The Perfect 3 Days in Washington D.C. Weekend Itinerary

Last Updated on 3rd March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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While it’s nearly impossible to see the entirety of Washington D.C in 3 days, 72 hours in the USA capital is a great start. This 3-day sample itinerary is an excellent example of how to spend 3 days in Washington D.C., making sure to get the best of the best of the city. 

There’s a good reason that Washington D.C. is one of the most visited cities in the United States. The city boasts a fabulous foodie scene, beautiful artwork and music. This is not to mention that some of the most well-known and prestigious museums and famous landmarks in the USA are to be found here.

The vibrant city offers a wide variety of experiences, things to see, and a whole lot to learn. Attractions and landmarks are some of the best you can find anywhere, and it’s hard to ever be bored, even when you’re simply strolling around and allowing the city to reveal itself to you.

While there is enough here to see and do to take up a week’s worth of time, 3 days is plenty enough to see some of the best tours and attractions and get a good taste of what Washington D.C has to offer. 

Tips for Visiting Washington D.C

When to visit: The best time to visit Washing D.C is during the spring and autumn months. High temperatures and large tourist crowds are gone, and the landscapes are full of colors of either cherry blossoms in the spring, and changing leaves in the autumn. There is a small caveat to this, and that is that the city is the busiest in late spring around cherry blossom time!

How to get around: Washington D.C. is a very walkable city and can easily be explored on foot so be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes.

Public transportation comes in an array of varieties as well, with the metro being the most popular, followed by the circular bus, Old Town Trolley (check trolley details here), and express bus routes. You can also rent bicycles here.

How to stay safe: Overall, Washington D.C safe city as long as you pay attention uses common sense, and take certain tips and protocols into consideration.

To stay safe in Washington D.C be sure to pay attention to your surroundings, always carry a little bit of cash, avoid walking around side streets and alleys alone or during the nighttime, travel in groups or well-lit areas, and use precautions when drinking alcohol. 

3 days in Washington D.C. Suggested Itinerary

Whether you are looking to experience the exciting nightlife, indulge in delicious cuisine, wander through years of history, shop till you drop, or relax on the banks of the Potomac, here is an excellent 3-day itinerary sample for a fun and memorable visit to Washington D.C. 

Day 1 in Washington D.C.: Main Monuments

Morning: Start your exciting 3-day weekend in Washington D.C by taking a Segway Tour around the city, zooming past all of the most prominent historical monuments. Gander at popular landmarks such as The White House, the Capitol Building, the Jefferson Memorial,  the Washington Monument, and the Library of Congress.

It’s the best way to dive deep into the political and important side of the city and check off prominent bucket list items. Segways are widely popular in the city and a great alternative to the traditional bicycle tour. Check prices and availability here.

Of course, getting around the major monuments on your own two feet is also always an option and walking tours remain one of the most popular ways to see D.C. together with a local guide. Discover more details about walking tours here. E-bikes are another popular option- check prices and availability for E-Bikes here.

Afternoon: Have lunch at the iconic Founding Farmers D.C, a traditional farm-to-table restaurant and one of the best places to eat in the city. After lunch, head up the Washington Monument, where you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views. of the city.

If you’ve taken a tour in the morning, then the afternoon is the time where you can go back and head to the spots you didn’t get to see on the tour. There are several museums close to the National Mall, including the Art Museum of the Americas and The Octagon Museum.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is also set within this area and is a museum showcasing exhibitions about African American history.

Evening: To end your first day in Washington D.C, head over the to Lincoln Memorial to watch the candy colors dance across the sky across the nearby reflective pool. Most tourists have left by this time of day, leaving the area peaceful with gorgeous views of the warm colors setting deep over the pool.

If you haven’t had enough of the big monuments yet, then another option, as opposed to seeing the Lincoln Memorial, is to go on a Big Bus panoramic tour. This will allow you to enjoy the monuments around dusk (depending on the time of the year) and see some of the USA’s most famous monuments illuminated.

Another exciting option is to see the Monuments by Moonlight Electric Vehicle Tour. If you opted for a Segway tour in the morning and would now like to see DC on foot, consider booking this night tour of the National Mall.

Later, go for dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill. Nestled within a historic city building, the restaurant dates all the way back to the 1850s, serving first as a boarding house, saloon, and now as a tavern and restaurant.

The menu is full of contemporary dishes, making this eatery a superb spot to end to a long day of sightseeing. As this DC eatery is pretty popular, you’ll want to reserve a table well in advance of your visit.

Day 2 in Washington D.C.: Capitol & Museums

Morning: On your second morning in Washington D.C. start by visiting the Eastern Market. The Eastern Market is a hybrid indoor/outdoor market that features loads of fresh flowers, delicious fruits, jewelry and woodworking stands, book stalls, and all the snacks and goodies imaginable.

The Eastern Market is the oldest of its kind in Washington D.C, and one of the only local markets in the city. This is a great place to shop for any gifts or souvenirs you want to bring home. The open air flower market is particularly picturesque and overall the market boasts 150 speciality stalls.

Close by to Eastern Market, you can also see Capitol Hill Books, which is easily the most unique bookshop in Washington D.C. The store was first opened by a retired WWII veteran, who is not a fan of millennials (trying to ban banter and slang from the store for years) and sells used and battered books stacked in wobbly piles to the ceiling. 

After experiencing the market and nearby bookshop, it’s a short walk (and an even shorter bus ride if you prefer) to Capitol Hill. You can even take a free tour inside the building, but you’ll have to book in advance (see details here). On the tour, you’ll learn all about the history and architecture of The Capitol by visiting the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall.

Afternoon: After a morning of shopping and sightseeing, stop for lunch at the Mitsitam Native Foods cafe, located within the National Museum of the American Indian (your starting point of afternoon museum hopping), and indulge in authentic traditional Native American dishes.

Afterward, spend the rest of the afternoon hopping around the best museums in the city. Some of the most popular are: the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Museum of African American Heritage, National Museum of the American Indian, National Portrait Gallery, International Spy Museum, Holocaust Memorial Museum, and National Gallery of Art. 

Thanks to the impressive size of the museums in D.C., you’ll only have time to see a couple and so you should pick out a couple that seem the most interesting to you or alternatively book to go on a guided tour of the museums to gain an even greater insight into their exhibitions.

For example, this combo ticket will take you on a National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum Guided Tour or this tour will show you around the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Evening: Spend your second evening in the vibrant Penn Quarter and experience the thrilling Washington D.C. nightlife. The neighborhood that never sleeps is full of bars and restaurants, lounges, clubs, shops, and boutiques.

There is almost always something going on in Penn Station; whether that be a sporting event, live entertainment, or even a show at the iconic Shakespeare Theatre. Another option for your second evening in Washington D.C. is to go on a history tour bar crawl like this one.

Day 3 in Washington D.C.: Neighborhoods of D.C.

Morning: Your final morning in Washington D.C. begins with a relaxing adventure outside the hustle and bustle and venture to Theodore Roosevelt Island. Linked by a pedestrian-only bridge stretching over the Potomac, Theodore Roosevelt Island is one of the more peaceful and natural areas in D.C.

This small and beautiful sanctuary is a great place to relive stretch, take a hike, or go off the grid to escape the excitement of downtown. Highlights of Theodore Roosevelt Island include the chance to get up close with nature and a life-sized statue of Roosevelt himself.

Afternoon: After a serene morning on the island, head back to town for lunch at Le Diplomate. Paying homage to French cuisine, Le Diplomate is a popular stop in the city for food and a beloved favorite of Barack Obama, John Kerry, and Joe Biden.

If you’d prefer to grab lunch closer to the next stop, which will be the neighborhood of Georgetown, then 1310 Kitchen & Bar is a good option too. Once your bellies are full, head over to wander and tour Tudor Palace.

Tudor Palace is one of the only authentic federal-style homes left in the city, and was once home to the granddaughter of George and Martha Washington, with direct links to the country’s first President. Tudor Palace is also free, though donations are appreciated and you should book tickets in advance (check details here).

Next, spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding cobblestoned streets of Georgetown. The neighborhood is full of charm with colorful homes, brownstones, local shops and boutiques, restaurants, and luxurious hotels and architecture. It’s not as touristy as the main street, making it a hidden gem of D.C and perfect for exploring. 

There are several other ways to indulge in a visit to Georgetown, one of them being food. For a greater insight into the best foodie spots in the area, be sure to book a guided tour like this one. For those who prefer to experience a new place through the lens of history, this Georgetown walking tour is for you.

Evening: Finish off your 3-day trip to Washington D.C with an evening of dinner and entertainment on U-Street. U-Street is a huge cultural hub for African Americans within the city.

Eat dinner at ben Chili’s Bowl, and head out to explore the preserved culture, fashion, and artwork in the area. Be sure to stop at the local jazz club, dating back to 1920, and the iconic Lincoln Theatre for a night of live performances. 

Another option for your final night in DC is to indulge in an evening dinner cruise like this one. A 3-course dinner will be served at your private table while you listen to music and cruise along the Potomac River.

Other things to do in Washington D.C if you have 4 days or more

Day Trip to Alexandria

Old Town Alexandria is a fantastic option to spend the day outside of the city. It’s the place to be for boutique shopping, fine dining, and cobbled street meandering. Located on the waterfront, it’s also a fantastic location to relax and take in the views of the Potomac. 

The town itself is probably best known for being home to George Washington’s expansive Mount Vernon Estate. For a greater insight into the town and estate, consider booking a full-day guided tour like this one.

National Cherry Blossom Festival

If you are visiting during the spring during late March or early April, be prepared for a burst of pink as the National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place and the city is in full bloom. You should also note that this is a busy time in the city as D.C. is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in the USA.

Washington Monument Grounds and the banks of the Potomac are lined with more than 3000 flourishing cherry blossoms trees, with the festival tradition dating all the way back to 1912, celebrating the relationship between the United States and Japan. The festival is definitely a good reason to plan your trip specifically for this time of year. 

Day Trip to Arlington National Cemetery

Just across the Potomac River in Virginia lies the Arlington National Cemetery which is one of the most popular day trips from Washington D.C. Originally owned by Confederate General Robert E. Lee, the land is now a peaceful resting place for fallen soldiers.

There are graves of fallen soldiers dating back to the Revolutionary war, in addition to the infamous Tomb of the Unknown Solider. If you get the chance, stay for the changing of the guards who guard and protect the tomb around the clock. For an even greater insight into this historic cemetery, book a guided tour.

National Botanical Gardens

The oldest operating botanical garden lies in the capital city of Washington D.C The gardens are free to enter and wander around the different environments feature exotic plants and flora and fauna. Be sure to check out the Rose garden and First Ladies Water Garden, dedicated to all the first ladies of the country. 

Kayak down the Potomac River

Kayaking along the Potomac is one of the most exciting things to do in the city and a great way to view D.C. from a new perspective. Rock Creek Park has some of the smoothest waters for kayakers and is one of the largest natural reserves near the city. It is recommended for kayakers of all levels. 

Tour the Pentagon

The Pentagon is one of Washington D.Cs’s biggest attractions for those interested in politics. Walk through the Hall of Heroes and learn about all 4 branches of the military with expert guides educating you along the way. Guided tours are available on weekdays (only to US citizens) and must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance. Find details here.

Explore the Mansion on O’Street

Technically not a mansion per se, the Mansion on O’Street is a series of brownstone buildings connected by secret passageways, winding staircases, secret doors, and cluttered mysterious rooms.

There are more than 100 rooms to explore, splitting its purpose as a unique vintage museum and quirky antique shop. It’s one of the more underrated attractions in the city but definitely one of the most memorable. 

Where to stay in Washington D.C.

The best areas to stay in Washington D.C. will vary based on personal preference, but overall, some locations are definitely more advised. Downtown and Capitol Hill are great for history buffs and first-timers, Dupont Circle is best for culture and museums, Chinatown and Logan Circle are best for nightlife and those on a budget, and families and shoppers will enjoy the neighborhood of Georgetown. 

Thanks to its status as one of the most important cities in the USA, there’s no shortage of places to stay to suit every taste and budget.

Just note that since the cherry blossom season is incredibly popular the best places book up fast and so you should be sure to book your accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment. Here are some of the best places to stay in D.C. based on web-reviews and location:

Budget: This low cost accommodation has single-sex and mixed-gender dorms with capsule beds and free Wi-Fi. Private rooms are available for an extra fee. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range: If you’re looking for a no frills accommodation in a good location, then this may be the place for you. Amenities include an indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant on site. Check prices and availability here.

Luxury: Those in search of an extra luxurious accommodation can check out this five star offering. Highlights include marble bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, and an indoor pool. Check prices and availability here.

A final note on spending a long weekend in Washington D.C.

No matter your interests, Washington D.C is a playground for history buffs, politician junkies, adventure seekers, and shopping lovers. While there are entirely too many things to see in just 3 days, this itinerary is a great start.

We hope you have enjoyed this guide on how to spend 3 days in Washington D.C and that it has inspired you to take a trip to the nation’s capital for yourselves! For more inspiration, check out our suggestions for the most romantic getaways in the USA.

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About the author: Ali Sullivan is an experienced world traveler, freelance writer, small business owner, and CEO of Alis Happy Desk. She works online within the travel niche by running her own business, planning travel itineraries, writing blogs and guides, and exploring the world in her off-time.