Things to Do in Washington DC, DC - Washington DC Attractions
Things to Do in Washington DC
Stroll or bike through the National Mall, stopping at the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Smithsonian museums. Go in Spring to catch the cherry blossoms in bloom
Explore popular experiences
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Washington DC.
- Historical Toursfromper adult$64
- Historical Toursfromper adult$85
- Historical Toursfromper adult$84
- Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$55
- Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$105
- Historical Toursfromper adult$49
- Historical Toursfromper adult$78
- fromper adult$69
- Historical Toursfromper adult$89
- Historical Toursfromper adult$89
Other Top Attractions around Washington DC
A mini guide to Washington DC
Natalie B
Travel Expert
Has a long-time connection to D.C.
- What’s one thing visitors shouldn't miss?The food scene! People tend to think D.C. is all steakhouses and power lunch spots, but there are actually such interesting restaurants here, from classics like Ben’s Chili Bowl to the hotspots along H Street. And eating Ethiopian food in Adams Morgan is a must.
- What do you wish tourists knew about Washington DC?There’s so much more to this city than monuments and museums. To really experience D.C., check out neighborhoods like Columbia Heights (amazing restaurants), Blagden Alley (more incredible restaurants, plus awesome street art), and H Street Corridor (cool music venues).
- Let us in on your favorite restaurants—what makes them great?It’s impossible to name the best restaurant in D.C.—there are too many good places opening all the time. But one of my favorites will always be Maydan. It’s such a fun spot, with a huge hearth in the center for live-fire cooking, and the Middle Eastern food is so good (get all the kebabs).
- Are there any activities that are better done on weekends vs. weekdays?In general, I think D.C. is much nicer to visit during the week. Everything is a little less crowded, and, unlike a lot of museums, all the Smithsonians are open on Mondays. Restaurants are easier to get into on weeknights as well.
- Which top tourist attraction is worth the hype?The Mall. No matter how crowded it gets, there’s no denying its beauty and history. To beat the crowds, do a midnight monument tour (the Mall is open 24 hours a day)—we did this all the time in college and it’s magical. The monuments are all lit up and there’s hardly anyone else around.
- Why is Washington DC special to you?I went to college in D.C., but felt connected to the city even before then—it’s where my parents met and fell in love. I’ve gone back regularly in the years since to visit friends who still live there and explore the city as an adult. It changed so much (for the better) during the Obama years.
- AboutNatalie is a New York-based writer and editor focused on travel, food, and drink. She’s worked with AFAR, TimeOut, Fodor’s Travel, Resy, Edible Brooklyn, Serious Eats, and Vox Creative, among others.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Jose R12 contributionsThe Lincoln memorial is undergoing renovations and construction of the Lincoln memorial museum which are supposed to be completed in 2026. Some of the views will be obstructed.Written March 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jose R12 contributionsThis museum is huge so you may need to stay at least 3 hours. We stayed only 1/2 hr as we were in a rush and it was our second time. The kids enjoyed that little bit we had though, especially the dinosaurs.Written March 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jose R12 contributionsYou need free advanced tickets to get in. Make sure you get them at least a few days in advance. The museum is under renovation until 2026, so half of the museum is closed. You can see it in less than 2 hours, including the planetarium (which is not free, 4 people is $32). It’s nice and educational for the kids.Written March 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- D MCincinnati, OH33 contributionsTop notch art and experience. I sat in the gallery on a couch and sketched for an hour.
Clean bathrooms and secure. Beautiful sculptures and art.
Easily accessible on the national mall.Written February 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jose R12 contributionsYou need free, timed tickets to get in. It’s a beautiful library with plenty of history. The reading room is only open to researchers and can only see it from the second floor. We were able to use the Children’s library and spent there about an hour.Written March 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Boyd JMaleny, Australia1,688 contributionsThe United States Holocaust Memorial Museum requires a timed pass to get in and the security procedures similar to boarding an aircraft. The exhibits are laid out so that you take an elevator to the third floor. The lift is steel, has no buttons or signs and 15 people are crammed into the car. Half way up a short announcement begins about – I can’t remember what – as I was still taking in how the elevator car ride is meant to represent in a minuscule way the journey of Jews in airless freight cars to a concentration camp. The door opens and the exhibits are unrelenting from there on, as they should be. The story then unfolds over three floors as you move through the exhibit and descend each floor. The special children’s exhibit tells the story of Daniel in a way that doesn’t shy away from what happened, yet in a sensitive way more suitable for children.
It is a confronting, sobering, yet compelling experience. Not to be missed out of all of the museums in Washington D.C.Written February 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - montanapescadoAlbuquerque, NM1,316 contributionsWhen I first heard what design had been selected for this memorial, I thought it grossly inartistic and unworthy of what was to be memorialized. When I saw it in person , I realized how wrong I was. This is utterly compelling and a must stop for DC visitors.Written March 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- montanapescadoAlbuquerque, NM1,316 contributionsFor me, this is the ultimate war memorial. While uniformly gray, the Pancho clad statues slogging through the field have a compelling life to them. Pro tip: try to go at dusk for maximum effect. One of my visits was on a very foggy evening, which was positively overwhelming.Written March 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jaclyn HRaleigh, NC43 contributionsThis was my first time visiting DC. I was visiting my son who was recovering from an injury during deployment. We took advantage of this opportunity and explored DC. National Mall was nothing like you see on TV and in movies. What an experience to see it up close. Stunning. The reflecting pools are stunning, everything was well-maintained. Expect it to be busy, but everyone was super courteous even all the kids on a field trip. This is a must.Written March 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LesleyDublinDublin, Ireland217 contributionsWe booked this in advance. There is no charge. You get a tour of the building, it's very interesting. If you want to go into the Gallery of the Senate or House of Representatives you need to contact your Public Representatives in advance to get passes. I don't know the details of this as I'm not American. There is a gift shop in the Capitol building and also a large cafeteria downstairs. This building is the heart of the American politics system and well worth a visit.Written March 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- montanapescadoAlbuquerque, NM1,316 contributionsEverything about this varied and detailed memorial is well thought out and not only appropriate to commemorating the conflict, but also the generation and their position in the broader base of the historical period. The layout, architecture, and display take the visitor to the 1940s while providing place and peace for reflection.Written March 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jaclyn HRaleigh, NC43 contributionsThis was my first time visiting DC. I was visiting my son who was recovering from an injury during deployment. We took advantage of this opportunity and explored DC. Fantastic monument to see. I am not a fan of heights, so I didn't go up, but everything around it was incredible.Written March 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington DC
- The top attractions to visit in Washington DC are:
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- U.S. Capitol
- Lincoln Memorial
- National Gallery of Art
- The best outdoor activities in Washington DC according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
- National Mall
- Dumbarton Oaks
- United States Botanic Garden
- Tidal Basin
- The best day trips from Washington DC according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Tour
- Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Day Trip from Washington DC
- Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington
- VIP Mount Vernon Day Trip & River Cruise
- DC to Gettysburg Tour with Gettysburg American Civil War Museum
- The most popular things to do in Washington DC with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Lincoln Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- National Air and Space Museum
- Babylon Tours Washington D.C.