7 Things to Do Alone in Washington DC
Washington DC might be the easiest big city in America to visit on your own. Most of the best things are free, the subway is clean and simple, the center is walkable, and museums are perfect for solo travel. You can linger as long as you like in front of a painting, and nobody’s tapping their foot.
In this guide
- 1. Walk the National Mall at sunrise
- 2. Get lost in the Smithsonian museums
- 3. Spend a morning at the National Gallery of Art
- 4. See the Library of Congress
- 5. Wander Georgetown and the C&O Canal
- 6. Browse Eastern Market on a weekend
- 7. Catch a free show at the Kennedy Center
- Eating alone in DC
- Staying safe on your own
- Common questions
It’s also a city full of people who moved there alone for work, so eating at the bar or sitting in a cafe by yourself is completely normal. Here are seven things to do solo.
1. Walk the National Mall at sunrise
The National Mall is two miles of lawn running from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, with the Washington Monument in the middle. During the day it’s crowded with school groups and tour buses. At sunrise, it’s yours.
Start at the Lincoln Memorial as the light comes up over the Reflecting Pool, then walk east past the World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial are especially moving when it’s quiet. It’s a safe, popular route with early runners, and one of the best solo walks in any city.
2. Get lost in the Smithsonian museums
The Smithsonian runs 17 museums and a zoo in DC, and every single one is free. That’s the real magic for solo travelers. You can pop into a museum for 40 minutes, leave when you’re tired, and come back tomorrow without wasting a cent.
The big three on the Mall are the National Air and Space Museum, with the Wright Flyer and Apollo 11’s command module; the Natural History Museum, home of the Hope Diamond; and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is the most powerful museum in the city. That last one sometimes needs a free timed pass, so check before you go.
3. Spend a morning at the National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art isn’t part of the Smithsonian, but it’s also free, and it’s world class. The West Building has the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in the Americas, plus Vermeers, Rembrandts and the Impressionists.
An underground walkway with a light installation connects it to the East Building, which holds modern art, from Rothko to Matisse. Head up to its rooftop terrace for a great view down Pennsylvania Avenue. The Sculpture Garden next door is a lovely spot to sit with a coffee.
4. See the Library of Congress
Behind the Capitol, the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress is the most beautiful building in Washington. Seriously. The Great Hall is covered in marble, mosaics, murals and gold leaf, and it looks more like a European palace than a government building.
Entry is free with a timed pass. Don’t miss the overlook into the round Main Reading Room, or Thomas Jefferson’s personal library, rebuilt on a circular wall of shelves. You can walk through the tunnel to the Capitol Visitor Center from here, too.
5. Wander Georgetown and the C&O Canal
Georgetown is DC’s oldest neighborhood, with cobblestone streets, brick row houses and lots of shops and cafes along M Street. It’s a lovely place to spend a slow afternoon on your own.
Walk the towpath along the C&O Canal, where old stone locks and footbridges line the water. Then head down to the Georgetown Waterfront Park on the Potomac and watch the rowers. Climb the steep “Exorcist steps” if you’re a horror fan. They’re right there, and they’re steeper than they look in the movie.
▶ Watch This Before You Go
6. Browse Eastern Market on a weekend
Eastern Market, on Capitol Hill, has been a public market since 1873. On weekends, the streets outside fill with craft stalls, antiques and local artists, and the old market hall sells fresh produce, cheese and baked goods.
Grab a blueberry buckwheat pancake at the Market Lunch counter, which is famous for them, then wander the side streets of Capitol Hill. They’re full of pretty Victorian row houses. FYI, the line for pancakes moves fast. Don’t let it put you off.
7. Catch a free show at the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center has long run free early-evening performances on its Millennium Stage. It could be jazz, a string quartet, a dance company or a folk band, and you usually just turn up. Check the schedule online before you go, since the lineup changes.
Afterwards, head up to the roof terrace for a view of the Potomac at sunset, then walk down to the Tidal Basin for the Jefferson Memorial lit up at night. The memorials are open around the clock, and they’re beautiful and peaceful after dark.
Eating alone in DC
DC is great for solo dining. Head to Union Market in NoMa, a big food hall with stalls from local chefs and plenty of counter seating. The Wharf has good waterfront restaurants with bars where eating alone is no big deal. And Ethiopian food on U Street is a DC classic. Sit at the bar and order a sampler platter.
Staying safe on your own
The Mall, Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Dupont Circle and Logan Circle are all safe, busy areas to stay and walk around. As in any big city, stay aware at night, keep your phone out of sight on the Metro and use a rideshare late at night in quieter areas. Dupont Circle is a great base for solo travelers, with lots of bars and restaurants.
Common questions
Is Washington DC good for solo travel?
It’s one of the best US cities for it. It’s free, safe in the main areas and easy to get around.
How many days do I need?
Three days covers the main museums and monuments without rushing.
Are all the museums in DC free?
The Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery are. A few private ones, like the International Spy Museum, charge.
What’s the best way to get around?
Walk and use the Metro. Metrobus fills in the gaps, and Capital Bikeshare docks are everywhere.
When’s the best time to go?
Spring and fall. Late March to early April brings cherry blossoms and big crowds. Summer is hot and humid.
