Ballin’ on a Budget: A $30 Day in Downtown DC

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Big fun, small budget. This itinerary proves that Downtown DC can be rich in experience without spending big. Dive into jaw dropping art, a playful language museum, and delicious eats—all for less than your average night out.

Breakfast: Pret a Manger | 1201 New York Ave NW

  1. Coffee + croissant or egg sandwich for ~$5–7
  2. Fast, fresh, and affordable to fuel your day.

Activity 1: Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery | 8th & G St NW

  1. From Pret a Manger
  2. Walking: ~12 mins (0.6 miles)
  3. Metro option: Farragut North to Gallery Place (~10 mins total)
  4. Free admission
  5. American icons, modern masterpieces, and stunning architecture—all under one roof.

Activity 2: National Building Museum (Great Hall only) | 401 F St NW

  1. From Portrait Gallery
  2. Walking: ~10 mins (0.5 miles)
  3. Metro option: Gallery Place to Judiciary Square (~12 mins total)
  4. Free to enter the Great Hall
  5. The massive columns and sweeping atrium are worth the visit alone. Bring your camera.

Lunch: Teaism | 400 8th St NW

  1. Walking from Building Museum: ~7 mins (0.4 miles)
  2. Globally inspired lunch bowls and bento boxes for ~$10
  3. Casual, cozy, and ideal for a quick, nourishing bite.

Activity 3: Planet Word Museum | 925 13th St NW

  1. From Teaism
  2. Walking: ~15 mins (0.7 miles)
  3. Uber/Lyft: ~$6
  4. Metro option: Archives-Navy Memorial to McPherson Square (~15 mins total)
  5. Free admission (advance reservation recommended)
  6. An immersive museum all about the power of language.

Dinner: RASA | 485 K St NW

  1. From Planet Word
  2. Walking: ~18 mins (0.9 miles)
  3. Uber/Lyft: ~$8
  4. Metro option: McPherson Square to Mt Vernon Sq (Green/Yellow Line)
  5. Build-your-own South Asian bowls starting at ~$9–10