Washington DC 3-Day Itinerary (2026): The Perfect First-Time Guide

Washington Monument on the National Mall, the centerpiece of a Washington DC 3 day itinerary

A first-timer’s Washington DC 3 day itinerary: the National Mall and monuments, the Capitol and Smithsonian, and Georgetown and Dupont Circle, plus what to book ahead, where to stay, getting around, the best time to visit and 2026 updates.