Itineraries for Your Trip to Washington DC
2 Days in Washington DC for First Timers
It’s hard not to fall in love with Washington DC. Although the nation’s capital might seem like it’s exclusively the preserve of government functionaries, the District is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse place. Sure, there are the iconic monuments and political landmarks (from the Washington Monument and the memorials of the National Mall to the White House and US Capitol, all worth exploring. But that’s just the beginning.
As someone who’s regularly traveled to DC throughout my life, I love to visit its museums and galleries, explore its characterful neighborhoods, and immerse myself in its nation-leading dining scene. In other words, I'm here to introduce you to the discovery that awaits you for two days in Washington DC.
If you only have time for one thing, make it one (or several) of Washington DC’s world-class Smithsonian museums.
Washington DC swelters in summer, and its winters are often snowy—pack seasonally.
There are few better ways to kick off your 2-day trip to Washington DC than by getting up close and personal with some of its best-known monuments—and we mean personal. On a tour of the US Capitol and the neighboring Library of Congress, you get to head inside both landmarks and follow in the footsteps of some of the country’s most influential leaders and thinkers.
In between sightseeing stops, it’s a good idea to have lunch and recharge—but not just any lunch. To make the most of your limited time in town, opt for a combination walking and tasting tour that whisks you straight to Georgetown (or another of DC’s history-saturated, lively neighborhoods). As you go, taste your way through the city’s unbeatable culinary and cultural diversity.
Here’s an insider secret: For the best Washington DC sightseeing experience, head out after dark. Exploring once the sun goes down doesn’t just mean fewer crowds, less traffic, and cooler temperatures. It also ensures that the monuments and memorials of the National Mall, from the Lincoln Memorial to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, look as picturesque as can be.
No trip to Washington DC is complete without visiting at least one Smithsonian museum—and the landmark National Museum of African American History and Culture, located right on the National Mall, is an excellent candidate. For the full experience and context, you can also visit as part of an African-American history tour that covers topics from the Civil Rights Movement to abolitionist luminaries like Frederick Douglass.
Unlike New York City, Washington DC doesn’t have many skyscrapers or observation decks where visitors can get an aerial view (blame the Height of Buildings Act, a law that imposes maximum heights on the city’s buildings). But there is, of course, the soaring obelisk of the Washington Monument. Grab tickets, bring your camera, and head to the summit in the late afternoon for some of the District’s most picturesque vistas.
After almost two days of sightseeing, it’s worth kicking back and relaxing—but in a way that allows you to soak up the city’s centuries of history. On a 2-in-1 pub crawl and history walking tour, you can enjoy a sudsy introduction to some of the district’s top watering holes, all while learning DC facts and trivia—and raising a glass (or several) to a successful getaway.
