Downtown DC in a Day: Art, Eats, and Entertainment

Home » Explore » Itineraries » Downtown DC in a Day: Art, Eats, and Entertainment

 

Downtown never looked this good. Explore world-class museums, indulge in Spanish tapas, and take in a live show—all within walking distance. It’s a perfectly curated city day for art lovers, culture seekers, and anyone who enjoys a well-timed happy hour.

Starting Point: Capitol Hilton | 1001 16th St NW

Breakfast: North Gate Grill | 1001 16th St NW

  1. Located inside your hotel — no travel needed
  2. A great way to fuel up without rushing out the door

Activity 1: National Portrait Gallery | 8th & G Streets NW

  1. From North Gate Grill
  2. Uber/Lyft: ~$9 (1.1 miles)
  3. Metro: Walk 6 mins to Farragut North, take Red Line to Gallery Pl/Chinatown (~4 mins ride)
  4. Total Metro time: ~13 mins
  5. Walking from Metro to museum: ~3 mins (~700 ft)

Lunch: Jaleo | 480 7th St NW

  1. From National Portrait Gallery
  2. Walking: 0.2 miles (~5 mins)
  3. Uber/Lyft: ~$7 (0.3 miles) — not really necessary unless you’re in a hurry

Activity 2: National Museum of Women in the Arts | 1250 New York Ave NW

  1. From Jaleo
  2. Walking: 0.6 miles (~12 mins)
  3. Uber/Lyft: ~$9 (0.7 miles)

Activity 3: Watch a Show at Ford’s Theatre | 511 10th St NW

  1. From National Museum of Women in the Arts
  2. Walking: 0.4 miles (~8 mins)
  3. Uber/Lyft: ~$7 (0.5 miles)

Dinner: Centrolina | 974 Palmer Alley NW

  1. From Ford’s Theatre
  2. Walking: 0.3 miles (~6 mins)
  3. Uber/Lyft: ~$7 (0.4 miles)
  4. Located in CityCenterDC — an upscale shopping and dining area, great ambiance

Bar Suggestion: Barmini | 501 9th St NW

  1. From Centrolina
  2. Walking: 0.3 miles (~5 mins)
  3. Uber/Lyft: ~$7 (0.5 miles)
  4. Upscale cocktail bar by José Andrés, great for a nightcap