Dear travelers,
You know those trips that feel very “main character energy”? Where everything looks like it belongs in a political drama or a National Treasure movie?
That was Washington, DC for us.
We boarded an early Amtrak from New York City, coffee in hand, slightly overconfident about how much we could see in just two days. Forty-eight hours later, we had walked miles along the National Mall, stood inches (okay, meters) from the White House, toured the US Capitol, eaten chicken and waffles like locals, and ended both nights in wildly different bars, one hidden behind a mirror, the other inside an actual former vault.
So if you’re planning 48 hours in Washington DC, here’s exactly how we did it plus what surprised us, what we’d do differently, and the little details that make the difference.
How to Get from NYC to Washington DC (Why We Chose Amtrak)
Let’s start at the beginning because the journey matters.
We debated between taking a bus or a train from NYC to DC. The bus was slightly cheaper, yes. But the train won for one big reason: time and comfort.
Why the Train Is Better Than the Bus (In Our Opinion)
Here’s what made Amtrak the easy choice:
Shorter travel time (around 3–3.5 hours depending on the service)
No traffic stress
More legroom
Ability to walk around
Power outlets at every seat
A café car for snacks and drinks
You’re allowed to bring your own food
We booked our tickets online in advance (super easy), and the train departed from Moynihan Train Hall in NYC. If you haven’t been there, it’s bright, modern, and surprisingly easy to navigate. No chaotic bus terminal vibes.
When we arrived at Union Station in DC, it felt cinematic. The ceilings. The light. The “we have arrived in the capital” feeling.
And just like that, our 48 hours in Washington DC began.
First Impressions of Washington DC
We stayed near Chinatown, which turned out to be a great location for walking everywhere.
Here’s what immediately surprised me:
The streets are HUGE. Like, unnecessarily wide.
It felt quiet, especially for a capital city.
On the weekend, there weren’t as many people as I expected.
Most museums are completely free.
Public buses weren’t very frequent during the weekend, so we mostly walked. And trust me, you will walk a lot in DC.
Bring comfortable shoes. This is not a fashion city. This is a “my step count hit 25,000” city.
Day 1: The White House, Monuments & A Hidden Speakeasy
We dropped our bags and did what anyone does in Washington DC for the first time: We went looking for the White House.
Seeing the White House Up Close
I don’t know what I expected, maybe something more distant, fenced off like a secret movie set.
But you can actually get surprisingly close.
You obviously can’t just walk up and knock on the door (imagine), but from outside the fence, you get a very clear view. And yes, it looks exactly like it does on TV.
There’s something surreal about seeing a building you’ve seen in hundreds of movies, political speeches, and history books and suddenly you’re just… standing there.
Quick tip:
You don’t need a tour reservation just to see it from outside.
Go during daylight for better photos.
From there, we started walking toward the National Mall and this is where DC truly shines.
Walking the National Mall: Washington Monument & Tidal Basin
Washington Monument
You can’t miss it. Literally.
At 555 feet tall, it’s the tallest stone structure in the world and was built to honor George Washington.
You can:
Walk around it for free
Reserve timed-entry tickets (free) to go to the top
We didn’t go up this time, but even standing at the base feels powerful.
Tidal Basin
From there, we continued toward the Tidal Basin, a man-made reservoir surrounded by memorials.
It was already getting dark when we arrived and while it was peaceful, I would honestly recommend doing this walk during the day. The views are prettier, and you’ll appreciate the surroundings more.
If you visit during cherry blossom season, this area becomes one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Even without blossoms, though, there’s something calming about walking around the water as the monuments reflect in the distance.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Right by the Tidal Basin sits the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
White marble. Dome ceiling. Columns. Very dramatic.
It’s open and free to enter. At night, it felt almost mysterious. But again, I think this one deserves daylight for full appreciation (and better photos).
The Mirror: A Hidden Speakeasy in DC
We ended our first night at The Mirror, a hidden speakeasy bar and yes, you enter through a mirror.
That alone made it worth it.
Inside:
Cozy atmosphere
Dim lighting
Classic speakeasy vibe
The cocktails? Honestly… not mind-blowing. But the experience was fun, and sometimes that’s what matters.
And then we walked back through the quiet DC streets, slightly tired, slightly impressed, and very aware that Day 2 would be packed.
Day 2: The US Capitol, Historic Libraries & Iconic Memorials
Day 2 started early because we had reservations at one of the most important buildings in the country.
Visiting the US Capitol (Free but Reserve in Advance!)
If you take one tip from this article, let it be this:
Reserve your US Capitol tour in advance. It’s free.
You book online. Choose a time slot. Show up early.
Before entering:
You go through airport-style security.
Arrive at least 15–20 minutes early.
The tour is guided, and the guide walks you through the history, architecture, and political significance of the building.
Seeing the Rotunda in person? Incredible.
It’s one of those places where you realize how much history has unfolded under that dome.
And here’s something many people don’t know:
The Capitol is connected by underground tunnels to other buildings, including one of the most beautiful places we visited.
Library of Congress: The Most Beautiful Library in America
The Library of Congress is free to visit (tickets online, reserve in advance).
And I am not exaggerating when I say it’s one of the most beautiful interiors I’ve ever seen.
Ornate ceilings
Detailed murals
Marble staircases
The iconic reading room
It feels like stepping into a European palace except it’s a library.
Even if you’re not a book person, go. It’s breathtaking.
Lunch: Chicken & Waffles (Trust Me)
Almost every restaurant we passed had chicken and waffles on the menu. At first, I was skeptical.
Fried chicken… with waffles? But let me tell you: it works.
The crispy, salty chicken with the soft, sweet waffle and syrup? Unexpectedly perfect.
If you’re wondering what to eat in Washington DC, try it at least once.
Lincoln Memorial & War Memorials
Lincoln Memorial
Open 24 hours. Free. You climb the steps and see the 19-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting in that massive marble chair.
It’s also where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Standing there, looking out toward the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument, you realize how symbolic this view is.
It’s powerful.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
This memorial is quieter. More personal.
The black granite wall engraved with over 58,000 names feels emotional. You see people touching names, leaving flowers. It’s simple but deeply moving.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Nearby, 19 stainless steel soldier statues appear to walk through the field. At sunset, it’s haunting and beautiful at the same time.
Silver Lyan: One of North America’s Best Bars
We ended our final night at Silver Lyan, ranked among the best bars in North America. Cocktails cost around $20.
We visited:
The main “big” bar
The vault bar (yes, inside an actual former bank vault)
I accidentally booked the vault, thinking it was something else, but it turned out to be such a cool experience.
Dim lighting. Thick vault doors. Elevated cocktails.
Were they expensive? Yes.
Was it worth it? Also yes.
Is 48 Hours in Washington DC Enough?
Yes, for the highlights.
In two days, you can:
See the White House
Walk the National Mall
Visit the US Capitol
Explore the Library of Congress
See Lincoln Memorial and war memorials
Eat iconic local food
Experience unique bars
But you’ll leave wanting more. There are entire Smithsonian museums we didn’t even step into. Georgetown. Arlington Cemetery. So much more.
Still, as a weekend trip from NYC, it’s perfect. The train makes it easy. The monuments make it memorable. And the mix of history, food, and nightlife keeps it interesting.
And if you’re thinking about going? And don’t skip the chicken and waffles.
Truly yours,
The Creation of Us
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