Top 10 Things to do in Washington DC: Post Pandemic Travels

Captivating Sights in the Nation’s Capitol

Washington DC is a charming city with tons of iconic monuments, historic museums, and prestigious buildings. The capitol of the United States embodies the political ambiance you would expect. But what is there left to do after the pandemic has ravaged the district? D.C. is currently in phase 2 of the reopening so all bars are required to shutdown at midnight, and many restaurants are operating at a limited capacity. Unfortunately all music venues, festivals, and large gatherings are still prohibited. However, there’s still plenty of alternatives so we’ll cover everything exciting left to experience in Washington DC!

10. Washington DC Museums

All of the museums in Washington DC are world class. Unfortunately all the amazing and free Smithsonian museums are temporarily closed. Hopefully you’ll get to visit the Air & Space and other museums soon. For the meantime, You can check out the International Spy museum and Artechouse. The Spy museum is an interactive gallery where you’re given a secret identity and are tasked with completing intriguing missions, and the Artechouse displays radiant art with technological ingenuity. Make sure to make reservations a few days in advance to secure a time slot.

Check out our Artechouse travel vlog for the entire sakura experience!

9. Washington DC Union Market

All great cities have their eclectic food markets and Union Market is DC’s. There is a large outdoor section that is currently open and tons of various food stands inside for some delicious snacks. If you want to grab a drink on the Rooftop at Union Market, make reservations multiple days in advance.

Since we’re talking about food, I’ve decided to include some of my favorite restaurants in DC that are currently open. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time since most restaurants are operating at limited capacity. And if you have any plans for brunch spots like El Centro, Boqueria, or El Techo, I highly recommend calling a few days or a week in advance.

• Medium Rare – With steak this good, a 1 item menu can totally be justified. Still trying to figure out what’s in that secret sauce…
• Daikaya or Jinya Ramen Bar – Try these ramen spots for some of the most authentic Japanese cuisine you’ll find outside of Japan.
• District Taco – There’s always time for a taco break, and District Taco is one of the best for a quick snack by the National Mall.
• Ben’s Chili Bowl – One of DC’s few signature foods, smother this chili atop of anything and you’ll get historic significance in every bite!
• Cava – I know it’s a chain, but this healthy Mediterranean menu always hits the spot.
• Crab Cake Café – Not actually in DC, but if you happen to stop by the National Harbor I would recommend checking out the flavorful delicacies of the Crab Cake Café.

8. National harbor

Technically not in Washington DC, but it’s so close it’s worth a visit. Located just south of DC in Maryland, the National Harbor has a beautiful marina with a plethora of activities. Check out the Capital Wheel for amazing views of the harbor. Plus you can even see DC over the horizon! When the sun goes down, test your luck at the MGM National Harbor Casino nearby. It also contains a wonderful botanical garden that’s free to enjoy.

7. National Cathedral in Washington DC

This ostentatious cathedral is on par with the ones you’ll find in Europe. It is temporarily closed, but even views from the outside are pretty impressive.

6. Historic Georgetown

Georgetown is a historic neighborhood area with picturesque buildings and tons of shops to indulge. Wander down the cobblestone streets to find the waterfront promenade and even more traditional architecture. The nightlife scene contains a mix of atmospheric venues in traditional taverns and modern nightclubs to enjoy (after the pandemic is over of course).

5. Get a Tour of the Capitol Building

Sign up for a free tour of the Capitol Building for an immersive look into the egregious political scene. The tour provides interesting insights into the Capitol’s history as well as the marvelous building’s architecture. The enormous dome is truly a sight to see, and has detailed artwork around the ceiling. Then you can head through an underground passage to arrive in the Library of Congress. Unfortunately after the previous debacle tours are currently suspended.

4. Arlington National Cemetery

Actually located in Arlington, Virginia, this is the final resting place for many US military officials. On this huge 639 acre compound, you’ll find highlights like the tomb of the unknown soldier, the changing of the guard ceremony, the Eternal Flame at JFK’s grave, and much more. It’s only a few metro stops out of the city so is pretty accessible. The hours are from 8am to 5pm.

3. Tour the White House

No visit to Washington DC is complete without the obligatory stop at the White House. Possibly the world’s most infamous building, even the outside displays its prominence from a distance. If you would like to get beyond the gates, contact your member of congress via email and request for a tour. They begin taking reservations about 3 months ahead of time so you will need to prepare accordingly. Tours are temporarily suspended, but once they become available they are worth scheduling. All the tours are free too!

2. Washington DC Cherry Blossoms

If you’re lucky enough to visit during Spring, the pink blossoms of the cherry trees will be in full effect. The cherry blossoms commemorate a gift of friendship from the mayor of Tokyo to the city of Washington DC. The majestic pedals are in peak bloom for a few weeks usually around the end of March/beginning of April. Take a stroll around the National Mall and the Tidal Basin for some of the most abundant views. Hopefully we can all celebrate the Japanese inspired Sakura Matsuri festival next year.

1. Lincoln Memorial & the National Mall

The National mall is the quintessential DC experience, where most of the iconic landmarks reside all within walking distance. The grassy fields hold the George Washington Monument, Smithsonian Museums, various War memorials, the Tidal Basin, Capitol Building, and the temple that enshrines a statue of Abraham Lincoln. This white marble temple is an impressive structure, and has great views of Washington DC from atop its mighty steps. It is a ton of walking, but if there is only one thing you get to do in the city, it should be this. The monuments are also splendidly lit up at night.

Washington DC is filled with beautiful architecture, history, and some of the best monuments in the country. Whether you come for the colorful sakura festivals in Spring or the blazing 4th of July celebrations in Summer, there is always something exciting to discover. Museums, nightlife, and restaurants may have been disrupted, but there is still plenty of ways to spend your time in the city. Hopefully you can visit soon when everything reopens as normal. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!

And check out our Washington DC Travel vlog on Youtube!

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