Things to do in Washington DC

The Essential Guide (2024)

You've found our list of the best things to do in Washington DC. This list is insanely comprehensive, and includes not only the top things to do in Washington DC but also the best kept secrets and hidden gems too.

You'll find the entire list below, which we've organized into categories like:

🏛️ attractions

🚌 tours

🎭 shows

🌮 food

🍾 nightlife

🏨 hotels

🗿 cultural spaces

⛩️ neighborhoods

🛍️ shopping

And everything in-between. BTW, this list comes with a 100% Guarantee. If you don't find at least one awesome thing to do in Washington DC then we will send you a gift worth $20.

Guide to Washington DC

Washington DC Attractions

Washington DC is home to countless attractions, including landmarks like the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, as well as instagrammable places and hidden gems like Culture House DC and the Spanish Steps.

In this section, you will find a short list of the top sights and Washington DC attractions, together with highlights and pro tips for visiting each one.

Famous Washington DC Landmarks

There are dozens of famous landmarks in Washington DC, many of which have been featured in movies and shows.

We've listed a few of the best landmarks below, which should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Washington DC.

Washington Monument

Landmark in Washington DC

The Washington Monument is a famed landmark in Washington DC. The obelisk was built in tribute to President George Washington on the National Mall. It holds the title of the world's tallest structure made primarily out of stone, and the title of world's tallest obelisk. The Washington Monument is composed of granite, marble, and bluestone gneiss. The National Park Service measures the monument at 555 feet. Fun fact: It was once the tallest building in the world; the Eiffel Tower knocked it out of the top spot upon its construction.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $1 per person
📍 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024

Lincoln Memorial

Landmark in Washington DC

Washington DC's Lincoln Memorial opened on the National Mall on May 30, 1922. Sitting across the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial contains the inscriptions of two famous speeches, as well as a statue of the former president. More than seven million people visit the Lincoln Memorial, which is open 24 hours per day, annually.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037

The White House

Landmark in Washington DC

The White House is the official home and office of the president of the United States of America. Every president has lived in the building since John Adams. Various presidents have made alterations to the White House over the years: the West Wing came into existence under Theodore Roosevelt, the Oval Office under William Howard Taft, new internal framing put in under Harry S. Truman, and a famous interior redesign occurred at the hands of Jacqueline Kennedy.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500

Ford's Theatre

Landmark in Washington DC

Ford's Theatre, which opened in DC 1863, is best known for being the place of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865. The president died at Petersen House across the street from the theatre the morning after the shooting. The theatre then went into use as a warehouse and office; in 1893, 22 more people died on its grounds in a building collapse. In the late 1960s, the building was restored and reopened as a theatre. In 2009, it underwent a second renovation and reopening.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $3 per person
📍 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Landmark in Washington DC

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC is a Pantheon-inspired memorial dedicated to the third president of the United States. Located in the National Mall, the memorial is open to the public 24/7. The memorial was constructed under the leadership of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. A statue of Jefferson stands inside the memorial's walls. More than 2.3 million people are estimated to visit the memorial annually.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 16 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242

Most Instagrammable Places in Washington DC

Instagram isn't just for showing off pictures of your fancy french toast, it's also a great platform to share photos of your trip to Washington DC.

Not every location or backdrop is created equal, which is why we've listed the most instrammable places in Washington DC below. BTW, these double as unique places to photograph too.

Culture House DC

Instagrammable Spot in Washington DC

Culture House DC is one of Washington DC's best Instagrammable spots. The building houses cool community arts initiatives and exhibitions, but what's particularly social media worthy about Culture House DC is the building's bright, colorful church exterior. Visiting Culture House DC will provide a fun, cheerful photo for your next Instagram post.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 700 Delaware Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

The National Arboretum

Instagrammable Spot in Washington DC

The National Arboretum is an arboretum in Washington, D.C. located just north of the United States Capitol. The arboretum is a top location for botanical studies. The 446-acre park has hundreds of different plants, trees, shrubs, and more, ranging from a historic rose garden to a bonsai grove. The arboretum is also home to the original Capitol columns, which were part of the Capitol dating back to 1828.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

The Line Hotel

Instagrammable Spot in Washington DC

The Line Hotel offers one of the most unique instagrammable locations in DC! The hotel lobby features a beautiful staircase with an ornate crooked mirror propped in the corner, making for some unique, fun photos great for your Instagram feed.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 1770 Euclid St NW, Washington, DC 20009

The Watermelon House

Instagrammable Spot in Washington DC

DC's Watermelon House is a vibrant, impossible-to-miss house with a giant watermelon painted on one side. The story goes that the home's owners had the exterior painted red; while the front of the house turned out great, the side, the owners said, looked a little too pink for their liking, so they decided to turn it into a watermelon, making it a fun neighborhood landmark for years to come.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 1112 Q St NW, Washington, DC 20009

CityCenterDC

Shopping Center in Washington DC

CityCenterDC is a hot spot for Instagram photos in DC because the well-known shopping center's main alleyway is always decorated for the relevant holidays. Plus, the tall buildings, blue skies, and patio lights make for an awesome backdrop for your next Instagram post.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 825 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Hidden Gems in Washington DC

Visiting the most famous places in Washington DC is both fun and advisable; there are reasons these attractions are so popular and on nearly everyone's list of places to visit.

However, we recommend you also make time to explore the Washington DC hidden gems and best kept secrets; these are the kind of unique experiences you will remember.

Spanish Steps

Hidden Gem in Washington DC

Washington DC's Spanish Steps are a hidden gem in the city. The Spanish Steps are a beautiful sight in the concrete jungle, lined with trees, greenery, and lamp posts. The steps are tough to spot when coming in from the north, at the top of the staircase, but loom large when approaching from the opposite end. The steps, which have earned designation on the National Register of Historic Places, were left in disrepair for decades until a restoration in 1999. Today, they're a hidden gem in DC.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 1725 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20008

Artechouse DC

Hidden Gem in Washington DC

Artechouse is a hidden gem art exhibit in Washington DC. Artechouse is dedicated to bridging the gap between art and technology, and blends the two realms into one interactive, explorative experience. The venue also opened the first Augmented Reality bar serving drinks in the United States.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $16 per person
📍 1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

Albert Einstein Memorial

Hidden Gem in Washington DC

The Albert Einstein Memorial is a hidden gem in DC. The memorial sits in an elm and holly grove at the National Academy of Sciences and is a cool spot in the city that's often forgotten among the major monuments of DC. Three of Einstein's best quotes are inscribed as part of the memorial, including: "As long as I have any choice in the matter, I shall live only in a country where civil liberty, tolerance, and equality of all citizens before the law prevail."

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 2101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20418

President Lincoln's Cottage

Historic Site in Washington DC

DC is a hotspot of memorials and monuments commemorating President Abraham Lincoln; Lincoln's cottage is perhaps the most-forgotten of the different options. It is the home where Lincoln spent much of his time and crafted much of his policy ideas, including the Emancipation Proclamation. The home is also known as the Soldiers’ Home National Monument and is located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $15 per person
📍 140 Rock Creek Church Rd NW, Washington, DC 20011

The Exorcist Steps

Hidden Gem in Washington DC

The Exorcist Steps in DC are an iconic landmark made famous by the movie "The Exorcist." The stone steps located in Georgetown were featured in the 1973 flick and were the site of (spoiler alert ahead!) Father Damien Karras' death. In 2015, the steps were named an official Washington, DC landmark.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 Corner of Prospect St and 36th St NW, Georgetown, DC

Washington DC Tours

One of the best ways to see Washington DC is to take a guided tour.

This tour could be a bus tour, walking tour, food tour or otherwise; the point is to go with an expert Washington DC guide that knows the best places to visit, unique things to do, and amazing facts you would otherwise miss.

Museum Hack

Museum Hack leads renegade tours of the world's best museums.

Our tour guides train for three months in our unusual style, and then lead tours that are fast-paced, wildly-fun and include fascinating stories and juicy gossip.

It's cool.

Museum Hack's Un-Highlights Tour of the National Gallery of Art

Museum Tour in Washington DC

Museum Hack's Un-Highlights Tour of the National Gallery of Art is perfect for both museum lovers and museum skeptics. Guests will see a side of the museum never seen before on this high-energy, two-hour group tour that takes a tasting menu approach to showcasing the best pieces, stories, and facts hanging in these historic halls. This is not your grandma’s museum tour.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $49 per person
📍 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565

Museum Hack's Un-Highlights Tour of the National Portrait Gallery

Museum Tour in Washington DC

Come on down to DC’s Gallery Place and experience the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery like never before! Whether you’re visiting DC or have been here for years, Museum Hack promises to introduce you to some previously unheard of Americans. Join the renegade tour guides for a whirlwind, fast-paced, two-hour group tour through one of the oldest buildings in the nation’s capital. You'll want to come on this tour to learn about kickass people who influenced America in ways they didn’t even know about!

Museum Hack's Un-Highlights Tour of the National Portrait Gallery

🌐 Website
🎟️ $49 per person
📍 8th St NW & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Museum Hack's Badass Bitches Tour of the National Gallery of Art

Museum Tour in Washington DC

Remember when feminism happened, and Georgia O’Keeffe kicked butt, and now museums and the art world totally treat male and female artists with equal value? JK JK IT’S STILL SUPER BAD! On this two-hour tour of the NGA, Museum Hack accomplishes three things: 1) celebrate the women who are represented, 2) learn about women you may not have heard of before, and 3) briefly raise the percentage of art on view by female artists.

Museum Hack's Badass Bitches Tour of the National Gallery of Art

🌐 Website
🎟️ $49 per person
📍 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565

Bus Tours in Washington DC

A great way to see more of Washington DC is to take a fun and educational bus tour.

Bus tours provide both transportation around Washington DC, and also an audio tour or live travel guide to share cool facts about the city's famous landmarks, neighborhoods and people.

DC Trails Inc. Hop-on Hop-off Tours

Bus Tour in Washington DC

DC Trails Inc. Hop-on Hop-off Tours are a good choice for sightseeing in DC and making sure you don't miss any of the important city landmarks. Choose from a climate-controlled coach bus or an open-air double decker transport as you cruise through DC, taking in the best sights this historic city has to offer. DC Trails offers 20 different stops throughout the city; choose to get off the bus at any of them and you can hop back on later. Landmarks visited include Capital Hill, the White House, the Jefferson Memorial, and World War II Memorial.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $42 per person
📍 478 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024

Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington D.C.

Bus Tour in Washington DC

Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington D.C. offers hop-on, hop-off trolley tours of the nation's capital. Guides onboard the trolley will provide live commentary, ensuring guests receive the full effect of the sights and landmarks of DC. The trolley makes 17 different stops throughout DC; guests can choose when to disembark and then get back on a later trolley when ready to move on to the next location.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $45 per person
📍 Washington, DC

BiPartisan Tour Company

Bus and Segway Tour in Washington DC

BiPartisan Tour Company offers bus and segway tours of Washington DC. These guided tours are great for small groups and intimate experiences. All tours are guided with a local expert knowledgable in DC history. Choose from full day tours, morning tours, or evening tours. The daytime itinerary includes, but is not limited to, the US Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, lunch, the Lincoln Memorial, and the White House, among at least ten others.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $59+ per person
📍 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

Big Bus Tours Washington DC Visitor Center

Bus Tour in Washington DC

Big Bus Tours offers hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Washington DC. Tours stop at the city's best landmarks, including the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, Ford's Theatre, Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Hill, the National Cathedral, the Pentagon, and the Washington Monument. All guests are able to get on and off the bus at whichever stops they please, making this an awesome option for flexible sightseeing in DC.

Big Bus Tours Washington DC Visitor Center

🌐 Website
🎟️ $46 per person
📍 610 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

USA Guided Tours

Bus Tour in Washington DC

USA Guided Tours offers several bus tours of Washington DC, ranging in variables from length to price. The Best of DC VIP tour is an all-day, eight-plus hour experience that includes tours of the U.S. Capitol, National Archives, lunch, and a boat cruise. All tours are guided and include luxury bus transportation.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $44+ per person
📍 155 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Washington DC Walking Tours

If you are visiting Washington DC in the spring, summer or fall, then a walking tour is a great way to see more of the city.

Since the barrier to entry is low, there are many options for walking tours in Washington DC.

We've narrowed these options down to the best tours below.

Earth Trekkers

Walking Tour in Washington DC

Earth Trekkers offers a one-day walking tour of Washington DC that hits all the city's best landmarks and tourist attractions. The tour is not for the faint of heart, as guests will cover five miles over the course of the adventure. Guests will see the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Museum, The National Mall, Newseum, the World War II Memorial, and several more landmarks. In addition, the tour suggests stops for food at The Old Ebbitt Grill, The Capital Grille, and Willard Hotel. This is not a guided tour, but rather a suggested route put together by Earth Trekkers for guests looking to cover the best of DC.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 Washington, DC

Free Tours By Foot

Walking Tour in Washington DC

Free Tours By Foot offers pay-what-you-wish walking tours of Washington DC. Free Tours By Foot has several daily walking tours in DC, with options ranging from a walking tour of the National Mall, a tour of Capitol Hill and the library of Congress, an All-in-One tour of the National Mall and Tidal Basin, a Lincoln Assassination tour, and a Ghost and Scandals tour. Advance reservations are required.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 Washington, DC

Walk of the Town

Walking Tour in Washington DC

Walk of the Town DC offers free guided walking tours of the nation's capital. Free tours include Monumental sTOURies, which covers famed DC highlights and several hidden gems, the Waterfront Walk, which explores the Tidal Basin, and Charity Tours, where all tips collected will go 100% to charity. Reservations are not required.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 Washington, DC

Food Tours in Washington DC

Washington DC is a great city for foodies because of the vibrant culinary scene; some of the best chefs and restaurants in the world are here.

If you'd like a "tasting menu" approach to a specific theme, like pizza, dumplings or sushi, then a Washington DC food tour may be a great fit.

These food tours are also quite flexible, which makes them a fun thing to do both for tourists and locals, as well as for dates, attending alone or with your family.

DC Metro Food Tours

Food Tour in Washington DC

DC Metro Food Tours offers walking food tours of DC's neighborhoods. Choose from a variety of different options, including an Old Town Alexandria food tour, a Capitol Hill food tour, a Georgetown food tour, an Eastern Market food tour, a Little Ethiopia food tour, and more. DC Metro also offers a pub crawl, highlighting the best bars and drinks in DC. All food is included with the price of your tour ticket.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $65 per person
📍 Washington, DC

Mangia D.C. Food Tours

Food Tour in Washington DC

Mangia D.C Food Tours offers a great food tour through Georgetown, one of DC's best neighborhoods. The three-and-a-half hour food tour takes guests to about five different restaurants, where food samples and drinks are prepared. The tour guide will offer information about the neighborhood, DC's history, and more as guests travel from location to location.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $68 per person
📍 Georgetown, Washington, DC

DC Brew Tours

Food Tour in Washington DC

DC Brew Tours offers several different beer tours of the city; The Original DC Brew Tour and the Sip of DC Tour are two of the company's most popular offerings. The Original DC Brew Tour treats guests to an insider look at how beer is made at four local breweries. Guests will enjoy 16 craft beers, lunch, and transportation. The Sip of DC Tour is a shorter version with about three beers per guest.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $70 per person
📍 Washington, DC

Carpe DC Food Tours

Food Tour in Washington DC

Carpe DC Food Tours has been offering food tours of our nation's capital since 2015. The company offers several different tours, including a Georgetown food tour, a U Street food tour, a U Street street art tour, a boutique Old Town Alexandria food tour, and seasonal tours. Tours range from two to three hours. All food is included with your ticket price.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $89+ per person
📍 Washington, DC

Shows in Washington DC

Washington DC is home to some of the greatest musical and theatrical productions in the world, plus more that tour here.

From must-see shows to plays and musicals, to the opera, concerts and more, Washington DC appreciates the arts.

Must-See Shows in Washington DC

If you are looking for the best must-see shows in Washington DC, then your search is nearly over.

Below, we've listed a few of the top must-see shows, as well as shows that are well reviewed in the media and by the general public.

The Magic Duel

Must See Magic Show in Washington DC

The Magic Duel is a must see magic show in Washington DC. Held inside The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection in DC. The premise of the show is this: two magicians battle it out live in front of the audience for title of Best Magician. It's up to the audience to vote for who wins the Golden Wan. It's a fun, funny comedy-magic show that's a great way to spend an evening in DC.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $50+ per person
📍 1127 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

U.S. Marine Sunset Parade

Must See Performance in Washington DC

The U.S. Marine Sunset Parade is a can't miss summer performance in Washington DC. The historic parade is held at the Lincoln Memorial for one-hour on select summer evenings. The parade includes The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and music from "The Commandant's Own." The show is free with no reservations required.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW Washington, DC 20037

The Capitol Steps

Must See Show in Washington DC

The Capitol Steps is a hilarious comedy show in Washington DC. The show is focused primarily on political satire, taking advantage of DC's major industry. The Capitol Steps offer shows weekly on Friday and Saturday nights at the Ronald Reagan Building Amphitheater.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $41 per person
📍 210 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Shakespeare Theatre Company

Must See Shows

Take in some Shakespeare during your next trip to DC with a can't miss performance by the Shakespeare Theatre Company. The award-winning theatre company performs Shakespeare classics in two DC locations. From recent reviews: "A beautiful state of the art theater. Outstanding performers and direction. Great stage design. If you like Shakespeare, you're in for a treat."

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0+ per person
📍 Washington DC

Shear Madness

Must See Show in Washington DC

Shear Madness is a popular mystery and comedy show in Washington DC that takes place on the set of a fictional hair salon. This audience-engaged show attracts great reviews from critics and the audience in DC. From recent reviews: "You start laughing before a word is spoken & you don"t stop until the final bows. A fun audience participation murder mystery/comedy. It is timely, hilarious, & well worth seeing!"

🌐 Website
🎟️ $56 per person
📍 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566

Plays & Musicals in Washington DC

Some of the best theatre in Washington DC is actually plays and musicals (sometimes known as Off Broadway Shows), because there is a brilliant variety of creatity, acting and writing styles.

Here are a few of the top plays and musicals in Washington DC that you should check out.

Food in Washington DC

Washington DC has a huge culinary scene that makes it perfect for foodies and other grub-aficionados.

A lot of lists include popular and trendy restaurants, and we went a step further to also include dessert spots and food trucks.

Our goal was to share fun places to eat in Washington DC, most of which won't break the bank and a few that are pretty famous.

You are going to love these Washington DC eats!

Restaurants in Washington DC

At last count, there are something like 400 million restaurants in Washington DC.

jk, jk, but really, there are A LOT of Washington DC restaurants and it can be hard to know which places to eat at.

We've highlighted some of the top restaurants in Washington DC to shorten your list.

Old Ebbitt Grill

Restaurant in Washington DC

The Old Ebbitt Grill is a DC restaurant and landmark. The grill is Washington's oldest restaurant; it was originally part of the Ebbitt House Hotel and operated without a name until the 1900s. Today, the grill is a popular local tavern famous for its oysters and old-time interior. Fun fact: The restaurant appears in the movie In the Line of Fire with Clint Eastwood and John Mahoney.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $10+ per person
📍 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Occidental Grill

Restaurant in Washington DC

The Occidental Grill is a famed DC eatery built by Henry Willard in the early 1900s. It soon became a popular destination for presidents, politicians, athletes, and celebrities. The Occidental's walls are covered in photos of the famous people who have walked through its doors. Fun Fact: The restaurant hosted the Washington Senator's 1924 World Series Victory Celebration.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $20+ per person
📍 1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

Maine Avenue Fish Market

Seafood Restaurant in Washington DC

The Maine Avenue Fish Market, or The Wharf, is the country's oldest continuously-operating open-air fish market, dating back to the late 1700s. The market offers a variety of spots to grab a bite of fresh or cooked seafood, from Jessie Taylor Seafood to Captain White's Seafood City. Choose from blue crab, clams, oysters, shrimp, or fish, all freshly caught off the shores of the East Coast.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $5+ per person
📍 1100 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

The Dabney

Restaurant in Washington DC

The Dabney is a top-reviewed local restaurant in Washington DC. The Dabney is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving Mid-Atlantic fare in a former rowhouse. From the reviews: "Sometimes you just walk into a place and know immediately you're going to love it. The literal warmth of the open-flame hearth in the open kitchen, the friendly welcome from the staff, and the general comfortable ambiance of the restaurant makes it hard not to fall in love with The Dabney before tasting any of their heralded cuisine. Thankfully the menu lives up to the lively environment in spades."

🌐 Website
🎟️ $15+ per person
📍 122 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Clyde's of Georgetown

Restaurant in Washington DC

Clyde's of Georgetown is a local favorite founded in 1963. Clyde's offers traditional American fare and cocktails in a classic, comfortable tavern-like atmosphere. From recent reviews: "Amazing food, great staff, cozy atmosphere! Definitely a must try place! Cioppino was very good and fresh. The drinks were unique!"

🌐 Website
🎟️ $15+ per person
📍 3236 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Dessert in Washington DC

If you go to sit down restaurants then we almost always suggest you skip dessert.

Why? Because Washington DC is home to countless businesses that specialize in desserts.

You can get world class ice cream, pie, cupcakes, cookies and more. You just have to know where to look for the best places to eat.

Crepeaway

Dessert in Washington DC

Crepeaway is a top dessert hotspot in DC famous for its sweet and savory crepes. Choose from grilled chicken and cheese crepes to breakfast crepes to proscittuo and capocollo crepes to dessert crepes like nutella and strawberry, peanut butter and chocolate chip, and white chocolate and strawberry.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $5+ per person
📍 2001 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Thomas Sweet

Dessert in Washington DC

Thomas Sweet is a famous DC dessert shop best known for its homemade ice cream, soft-serve, frozen yogurt, and in-house hand-crafted chocolates. Popular ice cream flavors include tiramisu, banana, and heath bar. Thomas Sweet is one of DC's best-rated ice cream shops on Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $3+ per person
📍 3214 P St NW, Washington, DC 20007

District Doughnut

Donut Shop in Washington DC

District Doughnut has been named the best donut of DC for four years running. The donut shop offers a rotating menu of weekly flavors, such as funfetti and milk chocolate glazed, as well as seasonal favorites like a Pumpkin Spice Latte Creme Brulee and Caramel Apple Streusel.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $2.50+ per person
📍 1309 5th St NE Washington DC, 20002

Olivia Macaron

Dessert in Washington DC

Olivia Macaron is a woman-and-minority-owned macaron shop in the heart of Georgetown. The shop is well known for its delicious macarons, ranging from regular menu favorites like raspberry and blueberry cheesecake to seasonal treats like pumpkin spice and fig balsamic.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $2+ per person
📍 3270 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Baked and Wired

Dessert in Washington DC

Baked and Wired is a family owned and operated dessert shop in DC's Georgetown neighborhood. Baked and Wired offers a variety of goodies, from espresso to cupcakes to granola. The shop has gluten-free and vegan options to satisfy the sweet tooth of just about everyone. Bonus: Baked and Wired is pet friendly!

🌐 Website
🎟️ $2+ per person
📍 1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Washington DC Food Trucks

Welcome to 2024, where some of the best food in Washington DC comes on wheels.

The Washington DC food truck scene is heating up, with new food concepts appearing regularly.

We've listed a few of the best food trucks below to give you a taste of what Washington DC has to offer.

DC Empanadas

Food Truck in Washington DC

DC Empanadas is a food truck in Washington DC serving a wide variety of gourmet empanadas. Choose from philly cheesesteak to ham and swiss to pulled pork BBQ to buffalo chicken and bleu cheese to vegetarian options like spinach, feta, and onion. There's a ton of different delicious options that'll satisfy just about any flavor craving.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $5+ per person
📍 Downtown DC

The Orange Cow

Food Truck in Washington DC

The Orange Cow is a classic food truck serving grilled burgers and hot dogs along with an assortment of desserts, ranging from milkshakes to ice cream sandwiches to their famous ice cream flavors like coffee oreo and green tea. The Orange Cow is about as traditional and Americana as it gets in a food truck.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $5+ per person
📍 Washington, DC

PhoWheels

Food Truck in Washington DC

PhoWheels is a DC-area food truck serving Vietnamese banh mi, pho, and tacos! The pho comes in a variety of options, with eye-round steak, mushroom-onion tofu, chicken, or meatballs available to top off the delicious bone broth soup. The Vietnamese tacos are also a must-try.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $6+ per person
📍 Washington, DC

Chix N Stix

Food Truck in Washington DC

Chix N Stix is a food truck offering chicken wings, chicken tenders, and hot dogs. Chix N Stix is perhaps best known for its wide variety of uniquely flavored french fries, which includes salted, salt and pepper, beer, jalapeno nacho, old bay, ranch, sour cream and onion, and more.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $7+ per person
📍 Washington, DC

Hardy's BBQ

Food Truck in Washington DC

Hardy's BBQ offers tender, smoked BBQ meats, from St. Louis spare ribs to beef brisket to chicken wings to pulled pork. The comfort food sides include corn, yams, and dinner rolls. Hardy's BBQ gets get reviews, with recent guests noting: "I did have the very best beef brisket sandwich I have ever had. DELICIOUS! The ribs are great too and very meaty. We met the owner, who is super nice by the way and he makes his own sauces and they part of the key and success of the wonderful food. My wife told him he should package it and sell it, he'd make a fortune. I agree!"

🌐 Website
🎟️ $6+ per person
📍 Washington, DC

Washington DC Nightlife

Washington DC is known for having a pretty dope nightlife scene.

From comedy clubs, to bars and clubs, the following are some of the best things to do in Washington DC tonight.

Comedy Clubs Washington DC

Some of the best comics in the world live in Washington DC or visit here, and you can see them at one of the top comedy clubs around the city.

If you are into nightlife, but tired of the bar and club scene, then going to a comedy club may be just what you need.

Drafthouse Comedy Theater

Comedy Club in Washington DC

The Drafthouse Comedy Theater offers comedy events in an intimate atmosphere. The club serves beer and wine, and includes a lineup of both local and nationally famous comedians. Recent and upcoming performers include Sam Morril, Syndee Washington, Tim Murray, and Rhea Butcher.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $10+ per person
📍 1100 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

DC Improv Comedy Club

Comedy Club in Washington DC

DC Improv Comedy Club is a comedy club in Washington, DC that offers a variety of different ways to get your laughs in. From stand-up open mic night with free admission to shows featuring headlines like Rob Schneider and Donnell Rawlings, DC Improv Comedy Club is a great spot for all comedy interests and all budgets.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0+ per person
📍 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

Underground Comedy

Comedy Club in Washington DC

Underground Comedy is a top Washington, DC comedy club with more than 60 shows each month. Underground Comedy's lineup of famed comedians includes Patton Oswalt, Michael Che, Michelle Wolf, and Jim Jefferies. Each week, Underground Comedy hosts eight free shows with top local comedians. Says comedian Sara Armour of the venue: "The underground independent scene is amazing in DC. Specifically Underground Comedy DC. [Founder Sean Joyce] has shows every night of the week, and he’s partnering on a series of monthly shows that I think will be amazing. He brings in amazing talent, puts on amazing shows. The vibe is just right."

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0+ per person
📍 1345 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

DC Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern

Comedy Club in Washington DC

The DC Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern is a pub with beer, comfort food and appetizers, and weekly comedy shows. offers a broad range of brews, casual eats & weekly events in a dark brick interior. The location earned the title of Best New Venue of 2018. Every Tuesday night, patrons can enjoy $2 beers and free comedy shows.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $2+ per person
📍 1523 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Capital Laughs

Comedy Club in Washington DC

Capital Laughs is a DC comedy club that offers free nightly shows, as well as paid headliner features, in DC. From the reviews: "They feature really funny comics. Even the free shows feel like you should be paying for them due to the quality production and line up. Their paid shows are phenomenal. Also super awesome that they allow new comics to perform at the free shows. Gives you a good range. Overall, if you’re a resident or visiting the DC area, check out one of their shows."

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0+ per person
📍 2323 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Bars in Washington DC

Whether you are looking to get sloshed (bad idea) or just have a quiet adult-beverage with friends, Washington DC has the bar for you.

We've listed a few of the best bars in Washington DC below, which generally means the location, prices and atmosphere are good.

Columbia Room

Bar in Washington DC

The Columbia Room is a DC bar serving upscale and unique cocktails and appetizers in its lounge-style bar and rooftop garden. The Columbia Room has won numerous awards for its drinks and atmosphere, including 2017's Best American Cocktail Bar from Spirited Awards and 2016 and 2017 Best Bar in D.C. from The Washington Post.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $7+ per person
📍 124 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Service Bar DC

Bar in Washington DC

Service Bar DC is a hip, modern bar in DC's U St./Shaw neighborhoods serving handcrafted cocktails and American eats like fried chicken and bacon mac and cheese bites. Their most famous offering is a bucket of Champagne and fried chicken.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $8+ per person
📍 926-928 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Red Derby

Bar in Washington DC

The Red Derby is a popular local DC bar that attracts a millennial hipster crowd. The bar is popular for its canned beer selection, board games, and rooftop beer garden. Red Derby also serves typical pub fare and weekend brunch.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $8+ per person
📍 3718 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

The Gibson

Bar in Washington DC

The Gibson is a Prohibition-era bar with speakeasy vibes. Visit this charming bar for a swanky atmosphere, low-key ambience, outdoor patio, and killer cocktails. The bar is somewhat secretive and off the beaten trail, making it an awesome hidden gem in Washington DC.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $8+ per person
📍 2009 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

ChurchKey

Bar in Washington DC

ChurchKey is a craft beer bar that offers a large bottled and draft beer selection, some of which are considered hard-to-find in the local beer community. To compliment the beverages available, ChurchKey also serves small appetizers, cheese plates, and flatbreads. From the reviews: "I have never had better beer. The food options are incredibly creative. Staff is very friendly and accommodating to all dietary needs."

🌐 Website
🎟️ $5+ per person
📍 1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Clubs in Washington DC

Like 50, you may want to spend some of your time in da club.

You won't be disappointed, Washington DC has some of the best clubs on Earth and we've included the top choices below.

The Park at 14th

Nightclub in Washington DC

The Park at 14th is a hot DC nightclub open Thursdays through Sundays in the evening. The club offers events, like Halloween parties, live music, bottle service, food, and a high-end atmosphere. The Park at 14th only charges for a cover on Saturday nights ($20). Note the club's dress code prohibits athletic wear, baggy jeans, shorts, sunglasses, and hats.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $20+ per person
📍 920 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

DC9 Nightclub

Nightclub in Washington DC

DC9 Nightclub is a DC club considered to be a hipster hangout. The club, which encompasses three levels, offers a cozy basement bar, a rooftop deck, and a dance floor with stage that's great for dance parties. From the reviews: "Can't complain about a thing. The bartender upstairs was incredibly friendly and personable, and he did a great job tending bar by himself to the entire crowd for the show. I was pleased they had a couple of IPAs in cans to offer. The sound was adequate for the room size and wasn't too loud. I was actually pretty impressed with the stage lighting setup for such a small, intimate venue."

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0+ per person
📍 1940 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

U Street Music Hall

Nightclub in Washington DC

U Street Music Hall, or U-Hall, is a DJ-owned dance club and live music venue in DC. The typical music played includes house, disco, techno, bass and electro. From The Washington Post: "U Street Music Hall -- U Hall to its friends -- ditches most of the trappings associated with D.C. nightclubs. No dress code. No bottle service. No party photographers. No VIP areas, or seating more complex than bar stools. Just a huge room with a DJ booth at one end, a stage at the other and bars along the sides. It's a black box theater that lets DJs focus on the music."

🌐 Website
🎟️ $10+ per person
📍 1115A U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Club Timehri

Nightclub in Washington DC

Club Timehri is a small club that often features reggae, dancehall, soca, and other music. From the reviews: "I love Timehri! I don't get out much anymore but this place is my go-to spot for hot dancehall beats and reasonably priced drinks."

🌐 Website
🎟️ $10+ per person
📍 2439 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Flash

Nightclub in Washington DC

Flash is a DC nightclub that offers international music and comforting American fare. The venue is small and intimate, with a fun, Instagram-worthy photo booth, and edgy decor. Flash is a tri-level club: the club level offers a dance floor, bar, and bench seating; the ground level features a second dance floor and bar, and the rooftop features a third dance floor and bar complete with indoor/outdoor seating.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $5+ per person
📍 645 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Washington DC Hotels

Looking for the best places to stay in Washington DC?

Or even just any place to stay?

There are many sites that specialize in accommodation, and we can't compete with those listings, but we can show you a few of the best hotels in Washington DC.

Luxury Hotels in Washington DC

If budget isn't a concern, then you may want to stay at one of these luxury hotels in Washington DC.

The St. Regis Washington DC

Luxury Hotel in Washington DC

The St. Regis Washington DC has been a mainstay luxury hotel in the DC area for close to 100 years. The upscale accommodations in downtown DC are close to much of the city's top landmarks, including the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and museums on the National Mall. The St. Regis itself offers numerous luxurious amenities, including afternoon tea, in-house fine dining, a fitness center, and signature hand-crafted cocktails.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $279+ per person
📍 923 16th And, K St NW, Washington, DC 20006

The Hay-Adams

Luxury Boutique Hotel in Washington DC

The Hay-Adams is an upscale DC hotel with incredible views of the White House and downtown Washington DC. The Hay-Adams offers a five-star experience with amenities to include on-site restaurants and bars, electric car charging, free WiFi, complimentary Mercedes shuttle service, and a fitness center.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $339+ per person
📍 800 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20006

Rosewood Washington DC

Luxury Hotel in Washington DC

Rosewood Washington DC is a five-star DC hotel with stunning views of the C&O Canal. The Rosewood offers luxurious amenities, including famed on-site dining, a rooftop bar and lounge, a stunning pool with views of the city, and a wellness center. The Rosewood Washington DC was previously named to the U.S. News & World Report list of Best Hotels in the USA.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $270+ per person
📍 1050 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Four Seasons Washington DC

Luxury Hotel in Washington DC

The Four Seasons Washington, DC is the only five-star, five-diamond hotel in the nation's capital. The Georgetown-located hotel sits on Pennsylvania Avenue. The Four Seasons offers world class dining on-site at Bourbon Steak, a bar and lounge, top private fitness clubs and spas, and suites with outdoor terraces.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $650+ per person
📍 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

The Jefferson

Luxury Hotel in Washington DC

The Jefferson is a luxury five-star hotel in DC named for the nation's third president. The hotel has a famed on-site spa, which incorporates herbs and botanicals grown in gardens from Monticello, at the Virginia estate of Thomas Jefferson. The Jefferson also has a Michelin starred restaurant in the Plume. Guests are able to access on-site fitness centers and a pool across the street at a health club.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $405+ per person
📍 1200 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Boutique Hotels in Washington DC

There are some very cool boutique hotels in Washington DC, which are a nice change from the mainstream hotels.

If you want to find some unique places to stay, then this is the section for you.

Tabard Inn

Boutique Hotel in Washington DC

The Tabard Inn is a Washington DC boutique hotel housed in 1800s-era townhouses. It is the oldest continuously running hotel in town. Marie Willoughby Rogers first opened the inn's doors in 1922, drawing inspiration from Canterbury Tales. The Tabard Inn has a rich history, including housing the Waves (Navy Women Accepted to Emergency Services) during World War II. Today, the Tabard Inn offers rooms filled with antiques and a delicious on-site dining experience.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $115+ per person
📍 1739 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036

InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C.

Luxury Boutique Hotel in Washington DC

InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C. is a five-star luxury boutique hotel in Washington DC that offers great pricing. The Willard has been in business in DC for more than 200 years and is considered a local historic icon. The hotel is still mired in its historic and elegant charm. The hotel also boasts the famed Round Robin Bar, as well as the Peacock Alley luxury shops.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $160+ per person
📍 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

The Graham

Boutique Hotel in Washington DC

The Graham is a charming Georgetown Art Deco-style boutique hotel. The Graham offers a large rooftop bar with incredible city views, an interior speakeasy, and decor in tribute to Alexander Graham Bell, for whom the hotel is named. The Graham is close to much of the best that DC has to offer, including the Potomac river, M Street, Washington Harbor, the National Mall, and Georgetown University.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $215+ per person
📍 1075 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

Boutique Hotel in Washington DC

The Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square is a boutique hotel in DC that has earned five stars. The Sofitel is close to the best of the city, near the White House and National Mall. Amenities on site take the Sofitel to luxury status; the hotel boasts a fitness center, free WiFi, marble bathrooms, and an on-site gourmet French eatery.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $250+ per person
📍 806 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Capitol Hill Hotel

Budget Boutique Hotel in Washington DC

The Capitol Hill Hotel is just a mile or so away from the famed U.S. Capitol building. The boutique hotel is one of the best located DC hotels and great for travelers visiting DC on a budget; it's two miles or less from most of the city's monuments and memorials. The 2013 renovation has caught the eye of travelers. The hotel offers a free continental breakfast, on-site fitness center, and wine reception each weeknight. Hotel guests can even borrow free bikes from the lobby to travel around DC.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $125+ per person
📍 200 C St SE, Washington, DC 20003

The Morrison-Clark Historic Inn

Boutique Budget Hotel in Washington DC

The Morrison-Clark Historic Inn is a boutique hotel in DC with a rich history. The Morrison Clark is housed in an 1864-era mansion. The hotel is elegant, historic, and close to a subway stop. The Victorian rooms all come with free WiFi, and the hotel offers an on-site fitness room and a seasonal outdoor pool. The Morrison Clark also has a cozy restaurant with marble fireplaces, huge windows, and an intimate bar.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $107+ per person
📍 1011 L St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Budget Hotels in Washington DC

Washington DC is not a cheap place to stay in, however you can find some deals on hotels if you look for them.

To help with your search, we've listed a few of the best budget hotels in Washington DC.

Hotel Hive

Budget Hotel in Washington DC

Hotel Hive is a great option for budget-conscious DC travelers. As the city's first micro-hotel, Hotel Hive offers rooms ranging from 125-250 square feet in size. It provides the bare necessities needed for a stay in Washington DC. The hotel's location in Foggy Bottom puts it in close proximity to some of the area's top attractions, including George Washington University, the White House, and the National Mall.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $94+ per person
📍 2224 F St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Kimpton Hotel Madera

Budget Boutique Hotel in Washington DC

The Kimpton Hotel Madera is a boutique hotel in DC's Dupont Circle that is great for travelers on a budget. Firefly, the hotel’s restaurant and cocktail bar, is centered around a tree trunk lit with lanterns and patio lights. The hotel has a great location at a great price; it is just one mile from the White House and the Lincoln Memorial, and close to subway stops to reach the rest of the best DC has to offer.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $93+ per person
📍 1310 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

Hotel Harrington

Budget Hotel in Washington DC

Hotel Harrington is a great choice hotel for travelers visiting DC on a budget. Hotel Harrington offers a top location, nestled only half a block from Pennsylvania Avenue, between the Capitol and the White House. A Metro station is two blocks away for guests looking to explore more than the historic White House and Capitol areas. With free WiFi, several on-site dining options, and strong pricing, Hotel Harrington is an excellent budget hotel in DC.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $99+ per person
📍 436 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

The Baron Hotel

Budget Hotel in Washington DC

The Baron Hotel is an affordable, budget-friendly hotel in Washington DC. The Baron is considered a traditional hotel with simple decor, free WiFi, and en-suite bathrooms. The Baron is close to the Dupont Circle Metro Station, as well as within two miles of the Lincoln Memorial and the White House. The hotel also has its own on-site tavern with live shows, comedy events, and American comfort pub food.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $72+ per person
📍 1523 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Windsor Park Hotel

Budget Hotel in Washington DC

Windsor Park Hotel is a hotel in DC great for travelers on a budget. The Windsor Park Hotel overlooks Rock Creek Park. The hotel is close to two different Metro stations, so guests are able to travel anywhere within DC quickly and easily. The Windsor Park Hotel is simple, traditional, and well-priced.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $88+ per person
📍 2116 Kalorama Rd NW, Washington, DC 20008

Cultural Things to do in Washington DC

Sure, you could come to Washington DC for a weekend of jello shots and debauchery, but you could also come for the cultural experiences.

Visiting parks, museums, historical sites and libraries is a great way to earn an appreciaiton for a city and Washington DC is no exception.

Washington DC Parks

With the exception of winter months, Washington DC is a great city for spending time outdoors.

Parks are an obvious inclusion on the list of places to visit both for tourists and locals, and we've listed some of the best parks in Washington DC below.

National Mall

Park in Washington DC

The National Mall is DC's most famous park and home to its most famous landmarks. The National Mall contains the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Capitol, and several museums, including the collection of Smithsonian museums. Along with the White House, the National Mall is one of the most iconic images seen around the world of Washington DC.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 Washington, DC

President's Park

Park in Washington DC

President's Park is housed just outside the White House. The 82-acre park contains important memorials and statues commemorating DC and United States history. The public is welcome to tour President's Park. There are two different walking trails; both entrances are at the White House Visitors Center on Pennsylvania Avenue. Choose the Northern Trail to visit Sherman Park, Pennsylvania Avenue, Lafayette Park, and the First Division Monument. Choose the Southern Trail to see the Ellipse, monuments, fountains, and the White House South Lawn.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20230

United States Botanic Garden

Botanic Garden in Washington DC

The United States Botanic Garden is the oldest still-operating botanic garden in the entire United States. The garden is maintained by Congress and is open 365 days every year. The botanic garden was an original vision of President George Washington that continues on to this day; more than 65,000 plants are on display.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001

Meridian Hill Park

Park in Washington DC

Meridian Hill Park is a 12-acre urban park located in Washington's Columbia Heights neighborhood. The park is home to several cool features, including a garden with a cascading waterfall, patterned concrete pathways, and a variety of sculptures like Joan of Arc, Serenity, Dante, and the James Buchanan Memorial. Some locals refer to Meridian Hill Park as the Malcolm X Park.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 16th St NW &, W St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

Park in Washington DC

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens in Washington DC is a 700-acre park that includes water gardens, water lily pads, the Kenilworth Marsh, a variety of sports fields, hiking paths and trails, and various recreational facilities. The gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019

Washington DC Museums

Have you heard the news? Museums are f***ing awesome!

We have a full list of museums in Washington DC, but here are a few of the best museums that you should definitely check out.

Air and Space Museum

Museum in Washington DC

The Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular and most visited museums not only in DC, but across the entire country. The museum is housed on DC's National Mall, has free admission, and an incredibly cool collection of historical objects from the air and space industry (think Amelia Earhart's plane).

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Museum in Washington DC

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, or USHMM, is located near the National Mall in DC. The museum is focused on documenting and preserving the history of the Holocaust through artifacts, photos, audio, documents, and more.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024

National Archives Museum

Museum in Washington DC

The National Archives Building is located north of the National Mall in DC and is home to the original copy of incredible United States documents such as the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 700 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20408

National Museum of American History

Museum in Washington DC

The National Museum of American History has almost two million objects about the United States' heritage as it pertains to a variety of areas, from politics to science to social norms to culture to the military. Located on the National Mall, the National Museum of American History is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Guests can check out a top hat that belonged to Abraham Lincoln, the country's first-ever artificial heart, and the original star-Spangled Banner.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Museum in Washington DC

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's collection contains more than 145 million specimens of fossils, animals, plants, rocks, gems, minerals, humans, meteorites, and more. The impressive collection is considered one of the best in the world.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560

Historic Sites in Washington DC

Some of the world's most important history happened in Washington DC, and it would be unfortunate for you to miss it.

Here is our list of the best historic sites in Washington DC.

Arlington National Cemetery

Historic Site in Washington DC

Though technically this site is outside of DC proper limits, we feel it's well worth including on our list of things to do in Washington DC. Arlington National Cemetery is a 600-plus acre military cemetery where those who died in war for the United States have been buried. The Civil War's casualties were the first to be actively buried at the site. The cemetery is known for several important memorials and occurrences, including John F. Kennedy's gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The ANC has an app that allows guests to find their way through the cemetery to ensure visitors are able to see what they'd like.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 1 Memorial Ave. Arlington, Virginia 22211

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

Historic Site in Washington DC

The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site is located in Northwest Washington, DC. Mary McLeod Bethune, a world-renowned educator, civil rights champion, leader of women, and presidential adviser, was the first African American woman to hold an office like this in the US federal government.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 1318 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Historic Site in Washington DC

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Anacostia and is the home of Frederick Douglass. The house today has been restored to how it appeared during the late 1890s and contains original items that used to belong to Douglass himself. Guests can only visit the home via guided tours.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 1411 W St SE, Washington, DC 20020

Woodrow Wilson House

Historic Site in Washington DC

The Woodrow Wilson House, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964, served as the home of the 28th President of the United States once he left office. Wilson lived in the home after leaving the presidency until his 1924 death. Wilson died in the house, which can be visited via guided tour.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $10 per person
📍 2340 S St NW, Washington, DC 20008

Tudor Place

Historic Site in Washington DC

Tudor Place is a Federal-style mansion in Washington DC where Martha Washington's granddaughter, Martha Parke Custis Peter, and her husband lived. The museum has thousands of books and manuscripts, maps, diaries, and more. There are even letters between Martha and George Washington. Guests can enter the house via guided tour, but the public is welcome to visit the gardens on its own.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Washington DC Libraries

Books are probably the greatest invention humanity has produced in our duration as a species.

Especially Asimov's non-fiction, for example: Asimov's Chronology of the World and the similar Chronology of Science and Discovery.

And you know where there are a lot of books? Libraries. And these books are free to read, which is pretty f***ing awesome!

Library of Congress

Library in Washington DC

The Library of Congress, located on DC's Capitol Hill, is thought of as the largest library in the world. Without a doubt, it is the oldest federal cultural institution in the country. Visitors to DC can enjoy a guided one-hour tour of the Library.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540

Scottish Rite Temple and Supreme Council Library

Library in Washington DC

The House of the Temple, located in DC's Dupont Circle neighborhood, is a Masonic temple that serves as the HQ of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A.. The House of the Temple houses items like President Harry Truman’s 33rd degree collar and the George Washington Banquet Hall, among others.

Scottish Rite Temple and Supreme Council Library

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 1733 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Folger Shakespeare Library

Library in Washington DC

The Folger Shakespeare Library is located on Capitol Hill in Washington DC and has the biggest collection of printed Shakespeare works anywhere in the world.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 201 E Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection

Library in Washington DC

Dumbarton Oaks is a historic estate in Washington DC's Georgetown neighborhood. The museum is best known for its collection of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian works of art, as well as a House Collection that features interiors of historic home and furnishings.

Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 1703 32nd St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Washington DC Neighborhoods

While it may not be obvious in shows and movies, Washington DC is actually a very geographically diverse city.

Explore the various neighborhoods to find more of the top sights, best kept secrets and hidden gems in Washington DC.

Dupont Circle

Neighborhood in Washington DC

Dupont Circle is one of DC's most popular neighborhoods. It contains quirky and cute boutique shops, hidden gem dining, to include wonderful ethnic options like Food Corner Kabob House, and a one-star Michelin restaurant in Sushi Taro. Highlights of Dupont Circle includes outdoor chess games, Embassy Row, and The Phillips Collection.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 Washington DC

Foggy Bottom

Neighborhood in Washington DC

Foggy Bottom is the quintessential DC neighborhood. When you see shows set in Washington DC on TV during political dramas, it's often Foggy Bottom that you're looking at. Foggy Bottom is DC's cultural and political hotspot, including landmarks such as the U.S. Department of State, the JFK Center, and the National Symphony Orchestra. Foggy Bottom is one of the city's most notable oldest neighborhoods, with roots that can be traced back to the late 18th century.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 Washington DC

Georgetown

Neighborhood in Washington DC

Georgetown is a popular DC neighborhood that is home to the impressive Georgetown University. The neighborhood offers Federal-style architecture to go alongside its boutique shops, top dining, and cobblestone streets. The neighborhood runs along DC's C&O Canal with a bike path, shopping, gardens, and promenade.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 Washington DC

Navy Yard

Neighborhood in Washington DC

Navy Yard is a DC neighborhood that sits on the banks of the Anacostia River. Navy Yard is home to several incredible and popular amenities and things to do in Washington DC, including the Nationals baseball stadium, beer gardens, the Washington Navy Yard, the boardwalk, and the National Museum of the U.S. Navy.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 Washington DC

Penn Quarter/Chinatown

Neighborhood in Washington DC

Penn Quarter/Chinatown is a vibrant DC neighborhood with lots of culture and many things to do in Washington DC. The neighborhood boasts incredible Chinese history and dining as well as Capital One Arena, numerous off-National-Mall museums like the National Portrait Gallery, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and Ford's Theater, where Abraham Lincoln was shot. The area is also home to top dining and shopping, including CityCenterDC.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0 per person
📍 Washington DC

Washington DC Shopping

If you love shopping then Washington DC has what you need.

Here are some options for the best shopping in Washington DC.

DC USA

Shopping Center in Washington DC

DC USA is a massive retail shopping center in Washington DC's Columbia Heights neighborhood. The center is off the city's metro station, making it a popular spot for shopping. DC USA offers traditional big box retailer shopping as well as a variety of smaller shops and boutiques.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0+ per person
📍 3100 14th Street, NW Washington DC 20010

CityCenterDC

Shopping Center in Washington DC

CityCenterDC is an upscale shopping center in Washington DC. The plaza encompasses five city blocks and includes offices, stores, restaurants, and housing. CityCenterDC is a 10-acre, two-million-square-foot area. The main area of the center is Palmer Alley, which is a three-block span that is closed off to all traffic but pedestrians.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0+ per person
📍 825 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Mazza Gallerie

Shopping Center in Washington DC

Mazza Gallerie is a shopping complex in Washington DC's Friendship Heights neighborhood. Mazza Gallerie includes shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0+ per person
📍 5300 Wisconsin Ave NWWashington, DC 20015

Georgetown Park: The Shops at Georgetown

Shopping Center in Washington DC

Georgetown Park a multiuse shopping mall and condo complex in Washington DC's famous Georgetown neighborhood. For shopping, the Shops at Georgetown include a wide variety of shopping and dining options, with traditional big box retailers and smaller local boutiques.

Georgetown Park: The Shops at Georgetown

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0+ per person
📍 3222 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Cady's Alley

Shopping Center in Washington DC

Cady's Alley is an upscale outdoor shopping center in Washington DC's Georgetown neighborhood offering stores that specialize in home decor, furniture, furnishings, clothes, and jewelry. There are a number of local antique shops in the area, which offers guests a chance to find some cool vintage pieces with great DC history.

🌐 Website
🎟️ $0+ per person
📍 3316 -3318 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

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