48 Hours in Washington DC- The Adventuring Millennial

Ok weekend warriors, I see you!

Last week I shared my 48 Hours in Boston guide. I had so much fun creating that itinerary. Do we count itinerary-making as a hobby? (I think so!) Well, it’s definitely one of my favorite activities. So today I’m sharing another itinerary with you guys!

There’s just something special about weekend itineraries. You have such a short amount of time to hit the highlights and get a feel for the city. But it’s your weekend. Not a full vacay. So you don’t want to be completely exhausted either. A 48-hour itinerary needs to balance all of this.

Well, if you are heading to DC and want an itinerary that covers the highlights without leaving you dead-on-your-feet, check my 48 Hours in Washington DC guide below!

48 Hours in Washington DC

Where to Stay

If you are a regular reader, you will know I am a budget traveler. So when I starting planning my DC weekend, I scoured the internet for deals. My go-to’s are Airbnb, Hotels.com, and Priceline Express.

And in the process, I learned something. DC accommodation gets expensive. Airbnb might be a good option for a group, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything in my price range.

But I DID manage to score a perfectly located, adorable hotel for less than $100 a night. And no, this isn’t a sponsored post or anything like that. This is just a hotel I loved and I want you to know about it!

So I stayed in POD DC. This hotel is perfect for millennials. The rooms are basic but clean and comfortable. Instead of offering a luxury resort with unnecessary amenities, POD understands that some travelers only need a place to sleep and shower. And that is exactly what they provide.

But don’t let this turn you off. You really won’t be spending much time in your rooms. The hotel includes a boutique coffee shop, a Southern-style restaurant, a whiskey bar, and (best of all) a rooftop bar.

And the hotel is located in Chinatown, which is conveniently located near many tourist activities (just a 15-minute walk to the National Mall). It’s also a 2-minute walk from the Gallery Pl-Chinatown Metro Stations, which offers the Green, Red, and Yellow lines.

POD DC in Chinatown is my pick for a DC budget-hotel. But, if you want to check out another option, consider something in these neighborhoods. For a weekend getaway, you want to make sure you are close enough to the city center so you can maximize your time:

Capitol Hill

Foggy Bottom

Penn Quarter

Midtown

(Psst, read my complete budget travel guide for more tips like this!)

How to Get Here

You have a lot of options. I took a Megabus from NYC to DC’s Union Station. This is a major transportation hub with multiple bus services. Union Station is also home to the AMTRAK, so consider taking a train to DC.

If you drive to DC, just remember to factor in parking expenses. However, with the Metro, you can easily get around the city without a car.

Both Ronald Regan National and Dulles International airports are located in the DC-area.

Transportation in the City

If you have a car in DC, you can easily get around the city. But remember that parking can be expensive and difficult to find.

You can easily walk around the city. Especially among the major tourist attractions. Most of the museums and monuments are located around the National Mall, which makes it convenient to visit these on foot.

Public Transportation is the perfect way to get around DC. The Washington Metrorail and Metrobus service most of the city. You can purchase a reloadable SmarTrip card at any station. The Metrorail fares are calculated based on your route and the time you travel. Peak fares are in effect on weekdays before 9:30 am and from 3-7 pm.

Quick Tip

As I’m sure you know, Washington DC is America’s capital. So, be prepared for increased security everywhere you go. All of the museums include airport-style security checks. And this can really slow down the entries. But the good news is that the Smithsonian museums are completely free! (A huge score for us budget-travelers)

Day 1

Your itinerary is full. So, let’s get an early start. First up…

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken

If you are a regular reader, you know I love doughnuts. So I can’t think of a better way to kick off these 48 hours in DC.

But Astro isn’t your traditional doughnut shop. In addition to mouthwatering doughnuts, this shop also serves incredible fried chicken. So if you don’t have a sweet tooth, you can start your morning with a Fried Chicken Sandwich on a Cheddar Biscuit Bun. But when you remember you are on vacay, swap that biscuit bun for a doughnut (yes that’s an option).

My picks: A Vanilla Glazed Doughnut and a Fried Chicken Honey Sandwich on a Cheddar Biscuit

After breakfast, make your way to the National Archives.

National Archives Museum

In this historic building, you will see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. In my opinion, this is a can’t miss site in DC.

Admission to the National Archives is free. But, the line can get really long. To make the most of your time, reserve your ticket in advance. Online reservations cost $1.50, but it’s worth it to skip the line. Be aware, when you get inside the building, you will have to wait in line to see the documents. But your ticket allows you to skip the outside line (which is completely worth $1.50).

Next up…

The National Mall

This grassy area, which is actually part of the National Parks system, is surrounded by the city’s world-class museums and famous monuments. At this point, I’m giving you three options for your late Saturday morning.

Visit a Museum: You are surrounded by some of the country’s best museums. And you can visit these FOR FREE! The Smithsonian Museums are completely-free and a huge reason why I love this city. Some of my favorites are:
Check out the Capitol: Walk to the East End of the Mall to see some of the country’s major government buildings. Here you will see the Capitol Building, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court Building.
Relax in the Mall: For a slower morning, find a spot in the grass for a break. Read a book, soak up the atmosphere, or just rest before you tackle the rest of our itinerary.

Good Stuff Eatery

You are in America’s capital, so why not enjoy a classic American meal. Good Stuff Eatery serves incredible burgers, fries, and shakes to its loyal Capitol hill patrons. (Even Obama loved this place!)

My picks: A Michelle Melt and a Marshmallow Shake

Enjoy your meal. Then make your way to…

The Washington Monument

Unfortunately, the elevator is under renovation so you can’t go inside until 2019. But you still need to see this monument. From the Capitol South Metro Station (near Good Stuff Eatery), take the blue, orange, or silver line to the Smithsonian Station.

Get your pics of the Washington Monument before walking to the other monuments. After the burger and shake, you might be ready for an afternoon walk. I’ve mapped out a walk that takes you past the major monuments:

Of course, you don’t have to take this entire walk. But this is a great way to see the highlights!

Rooftop Dining

We have already squeezed a lot into this first day. Why not spend your early evening relaxing on one of DC’s rooftop bars?

My two favorites are both located in Chinatown, so make your way there once you finish exploring the monuments. Unfortunately, there isn’t a convenient Metro stop near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. But you can easily take a bus or Uber to Chinatown.

Bar Deco– This modern-industrial bar actually offers 4 levels of eating and drinking. Stay in the dining rooms for a full dinner menu. But if you want drinks and apps, check out the rooftop bar.
My picks: Deco Rosé Spritz and Kung Pow Cauliflower

Crimson View– If you are staying at the POD DC you will recognize this name. This is the POD’s rooftop bar. Here you can enjoy sweeping city views (including the Washington Monument) and a refreshing drink. The rooftop bar mostly serves drinks and snacks (oysters, dips, and cheese) but you can also order a lobster club sandwich. When you are ready for dinner, go to the downstairs Crimson Diner for a full Southern-inspired menu.

If you are not ready to call it a night…

Get Spooked

End your Saturday night with a tour. Free Tours by Foot offer multiple evening tours throughout the city.

And if you haven’t taken a ghost tour before, don’t be nervous. This isn’t a ghost-hunt. It’s really a history tour with interesting and weird stories mixed in.

As the name implies, Free Tours by Foot offer free tours. But you still need to make a reservation. And you need to tip your tour guide. So make sure you bring cash.

My favorite DC evening tours are:

The Ghosts of Georgetown: a family-friendly look at the spooky secrets of this quiet neighborhood

The White House at Night: Secrets & Scandals: an ADULTS only tour that looks at the darker side of Washington

The Lincoln Assassination: a look at the tragic night that completely changed the course of American history

These tours are great because we haven’t been to the White House, Ford’s Theater or Georgetown yet today. And they offer a different look at the city.

If you need a late-night meal after your tour, check out one of the city’s many Matchbox Pizzas. Afterward, get a good nights sleep so you can make the most of Day 2!

Day 2

So my Day 2 itinerary assumes that you are leaving in the late afternoon/evening. You can adjust this schedule around your actual travel plans. But if you have a little more than half a day, this is how I would spend it.

Colada Shop

I had my first taste in Miami and I’ve been on the hunt for great Cuban food ever since. Finally, I found the Colada Shop in DC.

This colorful cafe is the perfect place to start the day. The menu is filled with classic Cuban dishes like pastelitos, empanadas, and croquetas. And make sure you order Havana style coffee.

Enjoy your breakfast on the outdoor patio, in the comfortable back room, or by the large open window. If you happen to have more time, come back to enjoy a cocktail in the rooftop garden.

My pick: Iced Cafe con Leche and a Sweet Cream Cheese Pastelitio

The National Zoo

Ok, so the zoo isn’t that convenient to the other main sites in DC. So if you have a shorter day, you might need to skip this.

But if you have time, take a bus or Uber from the Colada Shop to the zoo. The National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institue, so admission is free.

This zoo almost feels like a large park filled with animal exhibits. Since it’s free, many locals use the wide paths as their jogging route.

Make sure you see the zoo’s famous giant pandas. Bao Bao is one of the most well-known pandas in the world. She was born in 2013 but still draws a large crowd to his exhibit.

Lunch

Did all the walking around the zoo work up your appetite? If so, you are in luck!

(Ok you do have another short walk, but I promise it will be worth it!) Just 0.4 miles from the zoo you will find Nando’s Peri-Peri. I have been WAITING for a chance to work this restaurant into a blog post. You guys, this is one of my absolute favorite restaurants of all time. I could probably write a love letter to Nandos, but this isn’t the time or place.

I first discovered Nandos in London. I’d never tried South African peri-peri chicken before, but I was pretty impressed. This fast-casual restaurant is scattered around Europe and Canada. These lucky people have the chance to enjoy per-peri chicken, fries, and (my favorite) PERinaise whenever they want. I, on the other hand, have to take advantage of any opportunity to enjoy this incredible meal. In the US, the only Nandos locations are in the DC-area and Chicago. Here’s hoping they expand soon.

Anyways, this chain offers spicy chicken, salads, sandwiches, and a variety of sides. You can also enjoy a refreshing glass of Sangria (you are still technically on vacay, right?)

My picks: Lemon-Herb Chicken Breast with a side of fries, plenty of PERinaise dipping sauce, and a glass of red sangria.

Visit the White House

If you haven’t seen the White House yet, now’s your chance. Some of the Free Tours by Foot I recommended for Day 1 started near the White House, so if you’ve already seen it, I’ll have a few different suggestions later.

But if you want to see the White House, take the Red line from Woodly-Park Zoo Metro Station to Farragut North Station. After a short walk, you will see the White House.

If you have extra time or already saw the White House, consider visiting another museum. You should take advantage of these free world-class museums while you are in Washington. Look back at my suggestions from Day 1 or check out: