This was published 8 years ago
Things to do in Washington, DC: One day three ways
By David Whitely
The best things to do in Washington are free.Credit: iStock
Penny pinch
The best things in Washington are free, so you might as well spend the day hopping between the gratis Smithsonian museums. The Air and Space Museum has all the big-hitting planes and spacecraft, the National Museum of American History has recently introduced a few more interactive exhibits, and the National Museum of the American Indian offers an indigenous perspective on the American continent.
The latter also has by far the best place to eat on the National Mall. The native ingredients-inspired dishes at the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe include an Indian taco with buffalo chilli for $19.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.Credit: Getty Images
In the evening, take a No.42 bus ($3) up to the lively Adams-Morgan area for customisable Japanese noodle soups at Sakuramen ($18) then stay the night at the nearby and disarmingly homely Adam's Inn ($138).
TOTAL: $178
Take it easy
Have a three-egg Polish omelette at G Street Food ($8), then pick up a bike from Bike and Roll ($54 a day). This is by far the best way to tour the memorials around the National Mall – which are surprisingly far apart. The haunting Vietnam Veterans Memorial, intimidating Lincoln Memorial and beautifully sited Jefferson Memorial are the three must-sees.
Have a long-roasted pork chop at Founding Farmers ($26) for lunch.
In the afternoon, discover how the world of news reporting works over multiple floors at the flashy but engrossing Newseum ($33). Get the Metro ($3) towards buzzy and inventive Spanish small plates joint Estadio (about $41 for two dishes) for dinner and a look at Washington's non-stuffy side. Then lay your head at the peppy art deco Carlyle hotel ($277).
TOTAL: $442
Splash out
Get to grips with how Washington's political system works on a gossip and intrigue-packed guided walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, from the White House to the Supreme Court. Context Travel's three-hour GovWorks Politics Primer tour ($115) is run by a former Associated Press political journalist.
Go Chinese meets contemporary Peruvian lobster for lunch at celebrity chef Jose Andres' new joint China Chilcano ($75), then be a spy for the afternoon. The International Spy Museum packages together the museum, a GPS-guided mission around downtown Washington and an hour-long operation experience for $57.
Afterwards, cab it ($14) to tonight's hotel, the Four Seasons ($1114 including breakfast), to freshen up. Then take a taxi ($28 return) to Italian power dining hotspot Fiola. A four-course tasting menu with wine pairings costs $230.
TOTAL: $1633
The writer was a guest of Destination DC.
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