Washington, D.C., is known as the Capital of the Free World, and tourists come from across the country and around the globe to see the White House, Capitol and other symbols of freedom. But there’s far more to Washington than marble edifices. We have a huge network of free museums, expansive outdoor spaces, some of the best restaurants in America and lively late-night clubs. There’s a lot to see and do in our area -- it could take a lifetime to experience everything there is to offer. But if you give us three days, we can help you make the most of them.
Day 1
No visit to Washington would be complete with a trip to the National Mall, the broad, (somewhat) grassy expanse of lawn that runs from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.
Start at the Capitol, where 45-minute tours are available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The earlier you go, the shorter the wait will be. After your tour, it’s time for the truly difficult decision: Choosing which one of the Smithsonian Institution museums you want to visit. There are 15 altogether, with objects ranging from the Hope Diamond (inside the Natural History Museum) to the Wright Brothers’ Flyer (Air and Space Museum) to paintings by Andy Warhol (Hirshhorn Museum). Trying to take in all the highlights is too much for one vacation, so it’s better to choose one or two areas of interest and focus on those museums. Also near the Mall -- but not part of the Smithsonian -- are the National Gallery of Art, the largest art museum in Washington and home to many major exhibits, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
No matter what you choose to do, we’re going to suggest having lunch at the Mitsitam Cafe inside the National Museum of the American Indian. The selection of Native American foods ranges from buffalo burgers to chicken tamales and is easily the best thing on the Mall.
After lunch, take in fantastic views of the city from the top of the Washington Monument. You don’t actually have to climb the 897 steps -- an elevator gets you there in just over a minute -- but you’ll save plenty of time if you reserve same-day tickets ahead of time through the National Park Service. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Washington, though you’ll have to wait your turn to look out of the tiny windows.
Now that you’ve seen Washington from a bird’s-eye view, it’s time to check out another of the museums, or perhaps wander through one of the two outdoor sculpture gardens at the Hirshhorn or National Gallery. (The latter is a destination for all seasons, with live jazz in warmer months and ice skating in the winter.)
Time for dinner. If you have a favorite cuisine, check out Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema’s annual dining guide and recent reviews. If you find yourself by the Mall or the White House, we recommend the historic Occidental, which had a complete makeover a few years ago. With kids, we like the nearby Chef Geoff’s.
It’s worth noting that Washington is said to have the largest Ethiopian population outside of that country, and we have a plethora of good Ethiopian restaurants that make for an interesting dining experience. Ethiopic, Dukem and Etete are generally considered to be the best.
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