Washington D.C. is an interesting place. As the capital of the country and with a mix of people from around the world, there is a lot of diversity here. There is a lot of incredible and diverse food in D.C., cool bars, and a lot of history, museums, and monuments. There’s plenty to do here to keep you busy during your visit!
What to do in Washington DC for 24h to 48h?
Things to do in Washington DC
Tour the Capital Building
The Capital offers free tours throughout the day. Tickets are available at 8:30am on a first come first serve basis.
Tour the White House
Take a tour of the spot where the most powerful person in the world lives. You have to apply in advance to get tickets through one’s Member of Congress, so if this is a must-see for your trip you have to plan well ahead of your trip.
Georgetown
Washington DC Layover – Georgetown
Georgetown is the capital’s historic waterfront, which today is bustling with activity. The area is a shopper’s paradise and the streets are lined with restaurants from every ethnicity. Take a tour of historic sites, do some shopping and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
Visit the Spy Museum
One of D.C.’s most popular attractions happens to be a pretty fun one – the International Spy Museum. Learn a thing or two about espionage through the museum’s many interactive exhibits, artifacts and film clips. See shoes with fake bottoms, photos of infamous spies, and interviews with former intelligence officers.
See the Cherry Blossoms
Washington DC Layover-Cherry Blossom
If you’re in Washington D.C. around March or April, you may be just in time for the Cherry Blossom Festival. The Tidal Basin has many cherry blossom trees, which were a gift from Japan to the United States. Their blossoming is marked by a celebration that includes concerts and fireworks. Don’t miss out on this and don’t forget to click pictures for your gram!
Visit Old Town Alexandria
Craving some more history? Head across the river to Old Town Alexandria, a small town with cobblestone streets and dotted with colonial buildings and historic landmarks.
Where to eat in Washington DC
Baked & Wired
When you’re looking for a great cupcake to accompany your coffee, Baked & Wired has got you covered. This artsy shop’s house-made baked goods are whimsically named , has a typical selection of espresso and coffee drinks, all of which are adroitly prepared with beans from Stumptown, Intelligentsia, PT’s, Elixr, and other places that know the coffee bean business. It also serves microbrewed chai from Oregon.
Washington DC Layover – Baked & Wired
If you’re an old school buff,this is the place for you!The classic spot has been the heart and soul of U Street since 1958, enduring race riots, tough economic times and revitalization. They’ve been visited by many notable personalities, too, including then-president-elect Barack Obama.
Bars & lounges
The Gibson
Uncover a cocktail time capsule when you enter this dimly lit bar with a speakeasy vibe, which specializes in the antique drinks that did the trick before liquid nitrogen sneaked its way into highball glasses. Try a seductive rendition of the Aviation—made with gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon, and crème de violette—or the two-ingredient Rusty Nail, which combines Scotch and Drambuie
Roofers Union
Washinton DC Layover – Roofers Union
This one is for the beer geeks !
A restaurant that serves four different sausages screams for beer, but the suds at this trilevel Adams Morgan spot don’t always call for a pint glass. One of the bar’s specialties is “hop-tails”—cocktails that fold in beer, adding body and layers of flavor. Go for the predictably bright Here Comes the Sun, with Port City Optimal Wit, rye, ginger simple syrup, and lemon.
