Visiting Washington, DC will leave a lasting impression on you. It’s a beautiful city that’s full of impressive monuments, interesting museums and art galleries, and unique neighbourhoods that are worth exploring. Spending 1 day in Washington, DC is a good amount of time to see the city’s main attractions and indulge in some delicious food along the way. Of course, if you can spend longer in the US capital then you’ll be able to visit the city at a more leisurely pace.
The history of Washington, DC dates back to 1790, when it was created as the nation’s capital. It was designed by a French architect, with grand boulevards and large ceremonial spaces. Today, the city boasts more than 160 monuments and memorials, and it also houses the three branches of US government. As you make your way around DC, you’ll find that there aren’t any skyscrapers, which is why monuments such as the Washington Monument stand out so much.
Here are some of the best things to do during 1 day in Washington, DC, especially if it’s your first time visiting the city.
Things to do during 1 day in Washington, DC
United States Capitol
One of the main attractions in Washington, DC is the United States Capitol. This is the most historically significant landmark in the city, and it’s been the meeting point for US Congress since 1800. The building itself is very impressive, with both links to ancient Greece and Rome, and the dome is very reminiscent of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Many other parts of the US Capitol building were modelled off of classic structures like the Roman Pantheon as well.
Visiting the US Capitol building is one of the best things to do during 1 day in Washington, DC – even if you don’t go inside. If you do want to see the interior of the building, you’ll need to join a guided tour, and it’s recommended that you pre-book online as spots are very limited. There are some great photo opportunities outside though, and it’s a good starting point to explore the rest of the National Mall from.
Visit some galleries and museums
As you make your way down the National Mall from the US Capitol building, you’ll come across several important museums and art galleries located along it. Some of the world’s most renowned museums can be found here, including the National Gallery of Art, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Museum of American History.
All of the museums and art galleries are within walking distance of one another, and if you’re spending 1 day in Washington, DC in the summer, you’ll be thankful for somewhere to cool down for a while. And, best of all, the majority of museums and art galleries along the National Mall offer free entry.
The White House
No trip to Washington, DC is complete without at least catching a glimpse of The White House. It’s been the official residence of the president since 1800 and it stands as a powerful symbol of the US government. The neoclassical design of the building was inspired by Georgian-style mansions and classical architecture in Europe, with large columns and an elegant facade. If you haven’t managed to get a ticket for The White House, you can still get some nice photos of it from outside the gates.
However, if you’re very keen on taking a tour of The White House, you’ll need to plan far in advance as it’s required for all ticket holders to pass through security clearance. Tickets for The White House are snapped up very quickly too, so it can be difficult to obtain them during the summertime.
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
At the opposite end of the National Mall from the US Capitol building is the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This iconic water feature sits at the base of the Lincoln Memorial, stretching for over 2,000 feet between the memorial and the Washington Monument.
It was completed in 1923 and it was designed to visually connect the two iconic landmarks by reflecting them onto the water. A great time to see the reflections are at sunrise and sunset, but it can become very crowded. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is a beautiful spot along the National Mall for a leisurely walk or to take some unique photos to remember your 1 day in Washington, DC.
Lincoln Memorial
After you’ve finished spending time at the reflecting pool, you should make your way up the steps to the Lincoln Memorial. It was completed in 1922 in the style of a Greek Doric temple, featuring 36 enormous columns that represent the number of states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s assassination. Inside the memorial you’ll find a larger-than-life seated statue of Abraham Lincoln, quietly gazing out over the National Mall. If you visit the Lincoln Memorial in the evening, you’ll find it much quieter and the soft lighting on the statue creates a very tranquil setting.
Find some street art
During your 1 day in Washington, DC, you’ll no doubt come across several unique pieces of street art dotted around the city. We spent quite a bit of time around the Union Market area, and there were a few pieces that really stood out. One of my favourite street art creations is the Ovechkin mural that adorns the wall just outside of Union Market. When we visited DC, the Washington Capitals were in the NHL playoffs so there was a lot of buzz around the city.
If you’re very interested in street art, I’d recommend doing a bit of research before you visit Washington, DC so you can pinpoint the pieces you’d like to see the most. You can also join a guided walking tour, DC Mural Tour, that highlights all the best murals around Union Market and NoMa.
Grab something to eat at Union Market
One of the best places to eat in Washington, DC on a budget is Union Market. It’s located a short bus ride away from the National Mall, but it’s definitely worth it. The market was established in 1931 when it served as a wholesale food and produce centre, and it was especially important during WWII. After a period of decline, it was reopened in 2012 as a modern food market, with over 40 local vendors offering everything from global street food to artisan coffee and sweet treats.
Some places I would recommend eating or grabbing a drink from during your 1 day in Washington, DC are Dan Dan Boy for handmade Chinese noodles and dumplings, Buffalo & Bergen for breakfast bagels, South Block for a healthy açai bowl, and Spot of Tea for a build-your-own iced match experience.
Walk around Georgetown
If you find yourself with some extra time on your hands while spending only 1 day in Washington, DC, I’d highly recommend spending a couple of hours in Georgetown. This neighbourhood was established in 1751, almost 40 years before the city became the US capital. It’s well-known for its 18th-century buildings, Federal-style rowhouses, and cobblestone streets which give it a timeless and authentic feel.
Landmarks such as the Old Stone House, Georgetown University which was established in 1789, and M Street and Wisconsin Avenue which are known for their boutique shops and quaint cafes, are all major highlights that shouldn’t be missed. If you’re visiting Georgetown during the weekend, I’d recommend arriving earlier in the day so you can find a parking spot, because the streets can get very hectic and overcrowded.
Catch a Washington Capitals game
What better way to end your 1 day in Washington, DC than by catching a hockey game? Even if you’re not a diehard hockey fan, watching a game inside the Capital One Arena is a fantastic experience, especially if it’s playoff season. Make sure you arrive at least an hour before puck-drop so you can enjoy the atmosphere and the fan zone outside. The arena is located in Chinatown too, which is very vibrant, with lots of nice places to eat either before or after the game
Where to stay in Washington, DC on a budget
Generator Washington DC
Even if you’re only planning to spend 1 day in Washington, DC, you may want to consider staying overnight so you can explore the city well into the evening. Staying in DC can be expensive but, just like during our trip to New York City, we decided to save a few pennies and stay at Generator Washington DC. This budget-friendly boutique hotel chain has one hotel located in DC, in Dupont Circle, and it’s only a couple of blocks from the nearest metro station.
They offer a good mixture of dorm-style rooms and private rooms, and their prices vary based on your choice. The rooms are all beautifully decorated though, with modern vibes that reflect the nature of the city. We opted for their Deluxe King Room which featured a luxurious king-size bed, a flat-screen TV, a stunning view of the Washington Monument, USB sockets, and we even had welcome drinks and nachos on our desk which was a nice surprise. The room was spotlessly clean, as it always is with Generator Hotels, and the price was very reasonable considering the time of the year we visited.
All of the private rooms come with an ensuite bathroom, and ours was very spacious. It included towels, a modern bathtub, and a hairdryer. Toiletries aren’t included though, apart from some shampoo and body wash located on the wall of the bathtub, so I’d recommend bringing your own or buying some after you arrive in DC.
The Deluxe King Room at Generator Washington DC is the perfect choice if you’re looking for somewhere that’s budget friendly but still offers modern amenities and a comfortable sleeping experience.
The hotel is also great for socializing, with a cafe located in the hotel’s lobby where you can find light bites to eat and artisan coffee. The on-site restaurant and bar, Pikio Taco, has a very unique Mexican design to it and it’s very popular in the evening for guests who are looking for authentic Mexican food or a nice cocktail to enjoy. Guests can also use the rooftop pool which is open May-October, as well as bike rentals, a fitness centre, and laundry facilities. Generator Washington DC really does have it all, and for a fraction of the price you’d pay at other boutique hotels in Washington, DC too.
>> Choose your room now at Generator Washington DC <<
Is Washington, DC worth visiting?
Spending at least 1 day in Washington, DC is a must. Although there aren’t as many things to do here as in bigger cities like New York City, it’s still a very important city in the US to explore. You’ll find that most of the attractions are either monuments, museums, or political buildings, but they’re all very interesting to visit and learn more about. I’d recommend starting your day off at the US Capitol building and gradually making your way to the far end of the National Mall, where the Lincoln Memorial is located.
If you’re very short on time, you can either rent an e-bike or scooter which will speed up your trip along the National Mall substantially. 1 day in Washington, DC is a good amount of time to see most of the main attractions, but spending a day or two longer will let you see the city at a leisurely pace and it will also give you time to join some guided tours.
If you have any questions about spending 1 day in Washington, DC, or what attractions you should prioritize, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or by filling out the contact form on my website. Alternatively, you can also follow along with my travels on Instagram and TikTok where you might find some more helpful travel tips.
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