Top 10 Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
Washington DC takes its name from George Washington, America's first president and one of its Founding Fathers. It was established as the United States' center of government after the American Revolution.
Today, Washington is an influential world political capital, being the seat of the U.S. federal government and home to numerous international organizations.
Did you know that Washington is not part of any U.S. state, and is not one of the 50 states either? Rather, it is a federal district exclusively under the jurisdiction of Congress, as stated in the U.S. Constitution. Explore top 10 things to do in D.C.
NUMBER 1: WASHINGTON MONUMENT
Built in honor of the first U.S. president, George Washington, the Washington Monument is a stone obelisk on the National Mall. The monument about 554 feet or 169 meters high was made using bluestone gneiss, granite, and marble, with differences in marble shades revealing a change in the source of the material when construction was stopped and later continued.
It was the world's tallest structure upon its completion in 1884 but was overtaken by the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 1889. Currently, it is both the tallest structure made mostly of stone and the tallest obelisk in the world.
For clear, picture-perfect views of the White House, Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and Tidal Basin, remember to visit the monument’s observation deck.
NUMBER 2: LINCOLN MEMORIAL
Standing across from the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial pays tribute to Abraham Lincoln, America’s 16th president. The marble structure was modeled on the Parthenon in Greece and built from 1914 to 1922.
The memorial's 36 exterior columns represent the 36 reunited states at the time of Lincoln's death. Meanwhile, the interior has three chambers — the central chamber houses a 19-foot tall statue of Lincoln, while the north and south chambers feature large murals and carved inscriptions of two of his speeches: the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address.
One of the most symbolic American monuments, the Lincoln Memorial has been the site of famous speeches like Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream.”
You can best view the memorial by walking from the eastern end of the National Mall. You'll see it gradually get bigger as you reach the edge of the Reflecting Pool, which beautifully illuminates the monument.
There are many other impressive monuments near the Lincoln Memorial. Check out our travel guide for more suggestions.
NUMBER 3: U.S. BOTANIC GARDEN
Established in 1820, the U.S. Botanic Garden is one of North America's oldest botanic gardens. This free-admission living plant museum on the National Mall aims to inform about the importance of plants to humans and the earth through exhibits, tours, and programs for visitors of all ages.
It features the Conservatory, where you'll find courtyard gardens and garden rooms under glass, with one whole room for orchids and another room for rare and endangered plants.
There are many other gardens in Washington, including the Enid A. Haupt Garden and the Sculpture Garden of the National Gallery of Art. See our travel guide for more suggestions.
NUMBER 4: MUSEUMS
Washington is unparalleled when it comes to world-class museums that offer diverse experiences with art, history, culture, science, and nature.
Visit the National Gallery of Art, where you'll see around 141,000 paintings, drawings, photos, and sculptures from many countries and eras as far back as the Middle Ages. Or explore the National Museum of Natural History, which houses 146 million specimens and objects - the world's largest natural history collection.
While most museums in Washington offer free admission, some do not, such as the Newseum and International Spy Museum. See our travel guide for more suggestions.
NUMBER 5: THE NATIONAL MALL
Located in central Washington, the National Mall is a tree-lined boulevard stretching over two miles, with the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol on its west and east ends. The idea for the Mall began in 1791 when President Washington asked a French engineer to create a plan for the country's capital.
Also known as "America's front yard," the National Mall receives about 24 million visitors yearly, making it the most visited national park in the United States.
With its majestic monuments and open spaces, it is a unique symbol of democracy and a popular venue for civic celebrations and rallies. For local residents, it is a place for jogging, picnics, and other recreational activities.
With iconic memorials, fascinating museums, scenic views, and year-round events, there will surely be something for you to see and do on the National Mall.
NUMBER 6: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for over 400,000 military personnel, veterans, and their families. About the size of 472 football fields, it is the largest military cemetery in America.
It lies in Arlington, Virginia, across from the Potomac River in Washington, and has been operational since 1864. With rolling green hills, centuries-old trees, gardens, and monuments, the cemetery honors those who have served the country by giving them a sense of beauty and peace.
One of the famous sites at Arlington is President John F. Kennedy's gravesite, which has an eternal flame that has stayed lit since his funeral in 1963.
Another is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a large white sarcophagus dedicated to unidentified fallen soldiers in World Wars I and II, Korea, and Vietnam. Sentinels guard the tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and take part in an elaborate changing-of-the-guard ritual every hour or half-hour, depending on the time of the year.
Beside the cemetery is the Air Force Memorial. Here you’ll find three 420-feet high spires made of stainless steel, in honor of those who have served the U.S. Air Force.
NUMBER 7: SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO
The National Zoo was founded in 1889, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Located in Woodley Park neighborhood in northern Washington, it features 18 areas that are home to over 1,500 animals from 300 different species.
Among the zoo's residents are the famous giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Bei Bei, plus Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, Panamanian golden frogs, and many other exotic creatures native to various continents.
You can join animal training and feeding activities and even watch a dinosaur live show at the zoo. What's more, you can enjoy all these at no cost, since the National Zoo always offers free admission for all its visitors.
NUMBER 8: THE WHITE HOUSE
Standing on Pennsylvania Avenue, the White House has been the official home and workplace of every U.S. president except George Washington.
It was called the "President's Palace," "President's House," and "Executive Mansion" at various times before President Theodore Roosevelt gave it its current name in 1902.
Modeled on Ireland's Leinster House, the White House was constructed from 1792 to 1800 using sandstone. However, it was rebuilt and renovated several times in the course of a century because of war damage, interior crowding, and structural weakness.
Today, the White House complex consists of the Executive Residence, the West and East Wings, an office building for presidential staff and the vice-president, and a guest residence.
If you wish to visit the White House, you must submit a tour request through your Member of Congress (if you are an American) or your country's embassy in Washington (if you are a foreign national).
NUMBER 9: UNITED STATES CAPITOL
The United States Capitol is the seat of the American government’s legislative branch, with the Senate in the north wing and the House of Representatives in the south wing. Situated at the National Mall’s eastern end, it is both an office building and an art and history museum.
Inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, the Capitol was begun in 1793 and underwent many additions, renovations, and modernization efforts over the past 200 years.
The building’s features include the:
Rotunda, a big ceremonial space also serving as an art gallery
National Statuary Hall, which display statues contributed by individual states
Crypt, a venue for historical exhibits
Visitor Center, the Capitol’s main entrance with a restaurant, gift shops, and an exhibition hall
To visit the Capitol, you'll have to book a free guided tour in advance online, or through senators' or representatives' offices, or through the Office of Visitor Services.
NUMBER 10: GEORGETOWN
Founded in 1751 as a tobacco port long before Washington was established, Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in the American capital. It is known for its federal-style architecture, impressive estates, historic brick row houses, cobblestone sidewalks, and famous residents, including past U.S. presidents Thomas Jefferson and John F. Kennedy.
Among the must-see places in the neighborhood is Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in America and home to the Riggs Memorial Library, one of the country’s last few iron-cast libraries. Other landmarks are the Old Stone House and the City Tavern Club, two of the oldest buildings in Washington.
With national parks along the Potomac River, Georgetown is a great destination not only for history buffs but also for outdoor enthusiasts. Georgetown Waterfront Park is popular with paddlers, and like the C&O Canal Towpath, is a scenic spot for walking, running, and biking.
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There are many other things to discover in Washington, D.C.. Check our travel guide for more information. Our travel guide is a mobile-friendly .pdf document that you can store on your phone for offline use. It covers the top 10 things to do in D.C., plus 10 additional attractions, maps, links, opening hours, and other information that will help make your trip to D.C. stress-free.