Weekend in … Washington D.C.

BUDGET

Getting there

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Destination DC

The Smithsonian Institution comprises 19 museums, nine research centers and the National Zoo.

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Destination DC

Dupont Circle has plenty of shops and restaurants and is just four subway stops from top attractions.

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Carol Pratt

Every evening at 6 p.m., catch a free performance at The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.

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One-way sale rates to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (four miles to downtown) from $64; $114 regularly with 21-day advance; AirTran, Delta.

Stay

Save with three-night “Staying Power” packages at hotels throughout the capital (stays must include a Thursday or Sunday night). An affordable choice is Georgetown Suites (1111 30th St. N.W.). Suites feature sitting areas/living room, fully-equipped kitchens, complimentary Wi-Fi and upscale continental breakfast, from $115. Book at Washington.org.

Eat

Bite into your buttery, flaky croissant with eyes closed and you’d think you’re in Paris. Patisserie Poupon serves fine coffees, divine baked goods (don’t miss the macaroons), sandwiches, salads and more; to $12. 1645 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., 202-342-3248.

Experience

D.C. has 100 fun, free and almost-free experiences. Get a fabulous capital view from the 315-foot clock tower at the Old Post Office; corner 12th Street/Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. Many of the animals in the National Zoo are not exhibited elsewhere in the United States; free; nationalzoo.si.edu.

MODERATE

Getting there

Snooze in a roomette on the all-night Crescent train (nearly 14 hours) between Buckhead and D.C.’s Union Station; about $320 one-way for two people; amtrak.com.

Stay

The Dupont Hotel sits right on Dupont Circle — the center of a lively neighborhood. The Metro subway is one block away. This striking hotel has recently been renovated from top to bottom with contemporary design; from $189; doylecollection.com/dupont, 1500 New Hampshire Ave. N.W.

Eat

Cork Wine Bar, recently awarded D.C.’s top new restaurant trophy, serves simple, local food with the best wines from around the world. Menu items are created to be shared, to $15, and paired with fine wines by the glass, $6-$15; corkdc.com, 1720 14th St.

Experience

Plan a day at Mount Vernon Estate, the beloved home of George and Martha Washington from 1759 until 1799. The President pass includes admission to Mount Vernon, the Distillery and Gristmill, an audio tour, a sightseeing cruise, and shop discount; adults $28; $16 youth; mountvernon.org.

SPLURGE

Getting there

Walk-up business class rates from $393 each way; AirTran, Delta.

Stay

The historic Willard Hotel, the “Crown Jewel of Pennsylvania Avenue,” is within a stroll to the

National Mall, two blocks to the White House. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in his room here. Stay two nights and get a third consecutive night free. Valid Thursday-Sunday through December, from $299; washington.intercontinental.com.

Eat

Cuisine at Brabo blends French and Belgian traditions with American originality. The Belgian-born chef, Robert Wiedmaier, is hailed as the city’s best. Dinner entrees $19-$35; braborestaurant.com, 1600 King St., in Old Town Alexandria, 703-894-3440.

Experience

Take a three-hour guided tour of the capital on a Segway. Highlights include the White House, Capitol, Ford’s Theatre, Washington Monument and more. Riders must be at least 16 years of age. Maximum rider weight of 265 pounds; $70; citysegwaytours.com, 624 9th St. N.W.