{"id":29793,"date":"2024-11-28T10:32:21","date_gmt":"2024-11-27T23:32:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/?p=29793"},"modified":"2025-01-10T09:49:19","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T22:49:19","slug":"the-ultimate-washington-dc-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/the-ultimate-washington-dc-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Four-Day Itinerary for Washington, DC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the city that truly has it all, there\u2019s #Only1DC \u2013 from historical icons to unsung attractions, dive into Washington, DC with the ultimate four-day guide.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t find anywhere else \u2013 a destination so dynamic you\u2019ll need more than one day to see it all. This four-day itinerary is your gateway to experiencing DC like a local.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Discover more about Washington, DC on the new season of \u202f<\/a>Luxury Escapes: The World\u2019s Best Holidays<\/a>, airing Thursdays 8:30pm AEDT* on Foxtel Lifestyle.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Morning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to Washington, DC! Start your time here by checking into your new home and settling in at The <\/a>Royal Sonesta Washington, DC<\/a>, 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 \u2013 the beaver. Another option for your stay is The Dupont Circle Hotel<\/a>, which offers proximity to DC\u2019s iconic landmarks and a taste of the local neighbourhood’s culture. The FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Farmers Market<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Afternoon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keep any impending jet lag at bay by continuing your exploration \u2013 there’s so much to see and do in DC that there’s little time to waste. Take in DC\u2019s sights with a little fresh air and hop onto Unlimited Biking\u2019s Monuments at Night Tour<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prefer pedalling at your own pace? Grab a bike from one of over 700 Capital Bikeshare stations and pedal along the Potomac River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Abraham Lincoln’s Statue in the Lincoln Memorial<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Later<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A visit to Washington, DC isn\u2019t complete without a stop at Ben\u2019s Chili Bowl <\/a>on U Street. Open every day, with late nights from Thursday to Sunday, Ben\u2019s is the place to try DC\u2019s famous Half-Smoke Hot Dog \u2013 smoky, spicy, and served with their secret chilli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ben’s Chili Bowl <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 2<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Morning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Start your day with a Parisian touch at Bistro Du Jour<\/a> at the Royal Sonesta, where warm croissants bring a taste of France to the heart of DC. Then it\u2019s off to The People\u2019s House: A White House Experience<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afternoon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Continue on to the National Gallery of Art<\/a>. 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<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden courtesy of washington.org, and National Gallery of Art courtesy of washington.org<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For dinner, treat yourself to an unforgettable evening at J\u00f4nt<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rebecca Gibney and Cameron Daddo at Bistro Du Jour, The Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill Washington, DC. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day 3<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Morning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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National Air & Space Museum courtesy of washington.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A big day ahead! Grab breakfast close to your hotel and prepare for a whole day dedicated to exploring the Smithsonian Institution<\/a>, 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\u2019s biodiversity. It would be an impossible task to cram seeing all<\/em> the Smithsonian Institution sites into just one, or even two days \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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National Portrait Gallery courtesy of washington.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Afternoon<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana<\/a>, a vibrant eatery from Spanish culinary star Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dinner time! Old Ebbitt Grill<\/a>, 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<\/a> at The Dupont Circle Hotel<\/a> makes a suave setting for post-dinner cocktails and digestifs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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