United States · Region
Washington DC
Washington DC is the seat of U.S. federal power, home to the Capitol, White House, Supreme Court, and a free constellation of Smithsonian museums lining the National Mall. Its low-rise skyline, laid out by L'Enfant's grand avenues, gives the city a distinctly monumental, walkable character rarely found in other American capitals.
Top attractions
attraction Lincoln Memorial: Washington DC Travel Guide (4.8★)
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC sits at the west end of the National Mall, facing the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument. 4.8★ (54,427 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction National Mall: Washington DC Travel Guide
The National Mall is the 2-mile grassy corridor between the U.S.
attraction Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: Washington DC Travel Guide
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History sits on the National Mall at 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW in Washington DC, and it's free to enter every day from 10am to 5:30pm. 4.8★ (58,597 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction United States Botanic Garden: Washington DC Travel Guide
The United States Botanic Garden sits on Maryland Avenue SW at the foot of Capitol Hill, and it's free to enter every day from 10am to 5pm. 4.8★ (18,829 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Trendy & cafés
trendy Baked & Wired: Washington DC Travel Guide (4.5★)
Baked & Wired is a bakery and coffeehouse on Thomas Jefferson Street NW in Georgetown, Washington DC, known for oversized cupcakes and signature granola. 4.5★ (3,826 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
trendy Maison Bar à Vins: Washington DC Travel Guide
Maison Bar à Vins in Washington DC, United States — a new/trending spot: what it is, where it is, and how to visit.
Where to eat
restaurant Founding Farmers DC: Menu, Hours and Brunch Tips
Farm-to-table American spot at 1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW near Foggy Bottom: buttermilk biscuits, chicken and waffles, all-day brunch, opening hours, and how to beat the wait.
restaurant Old Ebbitt Grill: Where to Eat in Washington DC (4.6★)
Old Ebbitt Grill, a gaslit Victorian tavern at 675 15th St NW, sits a block from the White House and is open daily from 8am (9am weekends) until 2am, making it one of the few spots downtown for a proper late breakfast, sit-down lunch, or after-work oyster hour. 4.6★ (20,386 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
restaurant Surfside Taco Stand: Where to Eat in Washington DC
Surfside Taco Stand is a bright, cafeteria-style Mexican counter at 1800 N St NW in Dupont Circle, open 24 hours, known for tacos and margaritas at budget-friendly prices.
restaurant Unconventional Diner: Where to Eat in Washington DC (4.7★)
Unconventional Diner sits on 9th Street NW in Shaw, serving upscale comfort food from 7am to 10pm daily. 4.7★ (8,901 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Hidden gems
hidden gem Eastern Market: Washington DC Travel Guide (4.5★)
Eastern Market in Washington DC's Capitol Hill neighborhood is the city's oldest continually operating public market, open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday) at 225 7th St SE. 4.5★ (4,468 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
hidden gem Lost City Books: Washington DC Travel Guide (4.7★)
Lost City Books is a multi-level used and out-of-print bookshop at 2467 18th St NW in Adams Morgan, Washington DC, open daily from 10am (to 9pm, or 8pm on Sundays). 4.7★ (626 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
hidden gem Tudor Place: Washington DC Travel Guide (4.5★)
Tudor Place is an 1816 neoclassical house museum at 1644 31st St NW in Georgetown, Washington DC, seen on hourly guided tours with gardens you can walk around afterwards. 4.5★ (628 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
hidden gem U.S. National Arboretum: Washington DC Travel Guide
The U.S. National Arboretum, at 3501 New York Ave NE in Northeast DC, is a free 446-acre research garden best known for its 22 salvaged Corinthian columns and its world-class National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.
Top-rated things to do in Washington DC
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Where to stay in Washington DC
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Frequently asked questions about Washington DC
How do I get to Washington DC?
Most travelers arrive via Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which sits directly on Metrorail's Yellow and Blue Lines for a quick ride into downtown; Washington Dulles International (IAD) is also an option, connected to the Metro's Silver Line, making rail the typical route into the city from either airport.
How many days should I spend in Washington DC?
~3 days is enough to cover the National Mall's museums and monuments plus a couple of neighborhood outings, though history and politics enthusiasts could easily fill 4-5 days.
What is Washington DC known for?
Washington DC is the seat of U.S. federal power, home to the Capitol, White House, Supreme Court, and a free constellation of Smithsonian museums lining the National Mall. Its low-rise skyline, laid out by L'Enfant's grand avenues, gives the city a distinctly monumental, walkable character rarely found in other American capitals.