Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Washington?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Washington?

Since it's a large city, you'll probably need more than a weekend to take advantage of everything to do in Washington. Two or three days still gives you a good amount of time to explore, though, as you'll have a chance to experience at least some of the major attractions. In addition to the great museums and landmarks and fun food, visitors can enjoy the theater, nightlife, and beautiful scenery by staying for a weekend.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Washington?

Many visitors spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Washington during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The city offers the chance to spend time at the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, discover the big city activities, and take in a show.

Washington DC is a world class destination that attracts international travelers, students, and business workers. At the heart of the tourist scene is the National Mall, which has many of the most well known monuments including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. This is also where you'll find the most notable Smithsonian Museums. While many visitors make a visit to the National Mall a top priority, the more livable neighborhoods are where you'll find the true heart of the city.

Do you have one or two days to visit Washington? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Washington?

Washington, renowned for its numerous sights and attractions, is a major draw for tourists. One day is probably not enough time here. You might feel rushed to see the main attractions of Washington such as the famous sights and museums, the food, the big city activities, and the theatre. To thoroughly enjoy all that the city has to offer, you'll probably want more time. Most travelers schedule at least 3 or as many as 7 days to fully experience the active city. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.

How to spend a day in Washington

When visiting Washington, you absolutely can't miss the Washington Monument and the White House as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.

The culinary scene in Washington is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

A few tour suggestions include:

Little Ethiopia Food Tour ($67)
Georgetown Foodie Culinary Tour & Neighborhood Walk ($79)
Virginia Wineries Guided Tour & Tastings from Washington DC ($230)

Washington is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Washington?

Since it's a large city, you'll probably need more than a weekend to take advantage of everything to do in Washington. Two or three days still gives you a good amount of time to explore, though, as you'll have a chance to experience at least some of the major attractions. In addition to the great museums and landmarks and fun food, visitors can enjoy the theater, nightlife, and beautiful scenery by staying for a weekend.

The Lincoln Memorial during the Cherry Blossom Festival - Washington, D.C.

How to spend 2 days in Washington

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Washington, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

Washington is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

A few tour suggestions include:

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - Exclusive Guided Tour ($101)
Smithsonian Natural History + Air & Space Museum - Guided Tour ($186)
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Guided Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max ($101)

Don't miss an evening at the theater while in town. Whether it's a musical, opera, ballet, or a famous Broadway-style production, Washington is known for its wide range of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

The public transit in Washington is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

More Info

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