A Day in Washington DC

This highly transient city, DC will charm you with its enthralling museums, monuments, strong neighborhoods, the White House and beyond these historic attractions, you will also find exquisite restaurants and nightlife scenes. There are so much to see and explore, but with just a day in hand, you need to really gear up and get going in a seriously swift pace to explore this city. Here is a guide to lead you to the things you can do in your 24 hours stay in DC.

Coffee and Pancakes? Breakfast at 7:00am

A combination of freshly brewed coffee and delish bagel are all you need to kick start your day. At Bagels & Baguettes (9236 Massachusetts Ave NE), you can enjoy yummy bagels with sausage, egg, cheese; fresh fruit smoothies and more. Or if you want really good pancakes, you must visit Jimmy T’s Place (Capitol Hill, 501 E Capitol St SE) - And must try is their pumpkin pancakes.

A stroll amid Cherry Blossoms! The Tidal Basin at 8:00am

The Tidal Basin looks like a picturesque painting from an artist's canvas. Especially during spring time, this 2 mile long pond are adorned with pink cherry blossoms bursting vibrant colors and the place oozes serene beauty and romance. Simply wander along the winding pathways and soak in the freshest beauty of the place or rent a paddle boat and float down the stream. Along the Tidal Basin's shores, there are 3 memorials that you can visit - The Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

Address: West Potomac Park | Washington, DC
Duration from Capital Hill Area: 3.8 miles or 10 minutes drive

U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress at 10:00am

The U.S. Capitol Building is without any doubt, the most magnificent building in Washington DC. The venue where all politics, national law and policy are created. The Capitol has a circular centerpiece, the Rotunda; north wing and south wing to explore. Among other captivating things, you will find frescoes, paintings and sculptures related to American history. Make sure to book well in advance to explore the ins and outs of the Capitol.

Address: 100 Constitution Avenue Northeast, Washington, DC 20002
Website: www.visitthecapitol.gov

After the Capitol exploration, head to East Capitol Street and spend some enlightening moments in the Library of Congress - the world's largest library. Get amused exploring the 3 buildings that house about 21 million books, sound recordings, maps, manuscripts and photographs.

Address: 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540, United States
Website: www.loc.gov

Duration from the Tidal Basin: 2.2 miles or 11 minutes drive.

White House and Washington Monument at 12:00pm

DC tour is incomplete without a visit to White House - Home to every president of the United States since John Adams. The stunning building has the East Room, the Blue Room and the Green Room. There are tours available to let you get more insights of the White House. For tours you need to book at least 21 days ahead via House representative or senator office.

Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500

Just adjacent to the White House is the Washington Monument, standing tall at 555 feet & 5 inches. Take an elevator ride up to the top observatory deck to get a 360 degree views of the city and beyond. Also you can meander around the gift shops and museums in the building. Entry if free.

Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20500
Website: www.nps.gov/wamo

Duration from the Capitol: 2.4 miles or 10 minutes drive

Lunch at 1:30am

Sit down for delicious Mexican, Asian Fusion meal at Far East Taco Grille (Capitol Hill, Kingman Park, 409 15th St NE). You must try its kimchi fries,quesadilla and other taco specialties. Vegetarians can opt to eat at Seventh Hill (Capitol Hill, 327 7th St SE). And burger lovers can stop at Good Stuff Eatery (Capitol Hill, 303 Pennsylvania Ave SE) to enjoy delicious burger, sandwiches and fries at an affordable price.

Explore the shops of DC! Shopping at 2:30pm

After a good lunch, explore the shops in Union station. With more than 100 specialty shops, an outdoor market, restaurants and a 9-screen movie theater - this is a venue where you can shop and get some entertainment.

Address: 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States

Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 3:30pm

As you explore this venue, it will move you and invoke a powerful insights of the war veterans and history. You will find the names of those brave Americans who passed away during the Vietnam War, engraved on the black granite walls. While around, also visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial and pay tribute to the veterans who served in "The Forgotten War."

Address: 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20242
Website: www.nps.gov/vive

Duration from Union Station: 2.3 miles or 11 minutes drive

Lincoln Memorial at 5:00pm

Just opposite to the Vietnam Veteran Memorial, there is the reverent Lincoln Memorial to marvel the stunning architecture and art history. The monument walls are etched with Lincoln's two famous speeches - the Gettysburg Address and the second inaugural address. This is the perfect time to visit this venue, as it looks simply magnificent as the sun sets and darkness prevails. Entry is free and open 24 hours daily.

Address: 23rd Street NW, between Constitution & Independence avenues, Washington, DC 20242
Website: www.nps.gov/linc

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts at 6:00pm

You ought to visit this state of the art center to see one of its popular theatrical shows and musical performance and also to bask on its gorgeous vistas of the Potomac River to the majestic foyer decked up with flags. The Kennedy center houses the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera and the Washington Ballet. If you're lucky, you can see a performance in the Millennium Stage for free. For shows, tickets and other details, visit the website.

Address: 2700 F Street Northwest | Washington, DC 20566

Duration from Lincoln Memorial: 0.9 miles or 4 minutes drive

Dinner at 8:00pm

The Pig (Logan Circle, 1320 14th St NW) will completely satiate your palate and leave you happy and full. Indulge in its fork tender pok BBQ, bacon and many other pork delights. make sure to save some rooms for some seriously good desserts. For a traditional American fare, drop by Founding Farmers (Foggy Bottom, 1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW). You will love the food prepared with the freshest ingredients. Try their chicken pot pie, fried green tomatoes, fresh salmon, red velvet cake and more.

Jazz up at 9:30pm

Jazz up your night at KC Jazz Club (2700 F Street NW) - a thriving performing arts center that play hosts to numerous events. If you're Jazz music lovers, this is the spot to watch the and fresh new talents. Or perhaps, you can catch up a show on its rooftop terrace theater or cabaret, paired with great drinks and yummy snacks.

Night Cap at 11:00pm

Beer lovers cannot afford to miss a visit to ChurchKey. With 555 beers - 500 bottles, 50 draft beers and 5 cask ales and top it up with its delicious food offerings, this place is truly a paradise for beer lovers or perhaps for all.

Address: 1337 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005
Website: www.churchkeydc.com

24 Hours Tour Map Guide of Washington DC