dc tourism office

Washington, DC

Visitors resource center.

The following is a listing of resources for visitors to the District of Columbia. This list focuses primarily on services provided by the District of Columbia government, although there are many other sources of information for visitors to Washington, DC.

• Washington.org Visitors Guide
• Getting Around
• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro)
• Summer Hotel Savings
• DC VIP Program
• Guide to National Mall
• 100 Free (And Almost Free) Things to Do
• Arts and Culture
• History and Tourism
• Sports, Parks and Recreation

Popular Services

• Arts and Culture Services
• Grants and Funding
• Services to assist with traveling around the District
• Tickets and Fines
• Permits, Licenses and Certifications
• Pay Parking Tickets
• Secretary, Office of the
• Advisory Neighborhood Commissions
• Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development
• Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Office of Unified Communications

View the Agency Directory .

Initiatives

• GreatStreets DC
• Emancipation Day
• Arts and Culture Events
• Grants and Funding Events
• Citywide News

View all District Resources and Social Media .

More Resources

Washington, DC Visitor Information

1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

(800) 422-8644

For visitor information and to plan your next trip, visit the following sites:

Destination DC 901 7th Street NW, 4th Floor Washington, DC 20001-3719 Phone 202-789-7000 / Fax 202-789-7037 http://washington.org/

White House Visitor Center 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

http://www.nps.gov/whho/planyourvisit/white-house-visitor-center.htm

The visitor center is open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. daily (except January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25). Admission is free. (202) 208-1631

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The FBI Experience

The FBI Experience is a self-guided tour at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Open to the public, the tour features interactive multimedia exhibits, content, and artifacts — including a number […]

Old Post Office Museum & Tower

The Old Post Office Museum and Tower is located in the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC hotel and has a 270-foot observation deck allowing visitors an awe-inspiring view of the city. […]

Museums & Galleries

National Children’s Museum

National Children’s Museum combines learning elements found in a science center with children’s museum experiences. Through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) focused exhibits and playful, in-person and virtual […]

International Visitor Information

Washington, dc is a diverse city that welcomes many international visitors every year. read on for some helpful travel tips..

Please note that some of the information below may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For the latest information on the city’s current operating status, please check out our travel status update . Please reach out to the Destination DC team at (202) 789-7000 if you have any additional questions.

Starting Nov. 8, vaccinated international travelers were welcomed back to the U.S. Learn more about  international travel guidance.

What are the passport & visa requirements.

All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable. International visitors who need a visa to travel to the U.S. can utilize the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Wizard tool to learn what documentation is required and how to obtain it.

Do I need to fill out an ESTA application for visa-free travel?

Yes, all eligible international travelers who wish to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization. Note: Anyone assisting international clients coming to the United States should be aware of a significant number of Internet scams involving the new ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) procedures. Clients should be directed to only use the official government site .

Do I need travel insurance?

There is no compulsory or government plan in the U.S. You are advised to purchase travel and health insurance in case of an emergency.

Can I tour or visit an embassy?

Many embassies offer guided tours with prior notification, and they’re an essential starting place for any international visitors who wish to tour the White House during their visit. Go to https://os.dc.gov/service/dc-embassies to find contact information for each of the more than 150 embassies in DC.

How far are the main airports/ how to get into the city from the main airports?

What is the customs process.

You must complete customs and immigrations formalities at the first point of arrival in the U.S., whether or not it’s your final destination.

How do I book visits to popular attractions?

Visit the links below to learn how to visit each of these popular DC sites.

• White house
• U.S. Capitol
• Arlington Cemetery
• Library of Congress
• Smithsonian

What are the electricity standards in Washington, DC?

The electricity used in Washington, DC is standard electricity, which is 110 volts. Appliances brought from Europe, Africa and most of Asia and Latin America will require a voltage transformer.

Does DC have any sister cities?

You can see a list and read up on DC’s sister cities on the DC government’s

In the City

What is the time zone in washington, dc.

Washington, DC is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (Greenwich Mean Time minus four hours during daylight saving time, from March through November, and minus five hours the rest of the year).

How can I use the Internet or stay connected during my stay?

• AT&T’s network runs on 850/1900 MHz. T-Mobile’s frequency runs on 1700/2100 MHz.
• Public wireless internet can be found in most DC coffee shops as well as hotel rooms for a charge.
• Free public wirless internet is offered at DC Public Libraries. Visit dclibrary.org for locations.
• Hotels – Hotel websites will list in what areas they offer complimentary service. You can purchase internet service on a daily rate if complimentary is not available.
• National Mall – Internet coverage is available in front of the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the Capitol Visitors Center, limited hotspots throughout the Smithsonian museums and the Enid Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle. Two additional outdoor hotspots include the Hirshhorn Museum and the plaza beside the National Museum of the American Indian.

How do I make telephone calls?

When calling within the U.S. from one area code to another, dial 1, followed by the area code and the seven-digit telephone number.

What currency is used in Washington, DC?

In Washington, DC and throughout the United States, the U.S. dollar is the standard currency. This converter allows you to determine the value of other currencies compared with the dollar.

Below are some of the many places where you can exchange your currency for American dollars:

Travelex Currency Services, Dulles International Airport Terminal

Travelex Currency Services, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Travelex Currency Services, Reagan National Airport

Travelex Currency Services, Union Station

AAA Mid-Atlantic, 1405 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

CXI Currency Exchange International, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, 1st Floor Food Court

• American Express Travel Service, 1501 K St., NW, Washington, DC 20005

How much are the goods and service taxes?

DC Sales Tax is 5.75% (exemptions include groceries and prescription and non-prescription drugs).

Restaurant meals and drinks: 10%

Rental vehicles: 10%

Parking in commercial lots: 12%

Hotels: 14.5%

How do I know how much to tip?

Tipping is voluntary; gratuities are not automatically added to the bill except in some cases for large groups. Tipping guidelines: servers 15%-20%; taxi drivers 15%; doormen, skycaps and porters $1 per bag.

What local laws should I know?

If you're headed out for a night on the town, you should know that the drinking age in Washington, DC – and throughout the United States – is 21, and smoking is banned in public places throughout the city, including bars, restaurants, subways and taxis. Cigar smoking is permitted at cigar bars that register with the city. In Washington, DC, those who are 18 or older can purchase cigarettes and tobacco.

Which important phone numbers should I know in Washington, DC?

Here are some important phone numbers to keep handy during your Washington, DC visit.

Emergencies (police, fire or ambulance): 911

One-stop service for DC government services, numbers, and information: 311 or 202-737-4404

Directory assistance: 411

Metro Visitors Kit: 1-888-638-7646

Official Visitor Maps (available in Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, and Japanese): 1-800-422-8644

How do I rent a car in Washington, DC?

To rent a car within the United States, you will need to already have a driver’s license issued by your home country. See below for more information on obtaining this permit. Rental cars can be picked up at all Washington, DC major airports. It is recommended to make reservations in advance. American car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. For more information on getting around in DC, click here .

What is a SmarTrip Card and where can I get one?

What types of multilingual services are offered in washington, dc.

The White House Visitors Center, Kennedy Center, Library of Congress and other attractions offer brochures on site in several languages.

• The Smithsonian Institution provides multilingual information at the visitors center in the Castle Building.
• Complimentary foreign language tours are available by appointment at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art , National Museum of Asian Art Freer and Sackler Galleries , Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden . Visit their websites or call each museum for information and booking.
• The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum has handheld digital language guides available for rent on their first floor on a first-come-first-served basis.
• National Archives offers visitors guides in 6 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Simplified Chinese and Japanese
• Mount Vernon offers translated content for trip planning as well as audio tours in Chinese, French and Spanish. Printed maps and guides to the estates are available in ten languages.

Do you have any more questions?  Contact us  and we’ll answer them for you.

More About DC

You may also like..

Free Things to Do: International Experiences in Washington, DC

Where to Shop In & Around Washington, DC

Guide to Free Embassy Tours in Washington, DC During Passport DC

Hotel and Visitor Information for Greater Washington DC

Where to Stay

Alexandria Old Town

Georgetown Foggy Bottom

Crystal City, Virginia

Arlington, Virginia

Fairfax, Virginia

Things to Do

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations
• Washington DC

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.

Travelpix Ltd/Getty Images

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 — especially at the city's top hotels — if you plan 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.

Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure

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.

Related Articles

• Restaurants
• Attractions
• Real Estate
• Neighborhoods
• Browse Attractions »
• Amusement Parks
• Other Tours

Parks & Open Spaces

• Capitol Hill
• Washington, DC
• Cardozo Shaw
• Dupont Circle
• Foggy Bottom
• National Mall
• Mahaning Heights
• Stanton Park
• Southwest Washington
• Washington East
• Woodley Park
• Springfield
• Tours & Things To Do

Attractions in Washington DC

Whether you're a history buff or a shopaholic, Washington D.C. has an attraction for you. In our country's capitol, there is no limit to what can be seen or experienced. Journey through historic neighborhoods, spend an entire day wandering through the hallways of the Smithsonian Institution, take a tour of the White House or enjoy a breathtaking performance at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For a slightly more emotional way to spend your day, visit the heartbreaking list of fallen soldiers at the Vietnam Memorial or wander among the endless headstones of Arlington Cemetery. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy Rock Creek Park, a secluded, wooded sanctuary where lush trees and gorgeous gardens offer nearly endless hiking and picnic opportunities.

Featured Listings

Washington dc capital sites bike tour.

Book Tours Online! Washington D.c. DC 99999

5 Book a tour

The Washington DC Capital Sites Bike Tour is a safe and enjoyable cycling trip of the most popular sights of Washington. Sites you will see include th…

National Gallery of Art Small-Group Walking Tour

With an art historian as your guide, take a three-hour small-group tour of the West Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. In a gro…

Washington DC Sites at Night Bike Tour

See the famous sights of Washington by night including the Vietnam War Memorial, Jefferson, Lincoln and WWII memorials. There is no better way to spen…

Admission to Washington DC Newseum

At the Newseum in Washington DC, immerse yourself in the culmination of five centuries of news history with up-to-date technology and hands-on exhibit…

Washington DC Segway Night Tour

A fabulous way to see Washington D.C. at night! Highlights include: The White House, US Capitol Building, National Air and Space Museum, Washington Mo…

Washington DC Chocolate Lover's Walking Tour

Discover the sweeter side of Washington DC on this afternoon walking tour of the historic Georgetown neighborhood that includes seven tastings sure to…

Popular Attractions

• All Attractions

Washington D.c.

Madame Tussauds Washington DC

Capitol hill and dc monuments tour by electric cart, viator vip: best of dc including us capitol and national archives reserved access, the white house and lincoln memorial, guided tour of washington dc, glen echo park, smithsonian national zoological park, lake ridge park, 1757 golf club, army-navy country club (arl), westfields golf club, topgolf alexandria, national cherry blossom festival, enid a haupt garden, meridian hill park, spanish steps, add your business to washingtondc.com.

Expand your profile and reach new customers. We make it easy for visitors to find your business on WashingtonDC.com.

Book Tours Online!

Washington DC Attractions by Neighborhood

Popular neighborhoods, more neighborhoods.

Restaurants / Nightlife / Events / Attractions / Hotels / Real Estate / Jobs / Directory / Neighborhoods / Other City Guides / Deals

Add Your Business

List Your Event

Places to Stay

© 2024 WashingtonDC.com: A City Guide by Boulevards . All Rights Reserved. Advertise with us | Contact us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site Map

Visit Washington, DC!

Hotel and travel tips for visiting Washington, DC

Washington, DC is filled with exciting and memorable places to visit. Whether you wish to visit the Capitol or the Smithsonian museums, we’ll help you plan your next trip to the nation’s capital.

Washington, DC Events

Events at George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Upcoming Events at Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens George Washington Whiskey Tastings Discounted Tickets for Members Saturdays in September Sample George Washington’s whiskey made in […]

Programs at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery

In-Person and Virtual Programs at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery in Washington DC Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum for upcoming in-person […]

Programs and Events at President Lincoln’s Cottage

Programs at President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington DC Two Faces Comedy 2024 Wednesday, September 25 (insomnia)  Wednesday, October 16 (small town roots) Tuesday, November 13 […]

More Washington DC Events...

Deals and Discounts

Check out our current hotel deals, dc tourist news, us capitol police information for “a capitol fourth”: travel tips, prohibited items, and street closures.

National Air and Space Museum Welcomes Star Wars X-wing Outfitted Boeing CV2 Cargo Air Vehicle

National air and space museum announces solar eclipse activities and resources.

More Washington D.C. News...

8 things to know before a trip to Washington, DC

Mar 26, 2024 • 5 min read

With a little planning, a trip to Washington, DC, will tick all your boxes © ©Julia Kim / Getty Images

Washington, DC , is surprisingly easy to navigate – this is, after all, America's first planned city, laid out according to a grid system and intentionally filled with leafy parks and town squares. That said, a little pre-trip planning goes a long way here, especially if you're hoping to check out its museums and government buildings, many of which have strict rules.

But don't get us wrong – this place is a dream to explore, and with the help of the following tips, it's one you're guaranteed to fall in love with.

1. Keep cool, calm and collected by considering the time of year

There are various reasons why the timing of your visit is an important factor. To start with, DC gets incredibly hot and humid during the later summer months. August and September are the warmest, while you'll enjoy cooler weather (and lower prices) in early spring and autumn. Another reason to visit in spring? The city's famous cherry blossoms have filled the city with color since 1912, when Japan gifted the American people Sakura trees as a symbol of friendship. These trees – many of which can be found on the National Mall – generally bloom between mid-March and early April.

2. Get the inside scoop on a coach tour

Washington, DC, is an incredibly walkable city once you've got your bearings, but it's also easy to underestimate just how hot and muggy it can get in the summer. Additionally, the sheer number of monuments, galleries and museums in DC can be a little overwhelming initially. Book a coach tour and you'll not only get a fantastic insight into the city, but you'll be ferried between its main landmarks in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. The hop-on, hop-off Big Bus tours operate five routes, including ones that focus on the National Mall. One-day tickets start from $54 for adults and $45 for children aged between three and 12 (children under three ride for free).

3. Pound the pavements longer with decent walking shoes

America's capital has a neat, organized layout that is pedestrian-friendly, and this calls for a decent pair of shoes. Take the National Mall: it's easy to underestimate its size, but this monument-filled park is actually two miles long. Similarly, some of the city's museums are absolutely enormous, like the National Air and Space Museum , where exhibits – including the world's largest collection of historic aircraft – fill a building the same length as three city blocks.

4. Save money by staying outside of the downtown area

DC is one of America's more expensive cities, but you'll get much more bang for your buck if you book accommodations outside the downtown core. Consider neighborhoods such as historic Georgetown or the waterfront Navy Yard district. Another option is to base yourself in Arlington, Virginia , an urban county just across the Potomac River. Hotel rooms here are much cheaper, and the city's fast, efficient metro network makes it easy to get to downtown DC via its yellow and blue lines.

5. Embrace public transport

The US capital is largely flat, which is great news for walking enthusiasts, but it also has a fantastic public transport system. You'll see the city's DC Circulator buses everywhere, and routes include a dedicated National Mall circuit, along with ones that connect downtown DC with neighborhoods like Dupont Circle. Standard fares start from just $1, or 50¢ for passengers aged 65 and older, while kids under five ride for free. Getting to downtown DC from Dulles International Airport has never been easier, either. In 2022, the airport got its own metro station – simply hop on the recently extended Silver Line to get to the city center.

6. Pack sensibly to avoid falling foul of security rules

Bear in mind that most of DC's top attractions have strict rules relating to what you can and can't bring in, and most of these places will have metal detectors. If you're doing a tour of the White House, for example, the list of banned items includes all types of bags (and there are no storage facilities), e-cigarettes, liquid of any kind (including water bottles), cameras with detachable lenses, strollers and tablets.

Rules at museums and landmarks like the US Capitol Visitor Center are generally less strict – although tripods, e-cigarettes and selfie sticks are almost always on the banned list. Backpacks will typically need to be stored in lockers, which is why it's worth carrying some loose change. Expect to pay between $1 and $5 per locker depending on its size and how long you'll be using it for.

7. Get your timing right to ensure access to your favorite landmarks

If museums and galleries feature on your itinerary, it's worth taking a second to think about what you want to see and when. Doing so can save you money, because although all Smithsonian museums are free to visit, other galleries and museums aren't. This includes the National Museum of Women in the Arts , which charges an admission fee of $16 per adult (although admission is free for anyone aged 21 and under). Visit on the first Sunday and second Wednesday of every month, however, and admission is free for everyone.

Additionally, many museums stay open late and will be less crowded during this time. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History , for example, is known for its fantastic Nighttime Adventures evenings, which finish at 11pm. Finally, remember that almost all of Washington, DC's monuments can be admired around the clock, making it easier to avoid both the crowds and the hottest time of day. A midnight crowd-free stroll along the monument-dotted National Mall? Sign us up!

8. Stay safe by being aware of your surroundings

When it comes to safety, take standard precautions, keeping items such as wallets, cameras and iPhones out of view. Tourists are more vulnerable to street theft because they're more likely to be carrying items such as passport wallets, currency-stuffed purses and cameras, so in addition to keeping high-value items hidden, apply the same approach to telltale items such as maps, especially in crowded places such as DC's Union Station.

Keep planning your trip to Washington, DC:

Plan your itinerary with these capital picks Stick to your budget with these free things to do Become a transportation whiz with these tips on how to get around Dive into abstract art at one of DC's best-kept secrets: Glenstone

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Sep 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Want to make the most of dining in the district? Here's a list of indulgent dishes that highlight the best of DC’s award winning food scene. 

Sep 9, 2024 • 6 min read

Sep 3, 2024 • 17 min read

Aug 28, 2024 • 15 min read

Aug 27, 2024 • 16 min read

Jul 9, 2024 • 8 min read

May 9, 2024 • 9 min read

May 6, 2024 • 10 min read

Apr 9, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 7, 2024 • 7 min read

Washington, D.C.   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Kevin Voelker Photography | Getty Images

31 Best Things To Do in Washington, D.C.

Many of Washington, D.C.'s main attractions relate to its principal enterprise: politics. These include the  White House and the U.S. Capitol , of course, as well as monuments and historic sites dedicated to notable historical figures. The capital

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

The Tidal Basin The Tidal Basin free

If you've never been to Washington, D.C. before, plan to spend some time along the Tidal Basin, an approximately 107-acre pond encircled by a 2.1-mile loop trail. Constructed to use the strong tides of the Potomac River to clear silt from the Washington Channel and to maintain steady water levels in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pools , it now also serves as the backdrop to some of D.C.'s best-loved sites. Every spring, the Tidal Basin bursts with color as cherry blossom trees (gifted to the city from Tokyo ) bloom into cotton candy-colored tufts, and they attract hordes of visitors. The cherry blossoms typically hit peak bloom (defined as when 70% of the cherry blossoms are open) in March or April. The National Park Service website makes "bloom watch" updates on its website , where you can check the progress of the trees and see when peak bloom is expected for the year. You can follow the path that leads around the basin, but recent visitors recommended testing the waters in a paddleboat. Paddleboats are available to rent from spring until fall for $28 to $40 per hour (depending on the day) for a four-passenger boat. You can pick up a paddle boat on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the boat dock near Maine Avenue.

Even if you don't make it to town for the cherry blossoms, you won't want to miss the three major memorials that can be found along the Tidal Basin's shores: the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial . A memorial to Virginia Declaration of Rights author George Mason, also stands nearby.

The White House and the Washington Monument The White House and the Washington Monument free

Even if you're only in town for a short trip, visiting the Washington Monument and the White House – two marble symbols of the U.S. – is a must for any first-time D.C. visitor.

Standing just shy of 555 ½ feet, the Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the world at its completion in 1884. Nowadays, you can ride one of the monument's glass-encased elevators to the top observation deck to enjoy 360-degree views of the city, which invariably impress visitors. You can explore the attraction's exterior for free 24 hours a day, but National Park Service rangers are only available from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. to answer questions. The monument itself is open to visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free timed-entry tickets can be reserved up to 30 days in advance via Recreation.gov . (There is a $1 nonrefundable service charge for each ticket.) Some same-day tickets are distributed daily on a first-come, first served basis. The ticket window opens at 8:45 a.m.; be prepared for a line. The Smithsonian Metro stop is closest to the monument. Visit the National Park Service's Washington Monument page for more information.

Lincoln Memorial Lincoln Memorial free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The best time to see this monument is after dark when it's illuminated. You'll still contend with crowds, but it will be worth it. – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

Although the Lincoln Memorial is just one of the District's many monuments, the larger-than-life Honest Abe is also among travelers' favorites. History buffs might enjoy reading Lincoln's  two famous speeches – the Second Inaugural Address and the Gettysburg Address – which are both etched into the memorial's north and south walls, respectively. Meanwhile, art history and architecture aficionados will enjoy admiring the building's striking design by Henry Bacon, complete with 38 Doric columns, 36 of which signify the states in the Union at the time Lincoln passed away.

Popular Tours

DC National Mall Night Tour with 10 Stops, Reserved Entry Tickets

(3484 reviews)

from $ 69.00

DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

(5649 reviews)

from $ 64.00

Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

(2700 reviews)

from $ 89.00

World War II Memorial World War II Memorial free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  While it's pretty during the day, the memorial is incomparable at night. Visit after sunset. – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

The World War II Memorial was dedicated in 2004 to the 16 million American military members who served during World War II, including the thousands of individuals who lost their lives during the fight. A circle of 56 columns (representing the U.S. states and territories from the era) looks over the Rainbow Pool. At night, with lights shining, this memorial can be quite ethereal. The structure also has a wall of more than 4,000 gold stars – one for every 100 Americans who died in the conflict.

National Mall (The Mall) National Mall (The Mall) free

Stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol Building , the National Mall is a tree- and museum-lined grassy expanse that becomes the focal point of many tourists' DC sightseeing. And although it might look like an easy jaunt from one end to the other, from tip to tip it's about a 2.5-mile venture, so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring some water. There are several different walking paths along the mall to choose from, and you can stop and admire various monuments and memorials along the way, including the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial. Many visitors find the National Mall a fantastic spot for kids to run around on the grass or for a picnic lunch (whether you bring supplies with you or grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks that line up on Constitution Avenue, 17th Street and 14th Street).

Recent travelers say the National Mall – either toured by day and popping in museums and around memorials or toured by night and enjoying the sights by moonlight – is a quintessential DC experience. Many say the park rangers on-site to answer questions and direct visitors are very friendly and helpful as well.

Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials free

One of the most moving war memorials, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – or "the Wall," as it's commonly referred to – is a long black granite wall with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who perished during the Vietnam War emblazoned on its surface. Recent travelers said their visits to the site were heartbreaking but thought-provoking and powerful, adding that even the toughest of individuals will find it hard to not become emotional while reading the wall's names. If you're looking for a specific person, keep in mind that the soldiers' names are ordered by the date they died, not alphabetically. Also, reviewers recommend using the attraction's name books and visiting during the day when there's ample sunlight.

When you're wandering along the eastern side of the Mall, venture to the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Paying tribute to the 1.5 million who served in "The Forgotten War," this privately funded site contains 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers in combat. In a triangular area known as the Field of Service, soldier statues march toward an American flag. Next to the soldiers is a 164-foot-long granite wall that pays homage to the unnamed troops that fought in the Korean War. Another highlight of the memorial is the Pool of Remembrance, a tranquil place for reflection. However, some past travelers cautioned that the memorial lacks signage, so younger visitors may not understand as much as those who lived through the war.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial free

Located on the northwest rim of the Tidal Basin , this 30-foot granite memorial pays homage to civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Everything from its address at 1964 Independence Ave. (a reference to the year the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed by Congress) to its design (which shows King emerging from a "mountain of despair," a reference to his "I Have a Dream" speech) are meant to reflect King's significant contribution to American history. What's more, this towering sculpture opened to the public in 2011, making it one of the newest memorials to open in the District. It is also the National Mall's first memorial dedicated to an African American.

Previous visitors raved about this memorial, adding that its powerful symbolism and beautiful design will give you chills. Plus, the sculpture's proximity to other memorials and monuments like the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial make it convenient to reach. However, some reviewers wished there was more information on King's life, legacy and commitment to nonviolence around the statue.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum free

Note: Beginning in 2018, the museum embarked on an ambitious, multiyear, multimillion-dollar effort to renovate and reimagine all of its exhibits and put 1,400 new objects on display. It's reopening galleries in stages, but the IMAX theater is closed. Check the website to see what's on display before you go.

Attracting millions of people each year, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum contains a trove of celebrated aircraft, including Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega 5B, the Apollo 11 Command Module, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and Wilbur and Orville Wright's 1903 Wright Flyer, among others. Exhibits include flight simulators, an IMAX theater and the Einstein Planetarium. And parents beware: The gift shop is huge, so get ready for pleas from your kids. 

Private Washington DC City Tour

(1117 reviews)

from $ 495.00

Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress

(1241 reviews)

DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart

(2311 reviews)

from $ 72.26

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture free

U.S. News Insider Tip: When hunger strikes, don't miss the Southern comfort offerings at Sweet Home Cafe, including fried chicken, collard greens and fish po'boys. The food is surprisingly delicious for a museum eatery. – Nicola Wood, Senior Editor

Designed to replicate the three-tiered crowns found in Yoruban art from West Africa, with bronze-colored latticework accents that honor the ironwork of enslaved African Americans, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture opened on the National Mall in 2016. More than 40,000 artifacts are displayed inside, including photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights activists, boxing headgear and a robe used by Muhammad Ali, and a fedora once worn by Michael Jackson. Themed guided tours are offered on select dates. Additionally, museumgoers can download the attraction's free mobile app for audio stories about some of the museum's exhibits.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum United States Holocaust Memorial Museum free

You need to be in the right frame of mind to visit this sobering museum that focuses on the atrocities of the Holocaust. Through film footage, photographs and historical artifacts, it confronts subjects such as Hitler's rise to power, anti-Semitic propaganda and the horrors of the Final Solution. In addition to its permanent exhibition, "The Holocaust," the museum mounts several special exhibits. The facility also has a Hall of Witness, a three-story chamber beneath skylights; a Hall of Remembrance, a space with an eternal flame intended for individual reflection as well as public ceremonies; the Holocaust Survivors and Victims Resource Center; a library and a reading room.

Past travelers felt moved by this powerful museum but cautioned that its graphic collection is not ideal for younger children. (Indeed, the museum itself has age recommendations for its exhibits, signaling that some material may not be suitable for kids.) Many were especially impressed with its informative, thorough and respectful displays, adding that you can easily spend a few hours perusing its halls.

National Gallery of Art National Gallery of Art free

U.S. News Insider Tip: There are two things you won't want to miss here: the rooftop terrace, which affords panoramic views of the city and a photo op with a giant blue rooster, and the only Leonardo da Vinci oil painting on permanent exhibition in the U.S. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor

If you're any kind of art connoisseur, you should make a stop at the National Gallery of Art. Composed of the East Building, which houses the gallery's more modern works (think: Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko), and the West Building, which contains the collection's older works (from Sandro Botticelli to Claude Monet), this museum has enough to fill an entire afternoon. Visitors often remark on the museum's large size and expansive collection. Pace yourself and maybe order a coffee, gelato or lunch at one of the gallery's five bars and cafes.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Even if you don't have time to catch a performance, head to the rooftop of the Kennedy Center to grab a drink and see an incredible sunset from the terrace. The on-site REACH art gallery and sculpture garden (free) are also fun to wander around. – Erin Evans

Many travelers highly recommend a visit to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, built and named for America's beloved Camelot president. The Kennedy Center houses the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera and hosts numerous other dance, theater and musical performances throughout the year. Although ticket prices can run a bit high, you can take in a performance for free on the Millennium Stage. The Kennedy Center debuted a new permanent exhibit in 2022: Visitors can explore the free "Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy" immersive exhibit to learn about the relationship between Kennedy's presidency and the arts. The facility also includes the REACH, an indoor/outdoor complex comprising an art gallery, sculpture garden, classrooms and studios, lecture halls, a video wall and more interactive spaces.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History free

With a collection of more than 147 million items, this robust Smithsonian museum on the National Mall attracts millions of visitors each year. Some of the museum's highlights include replicas of giant whales and other marine life in the Sant Ocean Hall. There's also a 2,000-pound, 52-foot model of a mega-tooth shark suspended above a dining area. In addition, you can venture to the Butterfly Pavilion for some fluttery fun with multicolored bugs. No stop at this museum would be complete without stopping by the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils – "Deep Time" exhibit features approximately 700 specimens, including Tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops dinosaurs. Other permanent exhibits explore human evolution, ancient Egypt and geology, among other topics.

Although this museum is especially appealing to families, past visitors said there's something for everyone here. However, the property can get quite crowded on weekends, holidays and during the busy summer season, so consider arriving on a weekday or in the offseason to avoid crowds. Recent museumgoers also suggested saving some time for the Hope Diamond, which is on display in the geology exhibit.

Washington DC by Moonlight Electric Cart Tour

(2123 reviews)

from $ 82.74

DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Potomac River Cruise, Entry Tickets

(1012 reviews)

from $ 84.00

Big Bus DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Open-top Bus with 17 Stops

(3294 reviews)

from $ 49.00

Washington National Cathedral Washington National Cathedral

U.S. News Insider Tip: Opt for a tour instead of exploring on your own, especially if you want to spot some of the cathedral's weirder gargoyles (like the famous Darth Vader). – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

Construction first began on this massive cathedral – the sixth largest in the world – in 1907, but it wasn't actually completed until 1990. (Though work on the building continues, including extensive and ongoing repairs after an earthquake damaged the structure in 2011.) Designed in the Gothic style, the Washington National Cathedral sits surrounded by gardens, creating a pleasant atmosphere for visitors. Take a stroll around the cathedral and peer at its high vaults and flying buttresses, keeping a close eye out for gargoyles (there's one of Darth Vader!). Step inside to admire the building's intricate stained-glass windows.

Arlington National Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery free

Arlington National Cemetery sits in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The cemetery spans about 1 square mile and serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 service members, veterans and their families. Visitors should be sure to spend some time viewing the Memorial Amphitheater, the John F. Kennedy Gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Additionally, finding the grave of a notable veteran, family member or friend proves to be a powerful experience, according to visitors. The cemetery also has a downloadable app available to help you pinpoint the location of a grave.

Previous travelers appreciate the trolley tour from Arlington National Cemetery Tours, but they warn that the excursion is a bit pricey at $19.50 for adults, $10.75 for children ages 4 to 12 and $15 for seniors ages 65 and older. (There are discounted prices for service members, veterans and their families.)

Planet Word Planet Word

The world's first voice-activated museum, Planet Word strives to provide an immersive language experience through multiple exhibits and interactive galleries. Its word-centric exhibits span three floors and explore such topics as how people learn to speak, words’ origins, the world’s diversity of languages, famous speeches (which visitors can recreate using teleprompters), songs (which you can deliver karaoke style), jokes and how advertising uses language to persuade consumers. It also has a library, of course, as well as recording booths for listening to others reflect on the power of words and for preserving your story. Its Lexicon Lane contains multiple "puzzle cases" with themed word puzzles that can be solved using various clues deposited around the room. The museum, which opened in 2020, also has a restaurant and a gift shop.

Visitors frequently enthuse about this museum with adjectives like "clever," "creative," "fascinating" and "innovative." Many say its well-executed interactive activities make it an especially engaging place for families. Plan on spending at least a couple hours here.

U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress free

Arguably the most magnificent building in Washington, the U.S. Capitol is where visitors go to witness politics in action. Inside, members of both houses of Congress debate and create national policy and law, while visitors explore the building's north and south wings and circular centerpiece: the Rotunda. This iconic hall houses paintings, frescoes and sculptures depicting famous scenes from American history, not to mention an iconic cast-iron dome added to the structure in 1868. Though some travelers express mixed reviews on whether the U.S. Capitol warrants the time and effort spent (both making reservations and going on the actual tour), most agree the site is well worth a visit.

If you're not that stoked about exploring the building's innards, consider taking a stroll outside of the building. It's located on the National Mall nearby the U.S. Botanic Garden and the National Air and Space Museum . The easiest way to reach the Capitol is via the Metro to the Capitol South or Federal Center SW stops (both on the Blue, Silver and Orange lines) or the Union Station stop (on the Red Line). Additionally, there are bike racks outside the Capital Visitor Center and Capital Bikeshare stations nearby. For more information, check out the official U.S. Capitol Visitor Center website .

National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For an exhilarating night out after a day at the museums, check out the nearby ax throwing bar Kraken Axes. Then, when you work up an appetite, one of the best places to eat in Chinatown is Reren Lamen & Bar. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor

The National Portrait Gallery most notably houses images of every previous president, allowing visitors to reminisce about each political figure as they progress through the hall of portraits. The presidential portraits aren't alone, though, as the National Portrait Gallery also houses artistic renderings of notable American citizens ranging from sports figures to civil rights leaders. Moreover, the National Portrait Gallery only takes up half of the building and shares the space with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This museum showcases rotating exhibits, which have previously exposed visitors to work created in response to the Vietnam War, glasswork, native women artists and more. The Smithsonian American Art Museum also operates a separate branch, the Renwick Gallery, devoted to contemporary craft and decorative arts.

Best of DC Plus US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Entry

(2202 reviews)

from $ 129.00

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

(3618 reviews)

from $ 59.95

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

(2299 reviews)

from $ 49.95

Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute free

More than 1,800 animals reside at the Smithsonian's 163-acre National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, from Asian elephants to cheetahs to sea lions. Look up every now and then as you stroll beneath the Orangutan Transport System (called the O Line): You may spot orangutans swinging along cables between steel towers. Or, if you're more intrigued by animals native to South America, head over to the Amazonia exhibit, home to creatures like titi monkeys and multiple frog species. The Great Cats exhibit features Sumatran tigers and African lions, among other feline predators. The zoo also has a playground and other attractions geared toward kids. If you time your visit for the holidays, swing by the zoo after dark for its ZooLights exhibition, when animal lanterns and lights bedazzle the park.

Recent visitors praised the zoo's pleasant surroundings and broad selection of species. Others warn future travelers to temper expectations: It's popular during the spring and summer seasons and there are long lines for (somewhat overpriced) food. Though some said the zoo could be more exciting and have a broader array of animals, keep in mind the more than 360 species are free to visit.

Union Market Union Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting with a group of people, buy a few different dishes from the various stalls and enjoy a little self-guided food tour of the market's best offerings. – Erin Evans

A massive food hall and gathering place for locals and tourists alike, Union Market is a fun place to spend a morning, afternoon or evening. Anchoring the Union Market District in Northeast D.C., the warehouse-style building features a plethora of food stalls, restaurants, bars and shops. The building originally opened to the public as the Union Terminal Market in 1931 and has transformed over the years to become the bustling hub of food, drink and socializing it is today. Dining options include coffee bars, Korean-Mexican fusion food stalls, specialty charcuterie and cheese shops, chocolatiers, pizzerias, doughnut spots and more. There are several upscale restaurants nearby as well, such as St. Anselm and Masseria.

Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery free

The Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery combine to comprise the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. Opened in 1923, the Freer Gallery showcases American paintings from the late 19th century aesthetic movement, plus art from China, Egypt, India, Japan, Korea and the Islamic world. The Sackler Gallery opened in 1987 in the adjacent building, and it displays Thai earthenware, a Tibetan Buddhist shrine, Iranian artifacts and a host of rotating exhibits.

Past visitors particularly appreciated the Peacock Room, a gilded blue and gold room filled with frescoes of peacocks and pottery. The Sackler Gallery's underground exhibits also serve as a boon for sweltering tourists during the District’s hot summer months, which delighted recent travelers. The general consensus is that there are some remarkable works of art here.

Rock Creek Park Rock Creek Park free

A large urban park extending from the Washington, D.C.-Maryland border to the Potomac River, Rock Creek Park is a destination for an expansive array of outdoor activities. It has more than 32 miles of hiking trails and 13 miles of horseback riding trails while bicyclists can use its paved trails and roads. It has a nine-hole golf course and tennis courts. Fishing and paddleboating on the Potomac River are additional options. The park also boasts plenty of built things to see, such as scenic bridges, fountains and statues.

In addition to its more than 1,750 acres of outdoor space, the park encompasses multiple noteworthy structures. The Nature Center features a book- and game-filled children's Discovery Room, displays of live turtles and snakes and an observation deck. It provides hiking information and serves as the starting point of the half-mile Woodland Trail. The Peirce Mill operated as a grist mill from 1829 to 1897, making the historical building the last one of its kind in the area. The Old Stone House, constructed around 1766, ranks as the oldest building on its original foundation in Washington D.C. Its former kitchen contains historical exhibits.

National Archives Museum National Archives Museum free

If you love history, you'll enjoy visiting this museum. A treasure trove of the United States' founding documents, the National Archives Museum is high on travelers' to-do lists and almost always has long entrance lines. But once you do get inside, you'll see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, along with one of the surviving copies of the Magna Carta. Other interactive and kid-friendly exhibits fill the museum, which is located off the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro station on the Green and Yellow lines. Conveniently, the museum is also a popular stop on many of the city's best bus tours .

Though the museum welcomes visitors every day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., visitors are not permitted to enter after 5 p.m. A gift shop, cafe and restrooms are on-site. 

US Capitol & Library of Congress Guided Tour with Capitol Hill

(140 reviews)

from $ 80.00

Night Monuments Tour with 8 Stops and Admission Ticket Upgrades

(1880 reviews)

Smithsonian Museums Walking Tour with Reserved Air & Space Entry

(82 reviews)

9:30 Club 9:30 Club

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're attending a concert at this venue, plan to arrive early, as the line can stretch around the block for popular artists. And if possible, avoid using the coat check (unless you want to be stuck waiting in line for hours after the show).  – Alissa Grisler, Associate Editor

The 9:30 Club has often been heralded as one of the best live music venues in America. The iconic club began earning its accolades around the time it opened in 1980, though, and has hosted groups like Nirvana, R.E.M., Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fugazi and Public Enemy, among others. While the 9:30 Club relocated and expanded over time, the club is still small enough to feel intimate. Its location near the bustling U Street corridor means that travelers will have no shortage of options for a pre-show dinner or a post-show drink (the staple Ben's Chili Bowl is just a few blocks away). Alternatively, the 9:30 Club offers a small menu of quesadillas, nachos and tacos if you want to eat there.

Nationals Park Nationals Park

Nationals Park is home to the Washington Nationals, the city's Major League Baseball team. The stadium opened in March 2008; it's located in the popular Navy Yard neighborhood and seats 40,000-plus fans. Nats Park welcomes visitors and locals to see the games typically from March through October, so check the schedule to see if they're in town when you're visiting the city and buy tickets for a fun-filled afternoon or evening of baseball. There's not a bad seat in the stadium and there are plenty of concession options, including barbecue, tacos, sandwiches, pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, beer, cocktails and an outpost of the DC-famous Ben's Chili Bowl.

If the team isn't in town when you are, you can still check out the stadium on a two-hour tour (for $25). Tours are available on non-game days at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1 and 2:30 p.m. and take travelers to see the media box, the dugout, the bullpen and the visiting team's locker room.

United States Botanic Garden United States Botanic Garden free

Billed as a "living plant museum," the United States Botanic Garden features dozens of intriguing plants and flowers across its indoor conservatory and outdoor gardens. Colorful orchids, roses, irises and lilies, and rare and exotic plants are just a few examples of what you can see on a visit here. The area includes a conservatory, outdoor gardens and the Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens; there are pathways to walk through each of the sections to enjoy a self-guided tour of the flora. A fun fact to note: The garden was established in 1820 and it is the oldest continually operating public garden in the U.S.

Travelers say this is a lovely spot to wander through and see beautiful flowers and plants. Many say the orchid room (with 5,000-some orchids) is a showstopper and must-visit part of the garden.

National Building Museum National Building Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The permanent exhibits are a bit technical, but special exhibits are accessible (and often hands-on!) for everyone, regardless of their knowledge of architecture. – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

Washington boasts countless examples of iconic architecture, but the National Building Museum fittingly stands out from the rest. The gargantuan former Pension Building, which completed construction in 1887, once housed the United States Pension Bureau as well as a variety of political events like inaugural balls. In 1985, the building completed its transition into a museum, and it was officially renamed the National Building Museum in 1997. Currently, the museum showcases various interesting intersections of architecture and design throughout American history and culture via approximately 100,000 photos, 130,000 architectural drawing and prints, and more than 20,000 objects ranging from building materials to toys.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Frederick Douglass National Historic Site free

Like other parts of the South, the Washington metropolitan area – which includes Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. – was once home to numerous plantations that profited off the labor of enslaved African Americans. To learn more about one of the region's most famous former slaves, visit the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in the district's Anacostia neighborhood.

At this historical site, you'll learn all about Frederick Douglass, who had been born into slavery in 1818 who fled from Maryland to New York City in 1838. After becoming a free man, Douglass devoted his life to speaking against slavery, producing abolitionist newspapers and writing about his experience as a slave. In 1872, Douglass and his then wife, Anna, moved to Washington, D.C. The couple moved into the house known as Cedar Hill in 1878. After the death of his first wife in 1882, Douglass married Helen Pitts in 1884 and continued to live in the house until his death in 1895.

See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour

(994 reviews)

from $ 99.00

Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions

(1366 reviews)

Ghosts of Georgetown Night-Time Walking Tour

(315 reviews)

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden free

The Hirshhorn Museum is a contemporary art museum that features eye-catching exhibits and hosts stimulating events. The museum states its mission is "to share the transformative power of modern and contemporary art by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences and ideas converge." Exhibits at this museum often rotate in but examples of art you might encounter include abstract paintings, interactive multimedia and text- and image-based art. The Hirshhorn Museum also hosts many family-friendly events and activities to immerse kids in the art world. Meanwhile, several outdoor galleries make up the sculpture garden, which sits across the street from the museum. (Note: The sculpture garden is currently closed for an ongoing revitalization. It is expected to reopen later in 2024 or in 2025.)

Recent visitors recommend stopping by the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden to explore its modern art exhibits. Since it's free, it's easy to spend as much (or as little) time as you want inside. Several said they appreciated how often the exhibitions on display change, so there's always something new when they visit. Some noted though that if you're short on time, this is not a museum to prioritize seeing in D.C. as some of the other options are more interesting or engaging.

U.S. National Arboretum and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum U.S. National Arboretum and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum free

Note: Due to the discovery of boxwood blight, the arboretum has closed its Boxwood Collection and adjacent Perennials Collection in order to prevent spread of the disease. It is closed until further notice.

Located northeast of downtown Washington, D.C., the United States National Arboretum rewards its visitors with beautiful outdoor spaces. The arboretum's outdoor collections range from dogwoods to azaleas to magnolias, but none of the plants are the area's primary attraction. Instead, most travelers make the trek here for the National Capitol Columns and the bonsai collection. The National Capitol Columns were built in 1828, decorated the Capitol building until 1958 and found their way to the arboretum in the 1980s. Now, the columns serve as an excellent place to snap photos or enjoy a picnic. The area's bonsai trees sit in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, which boasts an astounding 300 miniature trees that staff members rotate through the museum's three pavilions and special exhibits gallery.

Heurich House Museum Heurich House Museum

German-American immigrant and brewing entrepreneur Christian Heurich built the mansion that now bears his name in the late 19th century. Now, its stands as both an example of Richardsonian Romanesque residential architecture as well a testament to the business-owner's legacy. (It also, appropriately enough, serves as the headquarters of the District of Columbia Brewers Guild, a nonprofit trade organization serving the city's craft brewing industry.) The museum aims to preserve the building, its grounds and its collections while demonstrating the relevance of Heurich's version of the American dream to the modern day.

Visitors typically find the tour guides highly knowledgeable and enjoy seeing the fine period furniture and the well-preserved, intricately decorated structure.

Explore More of Washington, D.C.

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

16 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

Christina Maggitas|Rachael Hood|Catriona Kendall September 13, 2024

The 26 Best Beach Resorts in the World

Marisa Méndez|Erin Vasta|Rachael Hood|Catriona Kendall September 5, 2024

30 Fun Fall Weekend Getaways for 2024

Holly Johnson August 29, 2024

The 19 Best Fall Family Vacations for 2024

Amanda Norcross August 27, 2024

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

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

Written by Lana Law , Becca Blond , and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jun 7, 2024

Whether you are marveling at its white marble monuments and memorials, learning about history in one of its free Smithsonian 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 for D.C. to feel larger than life with its wide avenues, inspirational marble buildings, public squares, and a magnificent "public walk," 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, and 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 D.C. 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.

United States Capitol and Capitol Hill

The lincoln memorial, the national mall and veterans memorials, the white house, the washington monument, national air and space museum, national museum of natural history, national gallery of art, library of congress, national museum of african american history and culture, united states holocaust memorial museum, national museum of asian art (freer gallery of art and the arthur m. sackler gallery, national museum of american history, jefferson memorial and tidal basin, the john f. kennedy center for the performing arts, national zoological park, national archives, international spy museum, arlington national cemetery, washington national cathedral, georgetown historic district, smithsonian american art museum and national portrait gallery, u.s. botanic garden, u street corridor, 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.

Tours 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 Capitol is located at the east end of the National Mall. While on this side, you can combine it with a visit to the nearby United States Botanic Garden.

The best-loved of all Washington's memorials, the Lincoln Memorial stands at the far west 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 several 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.

Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, NW, Washington, D.C.

The National Mall is a spacious swath of lawns and pools that form a wide greenbelt from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial , and it is the site of many of Washington's landmark buildings, monuments, memorials, and museums. Most prominent at its center point is the Washington Monument . This is the best place to get an overview of the entire area. It's a high point and allows you to see from one end of the Mall to the other.

War Memorials

On the north side of the Lincoln Memorial is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial . This 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. Nearby are the Vietnam Women's Memorial , a bronze sculpture of three servicewomen helping a wounded soldier, and the Three Servicemen statue.

On the south side of the Lincoln Memorial is the Korean War Veterans Memorial , which contains 19 steel sculptures of soldiers.

At the east end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is the World War II Memorial , a beautiful oval plaza with sculptures and water features.

The newest is the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial , dedicated in 2014, but this is located near the United States Botanic Garden, closer to the Capitol.

Not on the Mall, but also significant is the WWI Memorial , located in the 1400 block of Pennsylvania Ave NW.

Museums on the National Mall

At the center of the National Mall is the huge Washington Monument. Continuing east from the Washinton Monument, you'll find many of Washington's most important museums. This includes the National Museum of African American History and Culture, The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, The National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Asian Art, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and others. These museums are all free of charge but a couple require a reservation, which gives you a timed admission.

Events and Festivals

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, off 15th St. NW on Pennsylvania Avenue, has excellent interactive exhibits related to 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 is 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 look over the White House.

If you're looking to grab lunch or dinner near the White House, the Old Ebbitt Grill is a wonderful and historic option. Established in 1856, this is a bit of a Washington institution and the city's oldest saloon. It's been frequented by politicians and famous entertainers, contributing to its colorful history. Although it's an upscale restaurant, tourists will feel comfortable here in street clothes, and the menu features plenty of casual fare.

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 through 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 also 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 undergoing an extensive makeover that will transform not only the arrangement of 23 galleries but also the way it interprets the history and science of flight. Some areas of the museum are currently closed.

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

Official site: www.nasm.si.edu

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. From the minute you walk in, you're greeted with enormous, eye-catching displays, beginning with the huge African elephant in the rotunda.

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.

Also popular is the National Fossil Hall with numerous skeletons, including a T. rex and other giants towering over you.

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

Like most museums in Washington, the Museum of Natural History is free and does not require reservations . You can pop in at any time. This is a busy, fun, and loud museum, where families will feel right at home.

If you're hungry, you can grab a bite from one of the food trucks right outside.

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

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

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.

Between the East and West buildings is the Sculpture Garden , along with the lovely Pavilion Cafe. You can enjoy a meal while looking out over the garden, or wander through the artwork.

Free concerts are held at the National Gallery on Sunday evenings from fall through spring.

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

Official site: www.nga.gov

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/

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/

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

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 .

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 Cosmic Buddha Vairochana is one of the most important pieces of the collection. The Freer also features 19th-century and early 20th-century American art, most notably a large collection of work by James McNeill Whistler.

The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery , located adjacent to the National Museum of African Art, houses more than 1,000 pieces, including an extraordinary collection of Chinese jade and bronze, Chinese paintings and lacquerware, and ancient Near Eastern ceramics and metalware.

The design of the building means you enter the Sackler Gallery at ground level and descend to the lower floors to see the collections.

Right next door and definitely worth visiting, 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. This museum is almost a mirror of the Sackler, with collections held in below-ground galleries.

These museums are free and do not require a timed admission reservation.

Official Site: https://asia.si.edu/

The National Museum of American History covers an extensive range of topics and is likely far more entertaining than you might expect. From treasured national historical artifacts like Thomas Jefferson's desk to rock icon Prince's guitar, you'll find a real mix of exhibits.

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, 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

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 on 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.

In the summer, you can rent a paddle boat and head out on the Tidal Basin to enjoy the water and get fantastic views of the monument. The blue boats are located at a dock across from the monument, off Maine Ave SW, at Floral Park.

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 the most popular of the Smithsonian attractions. It is one of the world's best zoos, not only for the quality of the experience but for its leadership in areas of animal care and sustainability.

Nearly 2,000 different animals, birds, and reptiles live in habitats replicating their natural environments as closely as possible. Of the several hundred species represented here, about a quarter are endangered.

One of the zoo's star attractions, the giant pandas left the zoo in late 2023 but they are coming back in late 2024. Other highlights include red pandas, Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, Asian elephants, cheetahs, white-naped cranes, and North Island brown kiwis. You can also watch otters play, or walk through the aviary to enjoy birds flying overhead.

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.

Although the zoo is free, you must book a timed entrance admission. You can book an entry time up to one hour before closing.

The zoo is north of downtown, quite a distance from the main attractions but you can easily take public transit. The closest metro stop is about a four-block walk from the entrance and a bus stop is right outside the zoo. Metro cards (SmarTrip) are good for trains and buses.

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.

In front of the building is a large pond and fountains with benches around the edges for relaxing.

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.

Upon arrival, you are given your own spy mission, complete with a fake identity, cover story, and a card. As you progress through the exhibits you can use your identity card at terminals set up throughout the museum to get updates on your mission. This is completely optional but can be fun if you are looking for an interactive experience.

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 from 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.

The nearby Dupont Circle neighborhood is another great place to head for dining and nightlife. This area, east of Georgetown in the northwest corner of downtown Washington, is near several embassies and offers lovely outdoor spaces and a fantastic mix of restaurants.

You'll find excellent high-end dining, casual restaurants, and an assortment of different ethnic foods. Try Balos Estiatorio for something upper-end and Mediterranean, or head next door to Colada Shop for a laid-back atmosphere and tasty Cuban food. If you just want to relax, walk to Dupont Circle Fountain and kick back in a chair on the lawn.

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/

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.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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 .

More on District of Columbia

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

District of Columbia Chevron

Washington Chevron

14 Best Things to Do in Washington, DC

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There's the DC you see on C-SPAN footage and blaring cable news clips. Then there's DC that residents know, the livable city where you can spend a Saturday exploring indie boutiques, cool restaurants and breweries, and amazing concert venues. Your visit to America's capital city can include both sides of town, seeing awe-inspiring museums and memorials—or trying to find a presidential motorcade if you're a "West Wing" super fan. Next up, see a free concert at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, hear the birds chirp in one of The District's many parks (both wild and manicured), or even see the sights from the Potomac River on a water taxi. Need more ideas? Here's our list of the best things to do in Washington, DC, both on and off the beaten path.

Read our complete Washington, DC, destination guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

National Museum of African American History and Culture Arrow

It’s hard to imagine improving upon the grandeur of the historic National Mall , miles of greenery surrounded by world-class monuments and museums. But in September 2016, the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture did just that. This relatively new addition to an iconic landscape houses artifacts, photography, and other media that reflect African American culture and experiences. Here you’ll find Harriet Tubman’s personal hymnal and silk lace and linen shawl, a bill of a sale for a young enslaved girl, Louis Armstrong’s trumpet, photos capturing the participation of Black women during the Civil Rights Movement, and a collection of costumes from ‘The Wiz’. Given the scope and size of the space (85,000 square feet), this is best saved for a day when you have plenty of time to devote.

Ben’s Chili Bowl Arrow

You can’t miss Ben’s Chili Bowl. The restaurant’s bright red and yellow facade on the U Street Corridor proudly broadcasts itself as a Washington landmark. The institution is best known for its chili dogs and half-smokes—half-beef, half-pork smoked sausage smothered in chili—and has presided over U Street since it opened in 1958. Much has changed in 60 years: U Street has become a hipster hotspot and Ben’s has expanded to five other locations, including one inside Washington Reagan National Airport and another at Nationals Park . Former President Obama has been known to dine at Ben’s; his likeness graces a mural on the side of the building. Prepare yourself for an animated, if not downright rowdy, crowd. By day, the restaurant is a popular tourist destination—everyone is here to try a half-smoke—and by night it’s a perfect late-night spot to recover from an evening at one of U Street’s many bars.

Union Market Arrow

Washingtonians love spending their weekends at Union Market, in the industrial NoMa neighborhood, a sweeping space filled with local food vendors, restaurants, and shops. Union Market offers more than enough to meet anyone’s needs. Get fish and chips from The District Fishwife, eat Venezuelan at Arepa Zone, or go for Southern comfort food like étouffée from Puddin'. For a sit-down meal, try the Michelin-starred Masseria or St. Anselm, a perfect steakhouse from restaurateur Stephen Starr. For drinks, head up to Hi-Lawn, a rooftop bar and open-air eatery. Or hit mixologist Gina Chersevani's two outposts: the New York soda shop–inspired Buffalo & Bergen and carefree dive bar Last Call. And if you’re in the mood to explore Latin American culture, you’re in luck, thanks to the nearby 20,000-square-foot Latin market, La Cosecha.

Old Post Office Tower Arrow

This massive Romanesque Revival building completed in 1899 is covered with arches and turrets. It's a formidable presence on Pennsylvania Avenue, nicknamed America's Main Street. The building is now the grand home of the Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C. (the tower entrance is at the back of the hotel next to Sushi Nakazawa). This is also DC's second tallest structure, according to the GSA, second only to the nation capital's most recognizable building: the Washington Monument. But the Old Post Office Tower is much lower-profile for the tourist hordes, which makes a visit here a cheat code for taking in a sweeping view of the Washington skyline. No tickets or reservations are needed for a trip to the 270-foot observation deck within the clock tower.

Phillips Collection Arrow

In a town full of museum after-hours parties, the Phillips Collection's monthly "Phillips After 5" is one of the longest-running events of its kind and still hits it out of the park. For example, a party celebrating an exhibit with French post-Impressionist artist Pierre Bonnard partners up with the Embassy of France to bring in a live band, snacks like spring vegetable galettes with edible flowers, and a floral arranging workshop.

Busboys & Poets Arrow

It’s hard not to be taken with Busboys and Poets, particularly if you have an affinity for cozying up with a compelling book and a steaming cup of coffee. Part restaurant, bookstore, and hub for driving social change, the establishment is eclectic and comfortable, outfitted with murals and art depicting activists and progressive movements. The crowd varies, based on time of day, event lineup, and what’s going on in the world when you visit. Weekend mornings can be lively, with folks tucking into a DC favorite brunch .

The Yards Park Arrow

If you're looking to hike and disappear into nature within the city limits, head to Rock Creek Park . But for an outdoor escape that combines showy landscape architecture with DC's peaceful Anacostia riverfront, check out the Yards Park. This very modern urban park is an anchor of the redeveloped Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, turning a former industrial space into a slice of greenery for residents and visitors to enjoy amidst the office towers—with amenities like a dog park and water features that little ones can splash around in during the summer. The futuristic Yards Park Bridge, a pedestrian bridge with striking, swirling steel supports that glows at night, tempts photographers to capture a unique angle. The bridge is located near the park's Canal Basin and Waterwall, a unique water feature where kids are invited to wade and play in the 11-inch deep water on hot days.

Eastern Market Arrow

Open since 1873, Eastern Market is a National Historic Landmark and a beloved local institution. Long before farmers markets cropped up in every neighborhood across the city, Eastern Market was the go-to place for fresh produce, meat, cheese, and baked goods—and still is. One can easily spend an afternoon wandering the stalls, which are packed with fresh produce, cheeses, meats, poultry, and flowers, as well as items like shaved ice snowballs, canned pickles, and Filipino food. If you’re really hungry, sit down for a meal at Market Lunch, a 46-year-old institution famous for its blueberry-buckwheat pancakes. On weekends, local artists sell handmade wood carvings, letterpress prints, soaps, and the like. A community staple for more than 140 years, Eastern Market offers a fascinating look into local life DC—beyond the buzzy new restaurants and the politics.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Arrow

The John F. Kennedy Center is a sight to behold, inside and out. Set on the banks of the Potomac River—between the Watergate Hotel and the Lincoln Memorial —this performing arts center is stately and iconic; it's the true monument to J.F.K. Edward Durrell Stone designed the modern marvel, whose halls are decorated with plush red carpets, enormous crystal chandeliers, and a bevy of state flags; its rooftop restaurant is a favorite place for Washingtonians to watch the sunset with a cocktail or coffee. The National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera both call The Kennedy Center home. In September 2019, the Kennedy Center doubled down on its commitment to the arts with the opening of The REACH. Filled with intimate performance spaces and lecture halls, the expansion aims to create deeper connections between performers and audiences.

National Mall Arrow

Each year, millions of people come to see the monuments and memorials that dot the more than 1,000 acres of the National Mall, which is flanked at one end by the U.S. Capitol Building and at the other end by the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his famous “I Have a Dream" speech in 1963 (his own memorial is a half-mile away). At the center of the park, dubbed “America’s Front Yard," the Washington Monument honors the first U.S. president and the founding of American democracy. Though the National Mall stars in myriad movies and TV shows, it's far more awe-inspiring in real life. From the solemnity at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the stirring energy at the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial, you’ll find that each monument or memorial has its own atmosphere. In other words: Prepare to feel all the feels.

Nationals Park Arrow

Nationals Park, home to the Washington Nationals, is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America; from the upper decks, you just might spy the top of the U.S. Capitol Building . While you’re cheering on the Nats, you can enjoy a burger from Shake Shack, brews from more than a dozen local breweries, or a half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl , a local institution. Since it opened in 2008, the ballpark has become the glittering centerpiece of a revitalized Southeast Waterfront—so don't forget to check out the neighborhood while you're here.

Shop Made in DC Arrow

Shop Made is stocked with the work of the best artisans and makers from across Washington, DC, including prints, photography, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, toys, kitchen goods, clothing, and food. The boutique bursts with local pride, making it a perfect way to get to know the city while wandering around Georgetown. It also hosts regular events—like pottery painting sessions and calligraphy workshops—so be sure to check the website before your visit. The shop has been so successful, there are now six other locations throughout DC.

Rock Creek Park Arrow

Sprawling out across a whopping and wild 1,754 acres of public land, Rock Creek Park is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in DC Officially authorized in 1890, it was the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It has something for everyone: a Nature Center for explorers; running, biking, and hiking trails for fitness enthusiasts; equestrian, golf, and tennis centers for sports lovers; and picnic spots, historic forts, a 19th-century gristmill, and concert venues for everyone else. While the verdant grounds are a peaceful escape from urban life, it also offers a planetarium—the only planetarium in the National Park Service, in fact—and the Smithsonian National Zoo . Both are free.

The Spice Suite Arrow

This Takoma-area specialty shop is as eclectic, warm, and creative as its entrepreneurial founder, Angel Gregorio. Step in, and you might feel like you’re in the self-taught cook, mother, and activist’s own kitchen. At any given time, you’ll be able to select from more than 75 different food products and 23 kitchen accessories to outfit your own cooking space. The store is filled with glass jars whose labels read of interesting blends, including black cardamom, as well as red curry from Zanzibar.

Attucks Adams: “U Street: The Art & Soul of Black Broadway” Arrow

Tim Wright, the owner of Attucks Adams, is the host of this tour that dives into why U Street earned its nickname of Black Broadway, complete with a 40-song playlist you'll hear as you walk. It's an inside look at this vibrant neighborhood: the story begins back in 1867 with the founding of Howard University and covers up until the go-go music scene of today. The tour often spans small groups, and you'll definitely want to reserve a spot. Howard Theatre, the grand, circa-1910 building where jazz great Duke Ellington once played, is a fitting starting point. The overarching theme of the U Street tour hits home how Black people had to recreate the institutions they were locked out due to racism and segregation, be that musical institutions or legal institutions and beyond. Tour stops include the site of Washington Conservatory of Music and School of Expression, Ben's Chili Bowl, the site of the Waxie Maxie Record Store, and the section of the neighborhood known as Little Ethiopia.

Potomac Water Taxi Arrow

Why get stuck in gridlock or Metro delays when you could glide serenely along DC's Potomac River to your next vacation stop, with gorgeous views along the way? The Potomac Water Taxi connects Washington's bustling new Wharf development to three different locations: Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia, and National Harbor in Maryland. These bright yellow boats depart throughout the day and are an easy, non-committal way to drift along seeing the sights (instead of booking a dinner cruise, for example). Two routes (Alexandria to Georgetown and the Wharf to Georgetown) offer an accompanying audio tour if you download the City Experiences App. Otherwise, relax and enjoy the ride.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Washington, D.C. Maps – Washington Tourist Maps

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Washington, D.C. | Washington, D.C. Maps – Washington Tourist Maps

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . You can get a  5% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

Are you looking for a Washington DC map to plan your trip? Look no further because I’ve compiled all the maps you need. The Washington tourist area is relatively small. You can get just about everywhere by walking, so these maps will help you find the main attractions in the city.

Below you’ll find the best 10 maps of Washington DC that you can print out or save on your smartphone so you can check them at any time.

• Washington DC tourist map
• Interactive map of Washington DC
• Washington DC National Mall Map
• Washington DC street map

Washington DC neighborhood map

• Washington DC public transport map
• Washington DC road map
• High-resolution map of Washington DC

Map of the United States

• Map of Washington DC for downloading

Washington, DC tourist map

To give you an initial idea of what the capital of the United States is like and what to do in Washington D.C , check out the following tourist map of Washington, DC:

Interactive Map Of Washington, DC

The following interactive map of Washington, DC will show you where all the attractions are and help you get to know the city in depth. I’ve marked the main memorials to the US presidents, museums, the White House, and much more.

Did I miss a tourist attraction? Leave me a comment and I’ll add it.

At the end of the article, I explain how you can check this map offline so you can always carry it with you and have it on hand .

Washington, DC National Mall Map

Below is a map of the main attractions of Washington, DC, with most of them located in the National Mall. Additionally, it includes a map of the Smithsonian where the main museums in Washington are.

Map of the National Mall in Washington, DC

Washington, DC street map

With this Washington, DC street map, you’ll never get lost in this great city!

The following Washington, DC neighborhood map is also very useful. You can quickly and easily locate any point in the city with it. I also recommend you use it to find where to stay in Washington D.C.

Washington, DC neighborhood map

Washington DC Public Transport Map

Although I think the best way to get to know Washington, DC is by walking, sometimes it’s necessary to use public transport. This metro map of Washington, DC can help you move around the city when you’re short on time.

Washington, DC Public Transport Map

Washington, DC road map

I don’t recommend getting around the city by car, although a Washington, DC road map always comes in handy if you’re going to visit the surroundings or if you’re getting to Washington, DC by car.

Washington, D.C. road map

High-resolution Washington, DC map

On the following high-resolution Washington, DC map, you can zoom in and find any point in the city. It’s perfect so that you don’t miss out on anything in the capital of the United States.

Below is a map of the United States so you can see where Washington, DC is. Thanks to it, you’ll be able to locate the capital within the country.

Washington, DC map for downloading

The Washington, DC map for downloading is the last one. For me, this type of map is a must when I plan any trip.

If you’re going to be offline, don’t worry because you can check it any time from your smartphone. Just download the Maps.me and Dropbox apps. Once installed, search Washington, DC in Maps.me and download the KML file to save it in Dropbox. Finally, open this file from your phone with the Maps.me app so that all the tourist attractions are saved on your phone.

And that’s it! Now that you have all the maps of Washington, DC , you can start enjoying your trip.

Don't miss a 5% discount on your HeyMondo travel insurance  

and the only one that pays all your medical bills upfront for you!

Ascen Aynat

2 replies on “ Washington, D.C. Maps – Washington Tourist Maps ”

The Bible Museum

We haven’t been, but I bet it’s really interesting!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Follow our adventures and trips on instagram

Photography Tours

Iceland Photo Tour

Lofoten Islands Photo Tour

Death Valley & Alabama Hills Photo Tour

Monument Valley Photo Tour

Arches & Canyonlands Photo Tour

La Palma Photo Tour

Dolomites Photo Tour

Swiss & French Alps Photo Tour

Atacama & Uyuni Photo Tour

Patagonia Photo Tour

Photography resources

Online Photography Courses

2024 Milky Way Calendars

Photography Basics

Best Camera Settings

Milky Way Photography

Northern Lights Photography

Best Time to See the Milky Way

Travel Guides

NYC Travel Guide

Las Vegas Travel Guide

Grand Canyon Travel Guide

Antelope Canyon Travel Guide

Tenerife Travel Guide

Lanzarote Travel Guide

Fuerteventura Travel Guide

Iceland Travel Guide

Tromso Travel Guide

Bali Travel Guide

About Capture the Atlas

© 2024 CAPTURE THE ATLAS | Photography · Travel · Adventure | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

TERMS OF USE & COPYRIGHT   |   PRIVACY POLICY

The Ultimate 4 to 5 Days in Washington, DC Itinerary

Last Updated on January 29, 2024

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning out a Washington DC itinerary can be a challenge when you consider all there is to see and do in the US capital. History aficionados will fall in love with Washington DC. There are few other places in the world that house so many museums and monuments from a single country’s history.

During your 4 or 5 days in Washington DC, you’ll have access to the Smithsonian’s iconic network of museums, historical monuments, and slices of history that you won’t easily find anywhere else.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Washington, DC?

If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Washington DC, it can vary dramatically based on what you want to see. It’s a city that is loaded with activities that could keep you busy for several days.

You should plan to spend a minimum of 3 days in Washington DC. This will grant you ample time to catch the highlights at a leisurely pace. Even then, you’ll still have to prioritize what you see during your visit to the nation’s capital.

With 4 days in Washington DC, you have a little more time to see the museums and historical landmarks.

5 days in DC allows you to take a day trip to a nearby site like Arlington Cemetery, Mount Vernon, or somewhere even further. You can easily hop on the metro for a quick day trip out of the city itself.

You also could easily use this time to explore some of the other neighborhoods around DC, such as Dupont Circle or Georgetown.

Getting To & Around Washington, DC 

If you’re coming from far away, you’ll likely arrive in Washington DC by plane. There are three major airports: Dulles, Ronald Reagan, and Baltimore-Washington.

Visitors can use the metro to reach inner-city Washington DC from these airports. Alternatively, rideshare services and taxis are easily available and you can also book a transfer ahead of time.

DC is also well-connected via rail to a number of other cities on the East Coast, including New York, Boston , Philadelphia and even Providence. You can view train schedules here.

When getting around the city, take the metro. It’s clean, reliable, and reaches all the city’s main landmarks. That said, you should walk around the National Mall and Tidal Basin. You can easily reach most major monuments and museums just by walking around the National Mall.

The Tidal Basin offers its visitors a pleasant walk any time of day while getting to see iconic memorials and monuments. 

4 to 5-Day Washington DC Itinerary

For the days with two museums, we recommend visiting one in the morning and one in the afternoon after taking a lunch break. You can mix and match depending on your interest, but consider the highlights listed below to be the most highly recommended stops for your DC itinerary. 

Day 1 – White House, Tidal Basin, Memorials & More!

While the sites on the first day of this itinerary can be visited independently it is also possible to take several guided tours such as this bus tour , this bike tour or this evening tour if you want to see the monuments at night.

Washington Memorial and White House

We’ve added the White House and Washington Memorial to the top of your itinerary because they are can’t-miss sites in Washington DC. These two marble structures are iconic.

The Washington Monument stands at just over 555 ft tall. There is an observation deck at the top that grants visitors excellent views of the National Mall.

You can also book a tour of a portion of the White House to see some of the building’s most famous rooms. 

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is a favorite monument for many first-time visitors to Washington DC. It’s the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Where he stood at the top of the monument’s stairs is marked by an engraving.

The reflecting pools before the monument make for an iconic Washington DC photo op. Make sure to check out the Lincoln Memorial at night too. The monument lit up is a stunning sight to see. 

Walk the Tidal Basin

Walking the Tidal Basin is an absolute must no matter what time of year you’re visiting, but the spring and fall are the most stunning.

Every spring the cherry blossom trees bloom casting the basin into a beautiful pink floral park. Here you’ll find the Jefferson Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, and MLK Jr. Memorial.

You can rent paddle boats to explore the basin from the water. It’s a highlight of your Washington DC itinerary. 

Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials

Continuing your walk of the National Mall, visit the Vietnam and Korean War Veterans Memorials. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, also known as “the Wall”, is a long black granite wall with the names of 58,000 Americans who died in the Vietnam War. It’s a solemn and thought-provoking memorial.

Next, the Korean War Veterans Memorial pays homage to the over 1.5 million of soldiers who served. These 19 stainless steel statues march in a triangle formation toward an American flag. 

World War II Memorial

The World War II Memorial is a stunning white memorial dedicated to the 16 million Americans who served in World War II. It’s a circle of 56 columns that represent all U.S. states and territories around the Rainbow Pool.

Here is another memorial you want to make sure you visit after dark. At night, lights shine on the columns and from the pool making it an eye-catching site. 

Day 2  – Museum of Natural History, National Archives Museum & the US Capitol

Smithsonian national museum of natural history.

Perhaps one of the most iconic museums in the United States is the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. It’s an absolute must for all visitors to Washington DC.

The museum, part of the Smithsonian museum network, is an especially great stop for a Washington DC itinerary that includes children and they are free to enter.

There are over 147 million items on display that range from marine life to geology to ancient Egypt. You can spend anywhere from two hours to about half a day exploring this museum and there is no doubt that it is one of the best things to do in Washington DC. It is also possible to take a guided tour if you want to learn more from a guide.

If you’re more interested in American History, then consider visiting the adjacent Smithsonian National Museum of American History during this time instead. Here you can find exhibits that are important to the history of the USA and it’s a wonderful place to visit.

National Archives Museum

Where can you find the true Declaration of Independence, the American Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the surviving copies of the Magna Carta all in one place? The National Archives Museum.

Make sure you reserve a timed slot in advance to avoid waiting in the long line at the entrance. Here is the only place where visitors can view the country’s founding documents. 

U.S. Capitol & the Library of Congress

The U.S. Capitol building is one of the most impressive working government buildings in Washington DC. With its towering white marble dome, it stands out in the National Mall. Inside, you can see where both houses of Congress reside.

Visitors can enter the capitol, but you must make a reservation in advance. You cannot visit the Capitol without a reserved tour – you can book a small group tour here.

Nearby you’ll find the Library of Congress. Here is where you’ll find hundreds of years’ worth of historical books and documents in a beautifully-designed building. 

Day 3 – Air and Space Museum & the Holocaust Memorial Museum

Smithsonian national air & space museum.

The Smithsonian’s Air & Space Museum is a treasure trove of the country’s most iconic advancements in air and space technology. Here you’ll find Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Vega 5B, the Apollo 11 Command Module, the Wright Brothers’ 1903 Wright Flyer, and much more.

There is also an IMAX theater, Einstein Planetarium, and flight simulators to enjoy. You can easily spend several hours wandering the massive hanger filled with excellently-preserved planes. You can organise a guided tour here.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Visiting the Holocaust Memorial Museum is a sobering experience. The stories of Holocaust survivors are told through film footage, photography, artefacts, and more. It tracks the rise of Hitler through propaganda and World War II.

There are several special exhibits–most advise a minimum age warning due to the graphic nature of the material on display. Portions of the museum have walls raised so young children cannot see over them.

It’s an informative and impressive museum that is well worth adding to your itinerary if you have 3 days in DC. 

Day 4 – Museum of African American History, National Gallery & the JFK Center

Smithsonian national museum of african american history.

If you’re seeing Washington DC in 4 days, you should mix and match your museums to make sure you see the ones you’re most interested in. However, ensure you visit the National Museum of African American History.

This museum is a relative newcomer to the National Mall, opening in 2016. It contains over 40,000 artefacts that trace the experiences and lives of African Americans from the country’s earliest years to present day.

The museum is expertly curated and you could easily spend half a day wandering its halls. If you want to learn more about African American history, you can take a half-day tour that includes some time in this museum.

National Gallery of Art

Art fans should prioritize a visit to the National Gallery of Art. There are two wings: the East Building which is home to modern art and the West Building home to classic art pieces. The collection is huge.

You could easily spend a couple hours or an entire day wandering between these two buildings. Don’t leave without visiting the rooftop where you’ll get great panoramic views of the city. You can organise a guided tour here.

Those traveling with children or who simply don’t want to visit more museums, then consider using this time to visit the Smithsonian National Zoological Park – also known as the National Zoo. Easily reached on public transport, this zoo is free to enter and you can see incredible animal exhibits – including Giant Pandas!

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

From dance performances to musicals, the shows at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is an excellent way to spend an evening.

You’ll want to look at the schedule and reserve your tickets in advance. However, if you don’t have time to see a performance, visiting the center is still worth it.

There is a rooftop garden and bars that boasts incredible views of the National Mall. There is an art gallery and sculpture garden to explore as well. It’s a great addition to any trip to Washington DC.

Day 5 – Arlington National Cemetery, Rock Creek Park or Mount Vernon

Arlington national cemetery.

Located just across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia is one of the nation’s most famous cemeteries.

Arlington National Cemetery is about one square mile and houses the graves of over 400,000 service members as well as former presidents. Highlights include John F. Kennedy’s grave and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

If time allows, you should watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This memorial is dedicated to all those who have lost their lives, but their bodies were never found or identified.

You can opt for a tour of Arlington Cemetery if you want to learn more about the memorials and gravesites. Arlington isn’t far from DC itself, so it’s easy to add on to a 4-day itinerary or if you’re seeing Washington DC in 5 days. 

Rock Creek Park

If you’ve had enough of being in the city, head to Rock Creek Park. Here you’ll find over 32 miles of hiking trails, tennis courts, biking paths, and a golf course. It’s a great way to spend a day or afternoon after spending a few days seeing as much of Washington DC as possible.

Should you want to explore the park further, pay a visit to the Nature Center, the Peirce Mill, and the Old Stone House. 

Mount Vernon

A visit to Mount Vernon is a step back in history. It’s the former home of the nation’s first president, George Washington.

Here you’ll find an immaculately preserved home, the tombs of George and Martha Washington, and a memorial dedicated to the enslaved people who worked on the property. Over 96 million people have visited Mount Vernon since it opened to the public in 1860. 

There are several options for getting to Mount Vernon. It’s located about 15 miles from Washington DC. You can take a guided tour bus , public bus, or Metrorail. If you have a rental car, parking is also available at Mount Vernon, but the lot fills up very quickly.

If you want the more scenic route, consider taking a boat along the Potomac River. Note that you will not be allowed on the property without a ticket – you can pre-book tickets here.

Where to Stay in Washington, DC

Phoenix Park Hotel – This hotel is an excellent choice for mid-range visitors looking. They have many great rooms to choose from, a central location for exploring the city and breakfast available in the mornings.

Hotel Washington – Those looking for a high-end stay in the US capital will love this swanky hotel. Located within easy reach of the National Mall, they have numerous delightful rooms to choose from along with plenty of great amenities – including a spa/wellness center and an on-site restaurant/bar.

Highroad Hostel Washington, DC – Budget and solo travelers will love this highly-rated hostel located in the center of DC. Situated close to all of the top attractions of the city, they have both dorms and private rooms available along with good common spaces.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Washington, DC hotels!

Whether this is your first time seeing Washington DC or you’re a return visitor, this itinerary will help guide your exploration of the US capital.

Are you visiting Washington, DC? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 5 to 7-Day Northern California Coast Road Trip

Death Valley vs Joshua Tree: Which National Park to Visit?

7 Best Stops on the LA to Santa Barbara Drive

About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

Thank you so much for the above iternary. This is a great help. After reading your above iternary, I’ve decided to spend more time in DC.

My only question, what do you think of the hop on, hop off buses while visiting DC. Thank you.

Thank you….

Happy you’ve found this helpful and that you’re spending a good amount of time in DC! A hop on, hop off bus can be a convenient if you’re overwhelmed by navigating public transport or aren’t able to walk too much 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel reply