How to Spend 24 Hours in Washington DC

Having visited the United States capital dozens of times over the years, I am excited to share how to spend 24 hours in Washington, DC! Every time I visit DC I find a new restaurant, learn a new and exciting fact about US history, and I absolutely get my steps in.

Join me on this historic tour of DC!

Getting Around

Washington, D.C. is generally a pretty easy city to navigate. Most areas are pretty walkable and are becoming more and more pedestrian and bike friendly. Public transportation is also a great option in DC. While I prefer walking, sometimes you just want to get somewhere quickly, and fear not there are plenty of rideshare options.

On my most recent visit, I was able to get a ride via Uber within five minutes. Rideshare is a great idea if you plan to wear heels to dinner or don’t want to walk alone at night.

If you decide to drive, there are plenty of parking garages but know that they can get quite pricey.

How to Spend 24 Hours in Washington DC - Astonished Abroad — A beautiful farm in the heart of the city

Safety

As always, be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe and within sight. This is no different than the advice I would give in any city. In general, the areas discussed below such as the National Mall and the city’s museums are safe for tourists.

Additionally, while political protests are a constitutional right here in America, people can become very passionate. Be aware of your surroundings and steer clear if this makes you uncomfortable.

I have visited the city solo as well and felt safe but I also avoided walking around alone at night.

History and Sightseeing

If you read my post How to Spend 24 Hours in Boston, you’ll know I was never a real huge history buff in school. However, as the years have gone by, travel has definitely given me a new appreciation for US and world history.

One option to experience this US capital’s history is to join one of the free walking tours offered. There are several options offered at different times of the day to fit your schedule.

While there are so many places to see in DC, you can still pack quite a bit into 24 hours. Even better, most of the tours and entry to museums and monuments, including The White House, are free! Note that you will need to request a White House tour in advance. Click here for more information on requesting a free White House tour.

Museums Galore

One of the best ways to spend a few hours of your day is by visiting the museums in DC. For starters, there are actually 17 Smithsonian Museums within the city. The best part is, admission is free! While some of the Smithsonian Museums do require passes for entry, we were able to obtain these passes on the spot during our weekday visit. If there is something you truly want to see or you have a large group, I would recommend planning ahead.

During my most recent visit, I visited The National Air and Space Museum. Although it was under construction during my visit, most of the museum is open to the public. The highlight for me was seeing Neil Armstrong’s famous spacesuit, a truly incredible piece of history.

This spacesuit was worn when Neil Armstrong became the first human to step on the moon in 1969. You can read more about the spacesuit here!

The United States Botanic Garden

The United States Botanic Garden is another great option if you are looking to be inspired by beauty while learning about farming, agriculture, and plant conservation among other things. Admission is also free and an added bonus, the greenhouses are warm and toasty if you are visiting in the wintertime.

The National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art also has free admission, you also do not need to book passes in advance. From paintings to furniture, the gallery has a ton on display and even offers guided tours. You can find an event schedule on their website.

Monuments

Whether you can’t wait to see the Washington Monument or one of the many war memorials, your own self-guided tour is a fantastic idea. The majority of famous monuments will be along the National Mall making it easy to move from one sight to the next.

You can also tour the U.S. Capital and the Supreme Court when the court is not in session of course. If a walking tour isn’t your style, check out the hop-on-hop-off bus tours which can be a bit more relaxing.

Where to Stay

There are so many great choices when it comes to neighborhoods in DC. From a cozy Airbnb in NOMA, a hotel suite near Capital Hill, or accommodations in Adams Morgan, there are some great areas that all offer a different vibe.

I’ve stayed in all three areas mentioned above and I honestly loved each for a different reason. For starters, NOMA is home to the Amtrak station so if you arrive by train, you’ll be greeted by this eclectic neighborhood. It is located north of Capital Hill and is still within walking distance of many attractions.

If you wanted to stay to the south of Capital Hill, there are several chain hotels available to you. I recently redeemed points at a Marriott Bonvoy property in this area and felt it was a great location for visiting the National Mall.

Finally, if you are interested in hitting the town for dinner or drinks after a day of sightseeing, Adams Morgan is an extremely fun neighborhood. Whether it is nightlife you are looking for, a great cup of coffee, or the vibrant food scene, Adams Morgan makes a great home base while visiting Washington DC.

Food and Restaurant Guide

Fine Dining

Bistro Bis: Located on Capital Hill, this restaurant serves up, you guessed it, French bistro fare. The dining area is warm and inviting and they are open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even Saturday brunch.

Filomena: Filomena is located in the Georgetown neighborhood. It is often referred to as the best Italian in the area. The cuisine features authentic Italian dishes and freshly made pasta. Food critics and celebrities alike consistently praise it. During my recent visit, I tried the calamari fritti and the misto di mare, and neither was a disappointment!

Kinship: This Michelin-starred kitchen is a splurge but totally worth every penny! During my visit to Kinship, I enjoyed Maine Lobster, Pan Seared Venison, and the Chocolate Pot De Creme; my goodness were they incredible.

Casual and Delicious

The Smith: The Smith has a fun assortment of crafty cocktails and a casual yet sophisticated dining area. Whether you dine inside or outside or just have a few drinks at the bar, the interior is as inviting as the staff.

Enjoying the decor and cocktails at The Smith

Shouk: With several locations across the city, Shouk describes itself as plant-based street food and is delicious food you can also feel good about. All the food options on their menu is fresh, fast, and won’t break the bank.

Proper 21: Proper 21 features bar food with a modern twist and a super cozy dining space. The truffle mac and cheese is super yummy!

Coffee

Dua DC: Featuring Indonesian specialty coffee, this small coffee shop serves up not only great coffee but sweets as well. You can either order take away or, head toward the back of the shop for seating. They even have these adorable mugs available for purchase 🙂