My first-timer's game plan for DC — free Smithsonian museums and monuments on the Mall, cobblestone strolls in Georgetown, and half-smokes, brunch, and late nights from Dupont to U Street. These are the spots I actually send friends to when they visi...
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I climb the steps at sunset and look back down the Reflecting Pool to the Washington Monument — it never gets old.
Lincoln Memorial
I grab timed tickets ahead and ride up to the top for the best 360-degree view of the whole city.
Washington Monument
I always slow down and walk the full length of the black granite wall — it's the most moving stop on the Mall.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
I walk the Tidal Basin loop to the Jefferson, especially in cherry blossom season or lit up at night.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
I wander the outdoor rooms and waterfalls of the FDR Memorial on my Tidal Basin walk — it's bigger and prettier than people expect.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
I book the free Capitol tour through the Visitor Center and walk out to the West Front for the view down the Mall.
The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
I peek down into the Main Reading Room from the gallery in the Jefferson Building — easily the most beautiful interior in DC.
Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building
I reserve free timed passes and go see the Wright Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module up close.
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
I say hi to the Hope Diamond and the giant elephant in the rotunda, then head for the fossil hall.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
I start at the bottom in the history galleries and work my way up — plan a full half-day here, it's that good.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
I see the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in the Americas here, then cut through the tunnel to the modern East Building.
National Gallery of Art
I sit at the bar during oyster happy hour at this classic saloon steps from the White House.
Old Ebbitt Grill
I come for the chicken and waffles at brunch at this farmer-owned spot a few blocks west of the White House.
Founding Farmers DC
I always order the palak chaat — the crispy fried spinach — at DC's favorite modern Indian restaurant.
Rasika
I share a round of tapas and a pan of paella at José Andrés' original Jaleo after a day on the Mall.
Jaleo
I slide into a wooden booth for brunch at this 1933 Georgetown tavern where JFK supposedly proposed to Jackie.
Martin's Tavern
I pick up a box of their famous cupcakes to eat while I wander M Street.
Georgetown Cupcake
I walk the river path at golden hour and watch the kayaks and the Key Bridge from the steps by the fountain.
Georgetown Waterfront Park
I stroll the old canal towpath through Georgetown for a quiet break from the M Street crowds.
Georgetown Visitor Center
I spend an afternoon in the terraced gardens up the hill in Georgetown — they're stunning in spring and fall.
The Museum at Dumbarton Oaks
I go straight to Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party and the little Rothko Room at America's first modern art museum.
The Phillips Collection
I browse the shelves and grab a drink or a late bite at this Dupont bookstore-cafe that's been a DC icon since 1976.
Kramers
I book brunch at this buzzy Parisian brasserie on 14th Street and order the steak frites and a basket of the bread.
Le Diplomate
I order the half-smoke all the way with chili, mustard, and onions at this U Street landmark that's been open since 1958.
Ben's Chili Bowl
I catch a show at DC's legendary concert club — the room is small enough that every spot feels close to the stage.
9:30 Club
I line up early on the weekend for a Sunny Jewish bagel sandwich at the original pink-and-teal Call Your Mother.
Call Your Mother Deli - Park View
I come on a weekend morning for the blueberry buckwheat pancakes at the Market Lunch counter and the outdoor flea market.
Eastern Market
I graze my way through the food stalls at this indoor market and hit the shops in the surrounding Union Market district.
Union Market
I walk the piers along the Washington Channel for dinner, drinks, and live music by the water.
The Wharf DC
I grab steamed crabs or a fried fish sandwich at America's oldest continuously operating open-air fish market.
Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf
I visit the giant pandas and the big cats at the free zoo up in Woodley Park.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
I time my visit to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then walk up to Arlington House for the view.
