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Washington, DC
The USA's capital teems with iconic monuments, vast museums and the corridors of power. But look closer and you'll have a sharp view of one of America's most diverse art and culture scenes.
Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Washington, DC
The legendary exhibits at the National Air and Space Museum include the Wright brothers' flyer, Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St…
Washington, DC
Two buildings. Hundreds of masterpieces. Infinite enjoyment. It's easy to spend a full day at the National Gallery of Art, which showcases a whole range…
Washington, DC
Anchoring the National Mall's west end is the hallowed shrine to Abraham Lincoln, who gazes across the Reflecting Pool beneath his neoclassical, Doric…
National Museum of African American History & Culture
Washington, DC
Located in Washington, DC, the sensational National Museum of African American History & Culture is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African…
Washington, DC
Since 1800, this is where the legislative branch of American government (ie Congress) has met to write the country's laws.
White House Area & Foggy Bottom
Play image association with the words “Washington, DC,” and chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the White House. The president’s pad is…
Washington, DC
In a city of classic, white-marble monuments, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands out on the National Mall for its stark modernism. Designed by 21-year…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Georgetown
The shaded hiking-cycling path runs alongside a waterway built in the mid-1800s to transport goods to West Virginia. Step on at Jefferson St for a lovely…
National Museum of African American History & Culture
Washington, DC
Located in Washington, DC, the sensational National Museum of African American History & Culture is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African…
White House Area & Foggy Bottom
The Washington Opera is based at the Kennedy Center and puts on a varied showcase throughout the year. Plácido Domingo helmed the company until 2011, when…
Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights
Compass Rose feels like a secret garden, set in a discreet townhouse a whisker from 14th St's buzz. The exposed brick walls and sky-blue ceiling give it a…
Georgetown
This park is a favorite with couples on first dates, families on an evening stroll and power players showing off their yachts. Benches dot the way, where…
Upper Northwest DC
Home to more than 2700 animals and more than 390 species in natural habitats, the National Zoo is famed for its giant pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Bei…
Washington, DC
One of the icons of Capitol Hill, this roofed bazaar sprawls with delectable chow and good cheer, especially on weekends. Built in 1873, it is the last of…
Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights
Busboys & Poets is one of U Street's linchpins. Locals pack the place for coffee, boozy brunches, books and a progressive vibe that makes San Francisco…
White House Area & Foggy Bottom
This is the affiliate orchestra of the Kennedy Center and one of the best chamber symphonies in the nation.
Upper Northwest DC
At 1700-plus acres, Rock Creek is twice the size of New York’s Central Park and feels wilder. Terrific trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding…
Washington, DC
Straddling technology, art and science, this 15,000-sq-ft, three-level state-of-the-art digital gallery mesmerizes with large-scale, interactive, multi…
White House Area & Foggy Bottom
Overlooking the Potomac River, the magnificent Kennedy Center hosts a staggering array of performances – more than 2000 each year in venues including the…
21 free things to do in Washington, DC: experience the best of the US capital for nothing
Curated by Kate Armstrong
White House Area & Foggy Bottom
Play image association with the words “Washington, DC,” and chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the White House. The president’s pad is…
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial
Washington, DC
Opened in 2011, this was the first Mall memorial to honor an African American. Sculptor Lei Yixin carved the piece, which is reminiscent in concept and…
Washington, DC
In a city of classic, white-marble monuments, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands out on the National Mall for its stark modernism. Designed by 21-year…
Washington, DC
It's hard not to feel a little in awe of the big three documents in the Archives: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights…
Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights
The cool crowd hobnobs at this food hall, where culinary entrepreneurs sell their banana-ginger chocolates, herbed goat's cheeses and smoked meats. Among…
Washington, DC
One of the icons of Capitol Hill, this roofed bazaar sprawls with delectable chow and good cheer, especially on weekends. Built in 1873, it is the last of…
Washington, DC
The highest court in the USA occupies a pseudo-Greek temple protected by 13,000lb bronze doors. Arrive early to watch arguments (periodic Monday through…
Washington, DC
The 2-mile stroll around this constructed inlet incorporates the Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson memorials as well as the Floral Library…
Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights
This is an incredible bit of urban green space. The grounds are terraced like a hanging garden replete with waterfalls, sandstone terraces and assorted…
Washington, DC
Anchoring the National Mall's west end is the hallowed shrine to Abraham Lincoln, who gazes across the Reflecting Pool beneath his neoclassical, Doric…
Washington, DC
The world's largest library – with 164 million books, manuscripts, maps, photos, films and other items – awes in both scope and design. The centerpiece is…
Washington, DC
Built to resemble London’s Crystal Palace, this garden's iron-and-glass greenhouse provides a beautiful setting to view orchids, ferns and cacti. When you…
Upper Northwest DC
At 1700-plus acres, Rock Creek is twice the size of New York’s Central Park and feels wilder. Terrific trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding…
Washington, DC
Two buildings. Hundreds of masterpieces. Infinite enjoyment. It's easy to spend a full day at the National Gallery of Art, which showcases a whole range…
Washington, DC
Dedicated in 2004, this grandiose memorial honors the 16 million US soldiers who served in WWII. Groups of veterans regularly come here to pay their…
Georgetown
Next door to Dumbarton Oaks garden, Dumbarton Oaks Park was once part of the estate but is now a public woodland beloved by joggers and dog walkers…
Washington, DC
Touchstone Gallery exhibits contemporary pieces created by its 45 member artists. Works cover multiple media, including sculpture, painting and the…
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Washington, DC
The 7.5-acre memorial pays tribute to the longest-serving president in US history. Visitors are taken through four red-granite areas that narrate FDR’s…
Washington, DC
Since 1800, this is where the legislative branch of American government (ie Congress) has met to write the country's laws.
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Neighborhoods
Seeing the White House and Capitol will thrill, but it's the cobblestoned neighborhoods and bohemian quarters that really make you fall for Washington, DC.
Read articleDay Trips
From wineries to oysters to hikes in the mountains, the region around Washington, DC, has a day trip to suit every taste.
Read articleTransportation
Navigating Washington, DC, isn’t tricky, but it does take some planning to make for a smooth trip. Here's our guide to getting around the US capital.
Read articleFree Things to Do
Have a low-cost visit to Washington, DC, with these fantastic experiences that are completely free.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from Washington, DC
Art and Culture
The National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC reopensOct 21, 2023 • 6 min read
ArtGlenstone is an unmissable, immersive cultural destination. Here’s why you need to visit this springMar 22, 2023 • 5 min read
![Views inside the “Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets” gallery at the Smithsonian Air and at Space Museum in Washington, DC, August 16, 2022. (Smithsonian photo by Jim Preston) [202200816JP-0098] [NASM2022-05207]](https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2022-10/NASM2022-05207.JPG?auto=format&w=140&h=140&fit=crop&q=75)
MuseumsA reason to travel to Washington, DC: the reopening of the National Air and Space MuseumOct 12, 2022 • 3 min read
Budget Travel21 free things to do in Washington, DC: experience the best of the US capital for nothingMay 12, 2022 • 7 min read
Art and CultureThe groundbreaking "Afro-Atlantic Histories" is now open at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DCMay 3, 2022 • 4 min read
Festivals & EventsWant to travel the world for free? This event in Washington, DC, will let you do it in an afternoonApr 29, 2022 • 4 min read
Road TripsBeauty beyond the Beltway: favorite day trips from Washington, DCApr 26, 2022 • 7 min read
ArtFor the 110th anniversary of DC's National Cherry Blossom Festival, in-person celebrations returnMar 17, 2022 • 3 min read
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