Things to do · Washington, District of Columbia, US
Things to Do in Washington
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- Getting there
- Washington is served by three major airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National (about 5 km from downtown), Washington Dulles (roughly 37 km) and Baltimore/Washington International (around 45 km). Most visitors arrive on domestic flights from hubs like New York, Chicago or Atlanta, and many also take Amtrak to Union Station or drive up I‑95, which drops you off within a few miles of the National Mall.
- Who goes
- The city welcomes roughly twenty million tourists each year, attracting history enthusiasts, political junkies and culture seekers. Summer months and the spring holiday period tend to be the busiest, while winter—especially January—offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds at the monuments and museums.
- Budgeting
- A careful traveler can expect to spend about $60–$100 per day (roughly £45–£75 or €55–€90), whereas a more comfortable stay typically runs $150–$250 daily (≈ £110–£185 or €140–€230). Accommodations and dining are the biggest expenses; one reliable way to stretch your budget is to rely on the free Smithsonian museums and the Metro’s day passes for getting around. Estimate →
National World War II Memorial
monument · 4.9 rating
The organization supporting the National World War II Memorial, a grand plaza on the National Mall with fountains and pillars honoring those who served. Travelers come to pay tribute at this monumental, symmetrical war memorial.
Lincoln Memorial
monument · 4.7 rating
An iconic neoclassical monument on the National Mall in Washington, DC, housing the seated statue of Abraham Lincoln. A defining symbol of the capital and American history.
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
museum · 4.6 rating
An iconic Smithsonian museum on the National Mall displaying historic aircraft and spacecraft, including the Wright Flyer and Apollo artifacts. One of the most visited museums in the world.
The Wharf DC
neighborhood · 4.7 rating
A waterfront district along the Potomac River in Washington with restaurants, bars, shops, live music venues and piers. Travelers come to stroll the promenade, dine, and enjoy the riverside setting.
Museum of the Bible
museum · 4.7 rating · $34.99
A large museum near the National Mall dedicated to the history, narrative, and cultural impact of the Bible through interactive and immersive exhibits. A stop for those interested in religious history and artifacts.
National Portrait Gallery
gallery · 4.8 rating
A Smithsonian museum housing portraits of notable Americans, including the presidential portraits, in a landmark neoclassical building. A must for art and history lovers.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
museum · 4.6 rating
A world-renowned Smithsonian museum on the National Mall featuring exhibits on dinosaurs, gems including the Hope Diamond, and the natural world. A top family destination in Washington, D.C.
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
theater · 4.8 rating
The nation's premier performing arts complex overlooking the Potomac, hosting concerts, theater, opera, and dance. Travelers come for world-class performances and riverside views from its terraces.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
museum · 4.7 rating
A national memorial and museum in Washington, D.C. documenting the history of the Holocaust through exhibits, artifacts, and personal testimonies. Travelers visit for a profound educational experience about one of history's greatest atrocities.
National Gallery of Art
gallery · 4.8 rating
One of the world's great art museums, holding an encyclopedic collection spanning European and American masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the present. A must-visit for art lovers on the National Mall.
Library of Congress
library · 4.7 rating
One of the world's largest libraries, with hundreds of miles of shelving and millions of items.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
monument · 4.9 rating
A national memorial on the Tidal Basin featuring a towering granite sculpture of the civil rights leader and inscribed quotations. A moving stop for history and reflection.
National Mall
park · 4.6 rating
The expansive open parkland at the heart of Washington, DC, lined with monuments, memorials, and museums. A central destination for sightseeing and walking between iconic landmarks.
Ford's Theatre
theater · 4.7 rating · $5
The historic theater where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, now a working theater and museum dedicated to his life and legacy. Travelers come for its pivotal place in American history.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
church · 4.9 rating
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