Washington, DC is the perfect weekend destination, offering a remarkable blend of American history, world-class museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and an exceptional dining scene. With many of the city’s most famous attractions free to visit and an excellent public transportation system, you can pack an incredible amount into just 48 hours. Whether you’re interested in exploring the halls of power, diving deep into world-renowned museums, or discovering the city’s diverse neighborhoods, this guide will help you make the most of your weekend in the nation’s capital.
Day One: DC Icons and Institutions
Morning: The National Mall and Smithsonian Museums
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Duration: 4–5 hours
Begin your DC adventure at the heart of American democracy: the National Mall. This two-mile stretch between the Capitol Building and Lincoln Memorial is home to the world’s largest museum complex and some of America’s most recognizable monuments.
Start at the National Museum of Natural History, which covers the equivalent of 18 football fields and showcases everything from giant dinosaurs to the Hope diamond. The museum opens at 10 AM, so arriving early helps you beat the crowds. Don’t miss the Hall of Fossils with its impressive T-Rex skeleton and the stunning Geology Hall featuring the famous Hope Diamond.
Another option is to head to the National Museum of American History. Here you can see the original Star-Spangled Banner, Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, and exhibits that tell the story of America from colonial times to the present.
Midday: Monuments and Memorials
Start Time: 1:30 PM
Duration: 2–3 hours
After lunch (grab something quick from one of the museum cafeterias or food trucks), walk west along the Mall toward the Washington Monument. This iconic obelisk serves as the centerpiece of the National Mall and offers stunning views of the city (advance tickets required for interior access).
Continue to the Lincoln Memorial, one of the most moving monuments in America. The massive statue of Abraham Lincoln overlooks the Reflecting Pool, and the memorial’s steps offer a perfect view back toward the Capitol. From here, walk to the nearby Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial, both powerful tributes to American servicemen and women.
Afternoon: Georgetown Exploration
Start Time: 4:00 PM
Duration: 3–4 hours
Take the Metro or a taxi to Georgetown, one of DC’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. This affluent area features cobblestone streets, 18th-century architecture, and some of the city’s best shopping and dining.
Stroll along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, the neighborhood’s main arteries, browsing boutiques, antique shops, and bookstores. Don’t miss Georgetown University’s beautiful campus and the historic C&O Canal, which offers peaceful walking paths along the Potomac River.
Evening: Dinner in Georgetown
Time: 7:00 PM
Georgetown offers dining options for every taste and budget. For a special occasion, consider Fiola Mare for Italian seafood with waterfront views, or The Hamilton for a more classic, elevated American experience. If you’re looking for something uniquely DC, try Martin’s Tavern, a historic establishment that has served everyone from John F. Kennedy to Supreme Court justices.
Day Two: Neighborhoods and Culture
Morning: Capitol Hill and Eastern Market
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Duration: 3–4 hours
Start your second day in Capitol Hill, a historic Washington, DC neighborhood with landmarks like the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, as well as 19th-century homes and a vibrant dining scene. If you’re visiting on a weekend, we recommend a DC brunch for breakfast. A popular pick is Ambar on 8th street near Eastern Market, well worth exploring afterward.
Take a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building (advance reservations required) to see where Congress meets and learn about the legislative process. The Capitol Visitor Center offers excellent exhibits about the building’s history and the democratic process.
After your Capitol tour, explore Eastern Market, one of DC’s oldest markets. On weekends, the area comes alive with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The market building itself houses permanent vendors offering prepared foods, making it perfect for a casual lunch.
Midday: Adams Morgan Adventure
Start Time: 1:00 PM
Duration: 3–4 hours
Head north to Adams Morgan, one of DC’s most eclectic and diverse neighborhoods. You’ll find historic row houses around 18th Street, as well as a variety of independently owned stores.
The neighborhood has an independent streak a mile long full of restaurants, bars, shopping and more. Spend time browsing the unique shops along 18th Street, from vintage clothing stores to international markets. The area reflects DC’s diversity, with restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.
Don’t miss Meridian Hill Park (also known as Malcolm X Park), which offers beautiful views of the city and features a stunning cascading fountain. The park is particularly popular on Sunday afternoons when locals gather for drum circles.
Late Afternoon: Museum Round Two or Dupont Circle
Start Time: 4:00 PM
Duration: 2–3 hours
Option 1: Return to the Museums. If you’re a museum lover, head back to the National Mall for another Smithsonian experience. The National Air and Space Museum showcases the history of flight and space exploration, while the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden offers contemporary and modern art in a distinctive circular building.
Option 2: Explore Dupont Circle. This sophisticated neighborhood features beautiful Victorian architecture, excellent restaurants, and some of the city’s best galleries. The circular park at the neighborhood’s heart is perfect for people-watching, and the Sunday farmers market offers local produce and artisanal goods.
Evening: Dinner and Nightlife
Start Time: 7:00 PM
For your final evening, consider staying in whichever neighborhood you explored in the late afternoon. Adams Morgan offers excellent nightlife with rooftop bars and live music venues. Dupont Circle provides more refined dining and cocktail experiences.
If you want to end your weekend with a truly memorable meal, make reservations at one of DC’s acclaimed restaurants. The city has earned recognition as a serious food destination, with options ranging from innovative American cuisine to authentic international flavors.
DC Weekend Logistics
Where to Stay
Wherever you stay, check that your hotel is near a Metro station, for easy access to attractions. Arlo Washington DC couldn’t be better located for exploring the city, with its downtown location just blocks from the city’s top attractions. The National Mall and Union Station are less than a 15-minute walk from the hotel, along with government agencies, shopping and dining. One block away is the Judiciary Square Metro station (on the red line), and three blocks away is the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station (for the red, blue, and green lines).
DC involves a lot of walking, especially around the National Mall, so make sure to wear comfortable shows, and bring layers as temperatures can vary.
In just 48 hours in DC, you can experience world-class museums, historic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and excellent dining. The city’s compact size and excellent public transportation make it possible to see and do far more than you might expect in a weekend.
Whether you’re drawn by American history, international culture, political intrigue, or simply the energy of a dynamic city, DC delivers. The combination of free world-class attractions, walkable neighborhoods, and a thriving food scene creates the perfect ingredients for a memorable weekend getaway.
