As the capital of the United States, Washington DC is recognized as the center of American politics. It is also a vibrant city with a town feel, containing diverse attractions that extend far beyond its museums and monuments.
While I recommend visiting the city throughout the weekend, if you only have one day in Washington DC, there’s still so much you can do to get a great taste of the city.
In this blog post, I’ll provide an itinerary telling you how to make the most of your one day in Washington DC.
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Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links which means that if you book one of these activities using my link (which I know you will because you loved how helpful this blog post is *wink*I am going to receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting BCJ!
Start your day on the Metro to get the experience of transiting like a resident
Start your one day in Washington DC by hopping on the Metro! The Metro is one of the most popular ways to get around.
DC has a great public transportation system that is easy to navigate and a great way to save some coins, as Uber and Lyft (Use code CHRISTINA69779 for a % off your next few rides), add up if you’re planning to use that to go from place to place.
The Metro system connects you to landmarks and neighborhoods like Georgetown and Dupont Circle.
You can purchase a SmarTrip MetroCard at any metro station from the machines available on the way to board or add a virtual card to your iPhone wallet and load funds electronically.
Google Maps will be your best friend when using the Metro and will tell you exactly what stations to get on and off of, how many stops to ride, and how long it will take.
Although you’ll only be spending one day in Washington DC, take the Metro from your accommodation in the morning, and if it works for you, see how you can incorporate using the Metro throughout your day!
Indulge in a Southern-inspired brunch at Milk & Honey
Duration: 1.5 hours
Address: 676 Maine Ave SW ste 710, Washington, DC 20024, United States
Follow your Metro ride with a hearty brunch at Milk & Honey, which will fuel you for all the walking that is to come while you explore throughout the day.
Serving Southern-inspired cuisine, Milk & Honey is New Orleans-themed.
It brings a touch of the South to DC’s East Coast with its elaborate menu, which includes brunch dishes like Shrimp & Grits!
The restaurant is spacious, with plenty of seating inside and a few tables and chairs outside that accommodate a number of customers.
The service was exceptional, and the food took a while to come out (30+ minutes), but given the nature of the dishes, I was okay with it.
I wanted to try one of Milk & Honey’s well-known dishes, so I ordered the Chicken & Biscoff Waffles with scrambled eggs.
While the dish regularly comes with chicken thighs, I paid an upcharge of $4 for wings instead.
For my drink, I had Lavender Lemonade. This drink is considered a refresher, and I loved the touch of lavender added at the bottom, which easily infuses with the lemonade, so it was a win for me!
You can browse the menu before visiting here.
Planning Tip: If you are visiting in the morning on a weekday, you shouldn’t need a reservation as it does not usually get crowded, but it is always a good idea to do so.
If you are planning to go during the weekend, I highly recommend booking a reservation ASAP, as DC has a popular brunch culture.
Meal Ticket:
Rose Petal Pancakes: $24 + $4 for wings
Lavendar Lemonade $8
Scrambled Eggs: $6
Total (excluding tip): $42
Stroll through D.C.’s waterfront wharf
Duration: 1 hour
Address: 760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States
The Wharf offers a mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping, making it a great brief stop during your one day in Washington DC.
Milk & Honey is also located within the Wharf, so you can literally walk steps away from seeing a different aspect of the city!
On your walk, take in the sights of the Potomac River while browsing the small boutiques and noting the diverse food options from waterfront restaurants.
If you’re fortunate, you might visit The Wharf on a day when a concert or celebration takes place, adding an unexpected free show to your visit!
Planning Tip: If you have some more time, consider booking a self-driven boat tour for an hour! This boat fits up to 8 people and costs only $168. It is such a fun activity to do while in Washington DC!
Cost Breakdown: FREE
Visit one of the many free museums
Duration: 2.5 hours
Address: [Varies]
Part of Washington DC’s charm is the number of things to do and see in the city without spending a dime, and that starts with the dozens of museums you can visit for free!
If there’s one thing DC can do, it’s a good museum, so you’re in for a treat and will be surprised by how much the museums here dive into information on a specific topic.
Walk through the history of mail and stamps at the Postal Museum, dive into cultural art exhibits from worldwide artists at the Museum of African Art and the Museum of Asian Art, or learn more about the US at the National Museum of American History.
If you only have one day in Washington, DC, you’ll most likely only have time to visit one, so make it count!
You can find a list of free museums in Washington DC, here!
Take a break for lunch and wander the lanes of Union Market
Duration: 1.5 hours
Address: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States
The Union Market is a food hall with a mix of vendors that have foods from various backgrounds, including everything from full meals to baked goods and freshly baked bread.
The food stalls inside have pizza, Indian cuisine, Arab sweets, Mexican dining, and more.
I love Union Market because it’s a great social setting with communal-style seating that fosters a warm and welcoming environment.
There are also occasional events at Union Market, like live music shows and pop-up shops from small businesses you can shop, making it a great stop during your one day in Washington DC.
Take a journey through America’s past at the National Mall
Duration: 2 hours
Address: National Mall
The National Mall is where you’ll find the heart and beauty of Washington, D.C.—and it’s all free!
Despite the name, it’s not a shopping mall but an expansive public space that stretches about two miles.
This iconic area is home to a variety of memorials and monuments commemorating key moments and leaders in U.S. history.
You can explore the Mall on foot, but renting a bike, scooter, or taking a Segway tour is even better.
You’ll see landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the Washington Monument while enjoying the outdoors in the nation’s capital.
If you’re lucky, you may even visit the city during a time of public celebrations or cultural events, adding some more excitement to your short time in the area.
Tap into DC’s culinary scene with an authentic Indian dinner
Duration: 2 hours
Address: 317 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States
Washington DC has dozens of top-notch multicultural restaurants, offering a diverse selection of flavors representing cultures around the world and Pappe is a stunning representation of this.
On a mission to force myself to expand my palate while living in the area, I headed to dinner at Pappe one night and haven’t looked back since.
Offering authentic and contemporary Indian cuisine, Pappe has a cozy and inviting ambiance complemented by its stunning decor and exceptional customer service.
I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala with Garlic Naan and a Mango Margherita.
I also got to try grilled Indian cheese and Rabadi Tres Lachee, a milk sponge cake with Indian spices and flavors infused into the mix.
I enjoyed the Chicken Tikka Masala and Naan, but I would most likely not order the Rabadi Tres Lachee again, as I just wasn’t a fan.
However, I really enjoyed the twist of adding Indian flavors to such a classic dessert recipe!
You can browse the menu before visiting here.
Planning Tip: Set a reservation online before heading to Pappe just in case it happens to be a busy night!
Meal Ticket:
- Chicken Tikka Masala: $24
- Garlic Naan: $5
- Rabadi Tres Lachee: $12
End the day experiencing one aspect of DC’s nightlife scene at a Caribbean Club
While DC’s nightlife scene usually points toward U Street, which contains several venues and clubs, my favorite nightlife venue will lead you to 14th Street.
Saint Ex is a bar and restaurant that serves Caribbean American food during the day and transforms into a lively club at night, keeping its Caribbean flair.
The quaint restaurant has stairs leading to the basement, where an open floor and a bar await you.
DC does not have a large Caribbean population compared to other cultures, so finding a spot where you can get some island tunes in the city is amazing.
I’ve had the best nights here on Fridays and Saturdays, depending on the theme of the night and the DJ playing, which is promoted on their Instagram page.
Other Fun Things to Do in Washington D.C.:
- Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
- Monuments and Memorials Tour in a Vintage Car
- Sightseeing Cruise on the Potomac River
