3 Days in Washington, D.C.
National Monuments, Global Dining, and Free Museums
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September 18, 2025
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As the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C. attracts school groups, diplomats, social-justice seekers, and visitors from all states and corners of the Earth. It tells the nation’s story through monuments and museums – many of them are part of the Smithsonian network, which offers free admission.
There’s a thriving restaurant scene that reflects the diverse population, and happy hour kicks off with weekday specials as early as 3pm. Things to do in Washington, D.C. also include touring historic estates in Georgetown, catching live music at the 9:30 Club or The Anthem in the waterfront Wharf District, and browsing local markets and boutiques. In spring, admire blooming cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin or the National Arboretum.
If you’re transiting through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), check out our Centurion Lounge, where eligible Card Members can experience an impressive art gallery, menus from award-winning chefs, and quintessential Centurion Lounge amenities like a shower suite and private phone and conference rooms.
Read on for our curated three-day Washington, D.C. itinerary and learn more about the benefits that you can enjoy throughout your journey when you book through American Express Travel®.
Getting There
Fly Delta Air Lines to DCA. Book Recommended Flights* to Washington DC at AmexTravel.com and enjoy special savings on select Delta Air Lines Flights.
A Capital Introduction
Accommodation
Rosewood Washington, D.C.
The Hay-Adams, Washington, D.C.
Fairmont Washington DC
Place of Interest
Capitol Hill
Eat & Drink
Happy Hour Culture
Albi
Rose’s Luxury
Bar del Monte
National Mall & the Arts
Place of Interest
The National Mall Tour
Monuments, Mall & More by Bike
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
National Museum of African American History & Culture
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
International Spy Museum
National Shakespeare Company
9:30 Club
Eat & Drink
Old Ebbitt Grill
Dogon by Kwame Onwuachi
Fiola DC
Anju
Old & New Georgetown
Place of Interest
Arlington House & Arlington National Cemetery
Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens
Discover Historic Georgetown
Boating in DC
Eat & Drink
Omakase @ Barracks Row
Tail Up Goat
Maydan
Amelie Wine Bar
Rosewood Washington, D.C.
Situated in a brownstone building along Georgetown’s historic C&O Canal, Rosewood Washington D.C. has a refined residential feel, with contemporary furnishings and artwork. Marble bathrooms are outfitted with rainfall showers and soaking tubs while select suites feature fireplaces. Six adjacent townhouses up the cozy factor and let you imagine living as a neighborhood local – while still enjoying hotel perks like the rooftop pool overlooking the Potomac River and the Washington Monument and on-site steakhouse Cut by Wolfgang Puck.
Platinum Card® Members receive a complimentary suite of benefits that offers an average total value of $550† at over 1,800 Fine Hotels + Resorts® properties worldwide when booking through Amex Travel.*
†Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2024 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 credit towards eligible charges (which vary by property), guaranteed 4PM late checkout and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available**
Daily breakfast for two
$100 credit towards eligible charges, which vary by property
Guaranteed 4pm check-out
** Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
$600 HOTEL CREDIT
Platinum Card Members get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection‡‡ bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®.
‡‡The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
The Hay-Adams, Washington, D.C.
In the heart of the city, The Hay-Adams offers panoramic views of the White House, Lafayette Square, and St. John’s Church. Once a private residence, it now welcomes both business and leisure guests with luxurious amenities and classically decorated rooms in neutrals with floral motifs; some have French doors opening onto private balconies. For an extraordinary perspective, request a guest room offering glimpses of The White House. After a day out, unwind at the hotel’s cocktail bar, Off the Record, decorated with caricatures of the city’s political elite.
Platinum Card® Members receive a complimentary suite of benefits that offers an average total value of $550† at over 1,800 Fine Hotels + Resorts® properties worldwide when booking through Amex Travel.*
†Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2024 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 credit towards eligible charges (which vary by property), guaranteed 4PM late checkout and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available**
Daily breakfast for two
$100 credit towards eligible charges, which vary by property
Guaranteed 4pm check-out
** Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
$600 HOTEL CREDIT
Platinum Card Members get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection‡‡ bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®.
‡‡The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
Fairmont Washington DC
Marble floors, a garden courtyard, and high ceilings set a grand scene upon arrival at the Fairmont Washington DC. It counts 413 rooms and suites decorated in soothing earth tones with windows that let in ample natural light. Select suites include separate living and dining areas and additional bedrooms. Guests can take advantage of complimentary fitness classes, from yoga to spin to Pilates, plus a lap pool and sauna. Visit Juniper for locavore American fare, including complimentary daily breakfast for two, an additional benefit provided by Fairmont when you book through Amex Travel. It will fuel you up for exploring; from this West End location, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and downtown are in reach.
With The Hotel Collection*, Platinum Card Members receive elevated benefits that offer an average total value of $150†† at more than 1,300 hotels when you book through Amex Travel™.
††Average value based on The Hotel Collection bookings in 2024 for stays of two nights. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available**
$100 credit towards eligible charges, which vary by property
4pm check-out, when available
** Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
$600 HOTEL CREDIT
Platinum Card Members get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection‡‡ bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®.
‡‡The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
Exploring Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill’s architecture stands as symbols of democracy, justice, and power. Besides the federal buildings, the area has a wonderful community spirit which can be found at bustling markets rich in local produce, arts, and crafts. Stroll the streets showcasing eclectic stores selling handmade pieces by local artists, restaurants creating the next must-have dish, and bookstores packed with unique finds.
ON YOUR WAY
Congress meets at the U.S. Capitol (visitthecapitol.gov), which has its own collection of art and a visitor’s center that welcomes millions annually.
The Supreme Court Building was built in just four years between 1931 and 1935 (supremecourt.gov). You can walk through the landmark with a private guide, watch educational movies, and participate in various programs.
The Library of Congress holds over 39 million books across 838 miles of bookshelves (loc.gov). It comprises three historical and architectural buildings offering gallery talks, guided walk-throughs, lectures, and concerts.
Completed in 1873, Eastern Market (easternmarket-dc.org) remains a lively community hub for this Capitol Hill neighborhood. It’s made up of several smaller markets: the South Hall Market selling fresh produce, deli goods and flowers; the Fresh Tuesdays Farmers Market selling their own range of dairy goods; and the Weekend Outdoor Market selling antiques and handmade arts and crafts.
Eastern Market Pottery is a creative space for locals and visitors (easternmarketpottery.com). If you head to the basement, you will find a range of ceramics from different artists. And if you’re feeling curious, you can join a one-time Try It Class on a Friday evening.
Open daily, this indie bookstore has three levels of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves stacked with second-hand books and some first editions (capitolhillbooks-dc.com).
A historic 1900 wooden Victorian house got a bright and beautiful refresh with the opening of this stationery and gift store that specializes in displaying local artists' work and carries distinctive candles, glass art, picture frames, and wine and cocktail glass sets.
The Happy Hour Scene
Perched on the banks of the Potomac, The Wharf offers an ideal place to sample a little bit of every aspect of DC culture. Snag a travel read from Politics & Prose, catch a concert at The Anthem, or tap into the happy hour buzz at Boardwalk Bar & Arcade or Kirwan’s Irish Pub.
Dine at One of D.C.’s Hottest Tables
Albi
Albi’s chef is deeply influenced by his family’s Palestinian heritage and shares the flavors of his childhood here in D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood. At the center of the dining room is the wood-burning oven, and guests can reserve the Hearth Table for a curated tasting menu and an intimate view of the open kitchen. An incredibly flavorful journey through the Levant awaits.
Rose’s Luxury
This buzzed-about restaurant serves Southern comfort food with an international twist in an industrial-chic space. The classic dining experience is a five-course “choose your own adventure” where guests pick shareable items from an eclectic menu that includes grilled cucumber salad, poached lobster, and miso glazed short rib. The meal culminates with the Baklava Sundae and other super-sized desserts.
Bar del Monte
Stroll up to this casual Italian eatery in Mount Pleasant for an effortlessly delicious night out, per their motto—”mediocritas exquisita,” or exquisite mediocrity. The flavors are anything but mediocre, with the New York and Rome-honed chef Oliver Pastan serving up delectable fire-roasted Neopolitan-style pizza, lamb skewers, and picture-perfect sundae glasses full of gelato.
Tour the National Mall by Foot or Bike
National Mall: National Mall Tour by Electric Vehicle
Stretching from the Potomac River to the cast-iron dome of the U.S. Capitol, the National Mall is a park full of symbolic significance. Tour the sites and learn from a local guide while an electric vehicle takes you between the Washington Monument, District of Columbia War Memorial, the White House, and more for a tour that’s as reflective as it is informative.
Book your experience at getyourguide.com.
Monuments: Capitol and Library of Congress
Stroll between some of the pillars of American democracy. Your expert guide will tell you about landmark cases when you tour the U.S. Supreme Court; tell you about the foundation of the Library of Congress while you explore the treasure trove of public knowledge; and point out the finer details of historic architecture as you make your way through the interior of the iconic U.S. Capitol.
Book your experience at getyourguide.com.
Dig into Natural History or African American History
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has been showcasing moments of natural wonder since 1910 (naturalhistory.si.edu). With more than 140 million cultural artefacts and natural specimens on display, from the cursed Hope Diamond to some of the world’s most complete Dinosaur fossils, the museum is an endless source of education and fascination for all ages. Teens and pre-teens can make their own scientific discoveries at the Education Center. Admission is free.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture showcases first-person tales and moving accounts in the Slavery and Freedom and other exhibitions. Musical Crossroads examines the evolution of African and African American music, from the songs of the slave trade to the lyrics of hip-hop. Notable artifacts include Harriet Tubman's hymnal and an authentic plantation cabin brought in from South Carolina.
Book your free timed-entry passes at event.etix.com
Lunch at a Historic Saloon or a Modern Spanish Kaiseki Spot
Old Ebbitt Grill
Established in 1856, D.C.’s self-proclaimed oldest saloon has changed location several times. Still, loyalists and a steady stream of tourists find their way to Old Ebbitt Grill for the extensive oyster menu and classics like meatloaf, chicken sandwiches, jumbo lump crab cakes, and house-made pastas. It’s recognized as an historic landmark for its Victorian interiors and antiques and a popular tourist stop.
Book Old Ebbitt Grill at ebbitt.com.
Restaurant photos courtesy of Dogon by Kwame Onwuachi
Dogon by Kwame Onwuachi
Situated in the Salamander Hotel, the sleek, moody interior of Dōgon by Kwama Onwuachi brings diners’ attention unerringly back to the stunning menu. Onwuachi brings his award-winning chops and a range of influences from his Afro-Caribbean heritage to bear on everything from chicken with jollof rice to wagyu short rib awaze and craveworthy coco bread.
Set Out on a Museum Mission: Space, Art, or Spies
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum takes visitors from the first flight by the Wright brothers in 1903 to Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s 1969 moon landing. Other exhibitions include The Nation of Speed – vintage vehicles, race cars, and planes show how technology has transformed movement – and the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery about the solar system. The museum continues to develop its exhibition space with new works planned for 2025.
Book your free timed-entry passes at event.etix.com
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Housed in one of the oldest federal buildings in D.C., the Smithsonian American Art Museum (americanart.si.edu) brings together a diverse array of artistic styles and media with one important shared feature: they reflect the American imagination and experience. Be sure to visit the Renwick Gallery, which is devoted to contemporary crafts and boasts a wonderful gift shop with handmade wares.
Admission is free of charge.
International Spy Museum
Located on L'Enfant Plaza, the Spy Museum is a purpose-built building where you can discover the life of a genuine spy and incredible international artifacts. You can be a spy for a day as you participate in an "Undercover Mission." During your experience, you will receive a cover identity and be tested on your skills and knowledge through the interactive exhibitions. Your "mission" will end in the Debriefing Center, where you will discover your skill ratings and your award.
Buy your tickets at spymuseum.org.
Experience D.C.’s Fine Dining
Fiola DC
This is Fiola’s acclaimed flagship location and a standard bearer for the mini restaurant empire. It’s an in-the-mood-to-splurge type of place, where the four-, five-, and nine-course fixed-price menus take inspiration from Tuscany and the Adriatic coast – with produce sourced from the restaurant’s dedicated garden in Rappahannock County.
Restaurant photos courtesy of Anju
Anju
This Dupont Circle restaurant created by the chefs behind CHIKO and I Egg You is the talk of the town. Mama Lee’s kimchi jjigae, with melt-in-your-mouth pork belly crafted with the approval of co-chef Danny Lee’s Korean mother, single-handedly makes a trip to Anju worth it. Add on the artful elevations of classics like mandu and ddukbokgi, and the house-infused soju on offer in the bar downstairs, and you’ve got a meal to remember.
Catch a Theatrical Drama or Live Music
Shakespeare Theatre Company
This award-winning theater company breathes fresh life into Shakespeare’s tales while also staging works that are Shakespearean in nature with “profound themes and complex characters.” On a given night, you might be in for The Odyssey; an adaptation of Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute; or the Mock Trial (Malcolm v. the Estates of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth) in which the audience decides who must pay damages.
Book your tickets at shakespearetheatre.org.
9:30 Club
A D.C. institution since 1980, the 9:30 Club has been repeatedly ranked one of America’s top live-music venues. Its intimate size (up to 1,200 people) attracts emerging acts, though some of music’s biggest names have played here too. You can expect good sightlines, great acoustics, multiple bars, and cupcakes that will very possibly sell out.
Book your tickets at 930.com.
Arlington National Cemetery
This vast military cemetery just across the Potomac in Virginia opens daily at 8am; arrive early and let yourself be humbled by the quiet beauty and somber feel (arlingtoncemetery.mil). Its 639 acres include graves dating back to the earliest moments of US history along with tombstones for a few former presidents, Supreme Court justices, and other luminaries (find them with the help of the free ANC Explorer app). Catch the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where soldiers keep a 24-hour watch in honor of the unidentified dead from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens
Courtesy Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Once the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post (of Post cereal fortune), Hillwood is a lovely place to while away a few hours. The 25-acre site overlooks Rock Creek Park and includes beautifully manicured gardens. The home itself captures her rarified 1950s lifestyle and penchant for French porcelain and gilded furniture. Rooms are dripping with chandeliers and museum-worthy art including a dazzling collection of Faberge eggs and Russian icons and jewelry.
Buy your tickets at hillwoodmuseum.org.
Omakase @ Barracks Row
Photos courtesy of Omakase @ Barracks Row
Chef Yi “Ricky” Wang has cut his teeth in world-class restaurants, so it’s no surprise that when he started hosting a pop-up omakase bar, it got too popular not to stick around. Settle in for a tasting menu of approximately 20 courses, starting with some otsumami-inspired bar bites and working your way up to a nagiri menu with a bespoke blend of traditional and contemporary influences.
Wander Historic Georgetown
Stroll the cobblestone streets of Georgetown to take in the charm of its historic townhomes and prominent namesake university, founded in 1789. The neighborhood is dotted with cafes and college dives, upscale boutiques, and art and antique stores, where you never know what kind of treasure you might find. If you prefer to explore with a guide, consider Blue Fern Travel’s food-themed walking tour (blueferntravel.com.)
ON YOUR WAY
Hidden among the name-brand stores on bustling M Street is Washington's oldest unaltered building and the city's only pre-Revolutionary colonial house, built in 1765. Today, Old Stone House (nps.gov) is managed by the National Park Service.
This cosmetics boutique focuses on natural brands, offering chemical-free, cruelty-free, and vegan products (takecareshopdc.com). Brands include foot and hand care brand Province Apothecary, luxury skincare from Earthwise Beauty, and fragrances and skincare from Ojai Wild. If you have time, you can request a skincare consultation or a makeup bag makeover.
Shop Made in DC works with local artists and displays their art prints, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and so much more (shopmadeindc.com). It’s a retail initiative meant to bring attention to the creative community and allow locals and visitors to uncover unique products. The shop also hosts events, such as pottery painting and calligraphy workshops.
Healey Hall is Georgetown University's most acclaimed piece of architecture (healeyhall.com). It’s a National Historic Landmark and example of Romanesque design at its finest (built in 1882). The massive building is one of the centerpieces of campus and houses academic and administrative offices.
Tudor Place sits atop a hill overlooking Georgetown and the Potomac River (tudorplace.org). The home and gardens maintain their original early 19th-century character and preserve the stories of six generations of Martha Washington's descendants – and of the enslaved and free people who lived and worked here for nearly two centuries. In examining their legacy, it challenges all who visit to celebrate the triumphs and confront the complexities of the past.
Boating in D.C.
Hit the water for scenic views along the Potomac and an invigorating workout. You can rent single or double kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards from six D.C.-area boathouses, including Key Bridge Boathouse in Georgetown. Boating in D.C. also offers classes and tours such as a 75-minute host and history themed guided kayak excursion. Boating season typically runs from April to October.
Book your rental at boatingindc.com.
Spin the Globe for Your Last D.C. Supper
Tail Up Goat
Taking its cues from the US Virgin Islands, the childhood home of one of the owners, this restaurant offers a four-course tasting menu for the table in the dining room and on the patio, with a la carte options available at the bar. Rockfish crudo, seared scallops, confit potatoes and coconut panna cotta are standouts, as is the international wine list.
Maydan
Centered around a stylish blazing fire pit, this buzzing restaurant with industrial-chic interiors serves up the finest of Middle Eastern, African, and Mediterranean cuisine – family style for the tawle (table). Plenty of vegetable, meat and poultry dishes are available and accompanied with fresh herbs and spices that pack a memorable punch.
Amelie Wine Bar
Photos courtesy of Amelie Wine Bar
Pull up a stool at the Amelie Wine Bar in Logan Circle and choose from an expert-curated array of vintages, with an emphasis on boutique and biodynamic French wines. For those who want the bistro ambiance without the alcohol, there’s a healthy alcohol-free wine and mocktail list, as well as classic French cuisine, including steak-frites, baked camembert, and escargot. Bon appetit!
Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
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