Washington DC attracts history buffs with its national monuments and memorials, as well as impressive museums displaying various cultures, artefacts and collectables from around the world. Home to the White House, you may even catch a glimpse of the nation’s president while you’re vacationing in the U.S. capital.

Spring often attracts crowds to the 2-mile-long (3.2 km) Tidal Basin as hundreds of pink cherry trees are in bloom from March to October. All year round, the city also has a vibrant entertainment scene, with live jazz, rock and roll and EDM blaring from nightclubs, lounges and bars concentrated in the U Street district. Make the most out of your stay by checking out our guide to things to do in Washington DC.

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

  • 1

    The White House

    Watch a 10-minute video of the president’s home at the visitor’s centre

    The White House
    • History
    • Photo

    The White House is a popular stop for most visitors in Washington DC as it has been the official residence of every president of the USA since 1800. Self-guided tours are available, but for security reasons foreign visitors are required to apply for a tour request at their home country’s embassy in Washington DC.

    Even if you’re not able to schedule a tour inside, the White House still offers beautiful snapshots thanks to its all-white exterior, blooming flowerbeds and fountains.

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    Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA

    Open: Tours: Tuesday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm

    Phone: +1 202-456-1111

    Map
  • 2

    Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials

    A walking tour of the memorials

    Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials
    • Budget
    • History
    • Photo

    The Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials are built in commemoration of some of the nation’s most noteworthy people. The Lincoln Memorial, inspired by the Pantheon, features 36 Doric columns and a 5.8-metre-tall sitting statue of Abraham Lincoln looking out towards a reflecting pool.

    A 10-minute walk away is the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, which is located next to the Tidal Basin. Both are located in Independence Avenue, and you get to enjoy a lovely view of gardens, sculptures and a large reflecting pool as you walk from one memorial to another.

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    Map
  • 3

    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

    An actual fossilised Neanderthal at the Hall of Human Origins

    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
    • Budget
    • Families
    • History

    The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History displays over 126 million objects ranging from animal fossils, gemstones and meteorites to live butterflies and insects. Spanning over 325,000 sq. metres of exhibition space, it’s one of the largest museums in the world. Take a stroll through the halls and discover awe-inspiring exhibitions.

    The Hall of Human Origins is where you get to learn about the history of human species through an interactive human family tree, an authentic fossilized Neanderthal and over 70 skull replicas.

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    Location: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +1 202-633-1000

    Map

    photo by Tony Hisgett (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 4

    Pennsylvania Avenue

    Museum-hopping in downtown DC

    Pennsylvania Avenue
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Pennsylvania Avenue is a great place to visit historical buildings and museums in Washington DC. A good starting point for tourists is the White House, where you’re within walking distances of the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial.

    You can also enjoy a day of museum-hopping when you’re in Pennsylvania Avenue, with famous spots including the Smithsonian Museums, Art Museum of the Americas and Hirshhorn Museum. There are so many things to see, your day will fill up easily.

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    Map
  • 5

    Eastern Market

    Delightful crafts by local artists

    Eastern Market
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Eastern Market, established in 1805, is one of the first public marketplaces in Washington DC. It occupies an 18th-century brick building on Capitol Hill. The North Hall is where you can find vendors selling fresh flowers, produce, pasta and bakery items from Tuesday to Sunday.

    On weekends, Eastern Market hosts a large flea market where local artists sell handmade crafts, second-hand books, cameras, antiques and collectibles from all over the world. If you’re looking for a souvenir to remember your trip, this is the place to pick one up.

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    Location: 225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm (Sunday until 5 pm)

    Phone: +1 202-698-5253

    Map

    photo by Daniel Lobo (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 6

    US Capitol and the Library of Congress

    A free tour of the senate building

    US Capitol and the Library of Congress
    • Budget
    • History

    The US Capitol has more than 600 rooms and miles of vaulted corridors built in 19th-century neoclassical style. Its most impressive feature is a 54-metre-tall white dome with revolutionary period scenes, relief sculptures and busts of former presidents. Be sure to head there early as tours are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Near the senate building is the Library of Congress, where you can enjoy free lectures, poetry readings and concerts all year round. The library also displays a recreation of Thomas Jefferson's original library.

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    Location: US Capitol Grounds, Washington, DC 20004, USA and 10 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    Open: Library of Congress: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: + 1 202-226-8000 and + 1 202-707-5000

    Map
  • 7

    National Gallery of Art

    A walk in the Sculpture Garden

    National Gallery of Art
    • Budget
    • History

    The National Gallery of Art displays more 140,000 artworks from Europe and America from different time periods. Its West and East Buildings are connected by an underground concourse that’s fitted with Leo Villareal’s Multiverse installation, where you can see over 41,000 LED nodes creating hypnotic trailing lights and abstract sculptures.

    A highlight here is the Sculpture Garden, which has a large fountain that functions as an ice rink during winter. Admission to the National Gallery of Art is free all year round.

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    Location: Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, USA

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +1 202-737-4215

    Map
  • 8

    Rock Creek Park

    A guided trail ride by the Horse Center

    Rock Creek Park
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    Rock Creek Park is one of the largest green expanse in Washington DC. Hiking is a popular activity as the park has more than 30 trails to suit any fitness level. The Rock Creek Park Horse Center offers daily horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides for those looking to explore the park at a leisurely pace.

    It’s also a popular spot for picnics, jogging, tennis and cycling, so expect huge crowds if you’re visiting on weekends or national holidays. Join in the energetic atmosphere and enjoy the buzz.

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    Location: Washington, DC 20008, USA

    Phone: + 1 202-895-6000

    Map
  • 9

    Tidal Basin

    Blooming cherry trees in springtime

    Tidal Basin
    • Couples
    • Families
    • History
    • Photo

    The Tidal Basin is a manmade pond overlooking many Washington landmarks, including the Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials. The 2-mile-long pond (3.2 km) is a popular spot for cycling and jogging all year round, but it draws a big crowd in spring as hundreds of cherry trees are in full bloom during this season.

    Take a walk, hop in a paddleboat, or enjoy a picnic while admiring the scenery. The Tidal Basin has great views of many famous Washington sights, including the Washington Monument, so it’s the perfect place to take photos.

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    Location: 1501 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA

    Map
  • 10

    U Street

    Live jazz at this vibrant nightlife hub

    U Street
    • Couples
    • Nightlife
    • Single

    U Street, known as the birthplace of jazz legend Duke Ellington, houses some of the busiest nightclubs, jazz clubs and theatres in Washington DC. From the internationally acclaimed 9:30 Club to underground U Street Music Hall, there’s always a live gig happening on U Street.

    This vibrant area is alive with African American culture and history. So even if you’re not there for drinks and music, you can find many art galleries, vintage shops and wall murals while exploring this colourful neighbourhood.

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    Map

    photo by ianakoz (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Penny Wong | Compulsive Traveller