It's difficult to narrow down the best things to do in Washington DC. The United States’ capital, located right on the Potomac River, is bursting with major monuments, museums, and memorials. No trip is complete without a visit to the National Mall (and highlights like the Lincoln Memorial). You should also explore at least one Smithsonian museum, and gawk at political icons like the White House. But don’t forget to look beyond the blockbusters. DC’s vibrant neighborhoods, restaurants, and cultural offerings merit discovering, too.
Here, get your guide to Washington DC’s best attractions, tours, and more.
Summer might seem like a natural time to visit Washington DC, given the ceremony of the Fourth of July. But the season's sweltering heat and humidity are not always the most comfortable. Instead, aim for a visit in fall when the city is abuzz with activity and things to do. Neighborhood events like Adams Morgan Day and the H Street Festival make it easy to discover DC’s local side. Alternatively, visit in spring to catch the peak of cherry blossom season.
As the nation’s capital, Washington DC is unsurprisingly well-connected. The city is served by two airports, Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Then there’s Union Station, where passengers can pick up intercity Amtrak train services. The Washington Metro has six lines that connect neighborhoods across the greater metropolitan area, as well as numerous buses. The DC Circulator, a low-cost shuttle, is another excellent way to get around.
Looking for a green escape after busy days of sightseeing and guided tours? Find your refuge in Rock Creek Park. Spanning 1,700 acres (688 hectares) in the north of the city, Rock Creek was the country’s third national park. Its creekside and forested walking trails offer a great way to get active, while landmarks like Peirce Mill offer a dose of history, too.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EST (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 121 | Tours 622 | Reviews 65,768 |
Fairuz is a Washington DC native who has spent most of her life in and around the city. Though currently living in Europe, she returns to the nation’s capital at least twice a year.
visit the National Mall. If you only do one thing in the city, it’s imperative that you explore the length of the mall from the Lincoln Memorial to the US Capitol Building.
starts with a brunch (a boozy drag brunch is a city favorite), includes a stroll through one of the (free) Smithsonian museums, and ends with dinner and drinks in Georgetown.
the Smithsonian museums. These free museums range from the National Museum of Natural History to the National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of American History to various art genres and are mostly around the National Mall.
you need to leave downtown and visit the Shaw neighborhood. The historically African-American area is home to the Howard Theatre, Howard University, and a host of famous eateries including Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street.
head to the top of the Washington Monument. The city's tallest structure provides unparalleled views of DC and beyond. If you can’t snag a ticket, head to the Old Post Office clock tower or the Kennedy Center's outdoor terrace.
is thinking that DC is just government buildings. The city's vibrant neighborhoods each have their own character. Dupont Circle is an LGBTQ hub, Columbia Heights is known for multiethnic eateries, while Georgetown features Federal-style architecture and upmarket restaurants and shops.
Washington DC—the United States capital—is known for its iconic government buildings including the White House, US Capitol, Supreme Court. It’s also known for the National Mall, which features numerous landmarks. Highlights include the Washington Monument, National World War II Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, which overlooks the Tidal Basin.
...MoreThe most visited site in Washington DC is the Lincoln Memorial, on the National Mall. The memorial is instantly recognizable for its columns and enormous seated statue of President Abraham Lincoln. Other popular things to do in Washington DC include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, National Air and Space Museum, and National Museum of African American History and Culture.
...MoreBecause Washington DC's top monuments are clustered around the National Mall and Capitol Hill, it’s easy to see them in one day. Book a driving, bike, or Segway tour to sightsee efficiently. Then, cap off your trip with a visit to one of the city's free-to-enter Smithsonian museums. Popular choices include the National Gallery of Art, National Portrait Gallery, and National Museum of Natural History.
...MoreWashington DC has dozens of iconic government buildings, memorials, museums, and other highlights. To see more of the sights in less time, book a tour by coach, bike, Segway, or pedicab. Once you've gotten an overview, set off on a neighborhood walking tour to discover DC's local side.
...MoreYes. Two days is enough to discover the best things to do in Washington DC. On day one, concentrate on the National Mall’s monuments and museums. You can also spot government buildings like the White House, Supreme Court, and US Capitol. On day two, soak up the local feel in neighborhoods such as Georgetown and Adams Morgan.
...MoreWashington DC locals frequent the city's museums and cultural institutions during the day. At night, they hit trendy restaurants and bars in the 14th Street Corridor, Adams Morgan, and Shaw. You'll find them hiking in Rock Creek Park, browsing the shelves at Politics and Prose, and attending concerts at the 9:30 Club.
...MoreWashington DC’s history spans hundreds of years, so exploring with a historian who brings that past to life can greatly enhance your experience of the United States’ capital city. Get a guide to help you hone in on the most famous monuments, museums, and memorials, and leave enriched with information you're unlikely to find in the guide book.
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