Planning a trip to the U.S. capital and wondering how to make the most of your time? This one week itinerary Washington, D.C will guide you through the city's iconic landmarks, hidden gems, best food spots, and top tours. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, you’ll find this detailed plan both flexible and practical. From the National Mall to Georgetown, from world-class museums to vibrant neighborhoods, here’s how to spend an unforgettable week in Washington, D.C.
If you’re looking for shorter city trips, you may also love my Washington D.C. 5-day itinerary or even explore other cities like the 3-day NYC itinerary and 1-week Chicago itinerary. For different travel vibes, check out this family-friendly 30A Florida guide or trip ideas around Phoenix.
7 Days Itinerary Washington, D.C
Table of contents
- 7 Days Itinerary Washington, D.C
- Where to Stay in Washington, D.C
- Where to Eat in Washington, D.C
- Best Tours and Activities in Washington, D.C
- Washington, D.C. CityPASS
- Day-by-Day One Week Itinerary Washington, D.C
- Washington, D.C. 7-Day Itinerary Quick Reference
- FAQs About One Week Itinerary Washington, D.C
- Wrapping Up: One Week Itinerary Washington, D.C
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Where to Stay in Washington, D.C
Choosing the right accommodation can make your itinerary Washington, D.C much smoother. Here are some great options:
- Hyatt Place Washington D.C. – central location, perfect for families and first-time visitors.
- The Willard InterContinental – historic luxury stay near the White House.
- citizenM Capitol – modern, stylish, and budget-friendly.
Where to Eat in Washington, D.C
A well-planned itinerary Washington, D.C isn’t complete without indulging in the city’s food scene. Here are some must-try spots with reviews:
- Old Ebbitt Grill – classic American dining near the White House.
- Founding Farmers – famous for farm-to-table dishes and hearty brunch.
- Ben’s Chili Bowl – iconic D.C. institution.
Best Tours and Activities in Washington, D.C
Enhance your itinerary Washington, D.C with tours that provide deeper insights:
- Guided Monuments & Memorials Tour – see the highlights with expert commentary.
- Smithsonian Museums Private Tour – avoid the crowds with a curated experience.
- Night Bus Tour – the monuments glow beautifully after dark.
Washington, D.C. CityPASS
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Day-by-Day One Week Itinerary Washington, D.C
Day 1: The National Mall & Iconic Monuments
Morning: Start at the Lincoln Memorial. Nearest Metro: Foggy Bottom–GWU (Blue/Orange/Silver lines), about a 15-minute walk. After exploring the memorial, walk down the Reflecting Pool toward the World War II Memorial (10 mins). Then, head to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (5 mins) and Korean War Memorial (5 mins).
Midday: Walk to the Washington Monument (15–20 mins). Tickets required for the elevator ride up. For lunch, head to Mitsitam Café inside the National Museum of the American Indian (15-min walk east across the Mall).
Afternoon: Stroll around the Tidal Basin (20 mins from the Washington Monument). Visit the Jefferson Memorial (15-min walk), Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (10 mins), and FDR Memorial (5 mins). This is best done on foot — wear comfortable shoes.
Evening: Take a nighttime monuments tour. Pickup spots are typically near the National Mall hotels. For dinner, Metro back to Metro Center and eat at Old Ebbitt Grill (5-min walk from Metro).
Day 2: Smithsonian Museum Marathon
Morning: Begin at the National Museum of American History. Nearest Metro: Smithsonian Station (Blue/Orange/Silver), 5-min walk. Plan 2 hours here. Next, walk 10 minutes to the National Museum of Natural History for exhibits like the Hope Diamond.
Midday: Walk 10 minutes to Elephant & Castle for lunch. If you prefer, food trucks line the Mall around noon — just 5 minutes outside the museums.
Afternoon: Walk 15 minutes to the National Air and Space Museum. Allow 2–3 hours. If time permits, head 10 minutes across the Mall to the Hirshhorn Museum (Metro: L’Enfant Plaza).
Evening: Take the Metro (Smithsonian → Foggy Bottom, 15 mins) to dine at Founding Farmers. After dinner, walk 10 minutes to see the White House illuminated.
Day 3: U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress & Eastern Market
Morning: Metro to Capitol South (Blue/Orange/Silver), 5-min walk to the U.S. Capitol. Tours last ~1 hour. Walk across the street to the Library of Congress (5 mins). Allow 1 hour.
Midday: Walk 10 minutes to the Supreme Court. If hearings are open, allow extra time. For lunch, Ambar is a 7-min walk from the Capitol.
Afternoon: Walk 15 minutes to Eastern Market. Spend 1–2 hours browsing stalls. If you’re tired, hop the Metro back from Eastern Market Station.
Evening: Stay nearby for casual eats at Ted’s Bulletin (10-min walk). To return, Metro back to Metro Center in about 15 minutes.
Day 4: Georgetown Charm & Waterfront Adventures
Morning: Georgetown doesn’t have a Metro station. The easiest route is to take the Metro to Foggy Bottom–GWU and walk 15 minutes into Georgetown. Explore Georgetown University (20-min walk from Foggy Bottom) and M Street shopping.
Midday: Walk 10 minutes to Fiola Mare for lunch. Afterward, walk 5 minutes to Georgetown Cupcake.
Afternoon: Rent a kayak at the Georgetown Waterfront (5 mins from Fiola Mare). If you prefer, take a boat cruise. Walking the C&O Canal (10 mins from M Street) is also lovely.
Evening: Dinner at Clyde’s (10 mins from the waterfront). To return, walk back to Foggy Bottom Metro (15 mins).
Day 5: Arlington, Memorials & Pentagon
Morning: Metro to Arlington Cemetery Station (Blue Line), 5-min walk to Arlington National Cemetery. Allow 2 hours to see the Eternal Flame, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Changing of the Guard.
Midday: Take a 10-min Uber/Lyft to the Marine Corps War Memorial. Then head into Clarendon (10 mins by car) for lunch at The Liberty Tavern.
Afternoon: If you booked a Pentagon tour, Metro to Pentagon Station (10 mins). Otherwise, return to D.C. and spend the afternoon at The Wharf (20 mins by Metro: Pentagon → L’Enfant Plaza → Waterfront).
Evening: Dinner at Hank’s Oyster Bar. Metro back via Waterfront Station (Green Line).
Day 6: Neighborhoods, Culture & Foodie Tour
Morning: Metro to Dupont Circle (Red Line). Visit The Phillips Collection (10-min walk) and grab coffee at Kramerbooks.
Midday: Metro to Columbia Heights (Green Line), then a 15-min walk or quick bus to Adams Morgan. Enjoy Ethiopian lunch at Meskerem.
Afternoon: Metro or walk 15 mins to the U Street Corridor. Join a food and history tour. Allow 3 hours. Don’t miss Ben’s Chili Bowl.
Evening: Metro back to Foggy Bottom or Georgetown for live jazz at Blues Alley (10-min walk from Foggy Bottom Metro).
Day 7: Hidden Gems & Farewell to D.C.
Morning: Metro to Rosslyn (Blue/Orange/Silver) and walk 10 mins across Key Bridge to Theodore Roosevelt Island. Hiking trails are easy and peaceful (1–2 hours).
Midday: Metro to NoMa–Gallaudet U (Red Line), 10-min walk to Union Market for lunch and shopping. Alternatively, Metro to U Street and brunch at Le Diplomate (French bistro, 10-min walk).
Afternoon: Metro to Archives–Navy Memorial (Green/Yellow) to visit the National Gallery of Art (5-min walk). Allow 2 hours for highlights.
Evening: End your one week itinerary Washington, D.C with dinner at Rose’s Luxury (nearest Metro: Eastern Market, 10-min walk). Make reservations well in advance.
Washington, D.C. 7-Day Itinerary Quick Reference
Save or print this table for your trip! It summarizes each day of your one week itinerary Washington, D.C with highlights, nearest Metro stops, and dining suggestions.
| Da y | Highlights | Nearest Metro Stops | Dining Suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, Tidal Basin | Foggy Bottom–GWU (Blue/Orange/Silver) | Mitsitam Café (lunch), Old Ebbitt Grill (dinner) |
| Day 2 | National Museum of American History, Natural History, Air & Space, Hirshhorn | Smithsonian (Blue/Orange/Silver) | Food trucks (lunch), Founding Farmers (dinner) |
| Day 3 | U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Eastern Market | Capitol South (Blue/Orange/Silver) | Ambar (lunch), Ted’s Bulletin (dinner) |
| Day 4 | Georgetown University, M Street, C&O Canal, Waterfront | Foggy Bottom–GWU (Blue/Orange/Silver) + 15-min walk | Fiola Mare (lunch), Clyde’s Georgetown (dinner) |
| Day 5 | Arlington Cemetery, Iwo Jima Memorial, Pentagon (if booked), The Wharf | Arlington Cemetery (Blue), Pentagon (Blue/Yellow), Waterfront (Green) | Liberty Tavern (lunch), Hank’s Oyster Bar (dinner) |
| Day 6 | Dupont Circle, Phillips Collection, Adams Morgan, U Street food tour | Dupont Circle (Red), Columbia Heights (Green), U Street (Green/Yellow) | Meskerem Ethiopian (lunch), Blues Alley drinks + bites (evening) |
| Day 7 | Theodore Roosevelt Island, Union Market, National Gallery of Art, Farewell dinner | Rosslyn (Blue/Orange/Silver), NoMa–Gallaudet U (Red), Archives (Green/Yellow) | Union Market (lunch), Rose’s Luxury (dinner) |
FAQs About One Week Itinerary Washington, D.C
Is 7 days enough for Washington, D.C?
Yes! A one week itinerary Washington, D.C gives you time to see top landmarks and still enjoy relaxed exploring.
Do I need a car in Washington, D.C?
No, most attractions are walkable or accessible via metro. Parking can be difficult.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (cherry blossoms) and fall (mild weather) are ideal for your itinerary Washington, D.C.