๐บ๐ธ Washington DC In-Depth Travel Guide
๐ Take Amtrak from New York Penn Station to DC Union Station โ about 3.5 hours, ~$80 off-peak ๐ Attractions are concentrated โ get a SmartTrip card ๐ณ ($2 fee + top-up) ๐๏ธ Most attractions are FREE ๐ ๐ฐ๏ธ Recommended stay: 3โ4 days ๐ Day 1 โ Georgetown ๐ Georgetown University โ Shopping District โ St. Sophia Cathedral โ National Zoo Georgetown University sits on a hill โ the Gothic Healy Hall is a must-see ๐ธ. The shopping area at the foot of the hill features cobblestone streets, colorful townhouses, and photo spots like the Studio Swing. ๐ Day 2 โ National Landmarks ๐ Lincoln Memorial โ WWII Memorial โ Washington Monument โ White House โ Spy Museum The WWII Memorial includes pillars for each state ๐๏ธ โ great spot for photos with the Washington Monument. Book W Monument tickets online in advance โ the view from the top on a clear day is breathtaking! ๐ซ The White House has lots of fencing โ better photos from the back ๐คณ. Donโt miss the official โTHE PEOPLEโS HOUSEโ gift shop on the west side โ they sell classic Christmas ornaments ๐. Spy Museum is the only paid attraction ($45/person). Fun interactive exhibits, but some content may be less engaging if youโre not familiar with spy history. Still, the car exhibit is cool! ๐ ๐ Day 3 โ Museums ๐ National Gallery of Art โ Air & Space Museum โ Natural History Museum โ Capitol Hill All free except Air & Space requires online reservation ๐จโ๏ธ๐ฆ. The Art Museum has two buildings โ art lovers could spend a whole day here. The Garden Cafรฉ has tasty salads! ๐ฅ Air & Space had some closed sections during my visit. Natural History (where Night at the Museum was filmed) is great for kids โ allow 1.5 hours. Nearby free museums: African American History, American Indian, etc. Wrap up with a visit to Capitol Hill. ๐ Day 4 โ Chinatown Stroll through Chinatown ๐ฎ โ check out the unique gate and signs. Visit the Portrait Gallery nearby. If time allows, explore local shops in Old Town Alexandria! ๐๏ธ #DCTravel #DCGuide #WeekendInDC #LifeInUSA #NYC #StudyAbroad #TravelDiary #TravelGram #NYCLife
