Ballin’ on a Budget: A $30 Day in Downtown DC
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
- Coffee + croissant or egg sandwich for ~$5-7
- Fast, fresh, and affordable to fuel your day.
Activity 1: Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery | 8th & G St NW
- From Pret a Manger
- Walking: ~12 mins (0.6 miles)
- Metro option: Farragut North to Gallery Place (~10 mins total)
- Free admission
- American icons, modern masterpieces, and stunning architecture—all under one roof.
Activity 2: National Building Museum (Great Hall only) | 401 F St NW
- From Portrait Gallery
- Walking: ~10 mins (0.5 miles)
- Metro option: Gallery Place to Judiciary Square (~12 mins total)
- Free to enter the Great Hall
- The massive columns and sweeping atrium are worth the visit alone. Bring your camera.
Lunch: Teaism | 400 8th St NW
- Walking from Building Museum: ~7 mins (0.4 miles)
- Globally inspired lunch bowls and bento boxes for ~$10
- Casual, cozy, and ideal for a quick, nourishing bite.
Activity 3: Planet Word Museum | 925 13th St NW
- From Teaism
- Walking: ~15 mins (0.7 miles)
- Uber/Lyft: ~$6
- Metro option: Archives-Navy Memorial to McPherson Square (~15 mins total)
- Free admission (advance reservation recommended)
- An immersive museum all about the power of language.
Dinner: RASA | 485 K St NW
- From Planet Word
- Walking: ~18 mins (0.9 miles)
- Uber/Lyft: ~$8
- Metro option: McPherson Square to Mt Vernon Sq (Green/Yellow Line)
- Build-your-own South Asian bowls starting at ~$9–10