DC Monuments by Night: 10+ Landmarks | Open-Top Upgrade Available
4.77,286 reviews3h
from €53
Check availabilityBudget · 7 Days
€805
Mid-range · 7 Days
€1,701
Best months
Apr, May, Oct
Hotel per night (mid-range)
€160
With 7 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: Explore Capitol Hill
Trade the big landmarks for a neighborhood day in Capitol Hill, one of the best areas to see everyday life in Washington D.C..
1
Capitol Hill
The epicenter of American political power, centered around the iconic U.S. Capitol building. The residential streets are lined with charming Victorian row houses, and the area boasts a strong community feel with a famous market.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: U.S. Capitol & Library of Congress, Eastern Market, Supreme Court of the United States.
2
Theodore Roosevelt Island
A 91-acre wilderness preserve and memorial to the 26th president, located in the Potomac River.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It's a serene escape from the city with forested trails, marshland, and a dramatic plaza featuring a statue of Roosevelt, yet it feels worlds away from the bustling Mall just across the water.
Day 5: Day Trip to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Leave Washington D.C. behind for a day and head to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia (20 min by Metro (Yellow/Blue Line) or 15 min by car).
1
Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved 18th-century port city. Wander cobblestone streets lined with historic homes, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants along the Potomac River.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: King Street shopping and dining, Torpedo Factory Art Center, George Washington's Mount Vernon (30 min further), Carlyle House Historic Park.
Day 6: Day Trip to Annapolis, Maryland
Leave Washington D.C. behind for a day and head to Annapolis, Maryland (45 min by car or 1 hour by commuter bus).
1
Annapolis, Maryland
The charming capital of Maryland and home to the U.S. Naval Academy. Explore its colonial-era brick streets, maritime history, and enjoy fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: U.S. Naval Academy campus & museum, Maryland State House, Annapolis City Dock, Historic District walking tours.
Day 7: 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
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
The former estate of cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, showcasing her unparalleled collection of Russian imperial art and French decorative arts.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It offers a stunning, intimate look at lavish 20th-century living with breathtaking gardens, a world-class collection, and far fewer visitors than the downtown museums.
3
Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café
A beloved independent bookstore and café in Dupont Circle that stays open 24 hours on weekends.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It's a quintessential D.C. intellectual and social hub where you can browse books late into the night and then enjoy a full meal or drink in the attached café—a true local institution.
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
4.66,052 reviews3h
from €57
Check availability
Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
4.64,236 reviews2h 30m
from €54
Check availability
Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour + Boat Cruise
4.73,753 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.
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.
Witness Democracy in Action: Observe a live session of Congress from the House or Senate galleries, tour the White House (with advance planning), and see the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution in the National Archives' Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.
Experience World-Class Cultural Festivals: Attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in summer, or the bustling Eastern Market on Capitol Hill any weekend for local art, food, and crafts.
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How much do 7 days in Washington D.C. cost?
Plan on roughly €805 on a budget, €1,701 mid-range or €2,940 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 7 days | €805 | €1,701 | €2,940 |
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.
- 6With 7 days, consider a day trip outside Washington D.C. to experience more of United States.
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.
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 7 days in Washington D.C., you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
1 hour 15 min by car
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.
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