34 Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C., From National Landmarks to Renowned Museums

Spot landmarks from the Old Post Office Tower.

Occupying prime real estate in downtown D.C., the Old Post Office Tower's observation deck rises 270 feet above Pennsylvania Avenue, offering breathtaking views of the city's most famous landmarks, including the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument, the National Mall, and the Lincoln Memorial. The beautiful 19th-century building, which also houses Waldorf Astoria Washington, D.C., is open for tours daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry is at 4:30 p.m.).

Tour the U.S. Capitol.

Inspired by the grandeur of the buildings in ancient Rome and Greece, the U.S. Capitol is arguably the most iconic set of buildings in the country. The complex houses the U.S. Congress, and you can take a free guided tour through its beautiful halls (reserve your spot ahead of time online). Tour participants can see the Crypt, a vaulted space featuring 40 Doric-style columns; the Rotunda, fashioned after the Pantheon and often the site of official ceremonial events; and National Statuary Hall, a stunning amphitheater with marble columns and towering statues.

Enjoy the great outdoors on Theodore Roosevelt Island.

One of the most serene and lush places in Washington, D.C., Theodore Roosevelt Island is an 88-acre natural retreat on the Potomac River. "Explore the trails, take in the scenic views, and learn about the conservation legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt," suggests Brian Salley, chef concierge at Waldorf Astoria Washington, D.C.

Museum hop at the National Mall.

You can't visit the National Mall without taking advantage of all the free museums. With its dinosaur specimens and insect zoo, the National Museum of Natural History is always a hit with kids. The National Museum of the American Indian is another favorite for its ImagiNations playground, which incorporates Indigenous American games. You can see Julia Child's kitchen, Dorothy's ruby red slippers from "The Wizard of Oz," and a terrific display of gowns worn by the former First Ladies at the National Museum of American History. Timed-entry passes are required to visit the fantastic National Museum of African American History and Culture, where exhibits explore everything from slavery and the Civil Rights Movement to sports and music.

Check out The People's House: A White House Experience.

Opened in September 2024, this educational attraction offers a look at the inner workings of the White House, including a life-sized replica of the Oval Office, and interactive displays about the staff who work there and what goes on behind the scenes. One exhibit lets you take a seat at the Cabinet table as on-screen actors playing various U.S. presidents discuss the onset of the American Civil War, the Great Depression, and the Cuban Missile Crisis — you'll get to cast your vote to help determine the outcome before learning about what actually happened next. Timed tickets are required to enter, but admission is free.

Visit Washington National Cathedral.

The final resting place of President Woodrow Wilson, Washington National Cathedral is open to visitors of all faiths, who are welcome to wander its gardens, attend a service, or book a sightseeing tour. The imposing gothic building, which took 83 years to complete, boasts 215 stained glass windows and 112 gargoyles, some more famous than others. "See if you can catch a glimpse of the Darth Vader gargoyle," suggests Adrián Renart, Sales Manager, Luxury Leisure and Business Travel at The St. Regis Washington, D.C. You might need binoculars to spot the sculpture of the infamous Star Wars villain, set on one of the northwest towers.

Climb "The Exorcist" steps in Georgetown.

Tucked between a stone wall and a brick building, this steep climb was made famous by the 1973 horror movie "The Exorcist." The steps connect Canal Road N.W. with Prospect Street N.W. above, where you'll also find the MacNeils' house on the 3600 block.

Snap a selfie with Transformers.

In the same area, head to 3614 Prospect Street N.W. to check out life-sized statues of Bumblebee and Optimus Prime. The Transformers guard the residence of Georgetown University professor Newton Howard — a third one is stationed on his rooftop. All three, visible from the street, have drawn mixed reactions from the neighbors, resulting in an ongoing legal battle since 2021, though visitors and university students certainly seem to like them.

Place an order at Ben's Chili Bowl.

Ben's Chili Bowl is one of D.C.'s most iconic dining spots — the locally owned restaurant has been a defining part of our capital's culinary and cultural scene since 1958, feeding people from all walks of life, including celebrities and presidents. The most popular menu item is the half-smoke grilled sausage, served with spicy chili sauce, onions, and mustard. Don't leave town without trying one.

Enjoy free music in the National Gallery of Art's Garden.

Jazz in the Garden takes place every Friday from late May through early August in the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden. "This concert series offers a variety of musical performances, including jazz, Latin fusion, bluegrass, and more," says Tiffany Gary, Sales Manager at Yours Truly DC, Vignette Collection. Entry is free, but registration through the website is required and your name must be pulled from a lottery to attend.

Tour President Lincoln's home.

"President Lincoln's Cottage, where he lived for more than a quarter of his presidency, is a historic site and museum located in the northwest of the city," Gary explains. Instead of the White House, Lincoln resided in this idyllic two-story home, where the Emancipation Proclamation was born. Visitors can learn more about his life and work through guided tours and interactive exhibits.

Visit Ford's Theatre.

This is the venue where, on the evening of April 14, 1865, President Lincoln was shot during a performance of the play "Our American Cousin." Ford's Theatre reopened in 1968 and exhibits inside explore the aftermath of the assassination, as well as its impact on U.S. history. Admission includes a somber visit to the small house across the street where the president spent his final hours. Today, it's still an active theater, hosting several plays and musicals throughout the year — check the website's calendar to see if anything's playing while you're in town.

Catch an interactive exhibit at Artechouse.

Immersive and mind-bending interactive exhibitions that blend art and technology make the D.C. outpost of Artechouse an absolute must-see for travelers. With no permanent exhibition, but rather a rotating list of fascinating experiences that changes every three or so months, each visit here is sure to be a memorable one.

Cruise around the Tidal Basin by pedal boat.

Once warmer weather arrives, lots of locals and visitors rent pedal boats at the Tidal Basin, a reservoir about 10 feet deep. Get your heart rate up by pedaling to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Or, keep a slower pace and simply admire this beautiful body of water. It's also a lovely place to take photos of the cherry blossoms in the spring, especially with the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Memorial across the Tidal Basin in the background — just be prepared for the large crowds that often accompany the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Attend a concert at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.

"Libraries are not usually places one thinks of for parties. However, we guarantee no librarians will 'shh' you during these events," Gary says. Seasonal musical performances at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Penn Quarter feature local bands and fantastic city views from the lush rooftop garden.

Walk through Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens.

While most visitors focus on the Smithsonian museums in downtown D.C., travelers looking for an equally impressive venue that's more under the radar should head to Hillwood. The site features a museum, sprawling gardens, and an estate that was once the home of philanthropist, heiress, and businesswoman Marjorie Merriweather Post.

"We suggest spending the day exploring the house, collections, special exhibits, and grounds," says Gary. "We often imagine how lucky former D.C. glitterati were to receive an invitation to one of Ms. Post's legendary garden parties. The Fabergé eggs are a must-see [and] an iced tea [must be] enjoyed when strolling the gardens."

Book a spirit tasting at Silver Lyan.

The first American bar of British mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, Silver Lyan is located in the basement of the Riggs Washington, D.C., a former bank that's now one of the city's best hotels. Throughout the year, the bar hosts exclusive spirit tastings in a secret vault called the Dishonesty Bar. "This is a must for aficionados of whisky and other spirits; expect rare gems, special-edition bottles, and a few [things] you won't find anywhere else," Gary says.

Visit the National Portrait Gallery's indoor courtyard.

Some people assume this museum isn't for them because of the specific art form found inside — do not make this error. You will view spectacular pieces here, including former president and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama's official portraits, which people line up to see. You can also enjoy the modern interior courtyard, which features a "floating" canopy of glass and steel that was added in 2004. It's the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing and have lunch or a snack.

Hike the trails at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens.

Located on the banks of the Anacostia River in northeast Washington, D.C., this tranquil 700-acre park features more than 45 ponds and unique habitats bursting with wildlife, including many aquatic species. "Explore the beautiful aquatic gardens with their blooming lotus flowers and water lilies," Salley says. "The park also offers walking trails and bird-watching opportunities."

Spend time at The Wharf.

One of the city's newest neighborhoods, The Wharf, is located along the Potomac River and offers waterfront dining, boutique shopping, five-star hotels, live entertainment, and activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The area is also home to The Municipal Fish Market, which opened in 1805 and lays claim to being "the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market" in the country.

Tour Embassy Row.

Over 175 embassies line the quaint streets on and around Embassy Row, an area in northwest D.C. between Dupont Circle and Observatory Circle. Several companies run guided tours so you can learn all about the stunning beaux arts mansions here — they house some of the world's most influential diplomats — and the stories they hide. On two weekends in May, you can go inside some of them during Passport DC's Around the World Embassy Tour Day (for non-EU countries) and EU Open House Day (for EU countries).

Meet the animals at the National Zoo.

Home to more than 2,700 animals including nearly 400 species, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is a 163-acre property in Rock Creek Park and a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike. From the always popular Asia Trail to the kids' farm and Africa Trail, it's easy to see what makes it one of the most visited landmarks in D.C. Entry is free, but check the website for information about timed entry passes — required for all guests, including infants — and parking directions.

Explore the National Air and Space Museum.

While the National Air and Space Museum, located on the National Mall, is still undergoing a multi-year, top-to-bottom renovation that's slated for completion in 2026, it has partially reopened, with eight new exhibition spaces housing aviation artifacts and an impressive planetarium. If that's not enough, you can always head to the affiliated Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia (a 40-minute ride from downtown D.C.), to peruse legendary aircraft like the Concorde and the Discovery space shuttle. Note that the National Air and Space Museum does require a free timed entry pass, so book yours well in advance online, especially if you'll be visiting on a weekend.

Watch a live show at a local concert venue.

D.C. is an entertainment hub, so save some time for a comedy, theater, or musical performance. Alejandra Castillo, the former guest services and client experience manager at Hotel Washington, suggests checking the schedules at local venues like DC Improv and The Anthem for comedy shows or taking in a concert at Capital One Arena or The Kennedy Center. Opened in 2023, The Atlantis provides a more intimate option for live music. The 450-capacity venue is a recreation of a legendary D.C. spot where many artists, including Foo Fighters, got their start.

Peruse incredible works in the National Gallery of Art.

As one of the top art museums in the world, the halls of the National Gallery of Art are lined with tens of thousands of works spanning centuries, including pieces by Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Mondrian, and Vermeer, among so many other artists. The striking East Building of the museum, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, houses the institution's contemporary and modern art collection and a rooftop terrace with views over Pennsylvania Avenue.

Tour the White House.

You could just snap a picture of the most famous address in the country from behind the fence, but what fun is that? Though it requires some advance planning, touring the White House is possible; submit a request through your Congressional representative at least 21 days before your desired tour date (but not more than 90 days ahead). The office will then confirm your tour — be sure to bring along the proper identification when you go through security and follow all rules about not carrying purses or any other prohibited items. Once you're inside, the self-guided tour takes about 45 minutes, during which you can see the East Room, the State Dining Room, and the Blue Room.

See the Lincoln Memorial.

The Lincoln Memorial is a National Mall highlight. Overlooking the Reflecting Pool, the imposing building where the 19-foot tall statue of seated President Abraham Lincoln is located has been the setting of some of our country's most memorable demonstrations. Visit the plaque marking the very spot where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech, just a few steps down from the top of the stairs leading up to the statue. Make time to see the monument at night, too, when it's beautifully illuminated and the crowds are much smaller.

Wander through the sculpture gardens of the National Mall.

Aside from housing a world-class collection of modern art, the Hirshhorn Museum has an impressive sculpture garden, where over 30 works are displayed (note that it might be closed for portions of 2024 as the garden undergoes a massive redesign). For more outdoor art, walk to the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, just a few minutes away, featuring pieces by the likes of Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, and Mark di Suvero.

Take a hike in Rock Creek Park.

When you've had enough of the hustle and bustle of downtown D.C., head to Rock Creek Park, a 1,754-acre haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With more than 32 miles of hiking and biking trails, plus a dozen miles of horseback riding trails, this is a true escape. There are many kid-friendly facilities here, too, including a planetarium and a nature center with age-appropriate exhibitions.

Dine at a José Andrés restaurant.

James Beard Award-winning chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, José Andrés, has several restaurants in and around Washington, D.C., many of which are within walking distance of downtown. Options include classic Spanish tapas at Jaleo, authentic Mexican flavors at Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, and the Mediterranean Zaytinya. His latest dining concept, The Bazaar by José Andrés, opened in 2023 to glowing reviews — you'll find it inside the Waldorf Astoria Washington, D.C.

Admire the view from the Washington Monument.

As one of the tallest buildings in D.C., the Washington Monument provides stunning views over the capital. A 70-second elevator ride takes visitors 555 feet up to the observation deck and museum, where you can enjoy a spectacular, unobstructed look at the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol, and the Smithsonian museums. Tickets are free, but advance reservations are required.

Discover D.C.'s murals.

"Many local artists express their creativity through murals all over D.C.," Castillo explains. "One [tour] that I often recommend is with Jason Bowers, who is behind D.C. Mural Tour." It takes place in the NoMa neighborhood and around Union Market, where you'll see more than 20 beautiful murals over two hours. This former industrial area is quickly becoming one of the trendiest places to hang out in the capital thanks to its many restaurants, bars, shops, and boutique hotels.

Shop for designer goods at CityCenterDC.

CityCenterDC is a premier shopping destination, where brands like Louis Vuitton, David Yurman, Dior, and Chanel all have boutiques — some of these stores even have private shopping rooms for the ultimate VIP experience. If you’re staying at Conrad Washington, DC, Jeff Morgan, the hotel’s chef concierge and president of the Washington Area Concierge Association (WACA), can book those shopping experiences for you.

Stroll through D.C.'s vibrant neighborhoods.

There's so much more to the District of Columbia than the National Mall, the White House, and the U.S. Capitol. Do yourself a favor on your next trip and go for a walk through the diverse areas that nearly 700,000 residents call home. “D.C. has vibrant neighborhoods with unique character, such as Georgetown, Adams Morgan, and Dupont Circle," says Salley. "These areas offer a mix of shopping, dining, nightlife, and cultural experiences."