SUSTAINABLE THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON DC: A 5 DAY ITINERARY 

Our five-day itinerary for sustainable things to do in Washington, DC offers a thoughtful balance of iconic experiences and immersion in the city’s vibrant local culture, based wholly on our own visit. By relying on public transportation (the metro and bicycles), visitors can easily navigate between major landmarks and the diverse neighbourhoods that give the capital its unique character. Exploring farmers’ markets, small restaurants, and community-driven eateries highlights the city’s commitment to locally sourced, eco-friendly food. Visiting green spaces, small independent businesses and murals help to create a deeper, more responsible way to understand DC’s history, people, and everyday rhythms.

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What This Article Covers: At a Glance

• A 5 day itinerary to discover the city’s culture and heritage.
• Eco-friendly modes of transport around the city.
• Neighbourhoods to visit to experience the diversity of DC.
• Vegetarian and Vegan places to eat.
• Small local businesses to support throughout your stay.

How Sustainable is Washington DC?

We were glad to discover that Washington DC is recognised globally as being quite the leader in sustainability, working to neutralise its carbon footprint by 2045. It has some pretty robust policies in places and has made leaps and bounds in supporting the use of local transport, local food and hotels, allowing tourists to make more responsible choices.

DC is integrating sustainability into its core policies and infrastructure to ensure that sustainability becomes a constant in all parts of its present and future.

• Washington DC was the first city to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum certification with a focus on energy efficient planning and building of green buildings.
• The city aims for carbon neutrality by 2045 and 60% reduction is Green House Gases by 2030.
• The Zero Waste DC Plan aims to divert 80% of waste from landfills by 2040 by composting, better recycling and reuse initiatives.
• DC is a leader in green roofs – there are over 43 million square feet of these, to help with heat conservation.
• The city is very walkable but also has excellent public transport such as the public Metrorail system and bicycle lanes. The city has over 100 miles of bike lanes trails and also multi-use trails that provide a robust network for cyclists. 
• DC hosts the first city established Green Bank in the US that funds sustainable projects.
• Within the city there is a green food scheme, where local food production is a priority and more accessible at fresh markets in many of the neighbourhoods. Restaurants also work towards reduced waste reduction and commit to donating food to organisations to feed low income populations.
• There are a vast number of locally owned vintage and pre-loved stores.
• Hotels in the city are placing importance on their energy and water consumption as well as working towards initiatives that serves the more eco-conscious traveller. Think local food, less waste food and beverages, giving guests the option to choose when to change linens for an example.

How to Get to Washington DC?

Washington DC is accessible by three airports:

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: It’s the closest, 15 minutes drive time, but is generally a hub for domestic flights (USA and a few Canadian). The flight path for this airport is over the city so you’ll see planes over the National Mall area that are heading for Ronald Reagan Airport.
• Dulles International Airport: located in Virginia and is around 28 miles, 40 minutes drive time, into Downtown DC . We had return flights from London Heathrow with British Airports to Dulles International.
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport: located in Maryland and takes around 50 minutes drive time (33 miles) into Downtown DC.

How to Get From The Airport to Downtown Washington DC?

If, like us, you’re flying in and out of Dulles International airport, then we recommend taking the  Silver Line from the Metrorail station which runs directly to Downtown, making stops at centrally located stations in Downtown like Metro Centre and McPherson Square. The station is connected to the terminal building and it’s an easy walk to and from arrivals and departures. Once at a centrally located Metro Station it’s easy to get on the right Metro if you’re staying in one of the Washington DC’s vibrant other neighbourhoods.

This is by far the most budget friendly way to travel throughout the city too. Fares from the airport to Downtown should cost around $8 max and leave around 50-60 minutes to get to Downtown depending on time of day. Look up the details on the Washington Metro to plan your journey.

How Many Days to Spend in Washington DC?

This is a personal choice entirely and depends upon how long you like to be in a city for exploring and taking in the sights. We were in Washington DC for a conference for seven days so we’d say that the total time we spent exploring would equate to five days. 

It was a great length of time to be able to spend one/two days on the National Mall and alternative museums. We visited DC in early November 2025 when there was a federal shutdown, so all state buildings and museums were closed. We therefore spent a day in the oldest neighbourhood in the city, Georgetown. We spent a further day scoping out some of the other vibrant neighbourhoods in the city and we would recommend a day maybe to take a day trip out to either Alexandria or maybe a vineyard tour. Unfortunately we didn’t have time for a day trip as we chose to spend time discovering slowly.

How to Get Around Washington DC?

Walking

Washington DC is a pretty walkable city but neighbourhoods and attractions are quite far apart in places or if there’s bad weather, you may prefer to take the metro or bus. The bus may face traffic situations whereas the metro is a great eco-friendly choice.

Metrorail

We’ve already touched on the Metrorail in DC and this is our preferred eco transport in the city. It’s  safe, very clean and architecturally beautiful. There is a choice of six lines, Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Green, and Silver, serving 98 stations across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. What’s more is you can travel between most points with just one change! Now that’s impressive! We suggest using their online Trip Planner for efficiency.

Paying is really easy on the Metro; it is possible to just tap, ride and go with your credit card at the turnstiles or you can purchase tickets in a number of options, but we opted for the Unlimited Day Pass for Metrorail and Metrobus which works out at $13.50 for a day and unlimited passes are available for three days $33.75, right  up to seven days, $80.75, or you can opt for varying journey tickets. You can easily buy tickets at Metro stations and the staff are really helpful. They also have good accessible options with lifts.

Bicycles

We weren’t surprised to learn that Washington DC was North America’s first city to launch a bike share scheme. 

Capital Bikeshare has over 6,000 bikes with 700 stations and is pretty budget-friendly at 15 cents per minute. If you plan on making a day of it then passes start at around $10! A bargain and you’re being green!

When is The Best Time to Visit Washington DC?

We think Washington DC can be visited anytime really. We went in early November and found it to be beautiful with the autumn hues and there were hardly any crowds so it was pretty calm and laid back from a tourist perspective. Do bear in mind that holidays and the summer months are probably very busy. Winter does get pretty cold, we’ve heard though. Spring is also a great time if you want to see Cherry blossom, along the Tidal Basin. 

Where is The Best Place to Stay in Washington DC?

There are many wonderful and vibrant neighbourhoods to stay in DC and from an eco-friendly perspective, the city has a fine offering of establishments that have been awarded LEED certificates, Michelin Keys and other third-party green awards and certificates. They place a priority on reduced water and energy consumption, careful consideration of food wastage, partaking in community outreach but also championing under represented members of the population when it comes to equal opportunities employment.

During our stay, we opted for The Eaton DC, a hotel that focuses on mission-led hospitality, inclusivity, progression as well as activism. It holds emphasis on activism as well as community and wellbeing. To help with selecting a responsible option to stay, Read more about the eco-friendly practices of sustainable hotels in Washington DC, including the Eaton DC in our guide.

Location: 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States I Map Location.

Map of Washington DC

How to use the Map: Click on the map image to be directed to the actual Google Map featuring articles on Washington DC and the locations featured in this article of sustainable things to do

Day 1: National Mall, Monuments & Memorials

Sustainable activities features: Walking, Metrorail, Tours led by local, Small businesses and restaurants

The first day in DC, involves seeing many of the top sights that you’ll already know the capital is famous for. They also happen to carry a lot of patriotic history.

** To note: we visited Washington DC in early November 2025 when the federal closures were in place which meant many of the state buildings as well as museums were closed due to funding issues. Therefore we were unable to visit the Smithsonian Museums, Capitol Building, Library of Congress, National Monument and The National Archives. We did manage to take some snaps from outside though. **

Be-lavie Tip: You can’t possibly see every federal building or every museum in Washington DC in five days, so we suggest choosing a couple of the state buildings.

1. Breakfast

Have breakfast at Tatte Bakery & Cafe. Just a stones throw from Eaton DC Hotel in Downtown, choose from a huge selection of homemade bread, pastries, warm and cold brunch items as well as the drink of your choice. They make in house juices and have a great coffee bar too and a large range of vegan and vegetarian menu items. A pistachio croissant and cappuccino just hits the spot here in Parisian-styled cafe interiors.

Location: 1090 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States I Map Location.

2. Take a Photo of the  White House

Next, en route to the National Mall, take a glimpse of probably Washington DC’s most iconic landmark’s The White House. The best place to see it, is before you crossover to approach the road before the National Monument is at Pennsylvania Avenue NW and Lafayette Square. Unfortunately if you’re not a US citizen, and even then, it can take months to arrange  a visit. You will not be able to go inside as a tourist. 

Be-lavie Tip: There is a tall fence around the White House but the bars are wide apart so it’s possible to take a pretty decent shot. 

Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, United States I Map Location.

3. Take a Tour of Washington.

We’d recommend a one day guided tour of the city if you’re short of time, or you only have two or three days in the city. It helps with getting your bearings and introduces the main points of interest which you can always go back and visit. Alternatively if you have the full five days you can afford to take things at a slower pace.

We think this Washington DC City Tour with 10+ Stops, Washington Monument or Air & Space is perfect for those short of time and its’ only half a day plus you’ll have a local guide to give you a great orientation of the main things to see and do.

4. Experience Panoramic Views at The Washington Monument

This monument commemorates George Washington and resembles an oblique tower, with a viewing deck 555 feet up. It takes around 90 seconds by an elevator to reach the deck. The panoramic view at the top includes the National Mall and reflective pool in the distance. It took nearly 40 years to build! It is a towering beacon and you will see it many times from different Downtown locations and is a good anchor point!

Tickets to the Washington Monument are free, there is a non-refundable $1.00 service fee per ticket for processing service costs and visitors need to book a time slot 30 days prior. A handful of tickets are released on the day.

Location: 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024, United States I Map Location I Tickets: Reserve slot (Free to visit).

5. Walk Down the National Mall 

Now incase you’re thinking does the National Mall have anything to do with a shopping centre, there isn’t one in sight!! The National Mall stretches for two miles and is a landscaped park that stretches from the Lincoln Memorial on the West to the U.S. Capitol Building on the east, a nearly three kilometres (two mile) expanse featuring iconic monuments, memorials, and museums, often considered America’s front yard. 

The National Mall has the densest concentration of museums in the world and the best part is that they are free, however you may just need to reserve a slot by making a reservation online (this is the easiest way to avoid disappointment) as they can get busy and have long lines at times.

Location: Washington, DC, United States I Map Location I Free to visit.

Be-lavie Tip: Don’t be fooled, it can take a while walking up and down it so leave extra time if you have reserved tickets. 

6. Experience The World War II Memorial

Towards the right of the  Washington Memorial at The National Mall, one of the most emotional yet uplifting memorials in DC is the World War II Memorial representing service, sacrifice, unity and victory. It is made up of 56 granite pillars with bronze sculptures. These represent 48 US states at the time of the war, the seven territories at that time, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rica, Guam, American Samoa and the US Virgin Islands, plus the District of Columbia. Central to the granite structure is a water feature, 

Note the Freedom Wall which has 4.048 gold stars, each of which signifies 100 American service personnel, who does and remain missing in the war. There were a total of over 400,000 lives lost and the stars represent the sacrifice of families during the war. The transcription reads, Here we mark the price of freedom’.

Location: National Mall I Map Location I Free to visit.

7. The Reflecting Pool

Walking away from the World War II Memorial towards the Lincoln Memorial, it will be hard to miss the Reflecting Pool. It stretches 350 feet and is at the Western end of the National Mall. It’s a beautiful walk along the side of the pool surrounded by landscaped gardens on either side. Once you get to the end right in front of the  steps to the Lincoln Memorial see how it shimmers and reflects  the white stone structures.

Location: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20024, United States I Map Location I Free to visit.

Be-lavie Tip: All the memorials in Washington DC are free to visit and open all day but remember in winter months, sunset can be as early as 16:00 so visit before then.

8. The Lincoln Memorial

We visited pretty early in the morning, around 10:00 and managed to just get enough time before a tour bus arrived.

As you climb the stairs up to the memorial note the 36 columns, representing one date in the US at the time of President Lincoln’s passing. Remember to look to read the quote, “In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.”

Then look right underneath the 19 foot tall, 175 ton statue of President Lincoln, who appears to be looking over the National Mall. Remember to look around to the Reflecting Pool to get a great view from this elevated point on the stairs. 

Location: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, United States I Map Location I Free to visit.

9. The Vietnam Memorial

Located just North East of the Lincoln Memorial, is the Vietnam memorial, which honours both the men and women, there is a statue for each gender, who served in the Vietnam war during 1955-1975. The memorial itself is a long Marble wall, which you can walk alongside and see the names in chronological order of 58,318 Americans who lost their lives in service during the war. There are also reference books with the names of those lost in the war, which are available for you to observe those who sacrificed their lives. 

Location: 5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, DC 20002, United States I Map Location I Free to visit.

10. Korean Veterans War  Memorial

Veer off to the right from the Lincoln Memorial and you’ll come to the Korean War memorial which commemorates those who fought in the Korean war from 1950-1953. The memorial is located in Washington, D.C.’s West Potomac Park, South East of the Lincoln Memorial and just South of the Reflecting Pool. The memorial consists of 19 men dressed in field combat gear with helmets, some with ponchos carrying firearms weapons representing an ethnic cross section of American. Beside them there is a wall which honours the faces of more than 2.500 servicemen and women with their names etched on it. The 19 statues are placed intentionally to create a moving tribute to the forgotten war. 

Location: 900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States I Map Location I Free to visit.

11. The Martin Luther King Jnr Memorial

A short six minutes walk down Independence Avenue on the Tidal Basin is the Stone of Hope. Carved into this huge stone is a statue of Martin Luther King Jnr. It commemorates his legacy for struggle freedom, equality, and justice. Its a beautiful location with views of the Tidal Basin, which looks over to the Thomas Jefferson memorial.

Behind the memorial, there are 14 quotes included on granite walls which formed some of Martin Luther KIng Jnrs most famous speeches. One of the quotes that’s stayed with us is:

‘True peace is not merely the absence of tension, it is the presence of justice’,

Martin Luther King Jnr

Location: 1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20004, United States I Map Location I Free to visit.

12. Have Lunch at Eastern Market & Support Local

Next we suggest walking up the National Mall where you’ll walk past a few of the Smithsoniam Museums.

Note the view of the Capitol Reflecting Pool and the back end of the Capitol building which makes a lovely panoramic photo stop. 

We suggest heading to the Eastern Market which is only a five minutes walk from here and grabbing some lunch. It has quite a local vibe. It’s actually located in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood and has outdoor vendors and stalls during the weekends as well as indoor options during the week in it’s food hall space.

The market place is bustling and has been going since 1873 selling a variety of products, artisan produce, handmade crafts as well as flowers, cheeses, beverages, foods and more. As well as their farm fresh foods, they also have community events on at the weekend. They also hold a dedicated Fresh Farmer’s Market each Tuesday where local farm owners come and sell their produce.

Location: 225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States I Map Location.

13. Visit The US Capitol

A visit to DC is not complete without visiting the US Capitol Building which is where Congress meets to write the laws of the US as a nation, and where presidents are inaugurated and deliver their annual State of the Union messages.

Due to the federal shutdown during our visit it was closed but we did reserve our slots online and this is what we’d recommend you do. Head to the US Capitol Visitor Centre online and book a guided one hour visit which is completely free. During the tour you can get an insight into the democracy and history of its formation and workings but also see the stunning artworks and impressive rotunda from inside. 

Location: Washington, DC 20004, United States I Map Location I Tickets: Reserve a slot (Free to visit).

14. Tour The The Library of Congress

If you’re a bookworm and love old world libraries, then you cannot miss the largest library in the world with more than 38 million books. There are some very rare books here which we think are worth a visit to see. Of course it was closed during state shutdown but you can visit for free either by making a reservation 30 days in advance or via same day tickets which go on sale 09:00 each morning. 

We recommend the US Capitol & Library of Congress Walking Tour which includes tickets and an expert guide.As well as covering the Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Capitol Building and its history, you’ll have tickets for a guided tour of the capitol building and skip the line entry.

Location: 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540, United States I Map Location I Tickets: Reserve a slot.

15. The Thomas Jefferson Memorial 

At this point in the day, it’s probably approaching an hour from sunset and there is one more memorial that looks stunning with the golden hour hue over it, The Thomas Jefferson Memorial commemorates the US’s third president and author of the Declaration of independence.

Note the grand granite structure with columns, a little like a temple where the 19 foot bronze statue of the president stands. The walls of the Jefferson Memorial have words from his various texts etched into them which are poignant and include:

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Thomas Jefferson

Take a walk around the back to see the columns and how the low sunset light and colours reflect off them. 

Be-lavie Tip: It’s really peaceful here, with the Tidal Basin in front and just before sunset is the perfect time to come as there are fewer crowds and you can enjoy the tranquility. 

Location: 16 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242, United States I Map Location I Free to visit.

16. Have Dinner Near The Water at The Wharf

This bustling waterfront neighbourhood is a mile long along the Potomac River with some great restaurants, apartments, stores as well as businesses. They all boast gorgeous waterfront views where you can see a gorgeous sunset over the water.

We made reservations to eat at Mi Vida, a delicious Mexican Restaurant with wonderful sunset views over the waterfront. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, our Washington DC food guide is super handy and additionally, if you still have energy you can catch a musical performance at one of the many venues at the Wharf, like Anthem Concert hall.

Location: 760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States I Map Location I Website: See what’s on.

Day 2: Museums, Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Sustainable activities features: Walking, Metrorail, Tours led by local, Small businesses and restaurants. 

Day one was pretty full on so today is about taking things a little slower and having a chilled morning, checking out the museum (s) of your choice or The Supreme Court as well as heading to the lively Penn Quarter & Chinatown, to get a feel for a centrally located area that makes up the city’s diverse community. 

1. Breakfast At Dua DC Coffee

Hands down, Dua has to be one of our favourite coffee places in DC. It is the first Indonesian speciality coffee shop in DC and is woman owned since opening in 2019. All their coffee based drinks use single origin beans from the islands that make up Indonesia. They are sourced telling unique stories from the farms they are derived from, where ecological practices and sustainability are at the core of the business model. 

The eight oz cappuccino is a perfect way to start the day, accompanied by a warm, fresh almond croissant (not overly sweet). Grab a window counter seat to people watch!

Location: 923 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States I Map Location.

2. Museums 

The National Mall is home to the densest concentration of museums in the US. We would recommend visiting a couple of these (2-3 max), if you’re a culture vulture. Maybe even spending most of the day visiting museums as there really are some fantastic ones here. The bonus is that they are all free but may require some prior planning to receive a timed entry slot which can be done online.

There are 19 Smithsonian Museums as well as three in NYC. Most of the Smithsonian Museums are located on  the National Mall. 

Here’s a list of some of the Smithsonian Museums (State owned) as well as private ones:

Larger Museums (time estimation based on our experience: 2-3 hours).

• National Museum of African-American History & Culture (National Mall).
• National Museum of American History (National Mall).
• US Holocaust Memorial Museum (slightly off the National Mall) We went to this one.
• National Air and Space Museum (National Mall).
• National Art Gallery and Portrait Museum (North of Chinatown).
• International Spy Museum (Between National Mall and The Wharf).
• Smithsonian Quadrangle – Made up of  Sackler Gallery, African Art Museum, Freer Gallery, Arts & Industries surrounding the Smithsonian Castle (National Mall).
• National Museum of Natural History (National Mall).
• National Museum of African Art (National Mall).

Smaller museums (approximate time to visit – 1 hour visit).

• National Archives (National Mall).
• Renwick Art Gallery (adjacent to the White House).
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (National Mall).
• US Botanical Gardens (National Mall).

3. The US Holocaust Memorial Museum 

The biggest Holocaust Museum in the US, this well curated space presents a narrative history of the Holocaust through architecture, historical artifacts, photographs, videographical footage, and eyewitness testimony. It’s gut wrenching, informative and an emotional curation of the persecution of Jews throughout Hitler’s time in a position of power. The Shapiro family gave a huge donation to the Museum ($5 Million) after their mother, a Holocaust survivor, passed in 2018.

Be-lavie Tip: Leave around 2-3 hours to visit this museum. It’s free to visit but purchasing a timed ticket is advisable.

Location: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States I Map Location I Tickets: Reserve a slot.

4. Suggested Lunch Options

Right next door to the museum is the Museum’s cafe, where you can grab snacks, hot and cold lunches as well as drinks. It’s pretty basic but is conveniently located.

Alternatively, there are a number of food halls like L’enfant Plaza (a 15 minute walk away) that cater for many tastes under one roof including fast food, salads, flat breads, Amsterdam Falafelshop and more. It’s perfect for a quick fuel stop before resuming your chosen museum visit.

5. The National Archives

This is where many of the US’s notably important documents are stored, such as the Constitution and Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. Just  a note that if you are planning on visiting the National Archives, we were advised by our hotel, to make a reservation online prior to visiting.

A good way to see the National Archives and learn more of the history is to take a combined guided tour of National Archives and US Capitol . This three hour tour starts at the National Archives, moves onto the National Gallery of Art, then onto National Mall Guided tour, Walk and finally the United States Capitol building. It will help to give an insight into each of these by a local guide and give more of an impact than visiting solo without the historical background and knowledge.

Location: 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408, United I Map Location I Tickets: Reserve a slot.

6. The Supreme Court.

Further along from the National Archives Museum is The Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the US for all cases under the Constitution of the United States.  We learnt that entry is not  guaranteed but if you do have the time to visit then, refer to the visitor information and follow the appropriate guidelines. Unfortunately as well as being closed on our visit, the exterior did have some construction work going on so we couldn’t even take a photo!!

Location: 1 First St NE, Washington, DC 20543, United States I Map Location I Website: How to visit.

6. Penn Quarter/Chinatown

Finally finish the day discovering the vibrant, bustling area of Penn Quarter & Chinatown. This area is home to three theatres, the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Ford’s Theatre and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company – we were told they all have some great productions and shows on but we didn’t have the time to fit them into our scheduled time in DC.

Penn Quarter has some high end stores if you’re into designer shopping and we loved the little fairy lights around the neighbourhood, when it gets a little dark!

Chinatown is a must for some authentic Cantonese dishes – don’t forget to snap a photo of the famous Chinatown Gate and other Chinese inspired architecture in the area as well as the bright pink exterior of the Temple of Cun Yum.

You’ll find museums like the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art here, both of which were closed during the state shutdown. The Capitol One Arena is also located in this neighbourhood.  There’s also no shortage of great shops, restaurants for all budgets including some Upscale options chef José Andres for a fab dining experience.

It’s possible that you can find somewhere to have dinner in this area with a large number of Cantonese restaurants if you fancy some Asian cuisine.

Just to be completely transparent Chinatown did not appear to have so many Chinese restaurants and felt a little unsavoury at times so maybe not one for the late evenings!

7. A Mezze Dinner at Zaytinya.

Zaytinyas is a concept by chef José Andrés, Zaytinya and offers a range of innovative mezze inspired by Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines served in a modern and sleek restaurant, flooded with light through its floor to ceiling glass windows. There’s a fancy looking bar on the elevated space in the middle of the restaurant and an open kitchen that guests can look inside. 

Zaytinya was awarded a Bib Gourmand in 2019, 2020 and 2021 in the Michelin Guide to Washington DC. 

The restaurant is the perfect place for sharing plates with fresh delicious tasting flavours, its success is demonstrated by the fact that it is really busy throughout lunch and dinner service and thus we would definitely advise making a reservation here.

Location: 701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States I Map Location.

Be-lavie Tip: We would highly suggest making a reservation at Zaytinyas as it’s very popular and does get very busy!

Day 3: DC’s Oldest Neighbourhood Georgetown 

Sustainable activities features: Walking, Metrorail, Tours led by local, Small businesses and restaurants. 

Day three is a day to leisurely discover Washington DC’s oldest neighbourhood. We have an extensive guide on how to spend one day in Georgetown, Washington DC, which goes into depth into what you should do, where to eat, what guides to book, where to head for green spaces and so much more. 

If you’re staying in Downtown then it’s pretty easy to get to Georgetown via the Metro. Take the Blue/Orange/ Silver Lines from downtown and alight at Foggy Bottom, George Washington University (GWU). From here, it’s an easy  20 minute walk to the cobbled stone streets of Georgetown.

Georgetown is Washington’s oldest district and as of 2025, it’s 274 years old, having been founded in 1751 it predates Washington DC and was part of the town of Maryland, being incorporated into DC in 1871. The neighbourhood started life as a port in Maryland for the distribution of tobacco but in 1967 Georgetown was declared a National Historic Landmark and has a place in the National US Register of Historic Places.

Here’s what not to miss in Georgetown

• Grab a cinnamon and raisin bagel at Call Your Mother.
• See the Wave Mural.
• Walk down the chilling steps from The Exorcist.
• Meander the streets and look at the townhouses and mansions.
• Visit the historical Tudor Place.
• Get a sweet fix at Georgetown Cupcakes.
• Stroll past Georgetown University. 
• Go shopping in the independent stores and boutiques. 
• See the oldest house in DC – The Old Stone House.
• Alma Indigena Mural.
• Take in the views at Book Hill Park.
• Have lunch at FlorCoffee & Books.
• Walk along the C&O Canal toe path.
• Explore the Georgetown Waterfront Park & take a water taxi.
• Grab a coffee at Compass Coffee.
• Visit Dumbarton Oaks House & Park.
• Dine at the famous Martin’s Tavern.
• Have supper at the Blues Alley jazz Club.

Day 4: Discover Washington DC’s Neighbourhoods 

Sustainable activities features: Walking, Metrorail, Tours led by local, Small businesses and restaurants. 

Today, take the day to travel via Metro or on foot to discover DC’s vibrants neighbourhoods beyond the more touristy Downtown. Read our guide on 14 of Washington DC’s neighbourhoods for first time visitors which highlights the best things to do at each neighbourhood, where to eat, where to stay, if you want to split your stay, as well as tours that showcase the area from a local’s perspective.

Here are some of our favourite neighbourhoods that we found fascinating, be sure to read out neighbourhood guide to get an idea of which suits your interests:

• Downtown (if you’re not already staying in the area).
• Adams Morgan.
• Dupont Circle.
• Georgetown (if you don’t plan to spend a day here already).
• Foggy Bottom.
• Chinatown & Penn Quarter (if not previously visited).
• U Street.
• H Street North East.
• Capitol Hill.
• The Wharf.
• NoMa & Union Market.
• Mount Vernon Triangle
• Shaw & Blagden Alley.
• Logan Circle.

We’d suggest having breakfast at Soleluna in Adam’s Morgan, a small bakery that makes all it’s bakes fresh each morning and serves great coffee; lunch at Planta in Dupont Circle, a  plant-based Asian-restaurant serving flavour packed food from vegan sushi to rame, maki rolls, great cocktails and more; and dinner at Union Market where you can choose from a variety of stalls run by small businesses. There’s definitely something here for everyone with over 40 stalls!

Day 5 Daytrips or Union Station, Public Library 

On your final day, we suggest either taking a day trip or even a half day trip to get out of the city or alternatively, head back to see a museum you maybe didn’t have time to see properly, check out the cool Public Library or even the very beautiful Union Station.

1. Breakfast at For Five Coffee

With a few locations in DC, we loved the clean lines of this DC Downtown coffee outlet, just a couple of blocks from our hotel with a great story of being founded by two friends from Queens in New York, For Five Coffee is quite a popular spot. The company selects its ‘green beans’ direct from global coffee farmers forging direct relationships.

As well as a good variety of coffees, and other beverages, equipment and pastries, the cafe serves breakfast and lunch menus, spanning from granola bowls, bagels, omelettes, pancakes to falafel Mediterranean bowls and Italian sandwiches to mention a few. 

Location: 2000 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States I Map Location.

2. Day Trip Options

Option 1: Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Day Trip

This five hour, small group tour with a local guide starts by driving out to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s famous homestead overlooking the Potomac River. You’ll have the opportunity to; 

Tour George Washington’s mansion and beautiful gardens. 

Lunch is scheduled  at the Mount Vernon food court with a variety of local foods.

Next it’s on to a visit to the Old Town of Alexandria, where you’ll see the key landmarks like the home of Robert E. Lee and a historic tavern frequented by the Founding Fathers. As you stroll through streets lined with 17th- and 18th-century homes, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the area’s rich history.

This Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Tour is a great relaxing way to get away from the busy city for a few hours and return transportation is provided from a downtown landmark as well as being in the company of a very knowledgeable local guide who can provide stories, history and little anecdotes to elevate the experience.

Option 2: Mount Vernon, Old Town Alexandria & Arlington Cemetery Day Trip

There is also another tour that includes the Arlington Cemetery which has an interesting history, This tour is six hours long and just as fascinating if you have the time to go and see the memorials here for an extra hour.

Option 3: Virginia Wine Country Tour with Tastings

This is Virginia Wine Country Tour is a great one for wine lovers – round-trip transportation is provided but guests have to be over 21 years of age and provide ID to prove so. The tour lasts six hours and is another small group experience to make things more personable.  

This guided tour includes two traditional vineyards in Virginia state. You’ll get insight into the history, production process and working of each of the vineyards complete with guided tastings accompanied by snacks. There is also a possibility to purchase a lunch. This makes for a lovely day out away from the city skyscrapers and into the countryside. 

If you’d rather stay in the city, and prefer to take things a little more slower, then we can suggest the following two places to visit:

3. See The Architecture at Union Station 

The station first opened in 1907 when is was the largest train station in the world, but after much deterioration it did go through renovations during 1986-88, to be restored to it’s current glory. Even if you’re not taking the train, you should go inside to see the beautiful architecture, especially the ceiling. It was Designed by renowned architect, Daniel Burnham, the station opened on October 27, 1907 and was completed in April 1908.

Inside the station there are some lovely shops, a food court and some very fancy places to eat. It’s pretty busy and that would explain that some 95,000 people pass through it daily!

Location: 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States I Map Location.

4. Have a Look Around The Carnegie Library

In 2019, Washington DC’s Carnegie Library opened as an Apple Store. The historic frontage is definitely worth a look or you can choose to pop in. ​​The library is a community hub and reinvented DC history centre. It advocates hands on learning and creativity.

Location: 801 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States I Map Location.

5. A Special Dinner at Elizabeth’s

On your last night in DC, we recommend a memorable dinner at Elizabteth’s Downtown.

This is a 100% vegan fine dining restaurant, which concentrates on multi-course tasting menus curated by Executive Chef Francisco Hernandez and located in Downtown Washington. 

We enjoyed a ten course meal in the rather grand surroundings with incredible service and attention to detail. The restaurant also does spirit free/non-alcoholic wine pairings as well as featuring beverage pairings with intentionally sourced variety of artisanal, sustainable, organic, and house made beverages.

If you’re looking for a special vegan meal in Washington, Elizabeth’s comes highly recommended by us and you can read all about it in our dedicated Elizabeth’s dining review article!

Location: 1341 L St NW Suite 1, Washington, DC 20005, United States I Map Location.

 6. Watch a Show at The Theatre

Washington DC is home to many theatres, many of which are located in Downtown or close by. Here are a few we came across:

• Kennedy Center for Performing Arts – home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera. Also the HQ for the Suzanne Farrell Ballet Company.
• Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company – Original plays that push boundaries.
• Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre – plays a number of performances a year but also a living museum dedicated to Lincoln’s life and death.
• The Shakespeare Theatre Company – operates out of Sidney Harman Hall at the Harman Center and the Klein Theatre.

There are many more theatres in DC if you’re a theatre lover, so be sure to scop them out!

This concludes our guide five day itinerary on sustainable things to do in Washington DC, see below for some of our top tips to consider for your visit!

Be-lavie Pro Tips for A 5 Day Itinerary In Washington DC

• Use the Metrorail where possible. It is not just eco-friendly using public transport but it’s very safe, clean, reliable and well priced. Bonus is that the stations are architecturally beautiful
• One of the most wonderful things about DC is that many of the museums are free to visit as well as federal buildings. You just have to go online to their websites and reserve time slots, preferably in advance we’d suggest.
• You will do a lot of walking, notably the National Mall so ensure you have some comfy shoes like pumps or trainers, a water bottle, there are refilling stations, and layers to peel off or put on as the weather dictates. Note that the National Mall is two miles long, it can be rather deceptive but it is. 
• If you’re eating at one of the restaurants we’ve suggested, then please make reservations to avoid disappointment. Weekends can be particularly busy on the city.
• To avoid the traffic, take the tube from the airport, Dulles International, into downtown. It takes around 55 minutes and will be quicker and cheaper than sitting in traffic.
• Washington DC is the capital city of the USA, be prepared for buildings to close at the drop of a hat as national security comes first! You may need to change reservations and be flexible.
• Remember to eat at local markets, scope out small businesses and give back wherever you’re able so money stays circular. 

Eco-Friendly Tours in Washington DC

Here we’ve selected some of our favoutiye eco-friendly tour sin Washington DC which include:

• Guided Monuments Tour by E-Cart – two hour duration, small group tour.
• Electric Cart Guided Highlights Tour – three hours duration, up to seven in a group.
• Georgetown History & Architecture Tour with Local Guide – two hours, small group.
• African American Heritage Walking Tour – two hours, small group size.
• 16th Street and Adams Morgan Tour – two hours, small group tour.
• DC Food Tour with 6+ Locals Favourites Bites – three hours, small group tour.

Sustainable Things to Do in Washington DC FAQ

5 Days in Washington DC for First-Time Visitors Round-up

To round up, our five days in D.C. showed us how easy and rewarding it is to explore the city sustainably. By staying in an eco-friendly hotel, that places importance on social justice, and relying on public transport, like the Metrorail as well as walking, we were able to reduce our footprint while seeing the city up close. Supporting local businesses and cafés allowed us to contribute directly to the communities that make D.C. vibrant. Most importantly, visiting diverse neighbourhoods helped us experience the real stories, cultures, and people that define Washington, D.C.

Related Washington DC Articles

• 14 Vibrant Washington DC Neighbourhoods for First-Time Visitors.
• 6 Sustainable Hotels in Washington DC By Neighbourhood.
• Spend One Day in Georgetown, Washington DC: An Itinerary.
• 20 Best Places to Eat Vegan & Vegetarian Food in Washington DC. 
• Elizabeth’s Vegan Fine Dining in Washington DC. 

Resources to Help Plan Your Washington DC Trip

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