A Perfect Day: Washington, D.C., in One Day

9 AM: Enjoy Breakfast at Eastern Market

I get my breakfast at Eastern Market, a market hall with countless different stalls and culinary facets. But I simply have a coffee and a bagel with cream cheese. A classic in the USA.

10 AM: Visit Capitol Hill

In Washington, you can reach almost all the sights on foot. Unusual for a big American city and very practical. After breakfast, I walk to Capitol Hill, the political center of the USA. Even though I have visited the Capitol many times, I always take a guided tour through these important halls of democracy. The official tours are free, but it is advisable to make a reservation.

12 PM: Marvel at Books in the Library of Congress

What few people know: the Capitol and the Library of Congress are connected by a tunnel. And that's exactly what I use to visit one of the largest libraries in the world. The Library of Congress houses an incredible 38.8 million books, including a three-volume Gutenberg Bible. My tip: admire the magnificent beaux arts design featuring marble columns, gilded decorations, and monumental figures on the second floor.

1 PM: Explore Famous Airplanes at the National Air and Space Museum

Because I am also fascinated by aviation when I'm on the ground, I regularly visit the National Air and Space Museum. The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and has the world's largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft. Incidentally, admission to all Smithsonian Institution museums is free.

2:30 PM: Lunch at the Oldest Restaurant in the City

For lunch, I head to Old Ebbitt Grill. The historic restaurant is known for its long history and excellent cuisine. Even prominent faces from US politics are said to make an occasional appearance here.

3 PM: Taking a Selfie in Front of the White House

On to the White House. Tickets for the tour must be booked months in advance. But you can always take a selfie in front of the center of power in the USA without booking in advance.

4 PM: View the City From the Washington Monument

Because the Washington Monument is just around the corner, I make a detour there. The obelisk was erected in honor of George Washington, the first president of the USA. At a height of 169 meters, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at the time – but was soon surpassed by the Eiffel Tower.

5 PM: Have a Coffee in The Wharf District

Time for coffee! I walk along the Tidal Basin to The Wharf, a modern district on the Washington Channel. There's a huge selection of restaurants here, serving everything from fresh seafood and crab to Spanish cuisine from Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi at Del Mar. But I save my hunger for later – and stick to a hot drink.

7 PM: Enjoy the Sunset at the Lincoln Memorial

A bit of kitsch is a must: when the evening sun bathes the Lincoln Memorial in warm light and the sky above the Reflecting Pool turns orange-red, I am always impressed.

8 PM: Order a Burger at Thunder Burger & Bar

For dinner, we head to Georgetown, the old town of Washington. I love the burgers at Thunder Burger & Bar. A perfectly American end to the day in the US capital.

About

Peter Jilke is a long-haul purser and has been working for Lufthansa for over 20 years. The East Coast of the United States is his favorite travel destination. He continues to be fascinated by Washington, D.C., even though he has visited the capital more than 50 times.