THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Washington DC
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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 For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Washington DC.
Private and Luxuryfromper adultAU$112- fromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$112
Half-day Toursfromper adultAU$145
Likely To Sell Outfromper adultAU$41
Culinary Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$161
Ghost Toursfromper adultAU$80- fromper adultAU$145
Golf Tours & Tee Timesfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$134
Likely To Sell Outfromper adultAU$128
Trolley Toursfromper adultAU$81
Natural History Museums
Interactive natural history displays spanning from dinosaur fossils to live butterfly encounters, complete with a celebrated gem and mineral hall, including the famed Hope Diamond.
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Speciality Museums
Museum with an array of aircraft and space exhibits, including the original Wright Brothers plane and the Discovery shuttle, complete with educational insights into aviation history.
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Monuments & Statues
Majestic monument showcasing a grand statue and historical displays, set against the backdrop of the Reflecting Pool. Offers a contemplative tribute to a key figure in racial equality.
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Art Museums
Art museum with a vast array of Western and Renaissance masterpieces, including sculptures and prints, spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary works.
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History Museums
Historical museum with poignant exhibits on the Holocaust, requiring timed tickets. Plan for a reflective 90-120 minute visit amidst crowds for a sobering educational experience.
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Libraries
Historic library featuring guided and self-guided tours, renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate interior details. Home to rare collections including the Gutenberg Bible.
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Government Buildings
Neo Classical landmark with guided tours through historic chambers, the Crypt, and Rotunda, connected to the Library of Congress by tunnel. Features impressive statues, artwork, and a gift shop.
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Historic Walking Areas
Spacious green haven with benches and gardens, surrounded by iconic landmarks and memorials. Ideal for serene walks, museum visits, and viewing the reflecting pool by night.
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Monuments & Statues
Elevated vantage point in the National Mall for panoramic city views, surrounded by a picturesque reflecting pool with historical significance and photo moments.
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Speciality Museums
Museum chronicling African American history across three levels, from slavery to modern achievements, with immersive exhibits and a reflective contemplative court.
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What travellers are saying
- Rebecca Y30 contributionsAn amazing experience! No entry ticket is required. There are tons of food trucks right outside before or during your visit.
There were 3 gift shops. One was right outside the fossils/dinos exhibit. The other two were at the entry.
Everywhere you turned it seemed like there was more to see: from the Hope Diamond to gemstones, to fossils and animals to mummies.Written 12 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Douglas MMount Vernon, ME636 contributionsWe throughly enjoyed visiting and touring the air and space museum with our family. Seeing all the planes, helicopters, and the Discovery Space Shuttle was truly rewarding.Written 12 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rebecca Y30 contributionsWe saw the memorial at night when it was all lit up. It gets very busy, so expect a lot of people.
This is an iconic place. You can't go wrong with seeing this oneWritten 12 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - dustythoughtsManchester, CT2,295 contributionsSeveral colleagues and I came here after a work meeting to wander through this glorious art museum and take in the beauty of the artwork. This art museum is so large that we could've spent the entire day here and not see everything. I really liked the Elizabeth Catlett exhibit; she was an immensely prolific artist and yet remains relatively unknown, which is deeply unfortunate. The museum is well-organized and has plenty of benches so we can sit and ponder the art. The staff here are super friendly.Written 19 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- courtneyf150Nekoosa, WI21 contributionsA very nicely laid out museum with so much information! I had my mom and young daughter with so I didn’t spend as long as I probably could have, however the one thing I did notice and appreciate is that the more graphic movies were placed behind walls so my 4 year old could pass over them but were still available for everyone else!Written 7 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- noworryRichmond, VA108 contributionsTruly one of the most beautiful and interesting buildings in DC. Even if you just walk around on your own it is worth the visit.
Lucked out and just happened to be able to join a tour moments before it started. Can't imagine this would happen the majority of time --tickets!! Hank, I think, was the docent and had a wealth of interesting info.
Would put it at the top of the list of places to visit in DC.Written 21 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Rebecca Y30 contributionsBe sure to get there early as the security takes awhile to get through and you'll need to get there before your tour time.
You will need a booked tour in order to see the building.
The tour was really good. The tour guide talked about all the paintings, sculptures, and history of the building. We all wore headsets so that we could all hear the tour guide speaking.Written 12 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - dustythoughtsManchester, CT2,295 contributionsDon't let the name 'mall' mislead you - this is no ordinary indoor shopping experience. The National Mall is the heart of Washington, DC, with the Washington Memorial at one end, the U.S. Capitol Building at the other end, and several well-known museums bordering each side. In nice weather, you can see people enjoying themselves outdoors playing games, going for a run, or simply sitting and enjoying the nice weather.Written 19 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- regal tour travelDallas, TX768 contributionsInteresting history. Amazing height. Nice architecture. Good location. It's definitely worth a visit. A must-see in Washington, DCWritten 15 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Paul HPhiladelphia, PA217 contributionsThis was really interesting. We spent over 3 hours on the top floor, and when we realized there was another floor with at least as many exhibits we kind of lost mental and physical energy--I think I would like to go back and visit the fourth floor. The special exhibit on Bond cars was really cool! A little expensive but well worth the visit.Written 27 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lincoln P1 contributionBest place I have ever gone to, me and my wife love it here. The art was very cool, especially the train coach that they had.Written 18 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AdorableK238 contributionsWe only got to see the outside of the White House but it was nice to see at night. It was pretty with all the lights. Seems like the fence gets bigger and taller everytime I visit.Written 20 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January2 ºCColdest month7 days of rainLess busy
- February3 ºC7 days of rainVery busy
- March8 ºC8 days of rainVery busyBusiest month
- April14 ºC9 days of rainVery busy
- May19 ºC11 days of rainModerately busy
- June24 ºC11 days of rainModerately busy
- July26 ºCHottest month12 days of rainWettest monthVery busy
- August25 ºC10 days of rainModerately busy
- September22 ºC8 days of rainModerately busy
- October15 ºC7 days of rainLess busy
- November9 ºC7 days of rainLess busy
- December4 ºC7 days of rainLess busyLeast busy month
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The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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