The Complete Guide for a Weekend in DC
Washington Monument, Washington DC
I recently had the privilege of spending a weekend exploring my country’s capital, Washington DC. After seeing photos of the landmarks located in Capital Hill my whole life, it felt very surreal to walk up to them in person. Sometimes with famous cities, it feels like I know what to expect when I visit, but being in DC was a gentle reminder that every place is full of surprises. I was in awe of the incredible architecture, the Paris-like design of the city, the diversity, the history, and the food. I left DC feeling like I saw so much even though I barely scratched the surface of all there is to do.
This complete Washington DC travel guide will take you through what to expect, where to stay, the best things to do, and where to eat vegan if you only have a weekend in DC!
** Some links may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you **
What to Expect
How to get there: For those flying into DC, you will land either in DCA (most popular), IAD, or BWI. You may also choose to drive to DC if you are already in the US. DC is driving distance to other great US cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Richmond — to name a few.
When to go: There is no bad time of year to go to DC as it has mild winters (20-40 Fahrenheit) and hot summers (70-90 Fahrenheit).
Language: As DC is the capital of the US, the primary language is English. However, this city is rich in diversity and tourism, so don’t be surprised if you hear at least 5 different languages as you walk around.
Currency: US Dollar
Safety: Wandering around DC as a solo female, I never felt unsafe.
Cost: DC is relatively expensive. For accommodations, expect to pay $30-70 for hostels and $100-$300 for hotels per night. For food, expect to pay $15-25 per person for a low-key meal and $30-80 per person for a mid-range restaurant.
Food: As mentioned earlier, DC is rich in diversity, making this city an amazing foodie spot. There were also incredible vegan restaurants/options all over the city!
Transportation: Although many of the sights are close to each other, DC is a large city, and walking everywhere can feel daunting. The good news is there are tons of shared e-scooters and bikes all around the city. If you are traveling even further, there are also public buses and subways.
View from Eaton DC rooftop
Where to Stay
I recommend staying in an accommodation close to the main attractions for a short stay in DC. Neighborhoods to check out include Downtown, Penn Quarter, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and Foggy Bottom.
Typically I prefer to stay in hostels while I’m traveling, especially when I’ll be solo but for a short weekend in DC, I splurged a little bit to stay at Eaton DC. My short stay at Eaton was — for lack of a better word — inspiring. They have cultivated a space for inclusivity, creativity, and sustainability. Each room is beautifully designed and offers curated vinyl records and books that you are free to use. If your time and budget allow, you can also take advantage of the amenities on the property, such as the rooftop bar, speak-easy, wellness offerings, co-working space, (multiple) restaurants, and more! On top of all of that, it is within walking distance of the Smithsonian Museums, White House, national monuments, and amazing restaurants.
Note: At the time I booked, Eaton DC was also the cheapest hotel in the area. If you are on a tighter budget, there are plenty of hostels available in DC that you can check out on hostelworld.com. If you want to see other hotels in the area, I suggest using booking.com.
Best things to do in DC
You may not be surprised to hear that there is an endless array of things to do in DC. With so many options, it can feel a bit overwhelming to think about seeing everything in one weekend. Fear not my friends. Most of the top attractions are located within walking distance of each other. So while you may not get to spend a ton of time at each site, you can still sneak a peek at almost everything.
For a well-rounded trip to DC, I recommend choosing a mix of landmarks and museums. It’s difficult to recommend specific places because everyone has different interests, and DC can truly accommodate just about anything — art, history, science, architecture, space, etc. So instead I compiled a list of some of the top landmarks and museums located in the National Mall that you can choose from.
Note: One of my favorite things about DC is all of the museums are free to everyone. Therefore, if you go into a museum and don’t like it, you can move on to the next without losing money. The landmarks are also free to visit and even walk inside (excluding special activities like taking an elevator to the top of the Washington Monument).
(*) indicates a site I visited and enjoyed!
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Washington Monument*
White House
US Capital
Lincoln Memorial*
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool*
Vietnam Veterans Memorial*
WWII Memorial*
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Jefferson Memorial
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National Gallery of Art*
African American Museum
Air and Space Museum
American History Museum
Natural History Museum
Portrait Gallery
National Archives
American Indian Museum
Where to Eat Vegan in DC
Washington DC is home to one of the most diverse food scenes I’ve ever seen, making this city a foodie heaven. Being someone who loves trying new food, I took full advantage of my visit. On top of my list is an Afghan restaurant, Lapis, in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. It was my first time having Afghan food and it did not disappoint!
Another favorite spot of mine was Shouk, which offers Middle Eastern, vegan “street food”. If you are looking for a more laid-back spot with incredible falafel, check out one of their locations around the city!
Last but not least, if you are looking for a quirky spot with delicious food, check out Busboys and Poets. The space is a mix between a restaurant/bar/bookstore/coffee shop. Here you can find a variety of vegan food like “tuna” sandwiches, “pork” spring rolls, or falafel salad. Are you getting the picture? It’s just a little bit of everything — but done very well!
Note: Be prepared to spend a little more than you’re probably used to here — DC is one of the most expensive places I’ve visited.
Other suggestions:
Chaia Chinatown
DC Vegan
PLANTA Queen
Rise Bakery
Pow Pow Franklin Square
Fruitive
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