish tacos) or Hank’s Oyster Bar (lobster roll, raw bar). Stroll the piers and hop a short water taxi to Navy Yard (seasonal); visit the free Anacostia Riverwalk. Baseball fans: see if the Nationals are in town.

Evening: Dinner at Albi (Levantine live fire; toum-draped kebabs and blistered pita). For something breezy, The Salt Line (Navy Yard) does New England-style seafood and excellent crudos. Drinks at Tiki TNT (fun rum cocktails) or rooftop Whiskey Charlie back at The Wharf.

Day 6: Dupont, Logan Circle, and 14th Street

Morning: Coffee at Slipstream (great espresso and breakfast bowls), then the Phillips Collection for Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party” and rotating modern shows. Stroll Embassy Row’s mansion-lined Massachusetts Avenue.

Afternoon: Lunch at Sushi Taro (omakase bar if you can snag it) or Duke’s Grocery (proper burger and British pub vibes). Browse 14th Street’s indie shops and home design stores, or pop into the National Geographic Museum if a special exhibit is on.

Evening: Le Diplomate for a Parisian brasserie buzz—order the steak frites or trout amandine; finish with profiteroles. Afterwards, cocktails at Service Bar (Shaw; inventive, not fussy) or Jane Jane (intimate, classic-leaning list).

Day 7: Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Day Trip

Morning: Grab bagels at Call Your Mother (Capitol Hill) before heading to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Take Metro Yellow/Blue to King St–Old Town, then bus (Fairfax Connector 101) to the estate (about 30 minutes; ~$2 each way). Tour the mansion, gardens, and the working distillery and gristmill (seasonal).

Afternoon: Return to Old Town Alexandria for lunch: Virtue Feed & Grain (American tavern fare in a former feed house) or Ada’s on the River (wood-fired steaks and seafood). Wander King Street’s brick sidewalks, Torpedo Factory Art Center, and the waterfront.

Evening: Back in DC, dine at Maydan (open-fire spices, shareable mezze) or Kinship (elegant New American with a cozy salon feel). If you skipped the earlier night tour, tonight’s another great slot for an illuminated Mall stroll.

Day 8: Eastern Market Brunch, H Street NE Eats, Departure

Morning: Brunch at The Market Lunch inside Eastern Market—blueberry buckwheat pancakes or a crab cake platter are local favorites. Coffee at Peregrine and a quick browse of the produce and craft stalls.

Afternoon: Taste H Street NE: Maketto (Cambodian/Taiwanese; fried chicken and mapo tofu), or Toki Underground (ramen and dumplings) if it’s open early. Pick up last-minute gifts at Union Market (spice blends, local chocolate). Head to the airport—DCA is 15–20 minutes by Metro; IAD is ~50–55 minutes via Silver Line.

Evening: Departure day. If you have extra time, take a serene walk around the Tidal Basin to say goodbye to Jefferson’s rotunda and MLK Jr.’s visage on the water.

Optional Night Tour Add-On (Any Evening):

Prefer to lock in your night views and hit the biggest memorials efficiently? Book the DC Memorials Night Tour noted on Day 1—easy pickup spot and a route designed for photographers and first-timers.

Booking pointers: For flights, compare times and prices on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. For stays, browse central options on Hotels.com or apartments via VRBO. Museum and monument timed entries (especially Air & Space and the Washington Monument) fill up—grab your Washington Monument tickets early.

In eight days, you’ll trace the sweep of American history from the Capitol dome to the Tidal Basin, and from Arlington’s hills to Georgetown’s riverfront. Between museum masterpieces and night-lit memorials, you’ll eat exceptionally well and get a feel for DC’s neighborhoods—thoughtful, energetic, and always in motion.