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The only city in the U.S. not part of any state, the nation’s capital is begging to be explored. On the banks of the Potomac River, this purpose built city was designed to be the U.S. powerhouse. A federal district under Congress’ control, it’s creation was set out in the U.S. Constitution. Despite several attempts to make the District of Columbia the 51st state, the Senate have continuously refused to allow it.
Home to some of the county’s, and possibly even the world’s, leading museums, if you want to unravel the history of the United States, there’s no better place to start than D.C. In the process, you’ll see the U.S.’s most iconic landmarks, rub shoulders with political movers and shakers and explore one of the country’s most diverse cultural centers.
A 2 day Washington D.C. trip is the ideal amount of time to do all this and more. Having worked your way through the best museums or landmarks, you’ll have just enough time left over to explore D.C.’s thriving arts scene. Plus, the chance to sample some of the finest food and entertainment the city has to offer.
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Getting to Washington D.C.
By air
As you’d expect from a capital city, Washington is extremely easy to reach no matter where you’re coming from. Three major airports serve the D.C. area. If you’re arriving from overseas, the chances are you’ll arrive at Washington Dulles (IAD). D.C.’s busiest international hub, it sees daily flights from several European cities, Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East. Washington Metro’s Silver Line connects the airport with downtown in around 45 minutes.
Baltimore Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is the D.C. area’s busiest by passenger numbers. Despite being 30 miles north of Washington in Maryland, it’s easy to reach from Downtown D.C. Amtrak and local MARC trains run frequently to Washington Union Station in around 40 minutes.
If you’re arriving from within North America, Washington National Airport (DCA) will likely be the most convenient. The closest airport to Downtown, both the Yellow and Blue Metro lines connect the two. The journey time takes less than 20 minutes. Taxis and rideshares are also readily available from all three Washington D.C. airports.
Overland
Many Downtown hotels offer valet parking, making for a hassle free visit to Washington D.C. if you’re brought or rented a car. That said, traffic in and around the city can be heavy at best. To make the most of your 2 day Washington D.C. visit, aim to use public transport to get between sights, or explore on foot.
The North East of the United States is one of the best regions in the country for intercity transport links, so don’t worry if you’re not planning to drive. Amtrak provide fast and frequent services from Washington to Philadelphia, New York City and Boston in the form of the Acela Express and North East Corridor trains. There are also regular intercity buses between Washington and New York, Atlanta and as far afield as Chicago and Orlando.
Travel tip: Whilst the Acela Express is slightly faster than North East Corridor trains, the price difference often outweighs the time saving. Compare fares before you book.
Best area to stay on a 2 Day Washington D.C. visit
So as not to miss any of the top sights on this 2 day Washington D.C. itinerary, it pays to choose a centrally located hotel. Our favorite areas to stay are Foggy Bottom, Penn Quarter and Capitol Hill.
Foggy Bottom
Hemmed in by the Potomac River to the west and National Mall to the south, Foggy Bottom is top pick for this 2 day Washington D.C. itinerary. Named for the ethereal lingering fog, Foggy Bottom is home to George Washington University. The thousands of students set a hip, refreshing vibe.
Our number one place to stay here is Hotel AKA Washington Circle. An embodiment of Foggy Bottom’s trendy tones, the modern rooms come with light décor and balconies overlooking the Circle. For a boutique hotel with a more conventional feel, The Melrose Georgetown is our recommendation.
Penn Quarter
Running north from National Mall towards Judiciary Square, Penn Quarter is perfect for ticking off monuments and museums during your 2 Day Washington D.C. trip. Hotel prices here do tend to be higher, but the location and quiet, laid back feel makes up for it.
Riggs Washington D.C. is our first choice here. A five star boutique without a five star price tag, the Belle Epoque décor and fine tuned service set it apart. Another excellent option is Hotel Washington. With a full service spa and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Washington Monument, this Beaux Arts-style hotel is perfect for a romantic stay.
Capitol Hill
At the far-eastern end of National Mall, Capitol Hill is the U.S.’s powerhouse. The seat of national government, the U.S. Capitol, Senate, House of Representatives and the Supreme Court are found here. Perfect for sightseeing, if you want Capitol Hill to be your base for this 2 day Washington D.C. trip, book well in advance as hotels here sell out fast.
Our top pick here is Capitol Hill Hotel. Just steps from the U.S. Capitol, this comfortable modern hotel comes with free breakfast and a well-equipped gym. Phoenix Park Hotel is our Capitol Hill go-to for top value. A hotel since 1927, it’s steeped in history with a grand lobby and oak-panelled cocktail bar, whilst the recently renovated rooms have all the mod-cons.
Ultimate 2 Day Washington D.C. itinerary
Day one
Morning – Arrive and find your bearings
The first day of this 2 day Washington D.C. itinerary involves plenty of walking. As soon as you arrive, drop your bags at your hotel so you’re able to explore without them weighing you down. Kick off your day with a sightseeing tour of the Old Town aboard a retro-trolley.
The guided tour will take you past D.C. highlights like the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Grab some photos as you decide which you’d like to revisit more closely.
Afternoon – The National Mall
The undeniable climax of any 2 day Washington D.C. trip, the 2-mile landscaped park running from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol could easily take up the entirety of your visit. If you’re unsure which monuments you really want to see, consider taking a walking tour with a local expert. In just three-hours, you’ll traverse the Mall ticking off nine of D.C.’s most iconic landmarks.
If you prefer to go at your own pace, to best fit our 2 day Washington D.C. itinerary, it helps to start at the U.S. Capitol and work towards the river. It’s well worth getting tickets to explore inside the Capitol complex. This consists of the Supreme Court, Library of Congress and the U.S. Capitol building itself.
As you walk, don’t miss the Albert Einstein Memorial or the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Two of the smaller, least famous Washington monuments, they’re well worth seeking out. Of course, the unmissable highlights of National Mall need no introduction. The Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Roosevelt Memorial and World War Two Memorial have to be on your D.C. hit list.
Evening – D.C. by night
As you’d expect, Washington has more than its fair share of great restaurants. For dinner, we recommend heading to the Penn Quarter. When in the national capital, there’s nothing more appropriate than classic American cuisine. The Smith is an upscale modern American bistro with a focus on seafood; their oyster platters are divine. For something a little more filling, their succulent steaks won’t leave you hungry.
Having seen National Mall’s landmarks and monuments by day, this evening join a Washington D.C. night tour to see them under the cover of darkness. With so much world to see, it’s rare I’d recommend seeing the same thing twice, especially on the same day. But Washington’s monuments are the exception.
Round off the first evening of your 2 day Washington D.C. trip with a nightcap at Smoke & Mirrors. A swanky cocktail bar atop the AC by Marriott Washington Downtown is the perfect spot to soak up the views on a warm evening. The views of the U.S. Capitol are second to none.
Day two
Morning – The best of the Smithsonian
Created by the U.S. government, the Smithsonian Institution includes no less than 21 museums, 19 of which are in Downtown Washington D.C. Even if you devoted your entire 2 day Washington D.C. trip to exploring them, you wouldn’t even scratch the surface. Check out their website before you go to decide which you most want to visit (and no, it won’t be an easy decision).
Our top recommendations are the National Air & Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Portrait Gallery. For something a little more niche, take a look at the National Postal Museum. Other highlights are the National Museum of the American Latino, the American Women’s History Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian.
Travel tip: All Smithsonian museums in Washington are free to enter. The Air & Space Museum, National Zoo and African American History and Culture museum require a free entry pass which can be obtained in advance.
Afternoon – Historic Georgetown
To the north of Downtown, sitting on the banks of the Potomac, Georgetown is D.C.’s most historic neighborhood, dating back to the 17th century. Beginning life as a Native American village, it was during King George II’s reign that Georgetown became a town.
Kick off the second afternoon of this 2 day Washington D.C. itinerary with a late lunch at canal side Filomena. Family owned since 1983, I love this friendly Italian restaurant for its homemade pasta.
Satisfyingly full, join a walking tour of Georgetown. Your local guide will take you on a two hour walk through the cobbled streets as you explore Georgetown’s pre-colonial history, Victorian architecture and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal.
Evening – Blues and Cocktails
Spend the final evening of your 2 day Washington D.C. visit in Blues Alley. The heart of D.C.’s blues and jazz scene, tucked away a couple of streets back from the canal, Blues Alley is the ideal way to round off your time in Washington.
Founded in 1965, over the years Blues Alley has hosted an endless list of big names. Eva Cassidy, Roy Eldridge, Charlie Shavers and Nancy Wilson are amongst the finest. I strongly recommend checking their calendar, and booking tickets as you prepare for an evening like no other, accompanied by delicious New Orleans-inspired Creole cuisine.
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