The Perfect 5-Day Washington DC Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip!

Planning a trip to Washington DC? To ensure a memorable and stress-free experience in the nation’s capital, it’s essential to make smart choices about where to stay, when to visit, and how to get around.

This 5-day Washington DC itinerary provides you with the top things to do in DC to help you plan your trip seamlessly and to guarantee you hit the best spots!

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Red brick historic homes along the Logan Circle in Washington DC. — **Logan Circle**

Places to Stay in Washington DC

I highly recommend staying in the Arlington, Virginia area -specifically in proximity to the Virginia Square, Ballston, or Clarendon metro stops.

Since these areas are technically outside of the downtown DC area, you are able to find more affordable options but still are close to the metro allowing you to easily get to downtown DC!

Here are hotels in Arlington that I personally recommend:

If you’re wanting to stay more in the DC area, here are a few hotels I recommend:

Hotel Hive – Trendy “micro” rooms and walking distance to the monuments & memorials
Hotel Washington – Historic hotel (Elvis Presley stayed here 😲!) and close to the White House
The River Inn – Boutique hotel in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood
Embassy Suites by Hilton – Located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood (my favorite area in DC 😍)
The Jefferson – If you’re looking for luxury, this is your place!

The Best Time to Visit Washington DC

The best time to visit Washington DC would be during the spring (late March to May) and in the fall (late September to early November).

This ensures you have more comfortable weather for walking around the city, as Washington DC’s summers can be notably muggy and hot, hence why it is commonly referred to as a “swamp” during the summer.

A great time to visit Washington DC is during the cherry blossom season, typically occurring in the last week of March into the first week of April.

This is a popular time to visit Washington DC as you get to experience the city’s cherry blossoms in full bloom!

The pink Cherry blossoms in Washington DC along the river with the Washington Monument in the distance.

Transportation in Washington DC

I recommend flying into Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Dulles International Airport (IAD) as they are both stops on the metro in Washington DC making transportation to your destination a breeze!

The public transportation in Washington DC is some of the best I have encountered in any city!

To get started, simply obtain a SmarTrip card from one of the machines at any metro station, which also allows you to add funds to the card as needed.

Most rides cost between $2 and $4, with fares varying based on your destination and the time of day (peak hours may have slightly higher fares).

This is not only one of the most budget-friendly options but also one of the most straightforward, in my experience.

Check out this article for a quick explanation on how the Washington DC metro works.

Moreover, Washington DC is renowned for being a highly walkable city, making exploration on foot one of the best ways to explore the city..

For those seeking transportation during early mornings or late nights, Uber and Lyft are great options to get around in Washington DC.

If you’re headed to Washington DC via airplane, check out these 40 carry-on packing tips to save space!

The inside of the waiting area for the DC Metro which is the easiest and cheapest way to get around in my Washington DC itinerary.

5-Day Washington DC Itinerary

Day 1 – Georgetown & National Mall/White House

Begin your adventure by hopping on the metro and getting off at the Rosslyn metro stop.

From there, you will walk over the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge into Georgetown which offers some great views.

Breakfast at Call Your Mother Deli

Start your day with a delicious breakfast bagel at Call Your Mother Deli.

This iconic bagel shop offers a tasty selection of bagel sandwiches and other non-bagel options as pictured below.

A lunch sandwich full of turkey, mustard, and spinach served at the Call Your Mother bagel deli in Georgetown, Washington DC.

The bright pink and green exterior of the Call Your Mother Bagel Deli in Georgetown, Washington DC.

Grab a Coffee at Coffee Republic

If you are in the mood for a specialty coffee, Coffee Republic in Georgetown is a must-visit and just across the street from Call Your Mother deli.

I got the Witch’s Brew from their fall seasonal menu!

The witch's cold brew served with purple cold foam and Halloween themed sprinkles from Coffee Republic which is a coffee shop in Georgetown DC.

Walk Around the Georgetown University Campus

Take some time to explore the Georgetown University campus and the cute rows of homes nearby.

The historic exterior of a building on Georgetown University's campus in Washington DC.

The cute and colorful tiny homes along the street near Georgetown University's Campus in Washington DC.

Shopping in Georgetown

There are a variety of stores to choose from when shopping on the main street (M St. NW) in Georgetown – a three-level Aerie, H&M, Aritzia, and more!

Don’t forget to visit Bridge Street Books while you are there to support a local independent bookstore! They have a great variety of books, and it is super cute.

The white brick exterior of Levain Bakery which is a cookie shop in Georgetown, Washington DC.

The red brick and green trim of the outside of Bridge Street Books which is an independent bookstore in Washington DC.

Inside the top second floor of Bridge Street Books in Georgetown, Washington DC with a wide variety of popular books in shelves.

If you’re wanting a more guided experience to explore the historic neighborhood of Georgetown, you might like the Georgetown Foodie Culinary Tour & Neighborhood Walk.

It takes you to various sights along the way that you might have completely missed as a tourist!

Grab a Sweet Treat at Baked & Wired

Baked & Wired is a great spot to grab a dessert in Georgetown.

The carrot cake cupcake is my favorite!

The plethora of cupcakes offered behind a glass display in Baked & Wired in Georgetown, Washington DC.

The carrot cake cupcake and vanilla cupcake at Baked & Wired in Georgetown, Washington DC.

Walk Along the National Mall and See the White House

Afterwards, head to the National Mall, where you can enjoy a scenic walk and take in the iconic landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Memorials, and lastly go see the White House!

If you’re interested in doing a guided tour, I recommend checking out the DC Monuments & Memorials Night Tour.

The view of the Washington Monument in the distance from the World War 2 Memorial.

A popular stop on a Washington DC itinerary which is the White House surrounded by green landscape in perfect condition.

Dinner at Hamilton

Wrap up your day with a great dinner at the Hamilton which is one of the best restaurants in Washington DC in my opinion.

Try out their eggplant pasta – you won’t be disappointed!

The egg plant pasta topped with fresh grated parmesan cheese at the Hamilton Restaurant in Washington DC.

Looking for a Hotel?

Explore Booking.com for your hotel needs – they offer budget-friendly prices and a variety of room types!

Go to Booking.com

Need a Rental Car?

For all your rental car needs, head over to Expedia! It’s user-friendly and offers plenty of affordable options!

Go to Expedia

Guided Tours/Activities

When it comes to booking guided tours and excursions, my top pick is Get Your Guide!

Go to Get Your Guide

Day 2 – Union Market & Capitol Hill

Breakfast at A Baked Joint Restaurant

Start your second day with a great breakfast at A Baked Joint.

Their menu offers a variety of tasty breakfast sandwiches, sweet and savory toasts, and more.

See the Capitol Building & Visit the Library of Congress

Head to the Capitol Visitor Center, where you can join a free tour of the Capitol.

Inside, you’ll find a tunnel that leads to the Library of Congress.

Make sure to reserve your free timed-entry passes on the Library of Congress website which are required to enter the Library of Congress.

If you’re interested in doing a small group guided tour, I recommend checking out this tour where you get to go in the U.S. Capitol & Library of Congress with a knowledgeable guide.

The white exterior of the outside of the large U.S. Capitol building in Washington DC.

Go Inside the Supreme Court

If court is not in session, explore the Supreme Court building, open to the public on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Lunch at the Union Market

Take the Red line train to the Noma Metro Stop and indulge in a variety of yummy foods at Union Market.

We got acai bowls from South Block which were refreshing on a hot day exploring the city!

Make sure to visit Cafe Unido, which is located just outside Union Market, and is a great spot for coffee.

Try out one of their most popular specialty drinks – the orange raspadura latte. It was great!

Don’t forget to grab a pastry at Pluma by Bluebird Bakery down the street as well! They offer great chocolate croissants, banana bread, and more!

An acai bowl topped with fresh bananas, strawberries, and blueberries served at South Block in Washington DC.

The cute small interior of Cafe unido which is a coffee shop in Washington DC.

The inside of Pluma bakery which is a bakery in Washington DC showcasing a display of chocolate croissants, banana bread, muffins, and more.

Head to Dinner at Pupatella Neapolitan Pizzeria

If you are looking for one of the best restaurants in Arlington, Virginia Pupatella Neapolitan Pizzeria is it!

They offer up some of the best authentic Italian pizza I have ever had!

A margherita authentic Italian pizza served at Pupatella Neapolitan Pizzeria in Arlington, Virginia.

If you’re headed to Washington DC on an airplane, check out these 23 things to do on long flights to help pass the time!

Day 3 – Old Town Alexandria & Navy Yard/Wharf

Begin your day by taking the Blue or Yellow Line to the King St. Old Town Metro stop.

Coffee at ESP Coffee & Tea

Fuel up for the day with a coffee from ESP Coffee & Tea.

The sea salt caramel latte is a must try!

See the Spite House at 523 Queen Street

Don’t miss the quirky Spite House at 523 Queen Street, famous for being one of the narrowest homes in the world, measuring only 7 feet wide.

The eye-catching light blue brick exterior of the ESP Tea & Coffee shop in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.

The hipster vibe of the inside of a coffee shop in Old Town Alexandria.

Stroll Down King Street and Browse the Local Stores

Explore King Street and its local stores, including the charming Old Town Books, a great independent bookstore.

The inside of an independent bookstore in Alexandria, Virginia boasting a wide variety of books on wooden bookshelves.

Relax at the Waterfront Park

Once you reach the end of King Street, relax at the scenic Waterfront Park.

Lunch at Sisters Thai

Grab some tasty Thai food for lunch at Sisters Thai!

Wander Around Navy Yard Park

Head to the Navy Yard Ballpark metro stop on the green line and spend some time at Navy Yard Park along the Waterfront.

The wading pool full of people in the Navy Yard Park in Washington DC.

The outdoor swings at the Navy Yard Park in Washington DC overlooking the water.

Dinner at Chloe

Chloe is a great restaurant in Navy Yard and probably one of the best restaurants in Washington DC in my opinion!

Their menu is still reasonably priced with quality food.

You MUST try the crispy fingerling potatoes and the penne pasta! Seriously one of the best meals I have ever had!

In 2018, Chloe was included in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list.

The crispy fingerling potatoes served with a creamy dipping sauce at the Chloe Michel-Star restaurant in Washington DC.

The penne pasta bowl served at the Chloe Restaurant in the Navy Yard area in Washington DC.

Day 4 – Adams Morgan/Zoo/Dupont Circle

Take the Red Metro Line to Woodley Park Zoo/Adams Morgan metro stop.

The colorful historic homes in Adams Morgan neighborhood in Washington DC.

Grab Breakfast & Coffee at Tryst Coffee Shop

Kickstart your day at Tryst Coffee Shop, a cozy coffee shop in Adams Morgan offering a variety of breakfast options.

The spiced brown sugar latte is a must-try.

The outside of the Tryst coffee shop in Adams Morgan Washington DC.

Visit the Washington DC Zoo

It is free to enter and a great family activity in Washington DC!

Lunch at the Federalist Pig

Federalist Pig is a two-time Michelin Bib Gourmand winner – some of the best barbecue in Washington DC!

The pulled pork, toast, and colesaw served at the Federalist Pig which is a Michelin star restaurant in Adams Morgan in DC.

Stroll Columbia Road and Browse the Shops

Lost City Books is my favorite bookstore in DC! It has three levels and has a wide range of books.

Urban Dwell is a boutique gift shop that is great for browsing.

Potter’s House is a cute coffee shop and bookstore located right next to Federalist Pig!

The navy blue exterior of the three-level independent bookstore in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington DC.

Dinner at Le Diplomate

Hop on the Red Metro Line to Dupont Circle and enjoy a meal at Le Diplomate, a popular restaurant known for its great burger.

Be sure to make reservations, especially on weekends.

Get a Sweet Treat at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

Grab some dessert at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream to cap off your night!

Day 5 – Arlington

Explore the Arlington Farmers Market

Start your day at the FRESHFARM Arlington Market,a great place to grab some local produce, sweet treats, and more!

We got donuts from Mac’s Donuts, and they were delicious!

It is open on Saturdays from January through March from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m and March through December from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

It is located in the Courthouse parking lot at 1400 N Courthouse Rd Arlington, VA 22201 which is close to the Courthouse metro stop.

The summer outdoor farmers market in Arlington, Virginia near Washington DC with several tents serving fresh produce, baked goods, and more.

Grab Breakfast Bagels at Brooklyn Bagel

Grab some bagels for breakfast at Brooklyn Bagel. These were such great bagels – chewy and thick!

The Brooklyn Bagel Shop in Arlington Virginia with yellow canopies and a red door.

The asiago bagel with cream cheese served at the Brooklyn Bagel Shop in Arlington, Virginia.

Visit Arlington Cemetery

Take the Blue metro line to the Arlington Cemetery stop.

Arlington Cemetery is free to enter.

You can walk around at your leisure – be sure to not miss the Changing of Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is a very humbling and moving thing to witness & pay your respects.

The Changing of the Guard happens every hour from October through March and every half hour from April through September.

President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite is also located in Arlington Cemetery.

If you’re wanting to have more of a guided experience while you are there, consider booking this Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour which includes the Changing of the Guards.

The thousands of uniformed head stones at Arlington Cemetery in Washington DC.

Dinner at Ballston Local

Ballston Local is one of the best restaurants in Arlington, Virginia to grab a burger (one of my favorite burgers ever!).

The cheeseburger and fries served at Ballston Local which is a great restaurant in Arlington, Virginia.

Grab Drinks at Carpool

Grab some drinks and watch a game at Carpool which is one of the best bars in Arlington, Virginia!

They have the best bartenders and a fun environment with a pool table, a few arcade games, and more!

In conclusion, to ensure smooth planning of your Washington DC itinerary, consider staying in Arlington, Virginia near the metro for affordability and convenience.

Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring the city, with cherry blossoms in late March to early April.

Washington DC’s excellent public transportation, walkability, and ride-sharing options make getting around a breeze to ensure you are able to hit the best things to do in Washington DC!