Places to See in Washington, D.C.
Hand Crafted Itineraries by Washington, D.C. Residents
We are always getting asked for advice on the best places to visit in Washington, D.C. In response we have created complete end to end day itineraries for all types of travelers.
Our hand crafted itineraries lay out a paced and logical format to sightseeing in Washington, D.C. By utilizing the Metro to get from one place to another we help you take in attractions and restaurants with ease.
Everyone has something unique they want to do on their Washington, D.C. vacation. We organize our itineraries by themes making them easy to search. We also uncover options for lunch, brunch and dinner.
Best Affordable Restaurants Near the Metro Kate and I love D.C. for the diverse restaurant scene. Here is our top 26 places for brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks, or vegan. Each of these restaurants are rated by Yelp for entries under $30, or averaging $10.
COVID Friendly Tours
If you’re traveling to Washington, D.C and are looking for COVID friendly activities one of the best options to avoid the crowds and still see is a D.C. private boat tour. Remaining on the water is possibly one of the best ways to avoid contact with crowds and public transit. You can drive right to the dock and board the boat.
Family Essentials
For families who want to see it all – a guided tour, museum visit, and down-time on The National Mall. – Download the PDF
Active Lifestyle
This itinerary will appeal to anyone who wants to remain active and on their feet all day while exploring Washington, DC. You’ll see the National Mall at night via bike, kayak alongside Georgetown on the Potomac, and ride a bike in Rock Creek Park before checking out the Zoo. Lunch and dinner suggestions built in. – Download the PDF
Art & Booze
This itinerary will appeal to young adults who want to take in several free Smithsonian art museums enjoy a nice dinner and then have fun going out in Dupont Circle. – Download the PDF
Music Enthusiast
This itinerary will appeal to those who like music: listening to it, learning about it, exploring it, and simply enjoying it. – Download the PDF
Budget Friendly
This itinerary will appeal to those who are trying to see DC on a tight budget. In a generally expensive city, there are plenty of free (and almost free) options! – Download the PDF
Theater & Performances
This itinerary will appeal to those who would enjoy seeing a live performance – theater, concerts, ballet, opera, etc. – Download the PDF
History Buffs
This itinerary will appeal to those to enjoy learning about history, and seeing DC’s most significant historical sites. – Download the PDF
Bookworms
This itinerary is for anyone who loves books. Visit libraries and bookstores, authors’ homes, book cafes, and enjoy quiet, cozy places to read.
– Download the PDF
Nature Lovers
For those who love nature, and just being outside. Explore DC’s botanical gardens and manicured parks. – Download the PDF
For Photographers
Inspired By – Washington Photo Safari. If your a photographer who is looking to build on their skills and see Washington, D.C. then Washington Photo Safari is for you. Get the inside track on the best place to take photos in Washington, D.C. and improve your photography by learning directly from the pros while touring D.C.
– Download the PDF
American History Tour
Inspired By – D.C. by Foot. So many people walk the National Mall day dreaming while forgetting the significance of each monument and memorial. This day itinerary builds in a 2 hour tour of the National Mall while stopping back at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Conclude the day reflecting on what you have learned by observing the National Mall at the Skydome Lounge. – Download the PDF
Unique Shopping
This itinerary will appeal to those to love to shop! Check out D.C.’s fantastic shopping along the streets, and within unique markets.
– Download the PDF
Religious Stops
This is for those who are interested in visiting religious sites and learning about different religions. – Download the PDF
Sports Fans
For those who love sports, this itinerary will take you to some of the best venues in town to tour, explore, and experience.
– Download the PDF
Collaborations
How other travel bloggers experience D.C.
Educational With Teens
Inspired By – Dana Freeman Travels. We spent 3 days in Washington, DC with a 12 year old and 15 year old. Out of the three days this was our favorite and during this day we noticed that the kids were the most engaged with the exhibits. Come along during our day of history and learning in the Nation’s Capital.
– Download the PDF
Couples Weekend
Inspired By – Planning Our Escape. We hit the National Mall, paddled around the Tidal Basin, popped into a museum, and finished off our day with great food and theater. Follow along our day in Washington, DC.
– Download the PDF
Cherry Blossoms In Style
Inspired By – Closet Fashionista. Follow along with Closet Fashionista during this premier day built around seeing the Cherry Blossoms while making time for brunch, an art museum and shopping.
– Download the PDF
Taste of D.C.
Inspired By – Suzz Travels. The goal of my time in Washington, D.C. was to see the essentials and dine at several restaurants. I took the morning to see the National Mall and then bar hopped from place to place between lunch and dinner. Follow along in my day in Washington, DC.
– Download the PDF
Best Affordable Restaurants Near the Metro
Metro Station | Name | For | Type |
---|---|---|---|
West Falls Church | Taco Bamba | Dinner | Mexican |
NoMa | Toki Underground | Dinner | Taiwanese, Ramen, Desserts |
Braddock | Cheesetique | Brunch | Cheese Shops, Sandwiches, Wine Bars |
Woodley Park-Zoo | Duke’s Counter | Brunch | Burgers, Pubs, Sandwiches |
Dupont Circle | Duke’s Grocery | Brunch | Bars, Sandwiches, Salad |
Clarendon | Ambar | Brunch | Modern European |
Shaw | ChurchKey | Dinner | American (New), Lounges |
Capitol South | Good Stuff Eatery | Dinner | Burgers |
Crystal City | Kabob Palace | Dinner | Halal, Pakistani |
Ballston | Rustico Restaurant & Bar | Dinner | American (New) |
Clarendon | The Liberty Tavern | Dinner | Bars, American (New), Breakfast & Brunch |
Woodley Park | Amsterdam Falafelshop | Dinner | Vegetarian, Middle Eastern, Falafel |
Woodley Park | Open City | Dinner | American (Traditional), Diners, Pizza |
Tenleytown | Comet Ping Pong | Dinner | Pizza |
Farragut West | Founding Farmers DC | Dinner | American (Traditional), Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch |
U Street | Ben’s Chili Bowl | Lunch, Dinner, Late Night | Hot Dogs, Burgers, American (Traditional) |
Capitol South | We, The Pizza | Lunch | Pizza |
Farragut | Wicked Waffle | Lunch | Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches, Gluten-Free |
Gallery Place | Clyde’s of Gallery Place | Nightlife | American (Traditional), Bars, Seafood |
Ballston | Mussel Bar & Grille | Nightlife | Bars, American (Traditional) |
Woodley Park | The Diner | Nightlife | Diners, Bars |
U Street | El Centro DF - 14th St | Nightlife | Mexican, Bars |
Tenleytown | Beefsteak | Vegan | Vegetarian |
Ballston | Sweetgreen | Vegan | Vegetarian, Salad |
Chinatown (Several Other Locations) | &pizza | Vegan | Pizza, Vegan, Vegetarian |
Foggy Bottom, Location in Georgetown | Chaia | Vegan | Vegetarian, Vegan, American (New) |