DC Monuments by Night: 10+ Landmarks | Open-Top Upgrade Available
4.77,284 reviews3h
from €53
Check availabilityBudget · 5 Days
€575
Mid-range · 5 Days
€1,215
Best months
Apr, May, Oct
Hotel per night (mid-range)
€160
With 5 days in Washington D.C., you'll have time to experience the city's highlights. Beyond the marble and monuments, D. C.
Perfect for history buffs
Perfect for politics enthusiasts
Perfect for museum lovers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Start your Washington D.C. adventure by getting your bearings and exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and discover why this destination captures the hearts of millions.
1
National Mall
Experience National Mall, one of Washington D.C.'s beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into United States's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Smithsonian Museums
Experience Smithsonian Museums, one of Washington D.C.'s beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into United States's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 2: Local Life & Neighborhoods
Experience Washington D.C. like a local today. Wander through authentic neighborhoods, discover hidden cafes, and get a taste of everyday life in United States.
1
Lincoln Memorial
Experience Lincoln Memorial, one of Washington D.C.'s beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into United States's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Capitol Building
Experience Capitol Building, one of Washington D.C.'s beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into United States's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 3: Art, History & Discovery
Uncover layers of history that shaped Washington D.C.. From ancient remains to modern marvels, today reveals the stories behind the city's evolution.
1
Georgetown
Experience Georgetown, one of Washington D.C.'s beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into United States's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
White House
Experience White House, one of Washington D.C.'s beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into United States's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 4: Day Trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Leave Washington D.C. behind for a day and head to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (1 hour 15 min by car).
1
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
A stunning historic town at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, steeped in Civil War history and offering incredible hiking in the surrounding national park.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters, Jefferson Rock overlook, Lower Town historic shops.
Day 5: U Street Corridor / Shaw & Hidden Gems
Spend your last day away from the main sights: slow down in U Street Corridor / Shaw and seek out a few places most visitors to Washington D.C. never find.
1
U Street Corridor / Shaw
Once known as 'Black Broadway,' this area is the historic heart of D.C.'s African-American culture and jazz scene. Today, it's a dynamic mix of music venues, murals, and some of the city's best restaurants and bars.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: Lincoln Theatre, Ben's Chili Bowl, African American Civil War Memorial.
2
National Building Museum
A museum dedicated to architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning, housed in a magnificent historic building with a colossal interior courtyard.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: The building itself, with its massive Corinthian columns and Great Hall, is an architectural wonder. Its innovative, hands-on exhibits are a hit with both adults and kids, offering a unique perspective on the built environment.
3
Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
The historic gardens and museum of a Georgetown estate, featuring stunning European-style terraces, a pebble garden, and a renowned Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art collection.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: While the nearby National Mall gardens are formal and vast, Dumbarton Oaks offers a more intimate, meticulously designed landscape that feels like a secret garden, especially beautiful in spring and fall.
Top tours and experiences in Washington D.C.
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
DC Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, National Mall, Tickets
4.66,042 reviews3h
from €57
Check availability
Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
4.64,233 reviews2h 30m
from €54
Check availability
Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour + Boat Cruise
4.73,750 reviews6h
from €81
Check availabilityWashington Monument ticketsNational Mall ticketsArlington National Cemetery ticketsLibrary of Congress tickets
All things to do in Washington D.C. →Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Why Visit Washington D.C.
Enjoy Extensive Urban Parks and Waterfronts: Jog or bike along the C&O Canal Towpath, explore the trails and historic sites of Rock Creek Park (larger than Central Park), or relax at The Wharf with its restaurants, live music, and Potomac River views.
Engage with Cutting-Edge Art and Science: Marvel at contemporary works in the Hirshhorn Museum's sculpture garden, explore the wonders of flight at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, or interact with immersive exhibits at the renovated Planetarium in the National Air and Space Museum.
Walk Through Living History for Free: Explore the vast Smithsonian Institution's 19 museums and the National Zoo, all with free admission. Stand in the chamber of the U.S. Supreme Court, take a free tour of the U.S. Capitol, and visit the iconic monuments lining the National Mall 24/7.
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How much do 5 days in Washington D.C. cost?
Plan on roughly €575 on a budget, €1,215 mid-range or €2,100 for a comfortable trip, per person and excluding travel to Washington D.C..
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €75 | €160 | €260 |
| Food and drinks (per day) | €28 | €55 | €100 |
| Sightseeing and activities (per day) | €12 | €28 | €60 |
| Total per day | €115 | €243 | €420 |
| Total for 5 days | €575 | €1,215 | €2,100 |
Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport. Compare daily costs across cities
Where to stay in Washington D.C.
Hotels close to the centre of Washington D.C., from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Budget
Mid-range
Upscale
LuxuryHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Travel Tips
- 1Book accommodation in the city center for easy access to attractions. Washington D.C. is best explored by combining walking with public transport.
- 2The best time to visit Washington D.C. is March to May (cherry blossoms). Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- 3The local currency is US Dollar ($). Carry some cash for small vendors and markets.
- 4A few words in English go a long way with locals. Even "please" and "thank you" will earn smiles.
- 5Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. WiFi can be spotty in historic areas.
- 65 days gives you time to see the highlights and discover some hidden gems.
Must-Try Food in Washington D.C.
Half-Smoke at Ben's Chili Bowl
Ethiopian Kitfo or Tibs
Chesapeake Blue Crabs
Mumbo Sauce
💡 Dine like a local: Skip the expensive restaurants near the Mall and head to neighborhoods like Shaw, H Street NE, or 14th Street NW for better food and atmosphere.
Neighborhoods to Explore in Washington D.C.
Georgetown
The city's oldest neighborhood, known for its Federal-style architecture, cobblestone streets, and upscale vibe.
Capitol Hill
The epicenter of American political power, centered around the iconic U.
Adams Morgan
A wildly eclectic and international neighborhood, famous for its vibrant nightlife, diverse global cuisine, and colorful, mural-covered buildings.
Day Trip Ideas
With 5 days in Washington D.C., you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
20 min by Metro (Yellow/Blue Line) or 15 min by car
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved 18th-century port city.
Annapolis, Maryland
45 min by car or 1 hour by commuter bus
The charming capital of Maryland and home to the U.
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