If you have ever been to Washington, D.C., you know that this city is the definition of modern urgency. But behind its traffic-filled streets and people rushing to get to different appointments, there is history and meaning. In a weekend, you can see DC through another light. Step into places that move you and slow down long enough to notice something deeper.
Arriving with Intention
The first step of every trip is your arrival. DC has three major airports: Ronald Reagan National, Washington Dulles, and Baltimore/Washington International. Usually, people tend to overlook the importance of the arrival when planning their itinerary. After a flight, no matter how short, most feel tired and ready to hit the accommodation, but a small shift in your plan can set the tone of your entire weekend.
For a more relaxed arrival, especially if you’re landing at Dulles, it helps to arrange your ride ahead of time. A Dulles Airport car service can take the guesswork out of getting to your accommodation, letting you settle in without rushing.
After you check in, avoid pushing too hard on day one. In order not to waste this day, but still not overtire yourself, visit places that are relaxing and less crowded. Parks like Constitution Gardens and Enid A. Haupt Garden can restore your energy with their greenery and fresh air. You can also enjoy a relaxed meal or find a café to grab a drink and watch the world move. Whatever it is, choose something low energy where you can ease into the atmosphere and discover the rhythm of the city.
Saturday: Culture in Every Corner
Now that you are well-rested and have an overall feel of the city, it is time to dive deeper into its culture. You can start your morning with a nice breakfast and then head to your first stop: museums. Museums are best experienced in the morning because of the smaller crowds. They are also a way to ground and can set a calming energy for the day ahead.
- For art and design lovers, explore the Hirshhorn Museum or the National Gallery of Art;
- History fans might love the Smithsonian National Museum of American History or the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum;
- If you are into innovation, you can try the Planet Word Museum.
Leave the afternoon free from a structured plan; instead try to have a few options and choose what you are in the mood for. You can take a reflective walk to the Lincoln Memorial and the surrounding monuments. If you would like to visit something more modern, the REACH at the Kennedy Center is a good option, with its open lawns and mirrored walls. And if you prefer to reset or take a break, a bookstore or cozy, local café can slow you down before dinner.
Evenings Out for a Taste of the City
After a full day of exploration, it is time to shift your energy and discover a new side of the city: food. While DC has an internationally friendly food scene, there are also local and traditional favorites. If you want to indulge in iconic foods, you can look for half-smoke (a smoked sausage with toppings, similar to a hot dog), Chesapeake blue crab (deeply rooted in the region), or DC-style chill bowls (a soul food of the city).
Even when it is dark outside, the city is still full of life, and there are many things to do after sunset. If you are in the mood for a walk after dinner, you can take a stroll through the Wharf. For a more cultural end to your evening, you can enjoy a performance at the Kennedy Center or a film at the Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market. No matter what you choose, the city gives you plenty of ways to unwind and make the most of your evening.
Sunday: Slow Moments and Creative Corners
Sundays in Washington are made for slow starts. Therefore, you can wake up later and head out for brunch. From there, you can spend your morning visiting different neighborhoods:
- Georgetown for indie shops and walks by the historic C&O Canal;
- Eastern Market is for handcrafts and vintage finds;
- Dupont Circle is filled with quiet bookshops and galleries.
Other things you can do after exploring the neighborhoods are:
- Walk along the waterfront – The Yards Park and Georgetown Waterfront have open views and modern architecture;
- Visit a local artisan market – Dupont Circle Farmers Market (on Sunday mornings) or Eastern Market, depending on the time of the year;
- Take in some street art – U Street and Blagden Alley offer murals and creative corners.
After checking off the remaining things to do from your list, it is time to get packing.
Before You Leave
A weekend in Washington may not be long, but it’s more than enough to experience the city’s deeper side. You have visited world-class museums, seen historic streets, and tasted local cuisine. By now, you know that DC shows its character in the details and the small moments that stay with you.
Before you leave, take one last look at the skyline and grab a final coffee. You can leave knowing that in this fast-paced city, there is still time to slow down and take it all in.
