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22 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Washington, D.C.

Written by Becca Blond and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Whether you are marveling at its white marble monuments and memorials, learning about history in one of its free museums, or getting a feel for how locals live in one of its vibrant neighborhoods, Washington, D.C. emits a pulsating energy not found anywhere else in the U.S. The District of Colombia is a city you can explore dozens of times and have a completely different experience with each visit.

Designed by Pierre-Charles L'Enfant at the request of George Washington, America's capital city sits on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. It is located on land specifically set aside after the Revolutionary War to keep the federal government from being in a single state.

L'Enfant planned D.C. to feel larger than life with its wide avenues, inspirational marble buildings, public squares, and a magnificent "public walk" that is the National Mall. The city is split into four quadrants: NW, NE, SW, and SE and its layout is a street grid intersected by avenues.

First-time visitors flock to its list of must-see attractions like the White House, Capitol Building, and museums, monuments, and memorials, perfectly spaced along its park-style National Mall. But beyond these famed attractions, you will find another DC. One ruled by locals and influenced by the host of long-term international residents, that is filled with eclectic neighborhoods including U Street , Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and Georgetown.

This is a city where you can eat your way across the world's food scene in the space of a few miles. It is also a city that boasts a world-class arts scene and outdoor experiences from paddleboarding on the Potomac River to walking or biking along the C&O Canal towpath.

If you can avoid visiting DC in the summer, do so. Besides being unpleasantly hot and humid, summers are when you'll see the biggest crowds. The best times to visit Washington are spring and autumn.

Plan your trip to the nation's capital with our list of the top attractions in Washington, D.C.

1. United States Capitol and Capitol Hill

2. the lincoln memorial, 3. national mall and veterans memorials, 4. the white house, 5. the washington monument, 6. national air and space museum, 7. national gallery of art, 8. united states holocaust memorial museum, 9. library of congress, 10. national museum of natural history, 11. national museum of american history, 12. national museum of african american history and culture, 13. jefferson memorial and tidal basin, 14. the john f. kennedy center for the performing arts, 15. national zoological park, 16. national archives, 17. international spy museum, 18. arlington national cemetery, 19. washington national cathedral, 20. georgetown historic district, 21. smithsonian american art museum and national portrait gallery, 22. u.s. botanic garden, 23. u street corridor, 24. the wharf, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to washington, d.c., best time to visit washington, d.c..

Recognized around the world as a symbol of the United States, the Capitol is the seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The huge dome, based on the dome of St. Peter's in Rome, stands out above all other Washington buildings.

Like Washington itself, the building has grown over the years since the central portion was built between 1793 and 1812. The last addition, in 1958-62, enlarged the main façade where presidents take the oath. On the other side, a marble terrace offers beautiful views over the mall and the city.

The interior is resplendent with frescoes, reliefs, and paintings, especially the rotunda under the great cast-iron dome with a ceiling painting by Constantino Brumidi and huge paintings of scenes from American history on the walls. Beside it is the former Chamber of the House of Representatives, with statues of leading historical figures. The small Senate Rotunda leads into the beautifully restored Old Senate Chamber, where the Senate met until 1859, and the Supreme Court until 1935.

When free tours resume, they can be reserved online and begin at the visitor center on the lower floor, where there is an interesting exhibition on the building's history. Free tours on weekday afternoons explore the ornate paintings on the walls and ceilings of the corridors in the Senate wing, designed by Brumidi between 1857 and 1859. To visit the Senate or House in session, you need to contact your Senator or Representative for a pass; foreign visitors can arrange visits through the visitor center.

East of the Capitol are the Supreme Court Building; the Library of Congress; and Folger Shakespeare Library, home of the world's largest collection of the printed works of William Shakespeare .

The Capitol Hill neighborhood extends southeast, with the lively Eastern Market, a farmers market with craft vendors, as well.

The best-loved of all Washington's memorials, the Lincoln Memorial stands at the far end of the mall, separated from the Washington Monument by the Reflecting Pool. At its center is a 19-foot marble statue of a seated and pensive President Abraham Lincoln surrounded by 36 columns, one for each of the states that existed at the time of Lincoln's death. This is the most famous work designed by noted sculptor Daniel Chester French. Jules Guerin painted the murals on the inside walls, showing important events in Lincoln's life.

Since its completion in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial has been the scene of a number of historic events. In 1939, when the all-white Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) refused to let celebrated African American singer Marian Anderson perform at a concert in nearby Constitution Hall, President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt arranged for her to give an open-air concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, attended by 75,000 people and broadcast to millions of radio listeners.

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I have a dream..." speech from the memorial steps in 1963, again making history here.

Visiting this and other Mall monuments is one of the favorite things to do in Washington, D.C. at night. The monuments are all lighted, and many, like the Lincoln Memorial, are open 24 hours. The statue of Lincoln is especially powerful lighted at night inside the darkened interior of the temple and framed by the floodlit white columns.

The spacious swath of lawns and pools that form a wide greenbelt from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial is also the site of many of Washington's landmark buildings and monuments. Most prominent at its center point is the Washington Monument , and war memorials include those to veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial , a poignant wall inscribed with the names of all American servicemen and women who lost their lives or are missing, is one of Washington's most visited memorials. The nearby Vietnam Women's Memorial has a bronze sculpture of three servicewomen helping a wounded soldier. The Korean War Veterans Memorial contains 19 steel sculptures of soldiers. The newest, American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial was dedicated in 2014.

If you look at a Washington, D.C. attractions map, you'll notice that many of them line the National Mall, so you're likely to spend a lot of time here. Along with providing a park for walking, running, and picnicking, the Mall is a place for celebrations and festivals. Best known of these is the annual Independence Day celebration with fireworks around the Washington Monument.

Also in July, the Smithsonian American Folk Life Festival fills the Mall with music, crafts, performances, storytelling, cultural programs, and food from various regions around the country. The Smithsonian Kite Festival is held here in late March or early April.

On summer evenings, you can often find military bands performing at venues along the Mall. The US Navy Band has concerts at the Capitol steps overlooking the Mall on Mondays and on Tuesdays at Navy Memorial. The US Air Force Band performs on the capitol steps on Tuesdays and at the Air Force Memorial on Fridays.

Location: Between Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue, Washington, D.C.

The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. The home of every president except George Washington, it was originally built by James Hoban in 1792, and after being burned down by British forces in 1814 was rebuilt in 1818.

Although tours of the interior that include the East, Blue, Green, and Red Rooms; the Ballroom; and the State Dining Room must be reserved well in advance through your Congressional office or embassy, every tourist to Washington will want to see this iconic building, at least from the outside.

The free White House Visitor Center , a short distance away, has excellent interactive exhibits, which show details about the White House and the presidential families. It includes furniture of past presidents, a model of the residence, historical changes, and videos with insights from presidents about their time living there.

The Ellipse , a 54-acre stretch of lawn stretching to Constitution Avenue, hosts summer concerts by the US Army Band. Next door to the White House are the elaborate 1833 Greek Revival Treasury Building and the 1871 Executive Office Building , one of the most striking old government buildings in Washington. From Lafayette Square, one of the city's best-known, statues of Lafayette and others overlook the White House.

Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/whho/index.htm

The 555-foot white shaft of the Washington Monument is a familiar icon of the National Mall, and a beautiful sight, especially when mirrored in the long Reflecting Pool at its foot. Construction of the obelisk to honor the nation's first president did not proceed smoothly. The plan was approved by Congress in 1783, but ground wasn't broken until 1848.

When the tower reached 156 feet in height in 1854, political wrangling and lack of funds stopped the project for several years, and the Civil War caused further interruption so that the tower was not capped until 1885, when it was finally completed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

You can still see the separate stages of its building by three changes in the color of its facing stones; inside are engraved stones from states, cities, foreign countries, individuals, and civic groups, many of them donors who helped in its private funding stages. You can take an elevator to the very top for aerial views over the mall and much of Washington. The base of the monument is surrounded by a circle of 50 American Flags.

Address: 15th & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

The National Air and Space Museum is one of the world's most popular museums, with a collection of history-making air and spacecraft that includes the original 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer and Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis , the first plane to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

More recent flight history is represented here by the Apollo 11 command module , part of the first manned lunar landing mission. Permanent and changing exhibitions illustrate the science, history, and technology of aviation and space flight, covering topics like the use of air power in both world wars, the space race, flight pioneers, and up-to-the-minute flight and space technology.

Many of the exhibits are interactive, and all contain actual historical objects, such as a moon rock you can touch. Not only do permanent exhibits illustrate the history, they show the how and why of flight and space science, explaining how things fly, how jet engines work, and what keeps the International Space Station in orbit.

In addition to the exhibits, there is the Albert Einstein Planetarium , an IMAX theater, and the Public Observatory on the east terrace, where you can examine lunar craters and see planets and other astronomical features through telescopes. Flight simulators (fee charged) allow kids and adults to fly combat missions with aerial maneuvers like 360-degree barrel rolls or experience naval aviation in an F-18 Super Hornet.

The museum is also the home of the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, adjacent to Dulles Airport, and has even more historic aircraft and space exploration artifacts, including a Concorde and the space shuttle Discovery . You can watch from observation walkways through the hangars where experts are restoring historic aircraft.

The Air and Space Museum is currently undergoing a seven-year makeover that will transform not only the arrangement of 23 galleries, but the way it interprets the history and science of flight. During renovations, a number of the exhibits will be closed, so if particular exhibits are of special interest, you can consult the museum's website to find out if they are open.

Address: 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.nasm.si.edu

Housed in two separate buildings connected by a tunnel, the National Gallery of Art is one of the world's premier art museums and one of the most popular in the U.S. Based on the sizable collection of financier and later Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, its large and diverse collection includes masterpieces of European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts.

Frequent temporary exhibitions add to this outstanding permanent collection to highlight arts from cultures around the world. Among the highlights is Ginevra de Benci, the only Da Vinci painting in any American museum. Others include works by major French Impressionists - Monet, Degas, and Renoir -- and other masterpieces by Rembrandt, El Greco, and Vermeer.

The newer East Wing features sculptures by Henry Moore, a mobile by Alexander Calder, and other modern works. Free concerts are held at the National Gallery on Sunday evenings from fall through spring.

Also part of the Smithsonian Institution and located on the mall are the two museums that comprise the National Museum of Asian Art. These are the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery , which houses more than 1,000 pieces, principally Chinese jade and bronze, Chinese paintings and lacquerware, and ancient Near Eastern ceramics and metalware.

The Freer collection includes nearly 30,000 pieces of Asian artworks, including Buddhist sculptures and Persian manuscripts, one of the most extensive collections in the world. The Freer also features 19th-century and early 20th-century American art, most notably a large collection of work by James McNeill Whistler.

The drum-shaped Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden traces the history of modern art from the mid-1800s, through more than 12,000 pieces of art and sculpture. One of the highlights of the garden is Rodin's Burghers of Calais .

The National Museum of African Art displays thousands of objects representing diverse artistic styles throughout the African continent, including sculptures, masks, costumes, household objects, and ceramics. All of these Smithsonian museums are among the many free things to do in Washington, D.C.

Address: 600 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.nga.gov

Near the Smithsonian museums, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum documents, studies, and interprets the history of the Holocaust with the dual purpose of memorializing the victims and helping the world to confront hatred and prevent genocide.

Permanent exhibits examine the rise of the Nazis and the Aryan ideology, the ghettos, key events such as Kristallnacht, the concentration camps, and the Nazi atrocities. An exhibit on Americans and the Holocaust examines US reaction to Nazis, the war, and genocide, while another features personal accounts by US soldiers and citizens who witnessed the evidence of Nazi atrocities.

The presentations draw on the enormous collections of more than 12,750 artifacts, 85,000 historical photographs, 9,000 oral history testimonies, as well as archival footage and records of survivors and their families. A visit to the museum is a sobering experience.

Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://www.ushmm.org

An underground passage with historical exhibits leads from the Capitol Building to one of Washington's little-known places to visit, the Library of Congress. It's the world's largest library, modeled on the Opera House in Paris. You can visit portions on your own, but free tours disclose even more of its beautiful interior.

Displayed here are one of the three surviving complete Gutenberg Bibles, an earlier hand-printed Bible, Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson's personal library, and galleries filled with exhibits focusing on topics as varied as the musical careers of the Gershwin brothers and the work of editorial cartoonists and graphic artists.

Address: Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://www.aoc.gov/

One of the most popular things to do with children in Washington, the Museum of Natural History explores the natural world with permanent and changing exhibits to interest all ages. Favorite exhibits include the renowned Hope Diamond and the dazzling collection of gems and minerals around it, and Ocean Hall with its stunning underwater photography and replica of a 45-foot North Atlantic Right Whale.

The Hall of Human Origins follows human evolution over six million years in response to a changing world. Children will especially like the dinosaur exhibits and the interactive Discovery Room where they can touch and play with various artifacts.

Address: Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://www.si.edu/Museums/natural-history-museum

One of the most popular of the Smithsonian's many museums that line the mall, The National Museum of American History traces the political, cultural, scientific, and technological history of the U.S. since the Revolution. It displays important pieces of Americana, including Thomas Jefferson's desk, one of Edison's light bulbs, and the original flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words to The Star Spangled Banner .

But beyond these treasured national artifacts, exhibits also examine how people lived, what they ate, where they worked, how they played, what they wore, how they traveled, how they worshiped, and how they governed themselves.

Illustrating these multiple themes are artifacts that include everything from gowns, work by First Ladies, and Julia Child's complete kitchen to the Muppets and the actual ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in the film Wizard of Oz . With all the historical things to do in Washington D.C., you might think your family has had enough history. But this engaging museum houses some fascinating exhibits and artifacts of our collective past that will appeal to all ages.

Address: 14th Street NW at Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://americanhistory.si.edu

Focusing on themes of history, culture, and community, the newest of the Smithsonian museums explores changing definitions of American citizenship and equality, at the same time highlighting African American culture and that of the entire African diaspora.

Various themes are covered in changing exhibits, which center on themes such as African American food traditions and chefs, the influence of African American sports stars on the breakdown of segregation, and African craftsmanship.

Historic artifacts on display include a section of the original Woolworth lunch counter that was the scene of the Greensboro, N.C. sit-in in 1960, and the aircraft known as the "Spirit of Tuskegee." In World War II, it was used to train African American airmen in the Army Air Forces, men whose work helped trigger the desegregation of the military.

Address: National Mall at Constitution Avenue, N.W., between 12th and 14th Streets

Official site: https://nmaahc.si.edu/

The design for the domed white memorial to Thomas Jefferson, the third US president, is based on the Roman Pantheon, its low dome supported by 54 Ionic columns. Inside, appearing in a dramatic silhouette through the columns, is a 19-foot statue of a standing Jefferson, and around are engraved excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and other writings.

The monument stands alone at the far end of the Tidal Pool, which reflects the monument in its surface, and all around the edge of the water are cherry trees, a gift from Japan. These are one of Washington's greatest attractions when they bloom each spring, surrounding the basin with a cloud of pink flowers and celebrated with the Cherry Blossom Festival .

Along the Cherry Tree Walk around the Tidal Basin, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial reflects twelve years of American History through four outdoor rooms. Each one is devoted to one of FDR's terms of office as he guided the country through the Great Depression and World War II. Unveiled in 2011, the 30-foot-high Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is the newest along the Tidal Basin.

Address: 900 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, D.C.

Opened in 1971 and named in memory of President John F. Kennedy, the National Cultural Center overlooks the Potomac River in a state-of-the-art building designed by architect Edward Durell Stone. It is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, which hosts some of the world's greatest guest artists each year, and the Washington National Opera , one of the nation's leading opera companies.

Its three main stages and several smaller stages present over 2,200 performing arts shows and events each year, about 400 of which are free. These represent all types of music and theater, both classical and contemporary.

Joining the Los Angeles Music Center and Lincoln Center in New York as one of the three most important venues in the United States, the Kennedy Center is a major stop for visiting overseas opera, dance, and drama companies on tour.

Address: 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.kennedy-center.org

The National Zoo is another part of the Smithsonian, where nearly 2,000 different animals, birds, and reptiles live in habitats replicating as closely as possible their natural environments. Of the several hundred species represented here, about a quarter are endangered. This is one of the world's best zoos, not only for the quality of the visitor experience, but for its leadership in areas of animal care and sustainability.

By far the most popular animals here are the giant pandas, part of a major initiative that began in 1972 with the arrival of Hsing Hsing from the People's Republic of China. Other zoo highlights are red pandas, Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, Asian elephants, cheetahs, white-naped cranes, and North Island brown kiwis.

In the Amazonia exhibit, you can glimpse the colorful underwater life of the Amazon, where one of the world's largest freshwater fish swims beneath a living tropical forest.

Along with the cheetahs at the Cheetah Conservation Station, you can see Grevy's zebras, dama gazelles, vultures, and red river hogs, and at the highly popular Elephant Trails, you can see the multigenerational herd and learn about the elephants' life at the zoo and in the wild.

Check the day's schedule for feeding times, demonstrations, educational games, and talks. As you might expect, this is one of Washington's favorite places to visit for children.

Address: 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://nationalzoo.si.edu

The National Archives holds permanent records of the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, District of Columbia courts, and some federal agencies, as well as pre-World War I military service records for U.S. Army and Confederate veterans, and pre-1940 vessel and station logbooks for the U.S. Navy.

The records are open to researchers, and in the Rotunda, you can see the Declaration of Independence , Constitution , and Bill of Rights . Exhibition galleries feature a 1297 Magna Carta and a changing group of other historically significant documents. An exhibit, Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote, includes documents from the suffrage movement, and in other areas are interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages.

Address: 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://museum.archives.gov

The place for 007 wannabes, the museum covers the techniques, technology, history, and contemporary role of espionage. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and throughout the building are actual examples of real espionage equipment (including a poison dart umbrella designed by the KGB), from declassified hardware and captured equipment to movie props used in the James Bond series.

Photographs, audio-visual programs, and special effects combine to give a picture of strategies and methods behind secret espionage missions. The collections include historic spy artifacts from the Revolution and Civil War, along with a wealth of ingeniously concealed and disguised cameras and weapons, even the famous Enigma cipher machine that broke the Nazi codes in World War II.

The top floor is dedicated to real-life spies Aldrich Ames, Robert Hanson, and John Walker, detailing the actual methods and tools they used to spy on the United States, with videos describing how spies were caught. The lower floor moves from fact to fiction, filled with information and actual props used in James Bond movies.

Highlighting these is the Aston Martin DB5 that first appeared in the 1964 film Goldfinger , equipped with machine guns, oil jets, a dashboard radar screen, an ejector seat, tire slashers, a bulletproof shield, and a rotating license plate. The car actually inspired intelligence agencies to add similar features to their own vehicles.

Address: 700 L'Enfant Plaza, SW; Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.spymuseum.org

On a hillside overlooking the city from across the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery is filled with memorials to American history and the men and women who were part of it. Its best-known landmarks are the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , President John F. Kennedy's gravesite, and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial depicting the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima in World War II. The Welcome Center has maps, information (including the locations of specific graves), and exhibits telling the story of Arlington National Cemetery and its monuments.

Among these are memorials to nurses, Iran Rescue Mission casualties, and various battles and groups, including one at the graves of Lt. Cmdr. Roger B. Chaffee and Lt. Col. Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, who were killed in a fire aboard their Apollo spacecraft. Another commemorates the seven Challenger astronauts.

In a solemn and impressive ceremony, the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed every hour on the hour October 1 to March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30. Although the cemetery is not right in the city, both the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Metrorail system and Metrobus have stops close to the gate.

Official site: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil

The English-style, Neo-Gothic National Cathedral, one of the world's largest cathedrals, took 83 years to build, from 1907 to 1990. It follows the Gothic building style and techniques, with flying buttresses and solid masonry construction of Indiana limestone. Throughout the cathedral are artistic details to see, from its stained-glass windows to the hand-embroidered kneelers that commemorate war heroes and historic events.

Special tours, reserved in advance, explore hidden parts of the building and its art; families should ask for the brochure Explore the Cathedral with Children for a scavenger hunt to find wrought-iron animals, tiny carvings, and gargoyles. Be sure to look for the gargoyle of Darth Vader high up on the northwest tower.

The cathedral is the burial place of President Woodrow Wilson and Helen Keller, and state funerals for Presidents Eisenhower, Reagan, and Ford took place here. The top of the 300-foot central tower is the highest point in Washington.

The Bishop's Garden, on the south side of the cathedral, includes plants found in medieval gardens, plants mentioned in the Bible, and others native to the area, along with a fish pond. The 59-acre Cathedral Close, designed by the eminent landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr in the early 20th century, is an urban oasis modeled on the walled grounds of medieval cathedrals.

Carillon recitals are held each Saturday at 12:30pm, and the peal bells are rung on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9pm and after Sunday services. On Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:30pm, a cathedral organist discusses the Great Organ here, followed by a mini-recital.

Address: Massachusetts & Wisconsin Avenues NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.cathedral.org

The neighborhood from 27th to 37th Streets, between Rock Creek Park and K Street NW, is the city's oldest, with origins in the early 1700s, before Washington itself. Georgetown University , the nation's oldest Roman Catholic and Jesuit College, is located here.

Today, Georgetown's tidy streets of historic homes and its boutique shops, cafés, restaurants, and small museums make it a popular respite from lines at the mall attractions. The C&O Canal , the 184-mile waterway paralleling the Potomac River, begins here, and its towpath is a favorite place for walking and cycling.

Dumbarton Oaks is a 16-acre estate with formal gardens and a valuable Byzantine and Christian art collection. Federal period Dumbarton House features Federal-style furniture, paintings, textiles, silver, and ceramics, and is home to one of five original known copies of the Articles of Confederation.

Tudor Place is an early 19th-century mansion built by Martha Washington's granddaughter, Martha Custis Peter, and her husband. Items from George and Martha Washington's Mount Vernon home are shown here, and the Federal-period gardens contain plants and trees from the early 19th century. The Kreeger Museum displays a wide collection of art from the 1850s to the 1970s including paintings by Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Chagall, Gauguin, and Picasso.

If you're looking for places to eat in Washington or things to do at night, this is one of the places to visit. The neighborhood is filled with restaurants and cafes, along with live music venues.

Sharing the historic Old Patent Office Building with the National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum holds one of the world's largest and most inclusive collections of American art, representing more than 7,000 artists from the colonial era to the present.

The collections record the wonder of artists capturing the beauty of American landscapes as the nation expanded westward, and the changing face of American cities and towns. Special collections represent works by more than 200 African American artists, collections of Latinex works, an outstanding array of contemporary American craft and folk arts.

The National Portrait Gallery focuses on famous Americans, from the time of the first colonies to present day leaders and important public figures, including the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House.

Address: 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, D.C.

Official sites:

• https://americanart.si.edu/art
• https://npg.si.edu/

At the foot of Capitol Hill, the U.S. Botanic Garden is an oasis of tropical gardens in the center of the city. Surrounded by outdoor gardens, the huge glasshouse is the hub of a museum of living plants. Permanent interior exhibits create environments for plants at home everywhere from the desert to rainforests, while outside is a showcase of plants that thrive in the Middle Atlantic states.

The greenhouse contains two courtyard gardens and 10 garden rooms, and the outside displays include a pollinator garden, rose garden, kitchen garden, and water garden. There's always something in bloom, and benches in the vast conservatory invite a stop to enjoy the fragrances and the lush green surroundings.

Address: 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://www.usbg.gov/

D.C.'s U Street Corridor is one of the city's top historic neighborhoods and served as the epicenter of Black culture in America between 1862 and 1948. Designated a historic district in 1998, this neighborhood is filled with colorful buildings housing plenty of shops, restaurants, and theaters.

It is anchored by 14 th Street on its west side and the recently renovated Howard Theatre on its east end at the edge of the Shaw neighborhood. Constructed in 1910, this was the center of Black Broadway for the first half of the 20 th Century. It fell into decline but underwent a magnificent renovation and reopened a decade ago.

Duke Ellington was born in this neighborhood and a sculpture honoring the famed jazz musician can be seen at the intersection of Florida Ave and T Street. Also check out a concert at Lincoln Theatre , built in 1922, where Ellington and other jazz greats like Billie Holiday, Nat King, Cole, and Louis Armstrong all used to play.

U Street is known for its delicious food scene. Here you'll find the acclaimed Ben's Chili Bowl , which has served everyone from Anthony Bourdain to Barack Obama. Its restaurants span the globe, however. If you are craving authentic Ethiopian fare, head to "Little Ethiopia" on the east end of U Street.

With its second phase only completed in 2002, The Wharf is D.C.'s hottest new waterfront neighborhood, home to more than 80 restaurants and shops, an iconic fish market, four hotels, and a popular live music venue. Running along the Potomac River for one mile, the neighborhood was created as part of a larger development plan for what had been a neglected portion of the SW quadrant.

Just about a 10-minute walk from the National Mall, The Wharf's waterfront location provides a totally different vibe than the memorial and museum area. The Municipal Fish Market is the country's oldest continuously operating open-air fish market, originally opened in 1805. Until the redevelopment of The Wharf, it wasn't really on the tourist map anymore. Today it is buzzing with hungry travelers and locals alike, who come here to dine al fresco on fresh fish.

If you want to get out on the Potomac River yourself, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore. There are also seasonal water taxis running from The Wharf to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, across the river. Alexandria is known for its stately 18 th - and 19th-century buildings and brick streets. It's a great place to wander around for an afternoon. Water taxis also run to Georgetown.

Come evening, book a luxe riverboat dinner cruise on Potomac. These offer a wonderful way to relax after an action-packed day, and river sunsets can be phenomenal.

Official site: https://www.wharfdc.com/

Sightseeing by Day:

• Washington, D.C. has so many famous sites that it's difficult to keep track of all there is to see and do. One of the best ways to explore this city is on a classic Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour , seeing the sites from an open-top red bus and getting on and off wherever you choose.

Sightseeing by Night:

• At night, Washington is transformed as the floodlights are beamed up the monuments, giving them a completely different look from their daytime appearance. The Washington, D.C. Monuments by Moonlight Night Trolley Tour is a 2.5- hour guided tour that provides an easy way to see the city at night.

Sightseeing by Bicycle:

• Active travelers will enjoy the Washington D.C. Monuments Bike Tour to visit the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial on a three-hour ride. Hybrid bikes and the relatively level terrain make this suitable even for those who are not avid cyclists. As many places to visit have security checkpoints and do not allow backpacks, it is wise to carry as little as possible while touring.

Weather wise, the best time of year to travel to Washington, D.C. is between the months of March and May and September to November . You'll hit cherry blossom season (usually from late March to early April), ogle spectacular fall foliage (especially in October through November), and enjoy a long stretch of great weather free from frigid and sweltering temps.

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Places to Visit Close to Washington: If you have time to explore outside the city, there are many easy Day Trips from Washington, D.C ., and our page on Top-Rated Weekend Getaways from Washington D.C. can give you plenty of ideas for longer excursions.

Exploring Maryland : There are a number of tourist attractions in Maryland , including those in historic Annapolis and Baltimore with its lively harbor area. The state is also famous for its beaches and oceanfront resorts, many of which are within easy weekend reach from Washington. You can learn more about these on our page Top-Rated Resorts in Maryland.

Discovering Virginia : The District of Columbia lies between two states, and to its south, you can visit attractions in Virginia , including those in the capital city of Richmond . Or you could spend a weekend immersed in colonial history with the help of our page Top Tourist Attractions in Williamsburg & Easy Day Trips .

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Washington, D.C.

Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do with this highly curated Washington, D.C. travel guide.

Best Hotels

Things to do, best shopping, best restaurants, best times to visit, how to get there, neighborhoods to know, how to get around.

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Washington, D.C. is so much more than the political epicenter of the U.S. The city offers legendary museums, one of the best hotels in the country in 2022 (as voted by T+L readers), and a calendar full of fun events for the entire family. History buffs will love stepping back in time at the National Mall, and anyone with a passion for reading will swoon at the book collection in the Library of Congress. Nature lovers should opt for a springtime visit, when the cherry blossoms bloom and events start to trickle outside, including the Blossom Kite Festival. And let's not forget that the country's capital is also a college town, with universities like Georgetown, Howard, George Washington, and American all within city limits.

Whether you're headed there to learn, play, or even just as a stopover before your next destination, you should explore everything the capital city has to offer. These are the best places to stay, eat, and shop in Washington, D.C.

Riggs Washington, D.C.

Riggs Washington D.C. is the place to stay in the capital city, and it's got the accolades to prove it. The property was named the best hotel in Washington, D.C . in 2022 by T+L readers. Once a national bank headquarters, the hotel combines its past and present beautifully. You'll find small bespoke touches that pay homage to its history, including in-room minibars designed like vintage safes.

The Jefferson

The Jefferson , also voted one of the city's best hotels in 2022 by T+L readers, is an independently owned boutique that features "99 guest rooms inspired by our third president’s travels in Paris and home in Charlottesville, Virginia," T+L contributor Rebecca Ascher-Walsh previously reported . The hotel is currently offering a "Summer of Discovery" package, where guests can receive a daily itinerary curated by the hotel's in-house historian, a $50 daily dining credit, and late checkout.

Rosewood Washington, D.C.

Rosewood Washington, D.C . is a chic retreat in Georgetown set along the C&O Canal and is a favorite among T+L readers . The property features 55 rooms, 12 suites, and six town houses designed for long-term guests. Enjoy a meal on-site at Cut, a Wolfgang Puck steakhouse. The restaurant is open seven days a week and hosts brunch on the weekend. Reservations are recommended.

The Hay-Adams

This historic hotel, also loved by T+L readers , overlooks Lafayette Square and has great views of the White House and the Washington Monument. The Hay-Adams was named after its original residents — John Hay and Henry Adams. Scott Bay, a T+L contributor, reported that "the details seen throughout the Italian Renaissance-style mansion and its 145 rooms evoke a sense of timelessness that keeps visitors coming back year after year."

Pendry Washington, D.C. The Wharf

The Pendry is one of D.C.'s newest properties and was named one of the best new hotels in 2023 by T+L editors. The 131-room hotel features high-end amenities, including "a panoramic pool terrace with cabanas, sun loungers, and a swimming pool; spa facilities; and a rooftop restaurant," T+L contributor Dobrina Zhekova previously reported . Most rooms in the hotel feature floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase stunning views of the Potomac River and monuments like the Jefferson Memorial.

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, and the building itself is a work of art, with a beautiful, intricate reading room and other fine architectural details. It provides a great respite for anyone seeking knowledge or just a break from the D.C. humidity. Kevin Fanning, former D.C. tour guide and current regional sales manager at tour company WeVenture , recommends that travelers get themselves a library card. "You [might never] go into the reading rooms, but [it'll be] a souvenir that says you are a member of the Library of Congress." The library is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and all visitors must reserve a timed-entry pass before visiting. You can reserve them for free online .

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Tour George Washington's estate home and learn about the first president's life and legacy at this historic site. In addition to the mansion, which offers timed entry, Mount Vernon has a museum and education center, gardens, a slave memorial, a working farm, and Washington's tomb. There are also seasonal events here as well, including whiskey tastings, a colonial market, and fireworks. The estate is open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $28 for adults, $15 for children between six and eleven, and free for children under five.

National Mall

Often referred to as "America's front yard," the National Mall is home to iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. "The easiest way to get around the National Mall is the D.C. Circulator, " Kevin Fanning noted when asked about the two-mile-long stretch of monuments. "There's a city bus that runs around the National Mall every 10 minutes." Make sure you check its website for regular and seasonal schedules.

Washington, D.C. is home to 74 museums that cover topics ranging from history and art to science and aerospace. Notable museums include the National Museum of African American History and Culture ; the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History ; and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum , dedicated to the ongoing preservation of Holocaust history. Carolyn Crouch, founder of popular D.C. walking tour company Washington Walks , also recommends visiting the Capital Jewish Museum . "[It] includes the city's oldest synagogue building. [Check out] 'Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsberg,' its inaugural exhibition."

United States Botanic Garden

While the National Arboretum is larger in scale, don't pass up the opportunity to see this curated nature exhibition right in the heart of downtown D.C. Established in 1820, this is the oldest continuously operated public garden in the U.S. — and a great place to escape the city and learn about various plants and flowers.

Cady's Alley

This design district is home to high-end designers and local antiques, including home furnishings, fashion, and other chic shops. The 19 stores that currently occupy the alley include high-end jewelry shop Brilliant Earth ; Relish , which sells clothes and accessories; and District Doughnut , which sells — you guessed it — donuts.

M Street Shops, Georgetown

M Street is a must-visit for D.C. visitors keen on shopping the city's high-end boutiques. You can also stop in at some national favorites, like Patagonia , Urban Outfitters , and Brandy Melville .

Politics and Prose

Known for their almost-nightly author talks, this independent bookstore carries thousands of books and includes an expanded children's section. Additional locations at Union Market and the Wharf make it accessible as part of any just about sightseeing day in town. For exclusive discounts and perks, become a Politics and Prose member for just $35 a year.

CityCenterDC

CityCenterDC , located in downtown D.C., is your one-stop shopping destination, with 34 retail options, nine dining venues, and even lodging at the Conrad Washington D.C . Shops include high-end brands like Gucci , Dior , and Chanel . Carolyn Crouch recommends visiting some of the gourmet food stores while you're here, too. "Stop in at Mercato Centrolina for house-made pasta and sauces, and stop at Piccolina for delectable cakes and tarts."

The Restaurant at District Winery

Inside D.C.'s first operational commercial winery is an upscale dining room with expansive windows overlooking the nearby Anacostia River. Chef de cuisine Nicholas Fulginiti created a delicious vegetable-forward menu inspired by local ingredients. Stop in for dinner on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., or hit up brunch on the weekends, when doors open at 11 a.m.

Call Your Mother

This D.C. deli is one of President Joe Biden's favorite spots — he picked up bagels at the Georgetown location shortly after he was sworn in as president. Call Your Mother' s bagels are inspired by New York and Montreal-style bagels, and they sell deli favorites like tuna melts and pastrami sandwiches as well. Their seven D.C. locations are open every day, though each has its own set hours. Check the hours online before you go, and order in advance if you can.

Fiola Mare delivers high-end service, delicious seafood and beautiful waterfront views. The sophisticated, seasonally changing menu reflects the fare found along some of Italy's most famous coastlines, including the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. It makes for a great fine-dining option around Georgetown and welcomes guests seven days a week — though be aware it's only open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays. Reservations are recommended.

Award-winning chef José Andrés started his legacy here in 1993, helping to transform the Penn Quarter neighborhood into a bustling food destination. Jaleo celebrates Spanish culture through delicious signature tapas, paellas, and cured meats. "No one should travel to Washington, D.C. without dining at one of José Andrés restaurants," Carolyn Crouch remarked when asked about Jaleo. "Why not start with the original? It's where countless Washingtonians have fallen in love with Spanish tapas." Stop by during the weekday for "sangria hour," where sangria, wine, and certain tapas are reduced in price from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Note that the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Union Market

Currently home to 41 vendors, this artisanal hub boasts an array of delicious restaurants, from smaller names like TaKorean , which only operates in the D.C. and Maryland areas, to French pastry giant Ladurée . There's something here that'll suit everyone's taste buds, including Argentinian empanadas, avocado toast, and Southern comfort food. The hall is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The best time to go to Washington, D.C. is between April and June, when temperatures are moderately warm and events abundant.

The spring brings D.C.'s famous cherry blossom season, arguably the most beautiful time of year in the capital city. "Few cities undergo [a] seasonal transformation more beautifully and dramatically than Washington, D.C.," T+L contributor Katie Chang previously reported . "Its 3,000-plus cherry blossom trees remain a visually striking symbol of renewal, hope, and friendship." The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from late March to early April, and guests can enjoy a kite festival, parade, and cherry blossom-themed eats.

May brings graduation season, and the city's hotels start to book up with proud family members. Reserve a room well in advance if you're planning to travel during this time.

Washington, D.C.'s high season is July and August, which are also the hottest months of the year here. The Fourth of July is a big draw for the nation's capital. When the weather is nice, Carolyn Crouch urges tourists to "get out on the water. Take a water taxi from the Southwest waterfront to Georgetown or Old Town Alexandria. You'll see iconic sites along the way."

Read More: The Best Times to Visit Washington, D.C. to See the Cherry Blossoms, Tour the National Mall, and More

You can get to Washington, D.C. by plane, train, and bus. Washington Dulles International Airport is the largest airport in the area and is serviced by all major U.S. airlines. However, it is located about 26 miles outside of D.C. in Chantilly, Virginia. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is only about five miles from D.C., but has significantly less flight options, as it is only served by eight airlines.

Amtrak trains have daily routes from major cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago that run directly to Union Station, which is within walking distance of some of D.C.'s most popular landmarks.

If you prefer the bus, companies like MegaBus offer several different routes to the capital city. MegaBus currently offers trips to D.C. from most major cities, including New York, Pittsburgh, and Boston.

Downtown: Downtown is home to the most important address in America: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. In addition to the White House, you'll find a number of D.C.'s most famous museums downtown, including the National Geographic Museum, which is currently being renovated to include amazing new experiences for visitors. (Keep an eye on its website to see when it will be open to the public.) And if you're looking for stunning views but don't want to deal with the crowds at the Washington Monument, Kevin Fanning recommends you head to the old post office and clock tower, located on the corner of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. "The clock tower goes up 257 feet, giving you unparalleled views of Pennsylvania Avenue. You don't need tickets to go to the top, as it is owned and operated by the National Park Service."

Georgetown: The neighborhood around Georgetown University is more than just your classic college enclave. You'll find upscale restaurants and hotels along the C&O Canal, luxury shopping on M Street, and historic homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Capitol Hill: Home to the U.S. Capitol building, the Supreme Court building, and the U.S. House and Senate, this neighborhood is the political epicenter of our country. You'll find plenty of tourists and the political working crowd here, some of whom reside in the lovely 19th-century Capitol Hill row houses.

The Wharf: This trendy neighborhood is helping to reestablish D.C. as a waterfront destination. Crouch says you can have the ultimate D.C. experience in this neighborhood. "Start with a bit of shopping at Shop Made in D.C., where everything is made by local makers. Next door is a branch of Politics & Prose, one of Washington's favorite independent bookstores. Across the way is Surfside, a locally owned taco stand with an island vibe. For dessert, head over to the family-owned and -operated Southwest Soda Pop Shop for homemade ice cream and vegan soft serve."

Trains: The city's Metrorail , run by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), operates across Washington, D.C. and into parts of Virginia and Maryland. It has six lines — yellow, orange, red, blue, green, and silver. Metrorail rides cost anywhere between $2 and $6, depending on where you're traveling and when. You can also buy a one-day pass for $13, a three-day pass for $28, and a seven-day pass for $58. Download the WMATA SmartTrip App to plan your metro and bus trips, and pay in advance.

Buses: The city's Metrobus system, also run by WMATA, will change drastically in the coming years for the very first time since the network's creation in 1973. WMATA has created Better Bus , an initiative meant to completely revitalize the bus system. Changes will include the integration of new bus lanes, new transit signals, and better service times and locations that reflect the needs of D.C. residents. The project is still in its planning stage, but changes are set to roll out in 2024.

Taxis and Car Service: Uber and Lyft are available in the greater Washington, D.C. area, and there are taxi stands spread out across the city. To schedule a cab in advance, book through a local company like D.C. Yellow Cab . You can also schedule a local black car through services like ExecuCar .

Cars: Driving in the capital city isn't necessary because the public transportation system is so comprehensive, but you can download apps like SpotHero to find and reserve parking spaces all across the city if necessary.

35 Things to Do in Washington, D.C. – Best Places to Visit in D.C.

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There are a lot of things to do in Washington, D.C. , the capital of the United States. District of Columbia , as it’s officially called, is a federal district located between Virginia and Maryland that has nothing to do with the state of Washington, which is located at the other end of the country.

Washington, D.C. is a city that was planned to be the capital of the United States . It was carefully designed to be a beautiful city with infinite attractions for tourists. With small buildings, large gardens, and tons of tourist attractions to visit, Washington, D.C. is nothing like other cities in the United States.

I know this because I live barely two hours away from the city, which is why I have visited D.C. countless times. I know almost all of its monuments and museums, most of which are free, making them the most popular places to visit in Washington, D.C.  Many people decide to visit DC from NYC, since it’s one of the closest cities to NY .

Now, let’s get into the 35 best things to do in Washington, D.C. However, if you are going to be in the city for a short time, focus on the first top 10 tourist attractions in Washington, D.C. I also recommend this 4-hour guided tour to start your visit if you want to learn about the history of the city and get a ride to all the important places.

1. The US Capitol, an important building to visit in Washington, D.C.

The Capitol building is one of the essential places to visit in Washington, D.C. It is a symbol, not only of the city, but also of the United States, so you cannot miss it. It hosts the two legislative bodies of the United States Congress , the Senate (in the north wing), and the House of Representatives (in the south wing).

Designed in a clean, white neoclassical style, it was one of the first buildings to be built in the city. George Washington, the first president of the United States, laid the first stone in 1793. It stands out, above all, for the majesty of its dome, which reaches 289 feet high, making it one of the tallest buildings in the city and practically visible from any point.

In addition to the building having tons of political and historical symbolism, and being one of the top sights in Washington, D.C. , it has free guided tours every day, Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, which depart from the Visitor Center. Although it is not necessary to book them, it’s highly recommended, and you can do it from here.

During the tour, you will visit the Rotunda , an incredible circular room under the dome where works of art are exhibited. You will be able to see the imposing fresco, The Apotheosis of Washington, painted inside it. You will also visit the Crypt and the National Statuary Hall. Congress sessions are also open to the public, but you will need a special pass that you can get here.

The Capitol is located at the eastern end of the National Mall, the area with the main tourist attractions in D.C.

2. Lincoln Memorial, one of the main attractions of Washington, D.C.

At the other end of the National Mall, with the Potomac River behind it, you’ll find the Lincoln Memorial , one of the main monuments in Washington, D.C.

Its construction began in 1914 in a style reminiscent of the Doric temples of ancient Greece. It has 36 columns that are 32 feet high. Limestone and marble were used to maintain the same opulent, white appearance of the rest of the city’s official buildings. Inside, a 20 foot-high sculpture depicts Abraham Lincoln in a seated position.

The monument has witnessed numerous historical moments. Perhaps the most striking one was Martin Luther King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” civil rights speech. It’s also been on the big screen numerous times, including the scene where Forrest Gump is reunited with Jenny by the Reflecting Pool, the large pond that stands in front of the monument.

Visiting is, without a doubt, one of the best free things to do in Washington. D.C. Since it is open 24 hours a day, I recommend visiting it first thing in the morning if you don’t want to see hundreds of other tourists.

If you visit it while it’s still quiet, I advise sitting on its marble staircase so you can see beautiful views of both the Capitol and the Washington Monument, the next point we will talk about in our list of interesting places to visit in D.C.

3. Washington Monument, something you must visit in D.C.

The Washington Monument is in the National Mall, located between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial and in front of the White House. This 555 foot-high white obelisk was the tallest structure in the world between 1884 and 1889. It is mainly made of marble, granite, and sandstone, and today, it can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.

Although its construction was planned 10 days after the death of former President George Washington, in his honor, it took almost 40 years to complete the monument due to lack of funds caused by the Civil War.

Unfortunately, I still haven’t had the chance to go up to its viewpoint at 492 feet, where you get views of the entire city, since despite being one of the main places to visit in Washington, D.C , it was closed for elevator renovation for years. However, it is now open to the public again. The price of admission is $1, and although it isn’t necessary, if you want to secure your spot, it’s highly recommended that you book it here.

There is also a museum at the top. Back at ground level, the elevator will stop at different points so you can read some of the inscriptions on the 193 memorial stones found inside the obelisk. It is undoubtedly one of the main monuments in Washington, D.C.

4. National Mall, one of the most important places to go in Washington, D.C.

National Mall is the name of the large garden area surrounded by museums and monuments that stretches from the Washington Monument to the Capitol. However, after the construction of the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall was considered everything from that monument to the Capitol, including West Potomac Park.

As you can see, the three main points already mentioned in this article are within the National Mall, so there is no doubt that this is the most important place to visit in Washington, D.C. Besides the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and Washington Monument, you will find other important places in the National Mall such as the Smithsonian, the largest research and museum complex in the world; the Botanical Garden; and different war memorials.

If you are only going to visit Washington, D.C. for one day, everything you have to see is located in the National Mall. It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, with the Washington Monument located 10 minutes from the Lincoln Memorial and 20 minutes from the Capitol (here is a map of the National Mall in Washington DC that will help you locate yourself).

As I mentioned, the best way to visit the National Mall in depth is by booking this 4-hour guided tour . You will see the main tourist attractions in Washington, D.C. , and most importantly, you will learn about its history.

5. Visit the White House, an unmissable thing to do in Washington, D.C.

The White House is the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States.

Among the places to visit in Washington, D.C. , the White House requires a little more planning, since you will need to make a visit request between 3 months and 21 days before the date of your visit.

If you are an American citizen, you should contact your member of Congress here. If you are a citizen of a foreign country, request a visit at your country’s embassy in Washington, D.C. (you can find them here ). In any case, you must send the following information by email of everyone visiting the White House with you: full name, date of birth, residence address, gender, citizenship, the date on which you want to visit the White House, and passport number. If you are an American citizen, you must also give your Social Security number. If you aren’t, you must provide the address where you are staying in Washington, D.C. You can check our recommended places to stay in Washington D.C.

There are a limited number of visits per day, so the sooner you request your visit, the easier it will be to get a spot. Visiting hours are from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Tuesday to Thursday and from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. If they approve your request, they will give you a specific visiting time. Make sure you arrive at least half an hour early, as you will need to go through security. Many items, such as cameras and backpacks, cannot enter the White House. Here is a complete list so you know what to leave at the hotel.

Although it may seem difficult to plan a trip to the White House, it receives more than 5,000 visitors every day, so visiting the White House is the best thing to do in Washington, D.C for free.

6. The Pentagon, the safest building in the world

The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense and one of the safest buildings in the world. It is just across the Potomac River in Virginia, just a 6-minute drive from the National Mall.

It was inaugurated during the Second World War to bring together the different armed forces that, until then, had been distributed in different locations. Its pentagonal base design was thought to be the most efficient office building in the world. Although there are 17.5 miles of corridors, spread out over 5 floors, it only takes a maximum of 7 minutes to get anywhere on foot.

Visiting the Pentagon is one of the best free things to do in Washington, D.C. , but you will have to book a visit in advance here, between 14 and 90 days before the tour. Visiting hours are from 10 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Thursday, and from 12 PM to 4 PM on Friday. When you book, you will be assigned a visit time. You must arrive an hour before to register at the Pentagon tour window, and you must follow the security measures described here .

Part of the structure of the building is secret, so, during the tour, you will only visit certain areas. But don’t worry – you will learn the history of the four branches of the armed forces (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force), and you will visit the Memorial Chapel, the Hall of Heroes, and the memorial next to the facade where, on September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 77 crashed, among other exhibits.

For me, it’s one of the unmissable places to see in Washington, D.C. if it’s your first time in the city.

7. Arlington National Cemetery, the most famous cemetery in the country

When we think about what to do in Washington, D.C., we may not think of visiting a cemetery. But the Arlington National Cemetery is not just another place. Veterans of all United States wars since the Civil War, as well as some former US presidents and astronauts, are buried here. The cemetery has appeared on television on numerous occasions and is recognizable by its more than 300,000 lined white headstones.

It’s also on the other side of the Potomac River, in Virginia, and next to the Pentagon. Getting there takes just 10 minutes by car from the National Mall, but if you don’t have a way to get there, I recommend the same 4-hour guided tour that I recommended to visit the National Mall. In addition to all the sights in downtown D.C., you’ll visit Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon.

The most popular area of the cemetery is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , a curious place to visit in Washington, D.C . This tomb is dedicated to soldiers who died in combat but remain unidentified. It has a permanent guard 24 hours a day, and the changing of the guard ceremony, which is quite popular among visitors, takes place every hour from October 1 to March 31, and every half hour from April 1 to September 30.

President Kennedy was also buried in this cemetery, next to whose plaque you can find “ The Eternal Flame, ” which burns continuously.

8. Smithsonian Institution Building, an interesting place to go in Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian Institution, also known as the “Castle,” is the headquarters of the largest research and museum complex in the world, with 19 museums, 9 research centers, and a zoo.

Although some of the museums are in New York, Virginia, or even Panama, most are in the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The most interesting ones (or at the least the ones I like the most) are the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the National Museum of American History. Best of all, admission is free. Even if you aren’t normally a fan of museums, there are so many here that there’s something for absolutely everyone. You can check a list of all the museums here.

Visiting museums is definitely the most popular thing to do in Washington, D.C.

9. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the best museum in Washington

The National Air and Space Museum is the best museum in Washington, D.C. to entertain visitors of all ages. It’s probably one of the best places to visit in Washington, D.C. with kids .

In it, you will find the largest collection of planes and spaceships in the world, many of which were part of important moments in history. You will see everything from the Wright brothers’ historic Flyer, the first motorized airplane, to the Spirit of St. Louis, which completed the first non-stop transatlantic flight. You’ll also find the Apollo 11 command module, a model of the International Space Station, and other temporary exhibits.

If you’re passionate about aerospace history and would like to have a guide for the visit, you can book one here , although, for the general public, it isn’t necessary. The museum is free and on the National Mall, so I think visiting it is a must-do in D.C.

10. National Museum of Natural History, a great museum to visit in Washington

The National Museum of Natural History , also on the National Mall, is another of the most popular museums to visit in Washington, D.C . If you want to visit it, go before it opens, since long lines to enter are relatively normal.

Although it is free, it is very controversial, and after visiting it several times, I don’t know if it’s one of the best places to visit in Washington, D.C. or the worst. In it, you will see an impressive collection of taxidermies, usually on a stage that simulates the natural habitat where that species is found. A part of me is in favor of this museum, since it educates people who may not have the opportunity to go to remote places to learn about the planet’s great biodiversity; it also serves as a substitute for cruel zoos.

However, it is inevitable to think that it was not worth taking the lives of all those animals. Many species shown are in danger of extinction, and, although many “pieces in the collection” are donated by zoos when the animals die, many others are hunting trophies. The museum itself doesn’t hunt and kill animals, but it does receive and display them.

In addition to the different taxidermy sections, you can find other sections on plants, fossils, and minerals (my favorite), in addition to various temporary exhibitions.

If you still have doubts on if it’s a place you want to see in Washington, D.C., I recommend taking a look at this article.

11. Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery, Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian Museum of American Art is not one of the most popular museums in Washington, D.C. However, it’s probably one of our favorites. We love landscape photography and often seek inspiration from other arts such as painting. In this museum, among works that cover all regions and artistic movements in the history of the United States, there are several creations of the painters of the Hudson River School ; a generation of painters who captured the magic of American landscapes in the 19th century. Seeing the works of Albert Bierstadt among others is, without a doubt, one of the things to do in D.C. that we enjoy the most.

The museum is free, and although it is not on the National Mall, it doesn’t take more than 15 minutes to walk from the National Museum of Natural History to the American Art Museum. It occupies a swanky neo-Greek-style building that was previously the Patent Office, which it shares with the National Portrait Gallery , also a Smithsonian museum.

12. National Museum of American History, another museum to go to in D.C.

The National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. is without a doubt one of the best museums in Washington . In it, you will find everything you can imagine related to the history of the United States, with many rooms that make you understand why, until 1980, it was known as the Museum of History and Technology.

You will find a room dedicated to the history of transportation in the United States, with famous locomotives and cars that are truly amazing, First Ladies’ dresses, and an exhibition on objects and curiosities of the presidents of the United States. Here you can see all the topics covered.

I particularly found the exhibit on LGBTQ history in the United States very interesting, as well as the one that shows the evolution of Apple from the seventies until now. It’s certainly an interesting place to visit in Washington, D.C. Since it’s also on the National Mall and admission is free, it’s highly recommended that you visit it.

13. Jefferson Memorial, another presidential memorial to visit in Washington

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is another of the most popular places to visit in Washington, D.C . This monument dedicated to the third president of the United States and one of the Founding Fathers of the nation is in a neoclassical style, in keeping with the rest of the monuments in Washington, D.C., where pristine white prevails. It stands out for its marble steps and its 128 foot-high dome that can be seen from the National Mall on the banks of the Tidal Basin. It’s near the Washington Monument and the White House.

Inside is a 20 foot-high statue of Jefferson and different engravings on the walls with fragments of the ex-president’s writings. If you visit the city in spring, enjoying a stroll to the Jefferson Memorial, surrounded by hundreds of cherry blossoms, is one of the best things to do in Washington, D.C.

14. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, another visit you can’t miss in Washington, D.C.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is one of the few National Mall monuments that is not dedicated to a president. It is located in West Potomac Park, very close to the Lincoln Memorial, the place where he gave his much-acclaimed “I Have a Dream ” speech in 1963.

14. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, another visit you can’t miss in Washington

It’s definitely one of the essential places to visit in D.C., since this activist carried out crucial work in the American civil rights movement.

His famous speech coincided with the centenary of the Emancipation Proclamation, when Abraham Lincoln signed the document that freed all slaves in the Confederate States of America.

15. Ford’s Theatre and Abraham Lincoln’s Assassination

The Ford Theater has been offering performances since 1860. However, it has become one of the main places to visit in Washington, D.C. since it was the place where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, towards the end of the American Civil War.

He was killed in cold blood with a shot to the head by John Wilkes Booth. To get to know these and other details in-depth, you can book a guided tour of the Ford Theater , an incredible way to learn more about the history of this country.

16. National Gallery of Art, an important art museum in Washington, D.C.

The National Gallery of Art , on the National Mall, is another of the free museums in Washington, D.C. that belongs to the Smithsonian.

The main building resembles other monuments found in Washington, D.C. , with a marble neoclassical design and a spectacular dome that reveals that the architect in charge of the gallery was also the one who designed the Jefferson Memorial.

Some of the most important works that you will find here belong to Van Gogh, Cézanne, Monet, and Gauguin, among others. You can visit on your own or attend a free guided tour that you must book in advance.

The gallery also has a sculpture garden that offers the possibility of enjoying art outdoors, which is where concerts, conferences, and temporary exhibitions are held on certain dates. If you like art, it’s, without a doubt, an essential place to visit in Washington, D.C.

17. US Botanic Garden, a great thing to do in D.C.

The US Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful and pleasant places to visit in Washington, D.C. It has 26,000 plants spread over different collections and habitats: oasis, desert, orchids, rare plants, jungle, etc.

It sits off the side of the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial on the grounds of the US Capitol, so visiting it is something you can do in Washington in one day . In addition, admission is free, and they run both 45-minute guided tours and audio guides that you can download on your phone here.

18. Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a poignant tourist attraction in Washington, D.C.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the United States armed forces who fought in the Vietnam War between 1955 and 1975. The monument is in Constitution Gardens, north of the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial, and it is made up of three parts: The Three Soldiers, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

This last part is the most popular and is where the names of those who died or disappeared during the war were inscribed, indicated with a diamond or a cross respectively. Near the wall, there is a directory so that family members can find where the names of their loved ones are.

19. Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial faces the Vietnam Memorial and is south of the Reflecting Pool. It is a tribute to veterans who fought in the Korean War between 1950 and 1953 and is shaped like a triangle intersecting a circle. Inside the triangle lie 19 stainless steel statues over 7 feet high that show a platoon on patrol.

On the south side is a 164-foot black granite wall with engravings showing photographs of the war. Around the Pool of Remembrance, the dead, wounded, disappeared, and prisoners are named.

20. The World War II Memorial, a visit to do in Washington, D.C.

The World War II National Monument is also on the National Mall, between the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument, so you will pass through it almost unintentionally.

For me, apart from the meaning that this monument has, dedicated to the Americans who died in the Second World War, it’s one of the most beautiful monuments to visit in Washington, D.C.

It was inaugurated in 2004, and that same year, it was declared a National Park . It stands out for consisting of 56 17-foot granite pillars arranged in two facing semicircles and separated by an oval pool. Each pillar is inscribed with the name of one of the 50 main states, territories, and associated free states that make up the United States.

In the middle of each semicircle, you’ll find a triumphal arch of 43 feet, which reads “Atlantic” in the north and “Pacific” in the south.

My favorite part is the Freedom Wall, which is west of the plaza overlooking the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial. Embedded in this wall are 4,048 gold stars, each representing 100 Americans who died during the war. Definitely, an emotional place to visit in Washington, D.C.

21. Library of Congress, the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world. It houses more than 158 million documents: books, maps, photographs, films, prints, sheet music, audio, and others. You can find a copy of the 15th-century Gütenberg Bible and a draft of the United States Declaration of Independence here.

In addition to being one of the most popular places to visit in Washington, D.C. , it’s the oldest federal cultural institution in the country and serves as a research section of Congress. It is in the Thomas Jefferson Building, behind the Capitol, and offers free guided tours Monday through Saturday in different languages. You can see the schedule here.

22. The Supreme Court, the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States

Visiting the United States Supreme Court , the highest court in the country, is another thing to do in Washington, D.C. It’s behind the Capitol and next to the National Library in the Temple of Justice, which has been the permanent and exclusive residence of the Supreme Court since 1790.

The building is beautiful. It’s reminiscent of a Greek temple, where almost everything has been built in white marble. It’s open to visitors Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, although you can check on its website for the few days and hours it’s closed during the year.

23. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, a must-visit in Washington, D.C.

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial is located on the banks of the Tidal Basin, not far from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument. It was built not only in memory of the president but also of the time he represented. It is made up of 4 zones, each of which represents Roosevelt’s four mandates through inscriptions, sculptures, waterfalls, and illustrative panels.

The most popular area is the large sculpture of the President with his faithful dog Fala. A sculpture of Roosevelt in a wheelchair was also added after the monument’s inauguration, since different groups asked to represent his disability. Furthermore, due to Roosevelt’s disability, the designers of the monument made sure that it was accessible, including, for example, inscriptions in Braille.

It is certainly one of the most curious places to visit in Washington, D.C., especially if you visit it in spring, since it will be surrounded by cherry blossoms.

24. International Spy Museum, the most curious museum in Washington, D.C.

Although it’s one of the few museums in Washington, D.C. where admission is not free, visiting the International Spy Museum is one of the most popular things to do in Washington, D.C. The entrance fee is not expensive, so I do think it’s worth it.

It contains the largest collection of objects related to the world history of espionage that has ever been exhibited. The museum reviews the crucial role in history that intelligence services have played (and still play), from the Second World War to the Cold War to international terrorism.

The most controversial area is the exhibit on torture and illegal eavesdropping, as well as the questionable interrogation techniques that have been used throughout history.

25. Washington National Cathedral, a beautiful sight to visit in Washington, D.C.

Visiting the Washington National Cathedral is another of the things you can do in Washington, D.C. However, keep in mind that it is only free on Sundays. The rest of the week, you will have to pay an entrance fee that includes a guided tour. You can check the price here.

25. Washington National Cathedral, a beautiful sight to visit in Washington D.C.

It’s the sixth-largest cathedral in the world and the second-largest one in the country. Different official ceremonies have been held in the impressive neo-Gothic building, which is also known as the “National House of Prayer”. Some of the most important were the funerals of presidents of the United States such as Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush.

Keep in mind that the cathedral is not near the city center, so I only recommend visiting it if you are going to be in the city for more than 3 or 4 days. However, as it’s beautiful, I wanted to include it on our list of things to do in Washington, D.C.

26. Georgetown, the most popular neighborhood in Washington, D.C.

Georgetown is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city, north of the Lincoln Memorial on the banks of the Potomac River. It gained tremendous popularity in the 1960s, as the Kennedy family gave it a tremendous boost. President John Kennedy and Jacqueline met here, and she returned to the neighborhood after becoming a widow.

If Washington, D.C. looks too “serious” to you, I recommend taking a walk around this neighborhood, since it is full of life and is one of the best things to do in Washington for free.

Its main street, the M, has a lot of local food specialties; you can find pastry shops, cupcakes shops, eco cafes, cheese shops, steak houses, greengrocers, sandwich bars, and more, plus a lot of small clothing boutiques.

The prestigious Georgetown University is located here, so you will see many young people and bars where you can have a drink. If you prefer something quieter, I recommend taking a walk along the Potomac River in Georgetown Waterfront Park .

27. Tidal Basin, the setting of the most important memorials in Washington

I have already mentioned the Tidal Basin, an artificial inlet adjacent to the Potomac River that is part of West Potomac Park and where the monuments to Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King, Jr. are, several times throughout this article.

However, I think it deserves to be one of the tourist places to visit in Washington, D.C. since its beauty is extraordinary. It has 3,750 Japanese cherry trees that bloom between the last week of March and the first week of April, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

If you plan to attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival , I recommend booking your accommodation in Washington months in advance, since the city receives the most visitors during the festival.

28. Adams Morgan, a neighborhood with more things to do in Washington, D.C.

If you are wondering what to do in Washington, D.C. at night , you have to visit the Adams Morgan neighborhood. It’s multicultural and picturesque and has great nightlife thanks to its bars, concert halls, international restaurants, and pubs.

However, by day, it doesn’t lose its charm, as it’s a very active commercial area, with vintage clothing stores and second-hand bookshops installed in picturesque buildings from the late 19th century. It’s definitely the coolest neighborhood in Washington, D.C., although since it is somewhat isolated, I only recommend visiting it if you have enough time or want to go partying.

29. United States National Arboretum, a beautiful garden to visit in Washington

The United States National Arboretum is a botanical garden that is dedicated, above all, to woody plants and trees. It extends over 180 hectares in which there are 22 Corinthian columns that used to belong to the Capitol.

Inside it you can find the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, along with a large collection of azaleas, dogwoods, and ferns. If you are a nature lover, you cannot miss it. Admission is free, and they also offer guided tours that you can book here .

30. Theodore Roosevelt Island, a perfect place to hike in Washington, D.C.

Theodore Roosevelt Island is a nature reserve that serves as a memorial to President Roosevelt. It’s on the Potomac River, a little north of the Lincoln Memorial.

In the center of the island is a huge statue of the President with two fountains and four granite plates with phrases about the conservation philosophy of Roosevelt, who promoted a unique system that protected all the national parks in the country.

This space is perfect for hiking, as it offers three trails where you can discover the flora and fauna of the place. If you like nature, it is the best thing to do in Washington, D.C.

31. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is one of the most important shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the United States. It is the largest church in the country and the eighth largest in the world. It has a capacity of 6,000 people and is 460 feet long, 70 feet wide, and 237 feet tall at its highest point.

A visit to this sanctuary, which mixes different Romanesque and Byzantine styles, is free. Although it isn’t near the city center, it receives a million tourists a year. Pope Benedict XVI, Pope John Paul II, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta, among others, have visited it.

I consider it an interesting place to visit in Washington, D.C. whether you are a believer or not.

32. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, a lovely place to go in D.C.

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is on the border between Washington, D.C. and Maryland, on the banks of the river Anacostia.

In it, you’ll find the Kenilworth swamp and water gardens with beautiful water lilies and lotus flowers. Although it’s somewhat removed from the city center, near the Arboretum, I think it is one of the best places to rest and relax. Visiting it is one of th e best things to do in Washington, D.C. Also, entrance is free. You can check the opening hours here.

33. Old Post Office Pavilion, a historical building to visit in Washington, D.C.

The Old Post Office Pavilion is a Richardsonian Romanesque-style building, noted for its huge clock tower that is almost 315 feet tall. It was used as a post office and served various different functions until Donald Trump transformed it into a luxury hotel, the Trump International Washington D.C .

It has an observatory upstairs where you can enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the city of Washington for free, even if you are not staying at the hotel, so it’s one of the essential things to do in Washington, D.C .

34. Rock Creek Park, one of the best things to do in D.C.

Rock Creek Park is the oldest natural urban park in the National Park System. It extends 3 mi² along the Rock Creek stream valley.

If you’re going to be in the city for a few days and you don’t know what to do in Washington, D.C. with kids , I recommend it. In addition to being perfect for hiking, cycling, and skating, it has playgrounds, a planetarium, a concert hall, and picnic areas.

35. Meridian Hill Park, an amazing urban park to go to in Washington D.C.

Meridian Hill Park is considered part of Rock Creek Park administratively. However, they aren’t close to each other. Let’s say it’s the city center version of Rock Creek.

Some curiosities of the park are that it contains the only female statue on horseback in Washington, that of Joan of Arc and that its cascading fountain is the largest in North America. It is undoubtedly the favorite green area for Washington locals, who flee from the masses of tourists in the National Mall.

35. Meridian Hill Park, an amazing urban park to go in Washington

It is especially popular on summer Sundays, as a “Drum Circle” takes place where percussion artists gather to have fun. The tradition dates back to the 1960s when drummers came together to celebrate black liberation. Other weekly events include swing classes and impromptu jazz concerts. No wonder it’s the locals’ favorite park and an interesting place to visit in Washington, D.C.

That’s all I recommend you see in Washington, D.C. I have also created this map of Washington D.C. that you can download to have all the places of interest on hand and help you plan your visit.

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment. Enjoy your visit to Washington, D.C.!

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