🇺🇸 Washington DC 2-Day Essential Itinerary

Pre-Trip Prep Book your hotel early 🏨 – attractions are concentrated and walkable. Stay between Lincoln Memorial and Capitol Hill. Bring sunscreen ☀️ – DC is clean but not very shady. Summer walks can be intense! Reserve in advance: Library of Congress & U.S. Capitol need bookings. For Chinese-guided Capitol tours, email at least 1 week ahead. English tours: 2 days prior. Day 1 – West Side Highlights 🗽 White House – Better views from the north side 📸 Washington Monument – For summit access: queue before 9 AM or book online ~1 month in advance 🎫 World War II Memorial Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool & Lincoln Memorial Take a taxi to Georgetown University – Beautiful campus 🏛️. Main building open to visitors. Georgetown – Chic shopping street 👗, wealthy neighborhood, great for wandering. Taxi to Jefferson Memorial – Perfect spot for sunset views over Tidal Basin 🌅 Day 2 – East Side (Walkable) 🚶‍♂️ Library of Congress – Go here first! ✅ Less strict security – water & food allowed 🥪 ✅ Underground passage to Capitol – avoid sun & re-screening! U.S. Capitol ❌ No drinks allowed inside ✅ Free guided tour highly recommended – learn history & watch Congress in session! Senate & House of Representatives Show passport to get gallery passes 🏛️ Free bag storage available National Gallery of Art – No reservation needed 🖼️🎨 Have a fantastic time exploring DC! 😍 #WashingtonDC #TravelGuide #2DayItinerary #CapitolHill #DCtravel #USAttractions