However, if you have only 24 hours to spend in the U.S. capital, you might not know what exactly is the best thing to do in Washington DC in a day. If it’s your first time in Rome, there’s quite a lot to see, and the city is not small, so there is a risk of getting overwhelmed. Thankfully, with iconic monuments, world-class museums, rich political history, and beautiful green spaces, there’s a lot to see but not too much. The positive news is that it is entirely feasible to get a rich and memorable experience in a single day. If you’re a first-time visitor or a returning visitor looking to explore deeper parts of Washington, D.C., this guide is for you – the best ways to experience Washington, D.C. in a day focused on comfort, accessibility, and impact.
Kickstart your day with the most recognizable sights in Washington. Start at the Lincoln Memorial as one of the most visited monuments in America. Standing with quite an imposing Abraham Lincoln at the west end of the National Mall, his statue is a grand one.
Continue on a good walk to the Reflecting Pool, going past the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial from there. After, you will head east to the World War II Memorial and it nicely bridges the gap between Lincoln and the Washington Monument.
This stretch is a non-negotiable if you’re wondering how to visit Washington DC in a day. The political and cultural symbols of the city are there for you to see.
To maximize time and energy, there’s arguably no better choice than a hop on hop off Washington DC tour. These open-top buses follow a loop covering most major sights, allowing you to explore at your own pace without the hassle of navigating public transportation or expensive ride shares.
Here’s why it’s a top recommendation:
A popular route includes stops at:
If you want the best way to see Washington DC without exhausting yourself, the Washington DC bus tour is ideal—especially during hot or crowded days.
If you visit Washington, you can’t go there without entering one or more of the Smithsonian Museums, and all along the National Mall. The best part? There’s no fee to enter them, and you don’t need to spend hours to enjoy them.
Top recommendations for a one-day visit:
If you only have so much time and only one or two museums, limit yourself to just that. Also, make sure you mark your visit to the museum stops on your hop on hop off Washington DC route.
If you have a 1 day tour Washington DC plan, an hour for Capitol Hill is a minimum. It is an architectural marvel and home to the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Capitol Building. Unfortunately tours inside are possible, though viewing the building from the outside is itself impressive.
Arguably one of the most beautiful interiors in Washington, the Library of Congress is right nearby. It is quick and without any doubt a stop full of ornate ceilings, marble staircases, and stained glass. This is a must if you are a lover of architecture and history.
By now, you'll be ready for a break. For a fast and satisfying bite, head toward Penn Quarter, where you'll find excellent options like:
Alternatively, grab something quick from food trucks on the National Mall, offering everything from tacos to falafel to gourmet grilled cheese.
If time permits, and especially if you’re using a Washington, DC, bus tour, include a stop at Arlington National Cemetery. Home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it's a place of reverence, reflection, and military history.
Keep in mind that this site is just across the river in Virginia, so make sure your tour includes this stop, or consider taking the Metro to Arlington Cemetery Station.
For a relaxed afternoon, choose between:
Both options offer quieter, scenic alternatives to the National Mall.
As the day winds down, make your way to the White House. While tours are limited and require advance requests, seeing it from Lafayette Square still feels significant. The views at dusk, as lights illuminate the neoclassical structure, are especially photo-worthy.
For dinner, choose from nearby neighborhoods:
Time | Activity |
8:00 AM | Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool |
9:30 AM | Washington Monument + WWII Memorial |
10:30 AM | Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Begins |
11:00 AM | Visit Smithsonian Museum (Air & Space or History) |
12:30 PM | Lunch in Penn Quarter or Mall Food Trucks |
1:30 PM | U.S. Capitol & Library of Congress |
3:00 PM | Optional: Arlington or Tidal Basin Walk |
5:00 PM | White House Visit & Photos |
6:30 PM | Dinner + Evening Stroll in Georgetown |
Yet, are you still asking yourself how to visit Washington, DC in a day? All that it’s all about is smart planning and finding high-impact locations. The hop on hop off Washington DC bus provides easy, comfortable sightseeing. In the morning, prioritize the major monuments, cultural stops in the afternoon, and end with a dinner and reflective note.
The city will not attempt to rush you on a 1 day tour Washington DC. A day of history, beauty and inspiration, the U.S. capital promises endless walking or biking the Mall, gliding through museums, or passing through it on an open top bus.
Lace up those shoes (whatever they may be) or find that bus pass I suggest and start uncovering Washington DC one neighborhood, one monument, and one mind blowing experience at a time.
