Are you up for the challenge of seeing all Washington DC has to offer in 48 hours? It’s not easy, but I know you can do it! Let’s get to planning…
Where to Stay
If you only have 2 days in Washington DC, I highly recommend staying somewhere downtown. This will put you in a good position to see as much as you can in a short amount of time.
If you’re looking for an affordable option, stay at HI Washington DC Hostel. It was insanely affordable and even breakfast was included!
How to Get Around
I 100% recommend using Capital Bikeshare, Bird scooters or Lime scooters to get around the central part of DC. They’re all very easy to use, and you can easily pick them up and drop them off near or at your location. This will be the best way to maximize your time without waiting around for rideshares or parking! (P.S. It saves so much time seeing the National Mall on a bike or scooter compared to walking.)
Sometimes you may want to Uber/Lyft to get to nearby neighborhoods such as Georgtown or Adams Morgan or at night. DC does have a rideshare carpool option, and this turned out to be a great, affordable option for me on my trip.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: National Mall & Adams Morgan
- Breakfast: We ate at the hostel, but I suggest at least a small breakfast to get you energized for the long day ahead.
- Bike/scooter around the National Mall starting at the Capitol and going inward
- Head to your can’t-miss museums in the area
- Pro Tip: Research the ones you want to see in advance and make sure to get there early for ticketed ones like the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum or really popular ones
- Lunch: Bike to Foggy Bottom for lunch, but make sure to stop and see the White House first!
- Ride around the National Mall PART II and see all of the remaining memorials, especially Lincoln Memorial.
- BREAK: You’re going to need it! Head back to your room and take a small break before a night on the town.
- Dinner: Head to Adams Morgan for happy hour at Perry’s
- Hit up nearby bars when night falls! Try Roofers Union and Madam’s Organ.
- Drunk or not–end the night with a jumbo slice from Duccini’s.
Day 2: Georgetown, Downtown, Chinatown
- Breakfast: Today we can take it a little slower. Start your day with brunch! DC has tons of amazing options.
- Head to Georgetown: Great for shopping, wandering through picturesque neighborhoods, and grabbing Georgetown cupcakes.
- Lunch: You have to eat at Chaia! Best plant-based tacos ever…
- Walk off lunch along Georgetown’s beautiful waterfront
- Dinner: Head Downtown for dinner and dessert at Momofuku/Milk Bar (BTW, they’re the same place.)
- After dinner, check out DC’s Chinatown.
- LAST BUT NOT LEAST: I will not tell you how to end your last night, but I do have some suggestions:
- Bike around the National Mall at night – *Everyone recommends this.
- Comedy Show
- Bowling at Lucky Strike
- Production at the Ford’s Theatre
Where Are You Going In Washington DC?
This 48 hour itinerary was inspired by what I enjoyed most in Washington DC as well as what I felt I missed out on. I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip and make the most of those 48 hours!
Leave a comment letting me know what you’re most excited about doing on your trip. Feel free to DM me with any questions on Instagram!
Xx,
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