Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Arlington?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Arlington?

Many travelers spend two to four days in Arlington during their visit. After all, the international city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife scene.

Arlington is a county in Northern Virginia that is closely connected to Washington D.C. It is a city that is filled with memorials and national landmarks. It also has a thriving young adult population that move to the area for the professional and educational opportunities.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Arlington? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Arlington?

Many visitors choose to spend around three days in Arlington. This would give you the chance to experience this medium-sized city's highlights such as the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife scene. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to four days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the international city.

How to spend 3 days in Arlington

When visiting Arlington, you can't miss Arlington National Cemetery as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.

You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

Arlington is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Arlington a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Public transit in Arlington is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Shopping in Arlington is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Arlington.

Is 4 days enough time in Arlington?

Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Arlington at your own pace to experience the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, the nightlife scene, and the shops and boutiques. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.

Arlington, Virginia

How to spend 4 days in Arlington

With 4 days in Arlington, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Arlington, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.

Is 5 days enough time in Arlington?

With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Arlington has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Arlington as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife scene at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for backpackers and students. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

How to spend 5 days in Arlington

If you have more than 5 days in Arlington, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Arlington. Plenty of amazing options are available.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Arlington, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.