About Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. delivers the National Mall's monuments and Smithsonian museums — mostly free — plus walkable neighbourhoods from Georgetown to Capitol Hill.
Best time
March–May (cherry blossoms) and September–November
Weather
Humid summers, mild springs/autumns, occasional snowy winters
Airport
Reagan National (DCA), Dulles (IAD), Baltimore (BWI)
Getting around
Metro + walk the Mall; rideshares for Georgetown waterfront evenings
Experiences
Things to do in Washington, D.C.
1
National Mall and Smithsonian museums
2
United States Capitol
3
Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool
4
Washington Monument
5
White House (exterior / Ellipse)
6
Georgetown waterfront
7
Arlington National Cemetery
8
National Gallery of Art
Budget travel
Free things to do in Washington, D.C.
Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool
Washington Monument
Georgetown waterfront
Arlington National Cemetery
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit National Mall and Smithsonian museums
- Visit United States Capitol
- Visit Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Washington Monument
- Visit White House (exterior / Ellipse)
- Visit Georgetown waterfront
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Arlington National Cemetery
- Visit National Gallery of Art
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Ben's Chili Bowl
American · U Street half-smoke institution since 1958
- $
Eastern Market vendors
Market food · Capitol Hill weekend classic
- $$
Old Ebbitt Grill
American · Historic downtown oyster bar
- $$$$
Minibar by José Andrés
Molecular / tasting · Experimental tasting-menu landmark
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
The Willard InterContinental
Downtown · Historic grand hotel near the White House
- $$$$
The Jefferson
16th Street · Boutique luxury favourite
- $$$
Hotel Washington
Penn Quarter · Rooftop views over the monuments
Shopping
- Georgetown
- Union Market
- CityCenterDC
Nightlife
- U Street
- Navy Yard
- Adams Morgan
Museums & culture
- Smithsonian cluster
- National Gallery of Art
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Local foods to try
- Half-smokes
- Maryland crab
- Ethiopian on U Street
Hidden gems
- Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
- Dumbarton Oaks
- Library of Congress interiors
Travel tips
- Many Smithsonian museums are free but use timed-entry in peak seasons
- Wear comfortable shoes — the Mall is larger than it looks
- Cherry blossom week needs lodging booked early
In pictures
Washington, D.C. gallery
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
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