How Many Days To See The Monuments, Museums & More in Washington DC

How Many Days To Visit Washington DC?

Washington DC, the capital of the United States, is a vibrant city with an incredible amount of history, culture, and attractions to offer visitors. From world-famous museums and monuments to great dining and nightlife options, DC has something for everyone. But with so much to see and do, how long should you plan to spend in Washington DC?

Major Attractions And Museums

Most of Washington DC's top attractions and museums are located on or near the National Mall. This includes places like:

• The Lincoln Memorial
• The Washington Monument
• The White House
• The National Air and Space Museum
• The National Museum of American History
• The National Museum of Natural History
• The National Gallery of Art
• The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• The National World War II Memorial

You could easily spend a full day just visiting the monuments and memorials on the National Mall. And if you wanted to thoroughly explore each Smithsonian museum, you could spend a full day in each one!

Beyond The National Mall

In addition to the National Mall, Washington DC has several other great neighborhoods to explore such as:

• Georgetown - historic shops, restaurants, and charm
• Capitol Hill - the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court
• National Harbor - shops, restaurants, ferris wheel overlooking the Potomac River
• Shaw - vibrant murals, hip bars, and trendy dining

You could easily spend a full day exploring the sights, boutique shopping, and dining in lively neighborhoods like Georgetown and Capitol Hill.

Recommended Length Of Time To Visit

Most travel experts recommend spending at least 3 full days to visit Washington DC. This allows enough time to see the major monuments, a few Smithsonian museums, and spend time in some of the top neighborhoods.

Here's an ideal 3 day Washington DC itinerary:

Day 1

Spend your first day on the National Mall seeing top attractions like:

• Lincoln Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• National World War II Memorial
• Washington Monument
• National Air and Space Museum

Day 2

Spend your second day visiting Capitol Hill and exploring museums such as:

• U.S. Capitol Building
• Library of Congress
• Supreme Court
• National Museum of American History
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Day 3

On your third day, wander charming Georgetown and visit:

• Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
• Tudor Place Museum
• Georgetown Waterfront
• Georgetown Cupcake
• Georgetown shopping and dining

Spending 4 or 5 days allows you to see more museums and monuments at a more relaxed pace, check out additional neighborhoods like U Street and Dupont Circle, or take an excursion to places like Mount Vernon or Old Town Alexandria.

Getting Around Washington DC

Washington DC has a very walkable city center around the National Mall. But to travel farther, the metro system is fast and efficient. There's also a reliable bus system, bike sharing, and taxis/rideshares. Guide books recommend getting a SmartTrip card to make paying metro and bus fare easier.

Time Of Year To Visit

Washington DC has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid while winters are generally milder. The most pleasant times to visit are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). The famous cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin bloom in early spring.

Summer also brings plenty of free cultural festivals and events. Hotel rates are often cheaper too. Just be prepared for hotter weather with more crowds.

Where To Stay In Washington DC

The best areas to stay in DC as a tourist are Downtown or Dupont Circle. Downtown hotels put you right near the National Mall and Smithsonian museums. Dupont Circle is an elegant historic neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and nightlife.

Other popular areas include Georgetown which has lots of charm or Capitol Hill for proximity to the Capitol Building and Library of Congress.

Getting To Washington DC

The nearest major international airports are Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). These airports have nonstop flights to destinations across the United States and globe.

Washington DC also has excellent train access. Amtrak and regional rail networks link DC to other East Coast destinations like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Getting around the DC metro area is easy with the Metro subway system, public buses, and other public transportation.

Top Things To Know Before Visiting Washington DC

• Purchase a SmartTrip card to make paying metro and bus fares easier.
• Most Smithsonian museums are free to enter.
• Monuments on the National Mall are open 24 hours a day.
• Try to visit the Capitol Building and Bureau of Engraving on weekdays when lines are shorter.
• The White House no longer offers public tours (except for special constituent tours arranged through your Congressional representative).
• Sign up early for limited museum timed entry passes like the Washington Monument or United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get a tourist pass like The Pass or Go Washington DC Card?

The main benefit of paid tourist passes is skipping long ticket lines. Since most Smithsonian museums and National Mall monuments are free, paid cards are debatable for Washington DC. But they may save time on attractions like the hop on hop off bus or Mt Vernon.

Are Washington DC museums free?

Yes, museums that are part of the Smithsonian network of museums do not charge admission fees and are totally free! This includes the hugely popular Air and Space Museum and Natural History Museum. There are also fantastic monuments, memorials, and federal buildings like the U.S. Capitol that are free to visit.

Is Washington DC safe for tourists?

Yes, Washington DC is very safe especially for tourists who stick to the National Mall / museum / monument areas that have lots of tourist police presence. Practice the usual big city safety precautions (like not walking alone late at night) and you'll be perfectly fine.

FAQs

What is there to do in Washington DC when it rains?

Many of the best museum attractions in DC are indoors, so rain showers shouldn't ruin your plans. Explore museums like the Smithsonian Natural History Museum or National Portrait Gallery. Or take a taxi tour of iconic monuments. Indoor options also include the International Spy Museum, Newseum, or Kennedy Center performances.

What should you not miss in Washington DC?

The top attractions not to miss are: The Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, White House outside, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of African American History and Culture, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, U.S. Capitol tour, National Zoo, and seeing the cherry blossom trees if visiting in spring.

Is Washington DC worth visiting for 4 days?

Yes, 4 days is a great amount of time to see the highlights of DC. It allows you to visit the monuments, tour a few Smithsonian museums, see neighborhoods like Georgetown, and not feel rushed. With 5+ days, you can take day trips to Mount Vernon, Old Town Alexandria, or more.

What is the best month to visit Washington DC?

The best times to visit Washington DC are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). April is gorgeous with the cherry blossom festival. October still has pleasant weather before wintry temps arrive. The summer months tend to be hot, humid, and crowded with tourists.