Washington D.C. – An Affordable Weekend at the Capitol

Day 1 in Washington, D.C.: Iconic Sights & Flavorful Bites

We kicked off our Washington, D.C. adventure by checking into our hotel and getting settled. After dropping off our bags and freshening up, we were ready to dive into the heart of the city. We stayed in City Center and think it was a convenient spot to stay.

First Stop: The White House Walk-By

No trip to D.C. is complete without a glimpse of the iconic White House. We strolled by the front gates, taking in the historic architecture and the buzz of tourists snapping photos. It’s surreal seeing such a famous building up close—it really set the tone for a day full of iconic landmarks.

Next Up: Washington Monument & The National Mall

From there, we made our way toward the towering Washington Monument. Standing tall and proud, it’s a striking sight in the center of the National Mall. We rented bikes nearby and spent the afternoon pedaling around the mall, soaking up the scenery and stopping to admire the monuments along the way.

Awe at the Lincoln Memorial

Our bike ride led us to the majestic Lincoln Memorial. Climbing the steps and standing before the larger-than-life statue of Abraham Lincoln was a powerful moment. The view looking back over the Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument was absolutely stunning, especially as the sun began to dip lower in the sky.

Dinner in a Vibrant D.C. Neighborhood

After returning the bikes and freshening up, we headed to dinner at Himalayan Heritage Restaurant DC for some delicious Indian and Nepalese cuisine. The food was fantastic—full of bold spices and comforting flavors—and the ambiance was cozy yet lively.

The restaurant is located near 18th St. NW, which turned out to be a super cool area. We spent some time walking around before and after dinner, exploring the neighborhood’s eclectic mix of shops, street art, and nightlife. It had a local, energetic vibe that was the perfect way to end our first day in the capital.

Day 2 in Washington, D.C.: Culture, Coffee & Capitol Views

Our second day in D.C. started with a peaceful morning in the heart of the City Center, a stylish part of downtown known for its high-end shops and modern vibe. We were lucky enough to catch the iconic umbrella display—a colorful art installation floating above the pedestrian walkway that made the perfect photo op to start our day.

Breakfast at Tatte Bakery

Right nearby, we grabbed breakfast at Tatte Bakery, and it did not disappoint. The coffee was rich, and the pastries were fresh, flaky, and full of flavor. It’s a beautiful spot with cozy café vibes, perfect for easing into the morning.

Capitol Hill Tour & Nearby Highlights

Fueled up and caffeinated, we walked over to the U.S. Capitol and took advantage of the free guided tour inside. It was such a cool way to learn about the history and workings of Congress while seeing some stunning architecture up close.

Just a short stroll away, we passed by the Supreme Court. Even though we didn’t go inside, walking by this iconic building felt like stepping through pages of history.

Lunch from a Street Vendor

We grabbed a casual lunch from one of the local street food vendors near the National Mall. Nothing fancy—just quick, tasty eats perfect for powering through a day of sightseeing.

Afternoon at the National Museum of the American Indian

Next up was the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian—and best of all, it’s free to enter! The exhibits were powerful and beautifully curated, showcasing the rich histories, cultures, and stories of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. It was a thoughtful and meaningful way to spend the afternoon.

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill

For dinner, we headed to Old Ebbitt Grill, a classic D.C. institution located just steps from the White House. The ambiance is old-school charm meets political history, and the food lives up to the hype. It’s a popular spot, so definitely worth making a reservation if you’re planning ahead.

Day 3 in Washington, D.C.: Charming Georgetown & Sweet Goodbyes

We spent our final morning in D.C. exploring one of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods—Georgetown. The day started with a peaceful walk around the Georgetown University campus, which feels like a movie set with its beautiful stone buildings and leafy courtyards. It’s a great place to wander and take in the classic collegiate charm.

Strolling & Shopping in Georgetown

After the campus, we headed into the heart of Georgetown for some boutique shopping and aimless wandering—two of the best ways to enjoy this stylish area. The streets are lined with colorful row houses, cobblestone sidewalks, and a mix of trendy stores and quaint local shops. Whether you’re window shopping or splurging a little, it’s a fun way to spend a few hours.

A Movie Buff Moment

On our walk, we couldn’t resist stopping by the “Exorcist Steps”, made famous by the classic horror film The Exorcist. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, the steep staircase tucked away on the edge of Georgetown is a fun, spooky photo stop—and a little piece of cinematic history!

Sweet Treats at Georgetown Cupcake

Before wrapping up our trip, we made one last essential stop at Georgetown Cupcake. Yes, the line can be long, but yes—it’s absolutely worth it. The cupcakes are as delicious as they are Instagram-worthy, and it was the perfect final bite to cap off our D.C. visit.

Time to Fly!

After a quick treat and one last stroll through Georgetown’s charming streets, we grabbed our bags and headed to the airport—tired, full, and so glad we took this trip.