Best Places to Visit in Washington DC

One of the most iconic buildings in North America, the White House can be admired from Pennsylvania Avenue with views of its marble exterior and perfectly manicured grounds. Free guided tours are available but must be requested well in advance.

Located at the east end of the National Mall, the United States Capitol is one of the most architecturally stunning Washington DC attractions. Visitors can marvel at the building's exterior and explore exhibits highlighting the history of Capitol Hill.

Stretching between the White House to the north and the Capitol Building to the east, the National Mall is one of the most celebrated places to visit in Washington DC. The famous Lincoln Memorial at the western end is a must-see highlight of any visit.

Steps from the National Mall, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum is the official national memorial to the Holocaust and one of the most powerful Washington DC attractions. Admission is free, with tickets based on timed entry, so reserving in advance is strongly recommended.

Featuring works by Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Alexander Calder, the National Gallery of Art is one of the most impressive places to visit in Washington DC for art lovers. The West Building pays architectural homage to the Pantheon in Rome, and indoor gardens add to the beauty of an already extraordinary collection.

One of the most visited museums in the world, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, sits on the National Mall and offers free admission. Exhibits spanning fossils, plants, and cultural artifacts from around the globe make it one of the most comprehensive Washington DC attractions for visitors of all ages.

One of the most famous cemeteries in the country, Arlington National Cemetery, is the final resting place of many who served the United States, including President John F. Kennedy and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most moving places to visit in Washington DC.

The museum wing of the National Archives is open to visitors to view some of the most important documents in American history, including the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Presidential documents, photographs, and films round out one of the most historically significant Washington DC attractions.

Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, Eastern Market is a must-visit among places to visit in Washington DC. The indoor market is open Tuesday through Sunday, while weekends bring an open-air farmers market and an outdoor arts and antiques market.

Part of the Smithsonian Institution and featuring animals from around the world, including giant pandas, elephants, and giant cats, the National Zoo offers free admission alongside daily demonstrations, a carousel, and a playground for children.

For a few spectacular weeks each year, the Tidal Basin transforms into a canopy of beautiful pink blooms, drawing visitors from around the world. Gifted by Tokyo in 1912, the cherry blossom trees are celebrated each year with ceremonies, dinner parties, and parades throughout the festival.

Part of the Smithsonian Institution, this museum celebrates the diversity and experiences of African Americans throughout US history. Artifacts, including Harriet Tubman's hymnal, Michael Jackson's fedora, and a plantation cabin from South Carolina, make it one of the most moving places to visit in Washington DC.

The headquarters of the Department of Defense, the Pentagon, offers guided tours in advance for US citizens. The Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, located just outside, is open to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering a deeply moving tribute to the lives lost in 2001.

A waterfront destination along the Potomac River, Washington Harbour offers shopping, dining, boating in summer, and ice skating in winter alongside some of the best river views in the city. It is one of the most relaxed places to visit in Washington DC for a leisurely afternoon.

Home to the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House, the National Portrait Gallery also features portraits of famous Americans, including Alexander Hamilton, Harriet Tubman, and Frida Kahlo.

Also known as Malcolm X Park, Meridian Hill Park is a beautifully landscaped urban oasis offering a peaceful break from the monuments and museums. A cascading fountain, the Joan of Arc statue, and shaded corners to explore make it one of the most charming places to visit in Washington DC.

Formerly known as Union Terminal Market, Union Market is D.C.'s food central, with colorful and eclectic food stalls offering unique food and drink alongside casual on-site restaurants. It is one of the most vibrant Washington DC attractions for food lovers.

The Library of Congress is a beautiful and historically significant institution open to visitors for self-guided digital experiences, special exhibitions, and events throughout the year. It is one of the most architecturally stunning places to visit in Washington DC.

One of the most recognizable Washington DC attractions, the Lincoln Memorial features a 19-foot-tall statue of Abraham Lincoln flanked by 36 columns. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, visiting in the late evening or early morning is recommended for a quieter and more contemplative experience.

The site of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination, Ford's Theatre, is an intimate venue offering both live theatrical performances and a self-guided museum experience. Tickets are free and available at the box office, with advanced reservations recommended.

An underrated gem among Washington DC attractions, the Heurich House Museum features perfectly preserved decor and furnishings from the turn of the century alongside some of the best preserved architecture in the city. It celebrates the legacy of immigrants seeking the American Dream.

A peaceful horticultural destination featuring the National Boxwood Collection, the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, and spectacular Azalea blossoms in spring, the U.S. National Arboretum is one of the most serene places to visit in Washington DC for nature lovers.