THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Washington DC (2024) - Must-See Attractions
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Things to Do in Washington DC
Stroll or bike through the National Mall, stopping at the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Smithsonian museums. Go in Spring to catch the cherry blossoms in bloom For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Washington DC.
- fromper adult£56
Half-day Toursfromper adult£72
Ghost Toursfromper adult£40
Culinary Toursfrom£80per adult (price varies by group size)£72
Day Tripsfromper adult£68
Private and Luxuryfromper adult£52
Golf Tours & Tee Timesfromper adult£67
Half-day Toursfromper adult£72- fromper adult (price varies by group size)£45
Likely To Sell Outfromper adult£21
Explore Capitol Hill
Stroll through historic Georgetown
Natural History Museums
Natural history museum with dinosaur skeletons, Butterfly Pavilion, and the Hope Diamond, showcasing gems and interactive exhibits on evolution and space.
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Speciality Museums
Interactive aviation museum with historic aircraft, space artifacts, and flight simulators. Highlights include Wright Brothers' Flyer and Apollo 11 relics.
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Monuments & Statues
Monumental tribute to a historic leader, featuring an iconic statue and inscriptions of seminal speeches. Site of pivotal civil rights moments, with tranquil views across the reflecting pool.
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Art Museums
Art lover's haven with vast collections ranging from Italian Renaissance to modern art, housed in two distinct buildings, featuring a sculpture garden and iconic pieces by Da Vinci and Vermeer.
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History Museums
Historically significant museum with thought-provoking exhibits on the Holocaust, including "Daniel's Story" and survivor accounts, set across three floors for reflection and education.
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Libraries
Government Buildings
Historic Walking Areas
Monuments & Statues
Elevated panoramic views await at this iconic landmark with a unique elevator ride, tranquil reflecting pool vistas, and a museum highlighting historical insights.
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Speciality Museums
Interactive espionage museum with engaging exhibits on the history and artifacts of spying, plus interactive spy missions for an immersive experience. Includes a special James Bond display.
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Three-level museum chronicling African American history through interactive exhibits and artifacts, with a focus on culture and civil rights. Features a cafe serving regional comfort food.
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Government Buildings
Historic estate tour provides a peek into presidential history with self-guided access to several famed rooms and the well-manicured south lawn, requiring advance reservation.
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Other Top Attractions around Washington DC
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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What travellers are saying
- YargLivesAugusta, GA168 contributionsPretty much anything you’ve heard about this place is correct. It lives up to the hype and more. Tons of fun and interesting things to see and interact with. The cherry on top is it being free to enter. Must do.Written 28 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Becky VNorcross, GA361 contributionsWe visited the National Air and Space museum on our recent visit to Washington DC. The Wright brothers original plane is here. Very impressive. The Space trips room was also spectacular. I just wish more was open; the museum is being renovated.Written 7 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- YargLivesAugusta, GA168 contributionsAmazing to see up close and personal. Tv, movies, pictures, etc. just don’t do it justice. Must see and do if you are in the area.Written 28 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Norbert R15 contributionsPerfect italiano espresso Lavazza.Bar with perfect service,Also very interesting presentation,entry free od chargeWritten 26 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- WestPalmBeach6 contributionsWe went on a Sunday. There were many staff present. The museum entry was free. We went as a church group with some of our youth members. The museum was packed with lots of information. Those shoes! The wall! The group enjoyed themselves.
We opt to buy food from the many food trucks that were parked outside.Written 28 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻Los Angeles, CA8,986 contributionsI stop by on each visit and continue to be impressed by the beauty of this building and its collections.
Timed entry slots are still required, but getting there via the underground tunnel from the capitol visitor's center is quite easy.
Even the elevators are spectacular!Written 11 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Esmeralda M1 contributionIt was excellent, and the view was beautiful. We only saw the outside and didn't go inside, but now I know. The next time we decide to go, I will schedule a tour.Written 18 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- YargLivesAugusta, GA168 contributionsMuch like the Lincoln Memorial TV, movies, pictures, etc. don’t do it justice. Just one of those places you have to see while you’re in the area.Written 28 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- YargLivesAugusta, GA168 contributionsJust one of the classic areas that is a must visit. Nice area surrounding it as well so plenty to see and do while out. Must do.Written 28 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mira S4 contributionsFirst off, in terms of spy memorabilia, this is probably the coolest place ever. So MUCH history.
Their website states you can do this in less than 4 hours. This will never happen with kids and if you love history and to read, this is an even bigger lie.
The museum is information overload. I could spend two days just reading here. And you really have to go there with one of these goals: am I going to do the activities or quench my inner hunger for history lessons by way of reading?
Issues experienced:
1. Not enough seats for anything. They keep you standing and walking, so the fatigue starts to set in after the third hour. With younger children, this is exceptionally difficult.
2. Not enough screens for activities once they start piling people in. Especially if you’re with younger kids, who aren’t into history and don’t want to stand and read for hours on end.
3. Bond exhibit wasn’t worth it. $13 per person to look at a dozen Bond vehicles.Written 27 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - mary sChicago, IL208 contributionsAlthough the organization of the museum can be confusing (we backtracked and saw a few exhibits twice), the content is comprehensive, interesting, engaging. The breadth of the African American influence is well-demonstrated. The exhibits tend to be geared to an adult viewer. Not sure I would take a child under 10 and expect them to appreciate the experience.Written 28 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MeganMunroToronto, Canada1,411 contributionsWe thought we would come to see this before the clowns take over. It is much smaller in person and the front gates are super high. There are police everywhere, a few demonstrators for various causes, not a lot else. The park walking up to the White House was in disappointing shapes, weeds and beaten down. It was something to see!Written 7 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January2 ºCColdest month7 days of rainLess busy
- February3 ºC7 days of rainVery busy
- March8 ºC8 days of rainVery busyBusiest month
- April14 ºC9 days of rainVery busy
- May19 ºC11 days of rainModerately busy
- June24 ºC11 days of rainModerately busy
- July