- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
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Why Visit Washington
Washington's layout is a masterpiece of Neoclassical design, envisioned by Pierre L'Enfant. Key landmarks like the U.S. Capitol and White House define our skyline, which is kept intentionally low by the Buildings Act of 1910, ensuring monuments dominate.
When visiting Washington, explore Rock Creek Park, over 1,700 acres of urban forest perfect for hiking. Kayak on the Potomac River or see the famous cherry blossoms. For a quieter spot, visit the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for their summer lotuses.
Beyond monuments, the city's flavor is unique. Try a half-smoke, our signature sausage, often topped with Mumbo sauce. For a global taste, explore the U Street corridor, home to the largest Ethiopian community and cuisine outside of Africa.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, pleasant weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot, high tourist traffic
- Wintercold, occasional snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightJacket
- #Umbrella
- #PortableCharger
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 7+ days with side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #LincolnMemorial
- #SmithsonianNationalMuseumOfNaturalHistory
- #WashingtonMonument
- #WhiteHouse
- #UnitedStatesCapitol
- #NationalGalleryOfArt
- Visit the National Mall
- Explore historic Georgetown
- Tour the Capitol Building
- Attend a concert at the Kennedy Center
- Stroll through the National Zoo
Recommended Hotels in Washington by Experience
Things to do in Washington
Discover
Explore the capital's iconic landmarks on the National Mall, from the towering Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. Discover world-class Smithsonian museums like the National Museum of Natural History, all offering free admission.
Experience
There are so many things to do in Washington, like catching a show at the Kennedy Center or enjoying the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Explore diverse neighborhoods on walking tours, or kayak on the Potomac for unique city views.
Lincoln Memorial
Iconic monument honoring the 16th U.S. President.
National Mall
Sprawling public park connecting monuments and museums.
National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian museum with historic aircraft and spacecraft.
U.S. Capitol Building Tour
Guided tour of the legislative building's historic rotunda.
National Gallery of Art
Art museum with works from Da Vinci to modern masters.
Kayaking on the Potomac River
Water activity offering unique views of city monuments.
Eastern Market
Historic public market with food, crafts, and events.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Wondering how to get to Washington? Arrive at Reagan (DCA), Dulles (IAD), or Baltimore (BWI). The trip from the Washington airport to city center is easiest from DCA via Metro (20 min). IAD has the Silver Line. BWI offers a MARC train to Washington.
Getting Around
Public transport in Washington is efficient. Use the Metrorail and Metrobus network with a rechargeable SmarTrip card. Capital Bikeshare is great for short trips between monuments. The DC Circulator bus offers simple, cheap routes for key sights.
Local Essentials
Driving in Washington is tough due to traffic circles and parking; avoid car rental for city touring. A key travel tip for first-timers: buy a SmarTrip card early to avoid station queues. Remember, museums on the National Mall are free to enter.
Where to Stay in Washington
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Washington by tasting the iconic half-smoke sausage or a jumbo slice of pizza. The city's dining culture is defined by the power lunch, a midday meal where business and politics mix over classic American fare.
Enjoy
Eat at Old Ebbitt Grill for its historic vibe. Pre-book table. Explore some of the best bars in Washington like The Hamilton, a sprawling music spot. Arrive early. Taste a treat from Georgetown Cupcake, a busy shop. Expect lines.
Old Ebbitt Grill
A historic saloon serving classic American seafood dishes.
Le Diplomate
Upscale French brasserie with a bustling Parisian feel.
Ben's Chili Bowl
An iconic DC diner famous for its chili half-smokes.
Zaytinya
Modern Mediterranean small plates from chef José Andrés.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Washington's Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which celebrates living traditions from around the globe. Must-see patriotic things to do include the National Memorial Day Parade and the July 4th fireworks on the National Mall.
Enjoy
Discover Washington's creative pulse at contemporary events. Enjoy world-class performances at the DC JazzFest or explore innovative art installations at the H Street Festival. These Washington attractions showcase the city's modern cultural scene.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Citywide spring event with a parade, kites, and cultural fun.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
A summer showcase of global cultures on the National Mall.
Passport DC
May festival with embassy open houses and cultural programs.
DC JazzFest
Late summer citywide festival featuring top jazz artists.
H Street Festival
September block party with music, food, and diverse arts.
National Christmas Tree Lighting
December ceremony on the White House Ellipse with performances.
A Capitol Fourth
July 4th concert and fireworks display on the National Mall.
A Great City Experience
Washington has a great energy. The city is walkable, and there's a lot to see without feeling rushed. Pike Place Market was packed but fun to see. The fresh seafood and local crafts were really cool. It's a clean city with friendly people.
So Much Green Space!
So much green space right in the city. Spent a day exploring Discovery Park, and the views of Puget Sound were just stunning. It's amazing how you can be in a major city one minute and feel like you're out in the wild the next.
Loved the Capitol Hill Area
Washington is full of interesting neighborhoods. We really liked walking around Capitol Hill; it has so many cool independent shops and bars. Found a great little spot for coffee there. The whole area just felt very laid-back and authentic.
Awesome Music History
The music history here is incredible. Visiting the Museum of Pop Culture was a highlight-so many cool exhibits on local bands. The city really seems to support its arts scene. We caught some live music one night and the quality was top-notch.
Great for a Winter Trip
Came for a winter trip, and the access to the mountains is fantastic. We drove out to Snoqualmie Pass for a day of skiing and it was super easy to get to. The conditions were great. It's nice having that option so close to the city.
Fantastic Coffee and Sights
The coffee culture is serious here, in a good way. Every neighborhood has great local cafes. We explored Fremont, saw the Troll, and then found a perfect little coffee shop to warm up in. It was a really pleasant way to spend an afternoon.