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Washington DC

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Washington DC
From its iconic monuments and buildings to its historic neighbourhoods and free museums, the capital of the United States offers so many interesting attractions, it's hard to know where to begin. Consider a tour of the White House Visitor's Centre, a wealth of information about one of the most powerful symbols of American history and politics. From there you can make your way to a number of moving tributes, including the Vietnam War Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. Washington DC is especially known for its museums. From the Holocaust to the history of space exploration and from dinosaurs to international spies, there's a museum for almost every area of interest, with many offering free admission. Great shopping, restaurants and Colonial architecture can be found in Georgetown. And The Mall, a slice of greenery in the centre of town surrounded by the buildings of the Smithsonian, is the perfect place to grab a hot dog, relax and take in the sights and sounds of this lively city.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten track, but all are worth a visit.
Signature attractionSignature attraction
U.S. Capitol: The magnificent domed edifice is both a grand symbol for and the working seat of the United States government.
Address: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202-226-8000
Free; tickets required
White House: One of America's most recognisable historical and political symbols is also the home and office of the President of the United States. Tours are currently being scheduled for school and youth groups and organised US military and veteran groups. The White House Visitor's Center, located nearby, is open to the general public and offers a range of information and exhibits.
Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202-208-1631
Free
Memorial landmarksMemorial landmarks
Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Comprising three elements: the Wall of Names, the Three Servicemen Statue and Flagpole and the Vietnam Women's Memorial, this emotionally stirring memorial pays tribute to the men and women who served in one of America's most controversial wars.
Address: Just across from the Lincoln Memorial, East of Henry Bacon Dr. between 21st and 22nd sts. NW, Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202-426-6841
Free
Jefferson Memorial: A 19-foot bronze statue of perhaps the most esteemed founding father sits beneath a columned rotunda in the style of the Roman Pantheon.
Address: South of the Washington Monument on Ohio Dr., At the south shore of the Tidal Basin, Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202-426-6841
Free
Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool: The majesty of Daniel Chester French's 19-foot high statue of Abraham Lincoln is complemented by Jules Guernin's 60-foot high murals depicting the Angel of Truth on one side and Fraternity and Charity on another.
Address: National Mall, Directly west of the Mall in Potomac Park, Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202-426-6842
Free
History with a viewHistory with a view
Washington Monument: At 555 feet, this classical obelisk is the most prominent feature on the Washington skyline. A lift takes visitors to the observation deck for a spectacular view of America's capital.
Address: Directly south of the White House, At 15th St. and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202-426-6841
Free; advance tickets can be purchased for a fee
Museum highlightsMuseum highlights
Smithsonian Institution: The world's largest museum and research complex actually comprises 15 speciality museums and other affiliates, with subjects that vary from African Art to the postal service, and from sculpture to space exploration.
Address: 1100 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202 357 1500
Free
National Air and Space Museum: The most popular of the Smithsonian museums features the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer and Lindbergh's Spirit of St Louis.
Address: Sixth and Independence Ave., SW, Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202-357-1686
Free
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: Opened in 1910 and located on the National Mall, this prestigious museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, holds the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artefacts, including the remains of dinosaurs and tools used by early humans.
Address: 10th Street and Constitution Ave., Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202 633-1000
Free
International Spy Museum: Opened in 2002, the International Spy Museum provides interactive exhibits and contains the most extensive collection of spying artefacts ever displayed.
Address: 800 F Street NW, Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202-393-7798
Admission fee
Outdoor funOutdoor fun
U.S. National Arboretum: Established in 1927 by an Act of the United States Congress, this national treasure contains 446 acres of fabulous flora and fauna and is especially known for its Asian, azalea and conifer collections.
Address: 3501 New York Ave. NE, Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202-245-2726
Free
National Mall (The Mall): This historically famous stretch of park in the centre of Washington DC has hosted big-name concerts and important political rallies, and is a great place to hang out and people-watch on a warm sunny day.
Address: Constitution Avenue, Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202-673-7660
Free
RestaurantsRestaurants
Zaytinya: A variety of Greek and Middle Eastern dishes are served tapas-style. The large menu is divided in to meat, seafood and vegetarian options.
Address: 701 9th St NW, Edison Place, Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202-638-0800
Cafe Atlantico and Minibar: This festive restaurant serves Latin and South American inspired dishes. The guacamole made tableside is a real treat. On weekends, the Latin dim sum is a delicious array of eclectic tapas dishes.
Address: 405 8th St NW, Washington DC, District of Columbia
Phone: 202-393-0812
Things to doMore attractions
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Washington DC Trip Lists

Trip Lists — Created by real travelers to give you ideas
on where to go and what to do on your next trip.
What to do in Washington DC
Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travellers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Luxury hotelsLuxury hotels
The Hay-Adams
Popularity index: #7 in Washington DC
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
Hotels.com See maps & reviews for over 140,000 Hotels worldwide!
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
View all travel offers for this hotel
Willard InterContinental Washington
Popularity index: #13 in Washington DC
InterContinental Find the best price on our website or your first night is free.
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
Washington.Intercontinental.com Best Rates Guaranteed. Book Direct.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Embassy Suites Hotel Washington, D.C.
Popularity index: #21 in Washington DC
EmbassySuites.com Book Today and Get Our Best Rates. Guaranteed.
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Hotels.com See maps & reviews for over 140,000 Hotels worldwide!
View all travel offers for this hotel
Homewood Suites Washington, DC
Popularity index: #48 in Washington DC
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Hotels.com See maps & reviews for over 140,000 Hotels worldwide!
HomewoodSuites Book Today and Get Our Best Rates. Guaranteed.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Holiday Inn Washington - Central / White House
Popularity index: #62 in Washington DC
HolidayInn.com Find the best price on our website or your first night is free.
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
View all travel offers for this hotel
Wingate by Wyndham Chantilly / Dulles Airport
Popularity index: #11 in Chantilly
WingateHotels.com Click now for reservations at one of our 150+ properties!
Hotels.com See maps & reviews for over 140,000 Hotels worldwide!
Priceline.com More Ways to Save on Hotels. Save up to 50% on Top Brands.
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Recommended Reading
"Washington DC: Access with a Capital A"  Gimp on the Go
In the U.S. capital, government buildings, monuments, museums and the zoo are not only accessible but also interesting and, in many cases, free.
"Free Things to do in Washington, D.C."  Gallagher's Travels
There's a wide range of free attractions to enjoy in Washington, D.C.
"Washington D.C. with Kids: Where to Stay & What to do"  Family Vacation Critic
Washington D.C. with Kids: Where to Stay & What to do
"D.C. on the upswing"  Los Angeles Times (free registration required), 3 Oct 2004
America's cleaned-up capital is safer than ever for both night-time frolicking and museum-hopping by day.
 View all articles, guide books and user reviews about Washington DC