7 Days in Washington: A Journey Through History and Culture

Giovanna Chioro

19 Dec 2023

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the vibrant city of Washington, immersing yourself in its rich history and diverse culture. From iconic monuments to world-class museums, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience.

Trip to Washington

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Art, History, and Reflection

$ 11

citizenM Washington DC Capitol hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

9 - 11 min

Directions

Major, free-admission museum with art works portraying influential Americans throughout history.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

From dinosaur exhibits to displays of rare gems, this acclaimed museum celebrates the natural world.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

Landmark obelisk rising from the National Mall that honors America's first president.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

Preserving the memory of the Holocaust with permanent & traveling exhibits & educational programs.

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Icons and Natural Wonders

$ 17

citizenM Washington DC Capitol hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 12 min

Directions

Memorial pays tribute to slain civil rights leader near where he delivered "I Have a Dream" speech.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

Famous zoo housing thousands of animals, including giant pandas, plus free admission.

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Sprawling 50-acre green space with conservatories, water elements, flowers & fruit trees.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

36 - 44 min

Directions

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Landmark Byzantine-Romanesque-style Catholic church featuring mass, tours & a vast art collection.

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Indigenous Heritage and Intrigue

$ 17

citizenM Washington DC Capitol hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

8 - 12 min

Directions

Artifact exhibits & modern interactive displays examine the history & culture of Native Americans.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

20 - 24 min

Directions

Free to visitors, this outdoor space boasts trees, shrubs, & plants, plus a picnic area & museum.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

22 - 27 min

Directions

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Museum branch showcasing handicrafts, textiles & decorative arts by contemporary national artists.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

Directions

Interactive look at the history of espionage features a large collection of spy artifacts & devices.

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Gardens, Art, and Capitol Charm

$ 17

citizenM Washington DC Capitol hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 15 min

Directions

Sprawling grounds featuring exotic flora plus conservatory, rare plants gallery & butterfly garden.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

Iconic, domed classical building housing the U.S. Senate & House of Representatives, open for tours.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

Renowned modern & contemporary art museum with serene sculpture gardens right on the National Mall.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Collection of artists showcasing & selling paintings, photos & other pieces in a former factory.

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5Faith, Food, and Exploration

$ 22

citizenM Washington DC Capitol hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

4 - 5 min

Directions

Immersive exhibits, including a recreation of Jesus's Nazareth, plus ancient scrolls & rare Bibles.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Warehouse-like food market with a host of artisans offering charcuterie, empanadas, gelato & more.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

18 - 22 min

Directions

Tranquil grassy area featuring a promenade for walking & biking, plus scenic views & overlooks.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Prominent marble monument in Arlington National Cemetery marking an unknown WWI solider's grave.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Museum documenting the history of aviation & space exploration, with displays of vehicles & more.

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

•

Free

Day 6Unveiling America's Past

$ 17

citizenM Washington DC Capitol hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

6 - 8 min

Directions

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Vast, venerable museum chronicling American history through displays such as Julia Child's kitchen.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Popular Smithsonian museum with unique exhibits on African American history, culture & community.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

Parthenon-inspired tribute to Abraham Lincoln with a 19-ft. marble statue, murals & reflecting pool.

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

•

Free

Day 7Majestic Cathedrals and Presidential Legacies

$ 17

citizenM Washington DC Capitol hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

19 - 23 min

Directions

Grand, storied cathedral with stained glass, organ recitals & scenic vistas from the top.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

Directions

Washington Monument plus memorials to Lincoln, MLK, FDR, WWII & Vietnam vets along a grassy mall.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

Columned rotunda in the style of Rome's Pantheon on the man-made reservoir known as the Tidal Basin.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $116 In total

Activities & Food:Free

Transport:$116