A WEEKEND TRIP TO D.C.

If you’re planning a quick getaway, Washington, D.C. is one of the best cities for a weekend trip. With world-class (and mostly free) museums, iconic landmarks, and incredible food, you can pack a lot into just a few days—without feeling rushed.

My friend Mui and I wanted to meet up with our college friend, Jean, in DC, who was visiting the US Capitol during a cross-country U.S. road trip with her husband.

Here’s a streamlined, traveler-friendly itinerary with tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Friday: Arrival, Museums & Iconic Sights

If you have an early arrival like we did (we arrived at our hotel at 8 am!), start your day with breakfast at Busboys and Poets—a local favorite known for its relaxed vibe and great food.

From there, ease into sightseeing:

Walk through Chinatown Gate for a quick photo stop.
Head to the US Capitol Building (Book tours in advance through your congressional office to access the interior, including inside the Capitol Building, Library of Congress, and White House)

Spend the afternoon exploring the Smithsonian museums along the National Mall (they’re free!):

National Air and Space Museum – See historic aircraft and space artifacts, including Wright Brothers glider, old US missiles, and retired planes
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden – A must for modern and contemporary art lovers. When we visited, there was an interactive Yoko Ono exhibit called the Wish Tree

Later, stop by the National Museum of American History to see highlights like Julia Child’s kitchen and First Ladies’ gowns.

We had dinner at an Indian restaurant called Rasika that night. I highly recommend the black cod. Afterwards, we got cereal milk shakes at Milk before heading to bed!

Saturday: Georgetown, History & Unique Museums

Start your morning with brunch, then stroll through Georgetown, one of the city’s most charming areas.

Make a few key stops:

Georgetown Cupcake – Famous and fun to try (go early to beat lines).
Old Stone House – The city’s oldest unchanged building (1766).

In the afternoon, visit the interactive International Spy Museum. Be sure to book tickets in advance, especially if you want to do the Spy Game experience (you can buy a combo ticket on their website to guarantee your spot).

Nearby, explore:

National Portrait Gallery
Smithsonian American Art Museum
The National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum share a building, which includes presidential portraits and iconic American works.

Don’t miss the National Archives, home to the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

🌅 End your day at the monuments:

Lincoln Memorial
Tidal Basin

Visit near sunset or later in the evening for fewer crowds and better photos.

We had dinner at Zaytinya, one of Jose Andres restaurants, which served Mediterranean small plates (their pita bread was delicious and unique!).

Sunday: Brunch, Landmarks & Arlington

Start your day at Union Station for coffee and pastries in a historic setting known for its Beaux-Arts architecture near the U.S. Capitol. Check out the massive arches, high ceilings, and gold-leaf detailing. From there, take the train to Old Ebbitt Grill for brunch — a classic D.C. institution with a historic, upscale feel – and try the chicken and waffles!

After brunch, head to:

White House (Tip: early morning is best for photos)

Next, cross into Virginia to visit Arlington National Cemetery. The tram tour is a great way to efficiently see highlights like:

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
JFK Memorial
Arlington House – the former residence of Robert E. Lee

For your final stop, head to Old Town Alexandria:

Visit Gadsby's Tavern Museum for a unique historical experience (The servers dressed in colonial attire and George Washington even dined here! I recommend the Gentleman’s Pye, an American take on Shepherd’s Pie.)
Walk along the waterfront for scenic views, shops, and a relaxing end to your trip.

Side note: The restaurant inside the Mandarin Oriental that Patricia recommends in her book, City Zen, is no longer operating.

Helpful Travel Tips for D.C.

Book ahead: Capitol, White House, and Spy Museum tickets can sell out.
Stay hydrated: Summers are hot and humid—bring water and a small umbrella.
Use public transit or rideshare: Parking can be tricky near major attractions.
Plan by location: Group sights around the National Mall to save time.
Take advantage of free museums: The Smithsonian alone can fill your entire weekend.