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4 days in Washington DC

A realistic day-by-day plan with start times, how long to allow, and travel estimates between stops.

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This 4-day plan covers National Mall, National Air and Space Museum, U.S. Capitol Tour, White House and more. It starts around 9am, keeps two main things per day with a proper lunch, and leaves the evening for food or a show. Travel times are estimates from the distance between stops.

1

Day 1

National Mall & National Air and Space Museum

  1. 09:00

    National Mall & Monuments Tour

    3 h

    A night tour is cooler, quieter and shows the monuments lit.

  2. 12:30

    Lunch

    Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.

  3. 14:00

    ↓ About 5 min on foot

    National Air and Space Museum

    2 h 30 min

    Timed passes may be needed; arrive early.

  4. 19:30

    Dinner

    Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

2

Day 2

U.S. Capitol Tour & White House

  1. 09:00

    U.S. Capitol Tour

    1 h 30 min

    Reserve free tickets well ahead through the Capitol Visitor Center.

  2. 12:30

    Lunch

    Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.

  3. 14:00

    ↓ About 10 min by metro or taxi

    White House & Lafayette Square

    1 h 15 min

    Interior tours must be requested well in advance through your member of Congress.

  4. 19:30

    Dinner

    Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

3

Day 3

Mount Vernon & Arlington National Cemetery

  1. 09:00

    Mount Vernon

    4 h

    It is about 30 minutes from the city; allow half a day.

  2. 12:30

    Lunch

    Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.

  3. 14:00

    ↓ About 55 min by metro or taxi

    Arlington National Cemetery

    2 h

    Be respectful and dress modestly. Check ceremony times.

  4. 19:30

    Dinner

    Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

4

Day 4

Explore Washington DC

  1. 09:00

    Morning in National Mall

    Monuments and Smithsonian museums.

  2. 12:30

    Lunch

    Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.

  3. 14:00

    Afternoon in Georgetown

    Cobbled streets, shops and waterfront.

  4. 19:30

    Dinner

    Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The route on a map

Pins follow the order of the plan. Click a pin for details.

Best time to visit Washington DC

Pick the month that suits your weather and crowd tolerance. These are broad seasonal patterns, not forecasts.

  1. Jan
    Cold
    Crowds: quiet
  2. Feb
    Cold
    Crowds: quiet
  3. Mar
    Cool
    Crowds: busy
  4. Apr
    Mild
    Crowds: peak
  5. May
    Warm
    Crowds: peak
  6. Jun
    Hot
    Crowds: busy
  7. Jul
    Hot
    Crowds: busy
  8. Aug
    Hot
    Crowds: busy
  9. Sep
    Warm
    Crowds: peak
  10. Oct
    Mild
    Crowds: peak
  11. Nov
    Cool
    Crowds: busy
  12. Dec
    Cold
    Crowds: quiet

Best months Peak crowds and harsh weatherBars show how busy it is: taller means more visitors.

4-day Washington DC questions

Is 4 days enough for Washington DC?

Three days. This plan fits the main sights into 4 days at a comfortable pace, with a lunch break each day.

Can I change the order of the days?

Yes. Group days by neighbourhood if your hotel is far from a sight, and swap any day if opening hours (many museums close one day a week) or the weather requires it.

What should I book before I go?

Book National Air and Space Museum, U.S. Capitol Tour, White House first – they use timed entry or sell out.