Timeline
09:00
Enter Ford's Theatre just as it opens at 9 AM. The tours are free, and going early means you will have the main hall to yourself before the crowds arrive. Watch a brief performance or take the guided tour to understand the weight of the room where President Lincoln was shot.
09:45
Walk three minutes to Central Michel Richard. It is the showpiece restaurant of the city's great chef, Michel Richard, where he serves haute and somewhat Gallicized versions of simple American dishes. Arrive by 11:30 AM to secure a table for lunch before the midday rush. Note that lunch is served Mon-Fri from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
10:45
Head six minutes south to the Old Post Office Tower. Climb to the top of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Washington DC for one of the best views of the city. On a clear day, you can see the full sweep of the National Mall and the monuments, giving you a perfect geographic context for the historic sites you just visited.
Local tip
Ford's Theatre tours run from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. The view from the Old Post Office Tower offers a great panoramic perspective of the area. Central Michel Richard is busy for lunch; arriving right at 11:30 AM when it opens is the best way to avoid a wait.
Check before you go
- Ford's Theatre tours are free but require a timed ticket.
- Central Michel Richard serves lunch Mon-Fri 11:30 AM-2:30 PM. Make a reservation or arrive early.
- The Old Post Office Tower view is accessible from the hotel lobby.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Washington, D.C. (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).