My 3-Day Washington DC Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Washington DC is one of my favorite cities in the US to visit! It’s full of history, monuments, museums, and great neighborhoods to explore.

I just spent three days in Washington DC this past September and had an amazing time. This post is based on that trip, along with my past experiences (I’ve been to DC close to 10 times now).

Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re returning for another visit, this 3-day Washington DC itinerary covers the highlights, from the National Mall to Georgetown and Arlington. 

It includes the classic must-sees with some of my personal favorite restaurants and neighborhoods!

3-Day Washington DC Itinerary

Below, I have included a Google Map with all the locations pinned from this itinerary.

Day 1: National Mall, White House, & Library of Congress

Breakfast at Brooklyn Bagel Bakery

If you’re staying in Arlington like I did (which I highly recommend for affordability and convenience), Brooklyn Bagel Bakery is a great place to grab breakfast!

It’s a quick and filling stop before starting your early morning walking around the National Mall. 

For coffee, Simona Cafe is a great option nearby.

Walk Around the National Mall

The National Mall is often called America’s Front Yard, and it’s home to many of DC’s most famous landmarks. (As a kid, I actually thought it was a shopping mall 😂)

If you’re taking the metro here, I recommend going to the Smithsonian Metro Station, which puts you right on the National Mall near the Washington Monument.

From here, you can follow a loop to see the main monuments and memorials without much backtracking:

1. Washington Monument – Begin your visit at this iconic landmark! You can take an elevator to the top (no stairs needed), and it’s wheelchair accessible. Tickets are $1 on recreation.gov, but they’re hard to get, so book early. If you can’t get them on there, you can also purchase tickets through Get Your Guide or Viator for a higher price.
2. World War II Memorial – Walk toward the Reflecting Pool to see the stunning fountains and state pillars honoring those who served in World War II.
3. Lincoln Memorial – Continue along the Reflecting Pool for one of the most famous views in DC. Standing on the steps where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech!
4. Vietnam Veterans Memorial – Close to Lincoln Memorial, this long black granite wall lists the names of those who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. Don’t miss the Vietnam Women’s Memorial nearby.
5. Korean War Veterans Memorial – A short walk from the Lincoln Memorial, this memorial features 19 soldier statues.
6. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial – Head toward the Tidal Basin to see the impressive stone statue of MLK, framed by his most powerful quotes.

If you’ve extra time and don’t mind a little more walking, continue around the Tidal Basin to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

It’s about a 20-minute walk from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the views across the water are stunning. If you’re short on time, you can skip this one and still get a great overview of the National Mall.

I recommend starting early (around 9:00 AM) since the area gets crowded with tourists and tour groups later in the day.

I would estimate spending around 3 hours here.

If you would like to join a guided walking tour that includes entrance into the Washington Monument, I recommend this one on Viator! You can book here or below.

➡️If you’re short on time or just want to see the highlights in one day, check out my 1-Day Washington DC Itinerary for a step-by-step guide to the city’s must-see sights.

See the White House

After walking around the National Mall, head over to see the White House.

You can view it from the outside or, if you plan in advance, request tickets through your member of Congress to go inside. Read more about that here.

Lunch at the Hamilton

The Hamilton is a great spot for lunch near the White House. 

I went on a weekend when they were serving their brunch menu, and I had the brioche French toast. It was delicious, and honestly the best French toast I’ve ever had!

Visit the Museums

DC is full of incredible museums, most of which are free.

I will admit that I’m not the biggest museum person, but I’ve grown to appreciate them as I’ve gotten older.

If you love museums, DC is the perfect place for you!

Here are a few of the most popular museums in Washington DC to see:

• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Free, no ticket required) – Famous for the dinosaur fossils, and animal exhibits. Great for all ages.
• National Air and Space Museum (Free, no ticket required) – Aviation and space history, from the Wright Brothers to Apollo 11.
• National Museum of African American History and Culture (Free timed-entry passes required) – Exhibits on African American history and culture.
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (Free timed-entry passes required) – Emotional and moving museum on the Holocaust.

Since you only have three days, I recommend picking one or two that interest you most as you’ll most likely spend a couple hours in each.

If you would like to join a guided tour, this small-group guided tour on Get Your Guide includes 1 hour each at these three museums: Air & Space, Natural History, and American History. You can book here or below!

See the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is one of the most beautiful buildings in DC.

You will need to reserve a free timed-entry ticket in advance to go inside. 

You will enter through the Thomas Jefferson Building, where you will go through security similar to the airport. There are bag size restrictions (see here). You will see a line queued to enter under the grand staircase, but it goes fast.

The highlight for me is the viewing point where you can see the main reading room from above. It is stunning! If you want to actually enter the reading room, you will need a reader’s card.

It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays and Sundays).

Visit Folger Shakespeare Library

Folger Shakespeare Library is right across the street from the Library of Congress and worth a visit.

It is free to enter as well, no reservation needed. You just need to check in at the front desk.

The reading room here is beautiful and free to enter. Unfortunately, when we visited, the reading room was closed for an event or restoration. I still got a look inside through the windows, and it looked stunning!

There is a cafe outside of the reading room called Quill & Crumbs with plenty of seating.

Note: It is closed on Mondays.

Dinner at Ambar

For dinner, I recommend Ambar which is in the area and is a highly-reviewed restaurant in DC with a Balkan-inspired menu.

They offer an unlimited small plates menu for dinner which is around $50/person, which I think is a pretty good deal considering the variety of food you get to try!

Day 2: Georgetown & DuPont Circle

Georgetown doesn’t have a direct metro stop, but you can get there by taking the metro to Rosslyn or Foggy Bottom and walking about a mile.

I prefer going to the Rosslyn metro stop since you can walk across the Key Bridge into Georgetown, which has nice views!

Breakfast at Call Your Mother Bagel Deli

Start the day with a bagel sandwich from Call Your Mother Bagel Deli, one of the most popular bagel spots in DC. I love the Sun City bagel!

For coffee, Yellow Cafe is a good option nearby.

Walk Around Georgetown University’s Campus

The Georgetown University campus is stunning with its beautiful architecture!

Healy Hall is the centerpiece of Georgetown’s campus and hard to miss since it looks like a castle.

I highly recommend spending some time walking around the campus.

Shopping in Georgetown

Georgetown is my favorite area for shopping in DC! The main streets are lined with popular shops, and it is a cute area to walk around.

Most shops in Georgetown open around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM, so keep that in mind if you arrive early.

Here are some of my favorite shops in Georgetown, but there are so many!

• TJ Maxx
• H&M
• Brandy Melville
• Abercrombie & Fitch
• Lululemon

Georgetown is also great for sweets. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Baked & Wired – better than Georgetown Cupcake in my opinion! I love the Carrot Cake cupcake.
• Levain Bakery – giant cookies
• Thomas Sweet – ice cream

Lunch at the Tombs

The Tombs is a great option for lunch in Georgetown.

It is a favorite for locals and students attending Georgetown University.

Georgetown Waterfront Area

After lunch, head to the Georgetown waterfront area to walk along the Potomac River.

It’s a peaceful spot with great views of the river! You can also relax on the benches, watch the boats, or grab a drink or snack at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Explore DuPont Circle

I really love the DuPont Circle area in DC! It’s a walkable neighborhood with historic buildings and lots of cute shops and coffee spots.

It’s the kind of place that’s fun to just wander around, grab a coffee, and do a little people-watching.

Here are some of my favorite stores and things to do in DuPont Circle:

• Jenni Bick Custom Journals – I loved this store! It has cute postcards, stickers, journals, pens, and other stationery. I got two postcards here.
• Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe – A bookstore with a cafe inside, perfect for browsing and grabbing a coffee.
• Dupont Circle Fountain – The iconic fountain is perfect for relaxing and people-watching.
• Shopping along P Street and Connecticut Avenue – Lots of cute shops to browse, from clothing to home goods.

Dinner at Floriana

Floriana is a great spot for dinner if you’re craving handmade pasta (who isn’t!).

Day 3: Arlington Cemetery & Capitol Hill

Breakfast at Bayou Bakery

Start your day at Bayou Bakery in Arlington, right outside the Courthouse metro station. 

I had a breakfast sandwich on a buttermilk biscuit with turkey sausage and pimento cheese, plus their beignets and an iced “Buzzin Beehive” latte (vanilla bean, honey, and orange zest).

Everything was so good here. I loved it all!

Visit Arlington Cemetery

You can take the metro right to Arlington Cemetery, which makes getting there super easy.

Make sure to not miss seeing the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It happens every hour from October through March and every half hour from April through September.

The cemetery is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can walk around on your own or take a tram tour to see the major sites without too much walking.

For more context and history, I recommend this guided walking tour on Get Your Guide which includes the changing of the guards. You can book here or below!

Lunch at Old Ebbit Grill

Old Ebbitt Grill is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Washington DC!

Their Fried Chicken Rice Bowl is my go-to, and it is so delicious.

They have a lot of options on the menu. Some of my other favorites besides the fried chicken rice bowl are:

• Spicy Sausage Garganelli
• Bacon-Horseradish Glazed Meatloaf

Explore the United States Botanical Gardens

The United States Botanical Gardens are free to visit, and it is a beautiful area to walk around. It is open from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

It’s right near the Capitol Building, making it an easy stop while you’re in the area.

Inside, you’ll find a variety of indoor and outdoor gardens, including a tropical rainforest, desert plants, and a beautiful collection of seasonal flowers.

There’s also a garden outside with walking paths, fountains, and plenty of benches to relax.

It’s a nice place to slow down and enjoy some greenery in the middle of the city.

See the Capitol Building

Even if you don’t go inside, the Capitol Building is worth seeing from the outside! It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Washington DC (in my opinion!).

If you want to tour the interior, you can reserve free tickets in advance.

If you’re interested, this guided tour on Get Your Guide includes the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress. You can book here or below!

While you’re in the Capitol Hill area, I recommend exploring:

• Eastern Market – A historic public market with fresh produce and food vendors. We got delicious lemonade here!
• Relume Gift Shop – A cute boutique with home goods, and unique gifts! It was great for browsing.
• Capitol Hill Books – A new and used bookstore with shelves stacked floor-to-ceiling. Fun to wander if you love books!

Dinner at Hawk n Dove

Hawk n Dove has a super cool interior and great American food menu.

Where to Stay in Washington DC

I actually prefer to stay in the Arlington, Virginia area, which is right across the river from DC. It’s usually more affordable, and the metro makes it super easy to get into the city.

On my most recent trip, I stayed at the Hyatt Place Courthouse/Arlington and really liked it. The room was spacious, clean, and the bed was comfortable. For two nights, it cost us $378 in mid-September.

If you’re looking for other options, here are some great areas (and hotels) to consider:

Where to Stay in Arlington, VA (easy metro access and affordable options):

• Courthouse – A convenient area right outside the city with easy metro access.
  • Hyatt Place Courthouse/Arlington (where I stayed, clean, spacious rooms)
  • Residence Inn Arlington Courthouse (good for longer stays with kitchenettes)
• Ballston – A lively neighborhood with restaurants and shopping.
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Arlington Ballston (comfortable rooms, good for families or longer visits)

Where to Stay in Washington DC (closer to attractions, but pricier):

• Downtown DC – Right in the heart of the city, close to museums and attractions.
  • Hotel Washington (classic, central location)
  • The Westin DC Downtown (modern, comfortable, great location).
• Dupont Circle – Trendy, walkable area with lots of shops and restaurants.
  • The Dupont Circle Hotel (classic, central)
  • The Darcy Hotel (modern, stylish)
• Foggy Bottom – Close to the National Mall and Georgetown.
  • Hotel Hive (small, boutique feel)
  • The Watergate Hotel (iconic, luxury)
• Capitol Hill – Historic area near the Capitol and Supreme Court.
  • Capitol Hill Hotel (simple and convenient)
  • Phoenix Park Hotel (charming, Irish-inspired)

Check out this interactive map below for more places to stay in Washington DC and Arlington!

How to Get Around in Washington DC

Getting around Washington DC is really convenient thanks to its well-run public transit system.

The city is also very walkable, especially for short to medium distances, so you won’t always need to rely on public transportation.

I used the metro (underground trains) a lot during my trip, and it was easy to navigate.

Apple Maps and Google Maps both work great for public transit directions. They will tell you which station to use, which line to take (color-coded), when the next train is arriving, and where to get off. I used Apple Maps during my trip.

For payment, I added the metro card to my Apple Wallet, which worked great.

You can load money directly from your credit card and set it to “express transit mode,” so you can just tap your phone to enter and exit. Even if your phone dies, the card will still work.

Steps to add the DC SmarTrip Metro Card to your Apple Wallet:

• Click + Button in Top Right of Apple Wallet
• Click Green “Transit Card” Icon
• Search for SmarTrip Washington DC, National Capitol Region Card

Steps to Set it to Express Transit Mode:

• Once the Transit Card is added to your Apple Wallet, click the (…) in the top right of the card.
• Click “Card Details”
• Click Express Transit Settings under Card Information
• Turn Express Transit Mode on

If you prefer, you can also buy a physical SmarTrip card at any metro station. The machines are easy to use, and you can reload at any time. There are also station agents available if you need help.

The same SmarTrip card can be used for both the metro and buses. While I didn’t personally use the buses, they are another good option for getting around the city.

And of course, Uber and Lyft are available if you need them, though I found the metro covered almost all my needs. We did use Uber when we were out late after dinner, around 9:00 PM.

What Airport to Fly Into for Washington DC

The most convenient airport to fly into for Washington DC is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). It’s the closest to the city, and you can easily get into downtown DC by getting on the metro directly from the airport.

Reagan tends to have more American Airlines flights, so if you fly with them often, it’s a great option.

Another choice is Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia. It’s farther from downtown, but still accessible by metro.

Dulles is a major hub for United Airlines, so it might be the better option if you find a cheaper flight or typically fly with United.

Both airports are good options, but if convenience is your top priority, I recommend flying into Ronald Reagan (DCA).

My Recommendations on the Best Places to Eat in Washington DC

Here are some great restaurants and coffee shops I tried (or had recommended to me) during my trip that were not listed in the itinerary!

Restaurants in DC/Arlington:

• Ballston Local (Arlington) – Casual place with delicious burgers and pizza.
• South Block (Multiple Locations) – Popular for acai bowls, smoothies, and fresh juices.
• Georgetown Seafood (Georgetown) – Fresh seafood.
• Medium Rare (Arlington) – Known for its fixed menu featuring steak, fries, and salad. They give you a second order of steak & fries after you finish your first order, free of charge!
• Jon’s Joint (Arlington) – Laid-back spot serving smashburgers.
• Carbonara (Arlington) – Great spot with nice outdoor seating and delicious pasta.

Coffee Shops in DC/Arlington

• Three Whistles (Arlington) – Cafe with plenty of seating, perfect for working or relaxing. I liked their iced vanilla latte! They also have gelato.
• Peregrine Espresso (Capitol Hill & Other Locations) – Local favorite known for quality espresso drinks. I have heard great things about their vanilla latte.
• Gute Leute (Arlington) – My favorite coffee shop in Arlington/DC! I loved their Pink Salted Caramel Cream Latte. They also do omakase tasting experiences which is very cool!

When is the Best Time to Visit Washington DC

I recommend visiting Washington DC in the spring (March-May) or fall (late September-November). My top choice is the fall!

The weather is much more comfortable, which makes walking around the city enjoyable.

Here is a breakdown on when to visit Washington DC by season:

• Spring (late March-May): This is cherry blossom season, and it’s one of the prettiest times to visit DC! The Tidal Basin is usually very crowded, but the pink blooms are worth seeing at least once.
• Summer (June-mid September): Summers in DC are hot and humid, especially in July and August. I have still gone during this time (even for the 4th of July) and had a great trip, but it’s definitely not my top choice if I could pick any season.
• Fall (late September-November): My favorite time to visit DC! The weather is cooler without being too cold, and the crowds aren’t too bad. The fall colors around the monuments are beautiful.
• Winter (December-February): Quieter and colder, but still a nice time to go if you don’t mind bundling up. It usually doesn’t get too cold or snowy in DC which is nice. The museums are less crowded, and the holiday decorations make the city feel festive.

💡 Quick Overview:

• Best Weather: Spring (late March-May) and Fall (late September-November)
• Least Crowded: Winter (December-March)
• Best for Cherry Blossoms: Late March-Early April (but check bloom forecasts before you go)
• Festive Visit: 4th of July fireworks or December holiday lights

How Many Days Do You Need in Washington DC

I recommend spending at least 3 days in Washington DC. That gives you enough time to see the main highlights, like the monuments, memorials, and a couple of museums, without feeling too rushed.

If it’s your first visit to DC, I think 5 days is ideal. That way, you can explore at a slower pace and add in neighborhoods and extra museums.

On my most recent trip in mid-September, I only had 3 days in Washington DC, and it still felt like a good amount of time to enjoy the city.

👉 If you do have more time, check out my 5-Day Washington DC Itinerary for extra things to do.

Final Thoughts on 3-Day Washington DC Itinerary

Visiting Washington DC for three days is the perfect way to see the city’s most famous monuments, museums, and neighborhoods without feeling overwhelmed.

On my recent trip, I was able to cover so many highlights while still leaving time to enjoy the atmosphere of the city.

Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, DC has something new to offer each trip.

I hope this 3-day Washington DC itinerary helps you plan your own visit and make the most of your time in the nation’s capital!

Be sure to check out my other Washington DC blog posts!

• The Perfect 5-Day Washington DC Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip!
• 1-Day Washington DC Itinerary: How to See the Best of DC in One Day