Itinerary Washington DC

April is an excellent time to visit Washington DC: cherry blossoms are typically at their peak, the weather is mild, and the city’s monuments and Smithsonian museums can be enjoyed comfortably with fewer crowds than in summer.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	$2,500
🏨 Accommodations	$1,400
🧳 Gear	$100
🗺️ On-site	$400
Total	$4,400

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇺🇸 Washington DC - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏛️ United States Capitol ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • The epicenter of American democracy; guided tour recommended, book ahead.
• [ ] 🗽 National Mall ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)
  • Iconic stretch of monuments; walk or bike between highlights.
• [ ] 🏛️ Smithsonian National Museum of American History ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Fascinating exhibits; entrance is free, allow time for special galleries.
• [ ] 🎨 Smithsonian National Gallery of Art ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • World-class collection; don’t miss the East Building for modern works.
• [ ] 🕊️ Lincoln Memorial ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Striking monument, magical at sunrise or sunset.
• [ ] 🧬 Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Dinosaurs & geological wonders; great for all ages.
• [ ] 🏛️ White House (Exteriors & Lafayette Square) ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Security prevents interior access, but the view and neighborhood are must-sees.
• [ ] 🏙️ Georgetown Historic District ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Cobblestone streets and historic architecture; boutique shopping and cafes.
• [ ] 🌸 Tidal Basin & Jefferson Memorial ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Picturesque, especially during cherry blossom season.
• [ ] 🌳 National Arboretum ⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Tranquil gardens and bonsai collection.
• [ ] 🚴 The Wharf ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Revitalized waterfront for dining and strolls.
• [ ] 🏛️ Library of Congress ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Most beautiful library in America; guided tours available.
• [ ] 🏛️ Supreme Court (Exteriors & Visitor Center) ⭐ (~0.5h)
  • Open on weekdays, check for lectures or arguments.
• [ ] 🏙️ Dupont Circle ⭐ (~1h)
  • Energetic district, home to embassies and bookshops.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Off the Record Bar (Hay-Adams Hotel) ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Elite ambiance with political memorabilia; upscale cocktails.
• [ ] 🎭 Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ⭐⭐⭐ (~2.5h)
  • National stage for music, dance, and theatre; check schedule.
• [ ] 🍽️ The Lafayette (Hay-Adams Hotel) ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Fine dining experience with views of the White House.
• [ ] 🍸 Barmini by José Andrés ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Innovative cocktails in a chic setting.
• [ ] 🎷 Blues Alley ⭐ (~2h)
  • Legendary jazz club in Georgetown.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Eastern Market ⭐⭐⭐
  • Historic public market; diverse local eats, especially excellent for breakfast/brunch. ~$25/person.
• [ ] 🍽️ Old Ebbitt Grill ⭐⭐⭐
  • Iconic DC saloon, beloved for oysters and history. ~$45/person.
• [ ] 🍽️ Ben's Chili Bowl ⭐⭐
  • Home to the famed half-smoke; DC classic. ~$12/person.
• [ ] 🍽️ Little Pearl ⭐⭐
  • Michelin-star tasting menus in a casual setting. ~$100/person.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🖼️ Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden (~1.5h)
  • For lovers of contemporary art; outdoor sculptures.
• [ ] 🏛️ International Spy Museum (~2h)
  • Interactive exhibits; best booked in advance.
• [ ] 🚤 Potomac River Cruise (~1.5h)
  • Unique perspective on the monuments, weather dependent.

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇺🇸 Washington DC

• [ ] 🎬 All the President’s Men (1976) — ⭐ 7.9 — Watergate scandal at The Washington Post. Amazon Prime
• [ ] 🎬 National Treasure (2004) — ⭐ 6.9 — Treasure hunt through DC’s landmarks. Disney+
• [ ] 📺 House of Cards (2013–2018) — ⭐ 8.7 — Political drama set in the halls of power. Netflix
• [ ] 🎬 Lincoln (2012) — ⭐ 7.3 — Biopic of President Lincoln, DC’s sites featured. Apple TV+

🍜 Local specialties

🇺🇸 Washington DC

• [ ] Half-smoke sausage (Ben’s Chili Bowl signature)
• [ ] Chesapeake Bay blue crab cakes
• [ ] Mumbo sauce on fried chicken or wings
• [ ] Maryland cream of crab soup
• [ ] Oysters (Potomac/Chesapeake Bay)

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇺🇸 Washington DC

1. 🌤️ United States Capitol
2. 🌙 Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
3. 🛍️ Georgetown Historic District
4. 🏨 Hay-Adams Hotel
5. 🍽️ Old Ebbitt Grill

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Washington DC
• [ ] ✈️ Washington DC → London

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Washington DC	4	Hay-Adams Hotel (luxury, White House views)	$1,400
Total	4		$1,400