This plan focuses on Washington, D.C., with each day clustered around one area to keep getting around simple. Expect free museums and monuments balanced with neighbourhood meals, gardens, and a few ticketed highlights.
Budget
About $900–$1,600 per person for 10 days, excluding accommodation and travel to Washington, D.C.; includes meals, local transport, and paid attractions.
Best time to visit
March–May for cherry blossoms and mild weather, or September–October for comfortable walking weather. Cherry blossom timing varies each year, and the peak period is busy.
National Mall: the Capitol end
Start with the Capitol and nearby museums, then take in the Mall’s monumental scale as the light softens.
Morning
Tour the U.S. Capitol
Reserve a free Capitol Visitor Center tour in advance; allow about 2–3 hours. The Library of Congress is roughly a 5-minute walk away.
FreeMorning
Visit the Library of Congress
See the striking Great Hall and exhibitions; timed-entry tickets are generally free. It is about a 10-minute walk to the .
FreeAfternoon
Explore the
Choose a few galleries rather than trying to see everything; admission is free. The museum’s Sculpture Garden is about a 5-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
Stroll the Sculpture Garden
Take a relaxed break among outdoor sculptures and the central fountain. The grounds are about a 12-minute walk away.
FreeEvening
See the at dusk
Enjoy the monument and Mall views from the grounds; the grounds are free, while monument elevator tickets are limited and should be reserved separately. Walk about 15 minutes to dinner near .
FreeEvening
Dinner at
Choose a restaurant around after a full museum day; allow roughly 15 minutes on foot from the monument grounds.
About $25–$50
National Mall: museums and memorials
Keep to the central Mall for a Smithsonian visit, the moving , and a sunset walk toward the .
Morning
Explore the
Pick a few exhibits, such as the First Ladies’ collection or American innovations; admission is free. The is about a 10-minute walk away.
FreeMorning
Walk around the grounds
Enjoy the open views and take photos from the Mall; allow about 30 minutes. The is approximately a 10-minute walk west.
FreeAfternoon
Visit the
Spend time at the fountains and state pillars on the way across the Mall. The is around a 15-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
See the
Take in the chamber and views across the Reflecting Pool. The is about a 5-minute walk away.
FreeEvening
Visit the
The statues are especially atmospheric in the evening; allow about 20 minutes. Walk roughly 10 minutes to the .
FreeEvening
Walk to the
See the memorial beside the , then head back toward for dinner; the walk to the neighbourhood takes about 20 minutes.
FreeEvening
Dinner in
Settle in for dinner near the Metro after the memorial walk; allow about 20 minutes on foot from the MLK Memorial.
About $25–$50
Smithsonian museums and Penn Quarter
Spend the day among the Smithsonian’s most popular collections, with a nearby dinner to avoid a long evening transfer.
Morning
Explore the
Arrive early for popular halls such as the Hope Diamond and dinosaur exhibits; admission is free. The is about a 5-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
Visit the
Allow several hours and reserve timed-entry passes ahead of time when required. Walk about 10 minutes to the .
FreeAfternoon
Choose a final Smithsonian exhibit
Use the remaining time for a focused visit to the American History museum rather than rushing through every floor. is about a 15-minute walk away.
FreeEvening
Dinner in
Enjoy the neighbourhood’s broad choice of restaurants and a relaxed evening close to the Mall; walk about 15 minutes from the museum.
About $25–$60
Tidal Basin and Southwest Waterfront
Pair the ’s memorials with the nearby Wharf, keeping the day scenic and easy to navigate on foot.
Morning
Walk the
Take an easy loop past the water and cherry trees; allow about 30 minutes to reach the from the basin’s north side.
FreeMorning
Visit the
Explore the domed memorial and its views across the water. The is about a 15-minute walk along the basin.
FreeAfternoon
Explore the
Follow the outdoor memorial’s sequence of spaces and quotations; allow around 45 minutes. is approximately a 20-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
Take a waterfront break at
Browse the boardwalk, shops, and river views, with plenty of places to pause for a snack. Walk about 10 minutes to the .
FreeEvening
See the
Stop at this quiet riverside monument, then return to in about 10 minutes for dinner.
FreeEvening
Dinner at
Choose a waterfront restaurant and enjoy the evening atmosphere; allow about 10 minutes on foot from the memorial.
About $30–$70
Georgetown
Spend an unhurried day in Georgetown, combining historic streets, a canal walk, and an evening by the waterfront.
Morning
Explore Georgetown’s historic streets
Wander the side streets and admire the Federal-era architecture; this neighbourhood stroll is flexible and free. is about a 15-minute walk away.
FreeMorning
Walk along the C&O Canal
Follow a peaceful section of towpath through the neighbourhood. The is about a 10-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
Relax at
Pause by the Potomac and watch boats and kayakers; the park is free to enjoy. Walk about 10 minutes to the .
FreeAfternoon
Visit the
See one of the city’s oldest surviving houses and its garden; admission is free. Georgetown’s main shopping streets are about a 5-minute walk away.
FreeEvening
Browse M Street and Wisconsin Avenue
Explore Georgetown’s shops and café-lined streets at an easy pace. The waterfront is about a 10-minute walk away.
FreeEvening
Dinner by the Potomac
Choose a Georgetown restaurant for a relaxed end to the day; walk roughly 10 minutes from M Street to the waterfront area.
About $30–$70
Dupont Circle and Embassy Row
Enjoy a quieter day of art, elegant streets, and small local museums around .
Morning
Stroll
Start with the fountain, nearby bookshops, and café-lined streets. is about a 10-minute walk away.
FreeMorning
Visit
Enjoy a compact, welcoming art museum best known for its modern and Impressionist collection; check current ticket details before visiting. Walk about 15 minutes to the Woodrow Wilson House.
About About $20Afternoon
Tour the Woodrow Wilson House
Explore the former president’s final home; tours and availability can vary, so check ahead. is about a 10-minute walk away.
About About $10Afternoon
Walk along
Admire the grand residences and embassy architecture from the sidewalk; access to embassy grounds is generally restricted. Walk about 15 minutes back to .
FreeEvening
Dinner around
Choose from the neighbourhood’s relaxed restaurants and international menus; allow about 15 minutes on foot from .
About $25–$60
Adams Morgan and Woodley Park
Spend the day among lively neighbourhood streets and the National Zoo, with an easy Metro or short rideshare connection between them.
Morning
Explore
Browse the independent shops and colourful streets before the day gets busy. The National Zoo is about a 25-minute walk uphill or a short rideshare away.
FreeAfternoon
Visit the Smithsonian National Zoo
Reserve a free entry pass and plan for several hours; the zoo is hilly, so comfortable shoes help. The Metro area is about a 10-minute walk from the main entrance.
FreeAfternoon
Take a break in
Rest at a café or browse the nearby shops after the zoo. The return to is about a 20-minute walk or a short rideshare.
About $10–$25Evening
Dinner in
Come back for the neighbourhood’s lively dining scene; allow around 20 minutes on foot from .
About $25–$60
Capitol Hill and Eastern Market
Explore Capitol Hill’s historic streets, a beloved market, and the city’s civic landmarks without straying far from one another.
Morning
Browse
Check the market schedule before you go; weekend days are especially lively, with food and artisan stalls. The U.S. Capitol is about a 20-minute walk away.
FreeMorning
Walk through the U.S. Botanic Garden
Explore the conservatory and outdoor gardens; entry is free. The is about a 5-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
See the Capitol grounds
Enjoy the lawns and exterior views if you have already taken the visitor tour on Day 1. The Supreme Court is about a 10-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
View the Supreme Court
Admire the building from outside and check for public courtroom access or exhibitions on the day. Walk about 10 minutes to the .
FreeEvening
Visit the
Explore its exhibitions and historic setting; check opening hours and any special-event schedule. is about a 15-minute walk away.
FreeEvening
Dinner near
Return to the market area for a neighbourhood meal; allow about 15 minutes on foot from the Folger.
About $20–$50
Penn Quarter and Chinatown
Explore a compact downtown cluster of art, history, and lively city streets, then stay nearby for the evening.
Morning
Visit the
See portraits of notable Americans in a beautiful historic building; admission is free. The shares the building.
FreeMorning
Explore the
Browse American art across several periods without needing to travel between museums. Chinatown’s is about a 5-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
See the
Walk through the Chinatown gateway and explore the surrounding blocks. is about a 10-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
Visit
Learn about the theatre and Abraham Lincoln’s assassination; timed tickets are recommended and may have a fee. The is about a 15-minute walk away.
About About $5–$10Evening
Explore the
Check current opening hours and exhibitions before visiting; the Great Hall alone is worth seeing when accessible. is about a 15-minute walk away.
About Varies by exhibitionEvening
Dinner in
Finish with dinner near the theatre district, where there are options for a casual meal or a special night out. Walk about 15 minutes from the museum.
About $25–$70
Rock Creek Park and U Street
End with a refreshing nature walk in and a relaxed evening in the historically rich area.
Morning
Walk in
Choose a short, clearly marked route and check trail conditions before setting out; the park is broad, so use a taxi or rideshare from central D.C. The Nature Center is nearby within the park.
FreeMorning
Visit the
Check seasonal hours and programs in advance; it offers an easy, informative stop during a park visit. Allow about 25 minutes by car or rideshare to reach .
FreeAfternoon
Explore the
Spend a little time with the memorial and its Wall of Honor in the area. The is about a 5-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
See the
Admire the landmark venue and check for a performance or tour schedule. is about a 5-minute walk away.
FreeEvening
Have dinner at
Try a Washington classic in the heart of ; allow about 5 minutes on foot from the .
About $15–$30Evening
Enjoy live music on
Look for a performance at a nearby venue and check the event calendar for ticket prices; most venues are within a 10-minute walk of .
About $0–$40
Good to know
Reservations
Book timed-entry passes for the , the U.S. Capitol tour, and where required. Check official sites shortly before your visit, as policies and hours can change.
Getting around
The Metro is useful for longer cross-town trips, while the central Mall and many neighbourhood clusters are best explored on foot. Use a reloadable SmarTrip card or contactless payment for transit.
Museum planning
Most Smithsonian museums are free, but they are large; choose a few priority exhibits each time and check opening hours, especially for the evening visits.
Food and costs
Meal estimates are per person before any drinks or gratuity. In the U.S., restaurant bills commonly add tax and a tip, so leave room in your budget.
Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water: the Mall distances add up, and some neighbourhood walks have hills. In summer, plan outdoor stops for cooler parts of the day.