A First-Timer's Guide to A Perfect Weekend in Washington D.C.
Photography & Words by Alison Engstrom
Each year, millions of visitor’s descend into the nation’s capital to explore a city that feels like a living and breathing museum. At nearly every turn, there’s a memorial, museum, or monument of note that allows you to peer into the history of America and beyond. While two days is not nearly enough to even scratch the surface of the city, it opens your eyes to all of the places you’ll want to see on your next visit. So strap on some comfy shoes, join the masses, and set out to experience iconic Washington D.C.
Looking for a place to stay? Discover the Willard InterContinental Washington D.C.
Above The towering facade of the Lincoln Memorial.
begin the day by taking a Tour of the capital building
Start the day by strolling the eastern side of the mall and heading to the Capital Building for a free guided tour. Gaze up at the spectacular frescoes in the Rotunda painted by Constantino Brumidi in 1865, tour the Old Senate Chamber, one of the oldest parts of the building constructed in 1815, peruse the National Statuary Hall, and the Crypt. Reservations are free and recommended.
Tours operate from the Capital Visitor Center and are given Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tours begin every 10 minutes until 3:20 p.m.
Stroll the Eastern side of the Mall
Situated along the Mall, the promenade connects the Capital to the Lincoln Memorial, and there are more museums and points of interest than you can count. Depending on your timing and curiosity, you could have a field day exploring. After the Capital tour, spend a few hours at the National Gallery of Art viewing the works of Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Raphael. Or, if the weather calls for it, explore the United States Botanical Garden, a haven for plant lovers. It boasts a collection of 3,000 varieties of orchids, medicinal botanicals, and a host of plants that are rare and endangered. On display at the National Museum of Asian Art, you’ll uncover a vast display of artifacts and art spanning the Islamic world, China, and Korea, as well as a range of contemporary works.
All listed above places have free admission.
Above The Rotunda with the morning’s light streaming in.
Above The Crypt, enveloped in smooth doric columns created in the 1820s was designed by Charles Bulfinch, the third architect of the Capital. Originally, it was where the remains of George and Martha Washington were to be laid, but rather, they were laid to rest at Mount Vernon (left). Views outside the Capital Building peer out onto the Washington Monument (right).
Above and Below Vibrant patterns and paintings clad the walls of the Capital.
Above A view of the Washington Monument as seen from the Constitution Gardens.
Indulge in afternoon tea at the willard InterContinental
Divide up your time exploring the Mall and join in the refined afternoon ritual of tea at Willard InterContinental. Relax in the opulent setting of Peacock Alley and sip on a variety of teas from J’enwey Tea Company, and nibble on unique pastries and bite-size sandwiches. Discover the experience.
Tea sessions are held at 1pm and 3:30pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Reservations must be made in advance.
Above Afternoon tea at the Willard InterContinental is served along with delicious scones and spreads to accompany.
Explore the washington monument, Constitution Gardens, and lincoln memorial
Located about two blocks from the Willard you’ll find the White House. Further afoot is the Washington Monument rising 555 feet high, which is the gateway to the World War II Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. Saunter by the Reflecting Pool, a proper place for some photos, until you get the end where respect can be paid to Abraham Lincoln. Wander to the Constitution Gardens, a quieter section of the national park, marked with a lake and 50 acres of rolling green space. If time permits, head to the Tidal Basin—where the glorious cherry blossoms are on display in the spring—and the Jefferson Memorial.
Above A quiet moment in the Mall on the walk to the Capital Building.
Above The quintessential postcard view of the Washington Monument.
Head to the charming streets of Georgetown
While the Capital Hill neighborhood and environs offer impressive monuments and buildings, Georgetown packs on the charm. Cobblestone streets, unlimited shopping and food options, history, and pastel-hued architecture are what you can expect in this enclave. Visitors can take a self-guided Kennedy walking tour that passes all the places where JFK and Jackie lived and dined; take in some of the impressive historical homes like Dumbarton House and Gardens; stroll by the Potomac River, or wander the picture-perfect residential neighborhoods. Discover more about Georgetown, including where to eat and shop.
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