24 hours in Washington, D.C. Visit iconic sites, check out the best parks, and step inside one of the world’s largest libraries.
Last updated: February 14, 2025
One Culture and History-Infused Day in Washington, D.C.
Named after the first president of the U.S., George Washington, Washington, D.C., is one of the most important and influential political capitals of the world. Moreover, by virtue of its impeccable neoclassical buildings, statues, and monuments, the city hosts over 20 million visitors every year. People from all over the world travel to Washington, D.C., often for only 24 hours, to admire the stunning architecture and show respect to the American capital.
Luckily, exploring D.C. and its numerous attractions is easy thanks to the city’s walkability and excellent public transportation. Yet as a first-time visitor who wanted to see more of a real city while spending one day in Washington, D.C., I relied solely on my feet and occasionally Uber. Being able to cross all, but two items off my itinerary, I have compiled the list of things to do in Washington, D.C., in your first 24 hours.
THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON, D.C., IN 24 HOURS
1. Be the First at the Lincoln Memorial
When in Washington, D.C., set aside the first few hours for a visit to the Lincoln Memorial. The iconic structure pays tribute to the 16th President of the United States. Towering over the Reflecting Pool, the memorial is a beautiful and powerful reminder of what one man is capable of.
Great turmoil, political crises, and the bloodiest Civil War did not stand a chance in the face of the great leader, a ruler who now sits as a 19-foot tall, 175-ton statue inside the memorial. With a famous inscription behind his statue and two of his greatest speeches on the north and south walls, Lincoln’s legacy has never faded. Even today he still speaks to the nation.
2. Pay Tribute to Fallen Soldiers at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Another place to visit in 24 hours in Washington, D.C., is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The spectacular three-part structure honors members of the U.S. Armed Forces tragically perished in the Vietnam War.
Each separate feature of the monument praises a particular category of the Vietnam War veterans. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the most popular of the three independent parts, lists over 58,000 names of the deceased or missing soldiers. Reflecting images of the visitors on the engraved names, the wall creates an acute sense of reality, an undivided realm of the past and presence.
The Vietnam Women’s Memorial pays tribute to well over 200,000 women served in the Vietnam War. Mostly nurses, these women came together to assist the soldiers during the difficult time of the war. As the statue that depicts three women and a wounded soldier suggests these tireless ladies united their forces to make their contributions toward the end of the war.
The third part of the memorial is a bronze statue of The Three Soldiers. Standing tall, each of the soldiers seems to look at the memorial wall. Quietly and endlessly, they relive the horrors of the war and commemorate their lost comrades.
3. Visit National World War II Memorial
I almost left it out of my 24 hours in Washington, D.C., itinerary. Seeing one memorial after another felt a bit like going through pages of a history textbook. But at the last moment, I changed my mind and scribbled the National World War II Memorial at the end of the list of the places I planned to see in Washington, D.C., in the next 24 hours. And I am glad I did it.
Located at the end of the Reflecting Pool across the Lincoln Memorial, the National World War II Memorial is one of the newest structures on the National Mall. Dedicated to over 16 million people affected by the war, the memorial symbolizes unshakable faith, courage, sacrifices, and victories.
The architecture of the monument is very unique. 56 pilings, representing the states and territories of the U.S. at that time, make a perfect circle with the stunning Rainbow Pool in the middle. The absence of ceiling and walls makes it accessible to locals and visitors of Washington D.C. 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
4. Check the Height of the Washington Monument
Don’t worry. Even if you have only 24 hours to spend in Washington, D.C., you won’t miss the Washington Monument. The tallest structure in the city, after the radio tower, is visible from afar.
The obelisk is 555 feet tall. It was built in 1884 to commemorate George Washington. Once a world’s tallest structure, the Washington Monument is still recognized as the tallest stone column on Earth. Nothing less than that to embody appreciation, respect, and gratitude toward the nation’s most significant Founding Father.
5. Step inside the White House
Just like the Washington Monument, the White House is an absolute must to see during the 24-hour visit to Washington, D.C. One of the most important symbols of the free world, the White House has been an official residence and workplace of the U.S. President since 1800.
Located across the street from Lafayette Square, the main building of the country cannot be approached or entered without a pre-booked White House tour. Usually you reserve your spot by contacting your senator with such a request months in advance.
6. Admire the United States Capitol Building
The United States Capitol is arguably the most stunning building in Washington, D.C. At least, this is what I felt standing in front of this colossal structure. I remember saying to myself that it surely looks more impressive than the White House.
The Capitol Building is also one of the most significant places in the country. Next to the White House with its executive branch, the Capital is home of the United States Congress – the legislative branch of the government.
You may not be able to see debates between two parties of the Congress during a 24-hour trip to Washington, D.D. But you can surely visit the north and south wings, along with the central rotunda of the buildings. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance, although it’s not required.
7. Tour the Library of Congress
Just across the street from the United States Capitol, you will find the Library of Congress. Located in the Thomas Jefferson Building, the library is the oldest cultural institution in the U.S. and one of the largest libraries in the world. With over 167 million items in approximately 470 languages, the Library of Congress serves as the major research library nationwide.
I wasn’t able to get inside the reading rooms of the library during my 24-hour excursion to Washington, D.C. But being a bookworm as I am, I couldn’t leave the city without touring at least a small part of this book sanctuary.
8. Admire the Supreme Court Building
To the right of the Library of Congress resides the judicial branch of the U.S. government. Taking its name from the Supreme Court of the United States, the Supreme Court Building cannot escape your attention thanks to its sheer resemblance to a Roman temple.
A great flight of broad steps leads to a portico of tall Corinthian columns, signifying the magnificence and power of the place. Two seated statues on the sides of the front stairway remind the visitors that behind these doors justice and nothing else prevails.
9. Check Out Collections of the National Gallery of Art
Located on the National Mall, between 3rd and 9th Streets, the National Gallery of Art is an artsy paradise for experts and amateurs alike. The Gallery consists of two buildings. The East Building pays special attention to modern and contemporary art. The West Building houses collections of older works with emphasis on Botticelli, Monet, Rembrandt, and many other European and American artists.
There is no entrance fee. Yet you may want to limit your visit to no more than two hours. You still have a lot to see and do in Washington, D.C., so every hour should be counted.
10. Visit Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)
The Smithsonian Institution Building or the Castle is, in the words of its French-born, British-raised benefactor, James Smithson, “an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge”. It’s quite a mystery why Smithson, who never visited Washington, D.C., left his substantial fortune to the capital of a foreign country.
The Institution was officially created in 1846 and has been an essential part of the cultural life of Washington, D.C., ever since.
Transformed into a modern visitor center, the Castle provides its guests with detailed information and direction to 17 Smithsonian Institution properties that you can find in Washington, D.C. Among them are museums, galleries, and the National Zoological Park. Like all Smithsonian museums, the admission to the Castle is free.
11. Walk around Tidal Basin
World-known for the National Cherry Blossom Festival held each spring, the Tidal Basin is a two-mile-long reservoir between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. Many great landmarks surround the basin.
According to some visitors, the best way to explore the basin is to follow a broad path around the pond. The latest trend, however, includes crossing the basin in a paddle boat. You can rent a boat from March through early October at a boat dock near Maine Avenue.
12. Sit on the Stairs of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
On the southern side of the Tidal Basin, the stately Thomas Jefferson Memorial faces the waterbody. Magnificent in style and architecture, the memorial is an open-air columned structure with Jefferson’s statue inside.
The location of the memorial deserves special laurels as well. Seen from all sides of the basin, it allures many visitors that sit on the massive steps and watch the sun, leisurely bathing in the water.
13. Visit Georgetown Waterfront Park
Stretching along the banks of the Potomac River, Georgetown Waterfront Park offers a much-needed escape from the bustling city. You can take it easy or do quite the opposite. From walking to running, biking and paddling, sunset and sunrise watching – the park leaves nobody behind.
14. Watch Sunset at Yards Park
With plenty of recreational activities and gorgeous scenery, Yards Park is a beautiful destination to end your 24-hour visit to Washington, D.C. Nestled on the bank of the Anacostia River, the park has a large grassy area and Dancing Fountains.
Kids enjoy splashing the water in a small pool. The abundance of restaurants and numerous festivals and events keep every adult satisfied. And, of course, do not forget the famous sculptural bridge, a cook place to admire and walk across.
I couldn’t find a better place to end my one-day trip to Washington, D.C. With a bottle of Kombucha, I sat on the bank of the river and watched a paddling team. Vigorously crossing the blue waters, the athletes soon became a small dot against a pink sunset… Could it be any better?
READ MORE: 10 Things You Must Know before Visiting Washington, D.C.
On a Final Note
Looking back at my 24 hours in Washington, D.C., I can’t not pat myself on the back, “You did a great job!” Let’s be honest, it’s way too many places that one can handle in one day. But with some advanced planning, always useful Uber, and an adventurous spirit, nothing is impossible. When you have only 24 hours to spend in Washington, D.C., you need to make the most of the limited time on your hands.
