One weekend in Washington D.C

7/14/2025

🇺🇸 Why Washington D.C.?

Washington D.C. may not be the first city that comes to mind for a city trip in the USA - but that's exactly what makes it so special. Between iconic buildings, green parks and museums that will leave you in awe, you can expect a city that breathes history and is full of life at the same time. For us, the visit was a real highlight - not only because of the sights, but also because of the many little aha moments in between.

🚆 Arrival & accommodation: fast, affordable & central

Our journey started in Philadelphia. We were in D.C. in just under 2 hours by train and paid just $60 for the return journey - absolutely fair. We stayed at the YOTEL in a perfect location: just 5 minutes from the train station and the Capitol. For around €370 for 3 nights (Thu-Sun), we had a stylish room, rooftop pool and central location. Top value for money!

🚴‍♂️ A different way of getting around: everything by bike

What surprised us: We didn't use the metro once during the entire trip - instead, we did everything on foot or with Capital Bikeshare (only $8 per day!). Cycling through the city - especially in the evening - was not only super practical, but also a real experience.

🌇 Highlight at night: the monuments in a blaze of light

One of my absolute goosebump moments: Cycling past the White House, the Washington Monument and up to the Lincoln Memorial at night - completely illuminated, quiet, impressive. This tour will stay in my head forever.

🎟️ Activities & sights: Experience a lot, pay little

You can experience a lot in D.C. - and most of it for free:

U.S. Capitol & Library of Congress: Both free, but reserve tickets for the Capitol in advance. The Library offers free guided tours twice a day.
National Air and Space Museum: Free, but with a reservation - one of the highlights for us!
Natural History Museum: No reservation required, but we were less impressed than others.
Botanic Garden: Small, quiet, free - perfect for arriving.
The Wharf: Beautiful promenade with stores, restaurants & water views.

🍽️ Culinary recommendations: D.C. can eat really well

Washington surprises with a diverse and high-quality gastronomic scene. Here are our top spots:

🥐 Breakfast at Maman - charming café, delicious pastries & coffee
🇱🇦 Laos in Town - authentic, modern, great taste
🇵🇪 Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar - fresh ceviche & Peruvian cuisine at the highest level
🇫🇷 Vin Sur Vingt Wine Bar - French, cozy, ideal to round off the evening
🌱 Zaytinya - Mediterranean lunch menu (7 courses for two for $70!) - world class!
🥨 Prost - German cuisine with a nice ambience, but rather dispensable in terms of taste

🛍️ Insider tip for souvenirs

There is a small National Park Store (NPS) right next to the White House. You can buy high-quality and fair souvenirs there - no tourist kitsch!

🕵️‍♂️ Finally: The Spy Museum

On the last day, we went to the International Spy Museum. With an entrance fee of 30-40 dollars, it's not cheap, but it's super interactive and exciting - especially if you want to play secret agent yourself.

📌 Conclusion: Washington D.C. - underrated and surprisingly versatile

Whether history, culinary delights or monuments by night - D.C. has us hooked. The city is not only exciting for politics fans, but offers something for every generation - and is easy to discover by bike. For us, it was a successful mix of sightseeing, culinary delights and balmy summer nights.

👉 Curious? Then take a look at my picture gallery and other USA travel reports!