Washington D.C. is easily one of my favorite cities in America. I love the architecture, the feasibility of public transportation, and the general atmosphere. I fall more and more in love with the capital each time I visit. Lucky for me, I have friends who live in the District and have shown me the best of D.C. Not only is America’s capital city full of memorials, monuments, and museums, but also gardens, markets, and a lively food scene. After multiple visits, I’ve compiled a list of the 15 best things to do in Washington D.C.
1. Visit the Museums
If you enjoy visiting museums, then you’re in for a real treat! There are so many museums in D.C. that you could spend an entire week just visiting them. Even better news? Most of the museums are free! I want to highlight some of my favorites:
History Museums:
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: There is so much to see here, with exhibits on gems and minerals, animals, human history, infectious diseases, and more. Plus, the new fossil exhibit just opened in June 2019! This museum is also home to the Hope Diamond, a large deep-blue diamond that is one of the most famous jewels in the world. (Free)
Smithsonian National Museum of American History: True to its name, the National Museum of American History showcases the heritage of the United States through displays of important social, political, historical, and cultural items and media. Some highlights include the original Star-Spangled Banner, the ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, President and First Ladies exhibit, and war exhibit. (Free)
National Archives: This museum contains a record of the history of America and its most important artifacts. It is home to the most prized pieces of American history such as the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. (Free)
Art Museums:
Smithsonian American Art Museum Renwick Gallery: This art museum holds the world’s largest collection of art made in the United States from the colonial period to present. (Free)
National Portrait Gallery: The National Portrait Gallery features a collection of portraits of famous Americans. It has a complete collection of presidential portraits, and you can see the contrasts in the style of portraits from Washington to Obama. (Free)
National Gallery of Art: The National Gallery of Art contains more than 150,000 sculptures, pieces of decorative arts, drawings, photographs, and paintings in its permanent collection. It features famous works of art such as a self-portrait of van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci’s only painting on public display in America, and several Vermeers and Monets. Recently, the museum was renovated to showcase a large collection of modern art as well. (Free)
Other Museums:
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Missiles and aircrafts and space stations, oh my! You’ll get to learn all about the history of flight and aviation and see iconic artifacts from air and space travel. (Free)
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: All those aircrafts too large for the Air and Space Museum? They’re displayed here in two large hangars. How epic is that! (Free) Please note that this museum is located in Chantilly, Virginia near the Dulles International Airport.
International Spy Museum: If you’ve ever wanted to walk in the shoes of a spy, here is your chance! The International Spy Museum displays an impressive collection of spy artifacts along with interactive exhibits and installations. Plus, tt was recently reopened in a new seven story building. (General Admission: $24.95/adult)
National Geographic Museum: With constantly changing displays, the National Geographic Museum showcases an array of exciting and thought-provoking exhibitions. Be sure to check out their website to see what is currently on display. ($15/adult)
2. Catch a panoramic view of D.C. from the Old Post Office Tower
Did you know that the best view of Washington D.C. isn’t from the Washington Monument, but rather the Old Post Office Tower? This way you can actually see the Washington Monument as part of the D.C. skyline. While the Old Post Office is currently used as the Trump International Hotel, the tower is still operated by the National Park Service. Entrance is also free! The tower is open from 9 AM – 5 PM every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) with the last entry at 4:30 PM. Self-guided tours are available from the elevator lobby on the stage level of the Old Post Office Pavilion. Then, the elevator takes you to the exhibit area, and there are signs that guide you to the top of the 270-foot-tall tower, where you’ll get a panoramic view of the city.
3. Bike the National Mall
The National Mall, one of America’s most well-visited national parks, stretches from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial and is home to numerous monuments, museums, and memorials. With a distance of about two miles, walking the Mall might prove difficult for some. Luckily, there are a number of bike-rental spots throughout that will make the journey a bit easier. And it’s well worth the effort; with so much to see and do along the way, no trip to DC is complete without a visit here.
Here are a few stops you can make starting from the Capitol Building:
- Washington Monument
- World War II Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
If you want to make a full day of it, then I suggest walking the route and visiting the museums as well. I found a good map of suggested stops for spending an entire day at the National Mall.
4. Catch the sunrise from the Lincoln Memorial
Catching the sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial is the perfect way to start your day of D.C. exploration. An early morning is well worth a sight of the sun rising in view of the Washington Monument. Not only will brilliant colors be painted across the sky, but also reflected in the pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
5. Wander through the United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden is located on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, and free to visit. It is a relaxing experience, and the garden features a conservatory, several nurseries, exotic flora, and endangered plants. Wandering around made me feel like I was transported to many different terrains.
6. Take a tour of the White House
Visiting the White House has been on my bucket list for so long, but unfortunately I have not gotten the chance to visit. You should definitely plan ahead for your White House visit. You have to write to your member of Congress to submit a public tour request. Requests can be submitted 3 months in advance but not less than 21 days. If you’re not an American citizen, you need to contact your embassy in Washington D.C. for a tour request.
7. Shop and dine at Union Market
Union Market is a great place to eat, shop, and dine. There are over 10 shops and over 30 places for food and drinks. It is the perfect gathering place for locals, and an exciting place for visitors to try different D.C. restaurants and shop for local goods.
8. Get lost in the United States National Arboretum
The National Arboretum contains more than 446 acres of gardens and fields. It is fun to spend an afternoon just wandering around. Some of the highlights include the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum and the National Capitol Columns. Plus, it’s free to visit!
9. Admire the architecture of the Washington National Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral is an architectural wonder found right in the capital! The gothic style of this cathedral is a sight to be seen. You’ll almost think you’re in Europe. Did you know it is the 6th largest largest cathedral in the world? It also features over 700 angels and 1,200 carvings on the exterior. To visit the church for free, you can either attend church service or a musical performance. Sunday services are open to all, and there are concerts Monday through Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $12 for an adult outside of these visits.
10. Delight your senses at the Eastern Market
Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, Eastern Market is a public market filled with unique and exotic goods and locally sourced produce and food. The main hall has an assortment of fruits, vegetables, cheese, meats, seafood, and baked goods while the outdoors market showcases an incredible display of handicrafts such as woven goods, paintings, wood-carvings, rugs, and drawings. The main hall is open Tuesday – Sunday while the outdoors market is open on weekends.
11. Stroll around Georgetown
Georgetown is one of my favorite neighborhoods in D.C. I love just walking around this neighborhood and admiring the beautiful houses and charming storefronts. Downtown Georgetown is full of delicious eateries (including the famous Georgetown Cupcake) and shops. I really enjoyed the lively atmosphere as well. Georgetown Waterfront Park is a great place to take a stroll on a sunny day, and you can even rent paddle boats to explore the Potomac River.
12. Explore the grounds of Dumbarton Oaks
Located in Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks features a beautiful garden. I got to visit in April during cherry blossom season, and it was a great spot for seeing the beautiful pink blooms. The garden is open Tuesday to Sunday, and standard admission is $10/person.
13. Pay your respects at the Arlington National Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery is a distinguished U.S. military cemetery and final resting place for many American heroes. The cemetery contains the remains of more than 300,000 veterans from the Revolutionary War to the more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the most prominent monuments on the grounds of the National Cemetery is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This monument sits atop a hill overlooking Washington D.C. and symbolizes the sacrifices of all American service members.
14. Take a drive to Old Town Alexandria
Only a 20 minute drive from the heart of Washington D.C, Old Town Alexandria is a historic neighborhood that has maintained much of its colonial past. Today, you can still walk on the cobblestone streets that George Washington once strolled upon. The main street, King Street, is lined with a seemingly endless option of restaurants and independent boutiques. From the Waterfront Park, you can see Washington D.C. just across the Potomac river. I highly recommend you to add a visit to Old Town Alexandria to your D.C. itinerary.
15. Enjoy all the great foodie spots in the D.C. area
The D.C. area is a food heaven! Washington D.C. seems to have unlimited options for mouthwatering dishes, international cuisines, comforting brunch foods, energizing coffee, and tasty desserts. Each meal I’ve had in D.C. has been memorable. Here are some of my favorites along with highly recommended spots from D.C. locals:
- Lebanese Taverna (Middle Eastern/Dinner)
- Mission (Mexican/Brunch/Dinner)
- Ethiopic (Ethiopian/Dinner)
- Ambar (Balkan/Dinner)
- Georgia Brown’s (Southern Comfort/Brunch)
- Busboys and Poets (American/Brunch)
- The Pretzel Bakery (Dessert/Breakfast)
- District Donut (Dessert)
- Mia’s Italian Kitchen (Italian/Dinner)
- Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream (Dessert)
- Nando’s (Lunch)
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