It is no shocking fact that Washington, DC, is one of the best places to go in the US. When we visited we really were surprised at just how many things there were to see and do. The US’s capital city is a goldmine for history buffs – home to the White House, Library of Congress, and more memorials than you can count. Washington is set along the Potomac River, full of ornate parks and green spaces with water features. It feels like the city was almost entirely created for reflection. Washington symbolizes everything that makes up the US: reflection, power, and history.
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Best Things to Do in Washington DC
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of a trip to Washington, DC. As such an impressive city, it goes without saying that your itinerary is something to take seriously. These are the top things to do in Washington DC – guaranteed to spice up your itinerary with all things exciting and mind-broadening.
Planning Your Trip To Washington DC Right Now?
Below are some of the top tours in Washington DC. Don’t forget to plan ahead when visiting the United States!
Top Day Trips and Tours in Washington DC:
- Night-time Monuments Tour (Most Popular)
- DC Walking Tour with Reserved Ticket for the African American Museum (Likely to Sell Out)
- Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress (Best for Families)
- DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart (Our Favorite)
1. Washington Monument
First up, we’ve got the beautiful Washington Monument. As you already know, there are hundreds of monuments in Washington DC. The Washington Monument is situated on the National Mall (which we will cover more in-depth later) as an honorary nod to America’s first president, George Washington.
The colossal obelisk is 555 feet tall and cut from eye-catching white marble. The Washington Monument was completed in 1884 and has been a prize attraction for tourists in Washington DC ever since, marking the importance of George Washington and his role in the founding of the US. At its time of building, it’s worth noting that the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world.
Tourists can book entrance tickets to catch an elevator to the observation deck atop the Washington Monument, from which you can enjoy sweeping views of the National Mall and capital scenery.
- Address: 2 15th St NW, Washington DC, 200024, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 hour
- Recommended tour from Viator: Night-time Monuments Tour
2. National Gallery of Art
For art lovers, the National Gallery of Art is an unquestionable addition to your Washington itinerary. The permanent collection of national archives consists of a beautiful medley of American and European, and you can easily spend hours wandering the halls and admiring the pieces. The National Gallery of Art sits split across two buildings and even extends into a beautiful sculpture garden. You can spot Van Gogh’s works from Monet and Rembrandt.
The whole place is spectacular, and the building itself is a complete picture of grandeur. And even better? The National Gallery of Art is free to enter. It is one of the top things to do in Washington, DC, on a rainy day; if you love art, it is the place to be.
- Address: Constitution Ave, NW, Washington DC, 20565, US
- Amount of time needed: 2 to 3 hours
3. Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is one of the leading museums in Washington, DC. It is home to the largest collection of American artwork in the world. That’s some serious bragging rights. It is housed in the third-oldest federal building in Washington, and the dramatic columned entrance is worth a visit just in its own architectural value. You can admire artwork that spans from America’s colonial period to the modern day – telling the story of America through artwork.
If you are visiting Washington on a budget, this is one of the best free things to do. Similarly, you should cache it on a wet day. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is a winning attraction in Washington, DC, and ideal for anyone interested in art or American history.
- Address: G Street NW & 8th Street NW, Washington DC, US
- Amount of time needed: 2 to 3 hours
- Recommended tour from Viator: Private Guided Tour
4. National Mall
The National Mall and Memorial Parks span over 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland scenery and dotted memorials. It is primarily thanks to the National Mall that Washington DC has such a reputation for memorials. The park is an ode to American history and honor, and you’ll find memorials honoring everyone from Martin Luther King JR to Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.
While we will cover a couple of these memorials individually, it is also worth looking at the National Mall and Memorial Parks. The park receives more than 25 million visitors a year, and walking its trails to admire the collection of monuments is a brilliant way to spend an inspiring morning.
The National Mall and Memorial Parks are free to enter and an absolute must when visiting Washington. This attraction rates as highly as the White House on a list of iconic things to do in Washington, DC.
- Address: Washington DC, US
- Amount of time needed: 2 to 3 hours
- Recommended tour from Viator: Monuments by Moonlight Tour
5. Lincoln Memorial
Speaking of memorials in the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is one we feel deserves its own feature as a standalone attraction in Washington. The colossal structure was inspired by the Parthenon and stands as a temple with columns in bright white stone, illuminated dramatically with underlighting at night. In front of the Lincoln Memorial is a 19-foot-long reflective pool, plus a marble statue and murals as further decorative storytelling features.
The stunning Lincoln Memorial is one of the most visited in Washington thanks to its grandeur and the importance of Abraham Lincoln. The 16th president of the United States is immortalized in the marble sculpture – depicted seated with arms rested in a regal, wise pose. Abraham Lincoln was the president who navigated the tumultuous Civil War and played a notable role in freeing approximately 4 million enslaved people.
- Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington DC, 20002, US
- Amount of time needed: 30 minutes
- Recommended tour from Viator: Monuments and Memorial Tour by Electric Cart
6. Smithsonian National Museum
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is one of the leading Smithsonian museums to visit in Washington. Totally free to enter, this fascinating museum documents everything from gowns to trains and railway memorabilia. The museum aims to portray the complexity of America’s history unabashedly – creating a beautiful and raw record of American existence and all that influenced it.
The museum is located just south of the Penn Quarter and within walking distance of the National Mall. For anyone wanting a morning in a free, engaging museum, it provides a tremendous general insight into American history. For an overview, you can squeeze into 2 hours or so. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is perfect.
- Address: 1300 Constitution Ave, NW, Washington DC, 20560, US
- Amount of time needed: 2 hours
7. International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is niche and self-explanatory. The private, not-for-profit museum documents every aspect of spying history – from case studies to artifacts and spying gear. We all know the role that spying plays in international history, and this museum is a fantastic way to learn more about this part of society. For something a little different, it is one of the most unusual things to do in Washington, DC.
The International Spy Museum is a little pricier than some other attractions in Washington, costing just under $30 for a standard ticket. However, it is a worthwhile spend if you are interested in the spy industry. And you can easily spend over two hours at the museum, so you’ll quickly get your money’s worth.
- Address: 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington DC, 20024, US
- Amount of time needed: 2 to 3 hours
8. Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is one of Washington, DC’s most solemn yet beautiful places to visit. Arlington Cemetery is a military graveyard with a grand Memorial Amphitheater and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You can also see John F. Kennedy’s eternal flame, a fire constantly lit over his grave and final resting place.
There’s tons of history to unpack at Arlington Cemetery. If you have military ties or just wish to pay your respects, it is a beautiful, thought-provoking addition to your Washington itinerary. It is worth noting that there are significant events there, too, like placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every Veteran’s Day on November 11th.
As well as these points of interest, you can watch official procedures like the Changing of the Guard every half hour or hour, depending on the season. Arlington Cemetery is free to visit, and we’d recommend it as a solemn place to deepen your connection with Washington.
- Address: Arlington, VA, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 to 2 hours
- Recommended tour from Viator: Bus Tour with Arlington Cemetery
9. Capitol Hill
The United States Capitol is obviously iconic. The domed, classic-style capitol building on Capitol Hill is where the nation’s capital runs the country. The Capitol is where the US Senate and House of Representatives reside. The building regularly runs tours that visitors can book in advance to access the mysterious areas within. It is an incredible opportunity to get close to such an influential building, and visiting and touring the US Capitol is a must if you are interested in American history or politics.
Even if you don’t go inside, though, we’d recommend just visiting to look at the exterior of Capitol Hill. The building is stunning and set within beautiful parkland grounds. You can enjoy serene walking trails and just admire the architecture from afar.
- Address: Washington DC, 20004, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 to 2 hours
- Recommended tour from Viator: US Capitol and Library Congress
10. Potomac River
The Potomac River cuts through the center of Washington, DC, so it is only natural to consider some river cruises. One of the best ways to see Washington is by water – so start scrolling through all the different cruise options and find one that suits you and your itinerary.
You can take a quick water taxi to admire the landmarks from the water, which is ideal for those wanting a budget-friendly and bitesize river cruise just for the scenery. You can also opt for extended tours, like this 6-hour cruise with a hop-on, hop-off-style sightseeing experience by water. If you only visit Washington for a few days, this is a time-effective way of utilizing a river cruise.
- Amount of time needed: 1 hour plus
- Recommended tour from Viator: Water taxi
11. Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is a stunning oasis just north of the city center. You can drive from Washington DC’s city center to Rock Creek Park in just 20 minutes or catch public transport in under an hour – making this a feasible urban green space to add to your list. The park is over 1,750 acres in size, which is larger than even Central Park. You can explore independently, making the most of extensive walking and biking paths, or take one of the ranger-guided tours.
Rock Creek Park is free to visit and a beautiful place to connect with nature while visiting Washington, DC.
- Address: Washington DC, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 to 2 hours
12. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is one of Washington, DC’s most important spaces for artists and creatives. Visitors can check out a collection of free exhibits or see what plays, concerts, and speakers are scheduled for their visit dates. You can book tickets online and attend various events – far beyond just performing arts, the JFK Center for the Performing Arts is more of a cultural hub in Washington, DC.
The center was initially whirred into action by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. However, President John F. Kennedy signed legislation to extend the center’s funding in 1963. After his assassination, the center was declared a living memorial and recognition of JRK’s dedication to the performing arts and this project.
Prices for tickets range depending on the event. Still, even those on a budget can enjoy the plethora of free exhibits.
- Address: 2700 F St NW, Washington DC 20566, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 to 3 hours
13. African American History Museum
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a fantastic museum to add to your schedule. As the only national museum exclusively focusing on the African-American experience, it is valuable to Washington’s thriving museum scene. It provides spectacular insight into history, culture, and community. There are over 36,000 artifacts for you to get up close to, and the museum is the newest of all the Smithsonian Institution museums.
Visitors will learn about notable figures like Emmet Till and Oprah, as well as the tragic history of slavery, down to exhibits on slavery ships and segregation. The National Museum of African American History and Culture has plenty of immersive exhibits, including a train set up to recreate the shocking experience of segregation.
- Address: 1400 Constitution Ave, NW, Washington DC, 20560, US
- Amount of time needed: 2 to 3 hours
- Recommended tour from Viator: African American Tour With Museum Access
14. Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral is a massive stained-glass cathedral on the outskirts of Washington’s Cleveland Park neighborhood. As the sixth largest cathedral in the world, it certainly holds some bragging rights just for scale and architecture alone. However, the Washington National Cathedral is also famous as the spot of the final Sunday sermon that Martin Luther King Jr. delivered. It is a historic and beautiful spot – easily accessible from the city center.
Visitors can pay a modest entrance fee of around $15 to enter the cathedral and enjoy sweeping views from the top viewpoint. There are numerous tour options, too, including one on the meaning behind the stained glass features.
- Address: 3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington DC 20016, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 hour or less
15. National Air and Space Museum
Everyone knows the Smithsonian museums, but what about the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum? This free museum is a highlight for anyone interested in space or aviation, and the museum has exhibits scattered across multiple floors.
You can learn everything from Apollo 11 and the Moon Landing to the Wright Brothers and early flight history. The whole thing is fascinating. For those passionate about the industry or even the intersection between space and air travel with American history, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a great choice.
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is located next to the United States Capitol, so it is a great attraction to combine with a Capitol visit.
- Address: 600 Independence Ave, SW, Washington DC, 20560, US
- Amount of time needed: 2 to 3 hours
16. National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the prettiest events in Washington, DC. If you are visiting in spring, it’s an absolute must. There are over 3,000 cherry blossom trees in Washington DC, and visitors flock to admire them between mid-March and mid-April.
The then-Tokyo Mayor, Yukio Ozaki, gifted the cherry blossoms in 1912. Now, the trees are a revered attraction in the US capital. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is when you can see the cherry blossoms bloom independently and visit multiple pop-up events showcasing Japanese culture.
You don’t have to pay to experience the festival. There are so many free experiences you can have in this month-long festival. It is a beautiful time to visit Washington and an excellent marker of the relationship between Japan and America.
17. Martin Luther King Jr Memorial
The Martin Luther King JR Memorial is technically located within the bounds of the aforementioned National Mall and Memorial Gardens. However, it is such a meaningful and revered memorial and attraction that we had to dedicate an entire section to its coverage.
The vast dark grey wall is etched with the words: ‘Darkness cannot drive our darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that’. The memorial overlooks the cherry blossoms that bloom each spring. It is a peaceful spot to pay your respects to Martin Luther King and all his positive impact amidst the civil rights movement. It is also near where he delivered his famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.
The Martin Luther King JR Memorial is a must when planning your itinerary in Washington. It is free to visit and only takes 30 minutes to appreciate. Still, it is hugely important and influential in terms of American history.
- Address: 1964 Independence Ave, SW, Washington DC, 20004, US
- Amount of time needed: Less than 1 hour
- Recommended tour from Viator: Monuments Bike Tour
18. Take a Walking Tour
There are so many walking tours that you can take in Washington DC. After all, this is a city that is best experienced on foot. It is full of green space, memorials, and historic neighborhoods – all best experienced slowly and away from traffic interference.
Walking tours are a brilliant way to get close to fascinating history and explore vibrant neighborhoods better. A prime example is historic Georgetown, which has beautiful Federal architecture and cobbled streets that just tick every aesthetic box you could hope for. It is easy to see why it is such an experience taking a walking tour here, and you can find out the stories behind each street corner and snap as many pictures as you’d like.
Tours vary in pricing depending on your choice, but you can find some free walking tours if you are on a budget. If you stay at a hostel, it is also worth seeing whether they run any complimentary walking tours – which doubles up as a great way to meet new people.
- Amount of time needed: 1 hour plus
- Recommended tour from Viator: Georgetown walking tour
19. White House
You don’t have to be a history or American history expert to know that the White House is a big deal. This historic home is both a symbol of the American presidency and a functional building and part of American politics. It has played home to some of the most famous presidents in US history, including President Lincoln and President John F. Kennedy. Furthermore, you can book a guided tour of the White House for free – you’ll just need to book in advance and be flexible enough to receive an allocated time.
It goes without saying that these spots can be tricky to get hold of, so make sure to book well in advance. You can still see the White House from outside if you don’t snag tickets. The exterior architecture is just as remarkable.
- Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20500, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 to 2 hours
- Recommended tour from Viator: US Capitol and National Archives Entry
20. Union Market
Union Market is impossible not to love and is a destination for all foodies to unite. The huge warehouse-style market opens daily from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. (apart from shutting an hour early on Sundays). It sells everything from charcuterie products to gelato.
You can visit sit-down restaurants or grab takeout artisan products from pop-up stalls. The whole place is a haven of different cuisines and independent businesses. Union Market is the place to go if you want to try varied dishes and experience Washington’s culinary scene in a single, condensed space.
Union Market is free to enter, but keep in mind that dishes range in price on a stall-by-stall basis. The market is near the Noma neighborhood, just on the city’s outskirts, next to Gallaudet University.
- Address: 1309 5th Street NE, Washington DC, 20002, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 to 2 hours
- Recommended tour from Viator: Food and Drink Tour Union Market
21. National Harbor
National Harbor was a vision of George Washington’s, and it sits south of Washington DC, just opposite his former Mount Vernon estate. George Washington wanted the capital to be a city of trade and to really utilize its river position to complement and attain this goal. The modern-day result of this dream is a community and river-side resort center with its own ferry terminal and collection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. National Harbor also has a 180-foot Ferris wheel.
You can easily catch a ferry down to National Harbor, and it is an excellent activity if you want a fun day. It is also well-combined with a river cruise, so check out your options.
- Address: 165 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD, 20745, US
- Amount of time needed: 2-3 hours
22. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Most people know – and love – the aesthetic behind natural history museums. And here in Washington DC, the US capital, has a glorious natural history museum for you to get that aesthetic experience. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is free to enter. It boasts hundreds of permanent exhibits that range from rare gems to dinosaur remains and a colossal elephant exhibit.
If you want to dig deeper and embrace the natural history in America, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a brilliant choice. Keep it in mind if you are traveling with children or have a rainy day, too, as it is perfect indoor entertainment.
- Address: 10th St & Constitution Ave, NW, Washington DC, 20560
- Amount of time needed: 1 to 2 hours
- Recommended tour from Viator: Private Guided Tour
23. Ford’s Theatre
Ford’s Theatre is an ornate theater with some dark history. You can still attend to see performances, but the most popular are the tours to see the spot of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The president was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre while attending a comedy performance in 1865, and today, the theater welcomes over 650,000 visitors a year to retell the story and its rippling impact on society.
You can also visit the Peterson House, where the president finally died due to his injuries. The story is tragic, but it is essential in American history.
- Address: 511 10th St NW, Washington DC, 20004, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 hour plus
- Recommended tour from Viator: Lincoln Assassination Tour
24. Street Art Spotting
When visiting Washington, street art spotting might not be your first thought, but it should be up there. The city has some beautiful collections of street art, including at the Brookland Arts Walk. The best way to experience Washington’s street art is by heading to Brookland Arts Walk independently or taking a street art tour. There’s loads to see – you just need to know where to look.
- Amount of time needed: Approximately an hour
- Recommended tour from Viator: Food, history, and street art tour
25. Meridian Hill Park
Meridian Hill Park is a beautiful inner-city park famous for its manmade waterfall and Sunday drum circle events. Try to join the drum circle experience or observe it in full action, as it is a unique experience in Washington. Otherwise, just enjoy the community atmosphere and gorgeous leafy parkland scenery.
Meridian Hill Park is just a 20-minute walk from the center of Washington – you just follow 16th Street directly, passing the PETA elephant statue and Scottish Rite House of the Temple.
- Address: 16th St NW, Washington DC, 20009, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 hour or less
26. Pedal Boat on the Tidal Basin
Going pedal boating is one of the most laidback ways to admire the scenery from the water – but don’t be fooled; it is also a quad burner. The Tidal Basin is a vast reservoir on the outskirts of the National Mall constructed to harness the power of the Potomac River. And between 10 am and 5 pm, from spring until fall, you can rent pedal boats to explore the tidal Basin from the water. This is one of the most entertaining self-guided water activities in Washington, DC, and a must for anyone wanting a fun sightseeing experience.
- Address: 1501 Maine Ave, SW, Washington DC, 20004, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 hour or less
27. National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian is one of the most important museums in the US, let alone Washington, DC. This museum helps to preserve and celebrate American Indian history and culture through a range of exhibits, as well as an impressive schedule of events. Its collection of American Indian artifacts is one of the largest in the world. This museum makes up one of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution museums. It is free to enter but also accepts donations, which we recommend leaving if possible.
- Address: 4th St SW, Washington DC, 20560, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 to 2 hours
28. Watermelon House
Visiting the Watermelon House is one of the quirkiest attractions and things to do in Washington, DC. The house is only accessible from the exterior for photo opportunities, but that’s because the exterior of the home is painted as a giant watermelon. The end-of-terrace property is a super fun place to visit and totally free. It even has some other fruit-themed murals nearby.
- Address: 1112 Q St NW, Washington DC, 20009, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 hour or less
29. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
I must admit, that even though we know the names of many U.S. presidents, we didn’t know a lot about each person or their role as leaders.
We had no idea that Roosevelt was a four-term President. But found out quickly at his memorial as there are four different sections honoring his different terms as leader of the country. President Roosevelt served from 1933 until his death in 1945, leading America through the second world war.
It’s a very pretty monument that feels more like a garden and a place for quiet contemplation. Many of his quotes are etched into rocks, scenes from the Great Depression and WWII are depicted and there are statues of FDR, his dog, and Elenor Roosevelt that can be viewed as you walk through the four sections.
30. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The Holocaust Memorial Museum is a tragic but precious memorial and documentation of the tragedies of World War II. The museum houses thousands of artifacts and a mixture of rotating and permanent exhibitions. In a mission to preserve the legacy of survivors and victims alike, the museum is a harrowing place to visit. Pay your respects by learning more about the tragedy of the Holocaust.
- Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington DC< 20024, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 to 2 hours
32. Dumbarton Oaks Museum
Dumbarton Oaks Park is a scenic spot for green space hunting in Washington, DC. The park was designed by Beatrix Farrand and was created to uphold naturalistic features, resulting in a beautiful network of trails that wind through areas of natural beauty that are just wild enough without being overbearingly overgrown. There are meadows to wander, a creek, and plenty of local flora. And, of course, there are some architectural features to find, too, including an old-world-style brick bridge to cross a low creek. Dumbarton Oaks Park is free to enter and conveniently located just above Georgetown.
- Address: R St NW, Washington DC, 20008, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 to 2 hours
31. The Yards
The Yards is a beautiful section of architectural greenspace. If you want a green space to relax that has fancy vibes, the Yards is your best bet. It has everything from a swimming pool to dancing fountains, and bridges lit up beautifully at night. It has a similar vibe to National Harbor but with more of a hipster or alternative vibe than National Harbor’s resort-style of allure. The Yards is free to visit, although we’d suggest budgeting for a trendy cocktail.
- Address: 1300 First St SE, Washington DC, 20003, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 hour
33. Tudor Place Historic House & Garden
Tudor Place Historic Home & Garden is a grand time capsule that preserves Martha Washington’s and her descendants’ history. The 1816 home is like stepping back in history and has a private collection of items and artifacts from the 1700s until the 2000s. It is a beautiful way to preserve and document history – presenting a more human, homely documentation of local history and societal complexities and wrongdoings. Tudor Place is also situated inside historic Georgetown, a destination and attraction in Washington, DC, in its own right.
- Address: 1644 31st St NW, Washington DC, 20007, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 to 2 hours
34. Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is partially a protected fort used in the Civil War and partially a modern museum with interactive exhibits. You can explore independently or attend guided tours or lectures, and this attraction is one of the best insights you can get into Civil War action when visiting Washington, DC. Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is free to enter; it is one of Washington’s best free historical attractions, so history enthusiasts and those on a budget should note it down. It is accessible in under an hour by public transport or 20 minutes by car from Washington’s city center.
- Address: 4301 W Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA, 22304, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 to 2 hours
36. Roosevelt Island Park
Roosevelt Island Park is a beautiful island on the Potomac River with miles of woodland trails, making it the perfect escape for a bit of natural serenity. The island is a living memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt, but most of all, it is the ideal bolt hole and escape from busy Washington’s city center. Roosevelt Island Park is free to visit and, especially on a warm and dry day, a really serene place to bring a takeout coffee and enjoy a stroll. Check out the wetlands section and statues dedicated to the late President.
- Address: Washington DC, 20037, US
- Amount of time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Best Things to Do in Washington DC: FAQs
Washington will never be a city where you struggle to fill an itinerary. This incredible capital city is a hive of activity and history, and you can start getting excited ahead of your visit. Before you head off to begin trip planning, though, check out these FAQs for some ultimate guidelines.
Is 2 days enough for Washington, DC?
Possibly, but you will feel rushed and miss most of the city’s attractions. If you want to check out the White House and National Mall, two days is enough to visit Washington, DC. However, if you want to really experience the city, you want to spend three days or more visiting. Two days is more of a tip-of-the-iceberg experience.
Can you do Washington, DC in 3 days?
Yes, it is feasible to enjoyable visit Washington DC in three days. Three days is enough to get in-depth insight into what makes the city tick. You can experience many of the city’s leading attractions in three days. If you stay longer than three days, you can incorporate day trips to nearby cities like Baltimore and Civil War battlefields and more obscure tourist attractions in Washington itself.
What is the most visited sight in Washington, DC?
The White House is easily the most visited sight in Washington DC. This is the home of the President of the United States and the First Lady, attracting millions of tourists a year.
Is there a hop-on hop-off bus in Washington, DC?
Of course. There are plenty of hop-on, hop-off bus tours available in Washington DC. If you only visit for two to three days, these buses are a fantastic way to maximize your time in the city and squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible.
Why We Love Washington DC
Are you looking forward to hitting the ground running? As you can see, Washington DC is packed with things to do, and these top 36 things to do in Washington DC are just the tip of the iceberg. You can admire permanent modern art exhibits, learn about African American history, or paddle boarding the Potomac River. This city wears its tourist scene on its sleeve, but be prepared for lots of sightseeing; Washington DC has a very long sleeve.
Consider day trips for more inspiration, especially if you stay in Washington, DC, for longer than a week. You could check out a nearby national park, like First State National Historical Park or Shenandoah National Park. Or you could venture out to the battle sites scattered around Washington’s city limits.
The city is also well connected to neighboring cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia. You can always have an overnight detour to a different city to maximize your experience. Washington, DC, has a brilliant location for day trips and hundreds of things to do – what more could you want? Have a fabulous time.
