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The Ultimate Four-Day Itinerary for Washington, DC
Written by Siri Smith
In the city that truly has it all, there’s #Only1DC – from historical icons to unsung attractions, dive into Washington, DC with the ultimate four-day guide.
Where history sits shoulder-to-shoulder with forward thinking and every street has a story, Washington, DC knows how to surprise. A city of contrasts and colour, the US capital is a wealth of vibrant, neoclassical neighbourhoods, soulful eats, thriving arts and culture you won’t find anywhere else – a destination so dynamic you’ll need more than one day to see it all. This four-day itinerary is your gateway to experiencing DC like a local.
Discover more about Washington, DC on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Thursdays 8:30pm AEDT* on Foxtel Lifestyle.
Day 1
Morning
Welcome to Washington, DC! Start your time here by checking into your new home and settling in at The Royal Sonesta Washington, DC, located in Capitol Hill – the heart of the city’s political district. Keep a look out for the artwork of the hotel’s furry mascot – the beaver. Another option for your stay is The Dupont Circle Hotel, which offers proximity to DC’s iconic landmarks and a taste of the local neighbourhood’s culture. The FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Farmers Market is a five-minute walk away from the latter hotel. Happening every Sunday from 8:30am to 1:30pm, the market is a hive of activity: local vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade pasta, farm cheeses, sweet and savoury baked goods. The breakfast sandwiches are especially popular.
Afternoon
Start your discovery of Washington, DC not by learning about America’s Founding Fathers, but learning about one of the city’s most influential women. North of the city centre is Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, a grand residence once the lavish home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. A socialite, businesswoman and philanthropist, Post was an avid collector and supporter of the arts; her former home is now a private museum and displays much of her French and Russian art collection. She also bequeathed some of her jewellery to the Smithsonian Institution.
Evening
Keep any impending jet lag at bay by continuing your exploration – there’s so much to see and do in DC that there’s little time to waste. Take in DC’s sights with a little fresh air and hop onto Unlimited Biking’s Monuments at Night Tour, where a local guide leads you through the National Mall and you’ll pedal by illuminated icons like the White House, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. It’s a unique and enlightening way of getting your bearings around the city, while also working through your sightseeing itinerary.
Prefer pedalling at your own pace? Grab a bike from one of over 700 Capital Bikeshare stations and pedal along the Potomac River.
Later
A visit to Washington, DC isn’t complete without a stop at Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street. Open every day, with late nights from Thursday to Sunday, Ben’s is the place to try DC’s famous Half-Smoke Hot Dog – smoky, spicy, and served with their secret chilli.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Day 2
Morning
Start your day with a Parisian touch at Bistro Du Jour at the Royal Sonesta, where warm croissants bring a taste of France to the heart of DC. Then it’s off to The People’s House: A White House Experience, an educational museum designed to give visitors an understanding of America’s political epicentre, The White House. The exhibits explore everything from presidential legacies to the evolving role of the Executive Mansion, bringing to life the stories of leaders past and present.
Afternoon
Continue on to the National Gallery of Art. The gallery’s permanent collection houses more than 150,000 works, and it hosts a world-leading line-up of seasonal exhibitions too. One of the gallery’s most notable showstoppers is Ginevra de’ Benci, the only piece from Leonarda da Vinci on permanent show in the Americas. Head to the Pavilion Cafe at the Sculpture Garden if you’re after a quick bite. Don’t worry about skipping the neighbouring Smithsonian museums, you’ll come back to work through those later.
National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden courtesy of washington.org, and National Gallery of Art courtesy of washington.org
Evening
For dinner, treat yourself to an unforgettable evening at Jônt. This Michelin-starred restaurant may not be what you expect from such a lauded culinary experience. Diners take a seat at a chef-facing counter and work through an incredible 21 courses, a journey of flavour and innovation across dishes like pink pineapple with baby radish, dashi and kombu oil and a charcoal and chocolate pecan praline with grilled cream and feuilletine.
Day 3
Morning
A big day ahead! Grab breakfast close to your hotel and prepare for a whole day dedicated to exploring the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex, covering a staggering 17 galleries and museums including the National Air and Space Museum, National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of Natural History. At the latter you’ll encounter everything from dazzling gemstones and ancient fossils to immersive exhibits on Earth’s biodiversity. It would be an impossible task to cram seeing all the Smithsonian Institution sites into just one, or even two days – the entire collection spans nearly 157 million artefacts, objects and works, after all. Opt to visit one or two sites and take your time exploring… and keep the rest on your list for your return trip to Washington, DC.
Afternoon
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, a vibrant eatery from Spanish culinary star José Andrés, is close to the National Mall for when you need a lunch break from museum or gallery wanderings. Other good options around the Smithsonian Institution area include Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Urban Roast, Cafe Riggs and The Smith. When you’re done, head onto your next site.
Evening
Dinner time! Old Ebbitt Grill, is the oldest saloon in Washington, DC and is close to many Smithsonian Institution museums. Founded in 1856, the restaurant has had several different addresses over the decade but found its current home in 1983. The restaurant’s fit-out of antiques and memorabilia was amassed throughout its move and now includes wooden bears allegedly first imported by Alexander Hamilton. The extensive lunch menu covers house-made pastas and burgers, plus larger plates (pork chops, filet mignon, glazed meatloaf). A raw bar hosts a daily happy hour, from 3pm-5pm and 11pm-1am. Keen for a nightcap? Doyle at The Dupont Circle Hotel makes a suave setting for post-dinner cocktails and digestifs.
Day 4
Morning
Your final day in Washington, DC begins at Ted’s Bulletin, a 14th Street favourite, famous for its house-made Pop-Tarts, hearty American classics and a laid-back vibe that feels as local as it gets. From here, head to Georgetown’s charming Book Hill neighbourhood, known for its vintage boutiques and quaint galleries. Be sure not to miss the ‘Exorcist Steps’, immortalised in the cult horror film, for a taste of Georgetown’s cinematic history.
Afternoon
Georgetown Waterfront courtesy of washington.org, and Dumbarton Oaks courtesy of washington.org
You’ll enjoy lunch with a view at Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers, located along the Georgetown waterfront. Here, sit down to sustainable farmed seafood and other local fare like clam chowder and fried chicken and waffles. Then, dive deeper into Georgetown’s history with a visit to Dumbarton House or Tudor Place, two stately homes offering a glimpse of life in 19th-century DC. For a sweet interlude, stop at Baked & Wired or Sprinkles for a DC cupcake that’s as famous as it is delicious.
Dinner
End your DC adventure with a dinner at Fiola Mare. Overlooking the Potomac River, the terrace at Fiola Mare promises a front-row seat to Georgetown’s vibrant riverside life as the sun sets.
Experience Washington, DC
Feature image: Lincoln Memorial.
Discover more about Washington, DC on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Thursdays 8:30pm AEDT* on Foxtel Lifestyle.
This season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays is brought to you by Citi Credit Cards. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.
This article was produced in partnership with Washington, DC and Visit the USA. Image credit: washington.org.
