Places to Visit in Washington DC - Washington DC Must-See Attractions
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 personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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- Private and Luxuryfromper adult₱3,813
- Half-day Toursfromper adult₱5,303
- Culinary Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₱5,898
- Likely To Sell Outfromper adult₱1,490
- Ghost Toursfromper adult₱2,920
- Half-day Toursfromper adult₱5,303
- Day Tripsfromper adult₱5,005
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₱4,930per adult (price varies by group size)₱4,436 - fromper adult (price varies by group size)₱3,515
- Trolley Toursfromper adult₱2,976
Natural History Museums
Natural history museum showcasing dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and a butterfly exhibit. Includes educational displays on evolution and a diverse array of wildlife and minerals.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Speciality Museums
Monuments & Statues
Majestic monument with a large statue of Abraham Lincoln, inscriptions of his speeches, and an intimate museum. Site of historical speeches and a reflective pool with scenic views.
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Art Museums
Expansive art collection spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces, housed in two distinct buildings with a sculpture garden and dining options.
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History Museums
Museum provides a contemplative journey through Holocaust history with thoughtful exhibits, including a model of the gas chambers and "Daniel's Story" for younger visitors.
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Libraries
Historic library in Capitol Hill, famed for its blend of neoclassical and Renaissance styles, housing rare collections including the Gutenberg Bible and Jefferson's personal library.
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Government Buildings
Guided tours through Neo Classical corridors reveal the rich history and architecture of this legislative symbol, including access to the Senate and House galleries.
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Historic Walking Areas
Sprawling open space lined with iconic memorials and diverse museums. Features ample paths for walking and biking amidst reflective pools and greenery, steeped in national history.
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Monuments & Statues
Landmark marble obelisk honoring a historical figure with panoramic city views, photo spots, and interior stone engravings visible during the elevator descent.
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Government Buildings
Historic self-guided tour through iconic rooms and stately decor in the nation's famed residence, with chances to observe presidential traditions and artwork.
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Speciality Museums
Historical museum with three levels tracing African American history from slavery to modern times, with interactive exhibits and soul food dining.
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Other Top Attractions around Washington DC
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What travelers are saying
- NKRoscommon, Ireland146 contributionsThis is an amazing museum with so many wonderful exhibitions. My favorite was the mammals and fossils. Give urself 3-4 hours at least. Plus is it’s totally free and no timed pass is required for entryWritten February 4, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- otlWelwyn, UK207 contributionsWe love this museum, but when we visited it was under construction in so many areas that actually I felt we were missing out on a lot. That said, what there was to see was still great and well curated.
One thing that had changed was that we were required to pre-book tickets. Which was a bit of a shock. Fortunately we were able to book online when we arrived.
We will return, but not until the place is fully open again.Written February 5, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AcinetoAuckland Central, New Zealand23,972 contributionsThe Lincoln Memorial is located at one end of the National Mall, with the US Capitol on the other. The memorial itself can be seen from a distance.
There is a fairly large park area around the memorial as well as a reflection pool just in front of it, which leads to the WWII memorial.
Unsurprisingly, it was busy. You can walk up the stairs or the ramp to get to the top. They were in the process of rebuilding the museum in the undercroft of the monument. Due to this, the stairs had coverings for the construction.
After heading up the stairs, you see the fairly large seated Lincoln inside the building. There wasn't much else in the building other than the statue. The walls on both sides did have inscriptions. The view after heading out is quite nice, with the Washington Monument in the distance and the poll just in front.
It is worth a stop since it is something that is seen quite a lot on TV and does look nicer in real life.Written January 29, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Michael G22 contributionsWOW !! Always fantastic ••• immaculately clean. Amazing staff. Always a great experience!!! Superb. What a stunning collectionWritten January 16, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Susan BNorth Pole, AK313 contributionsAn amazing, educational, emotional and gut-wrenching exhibit highlighting the terrifying travesties that humankind has committed against each other.Written January 31, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NekoloverLong Island, NY52 contributionsThe inside of the library is incredibly interesting, chock full of meaning. The one thing is I didn't time it right to actually go inside the reading room.Written February 4, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- otlWelwyn, UK207 contributionsWe were booked on one of the early tours and so arrived before the doors opened. A huge queue developed behind us, so we were glad to get in early and were not delayed by security. In fact, we arrived so early that we had some time to kill before our scheduled tour. So we went to the cafe and had breakfast, which was excellent and really cheap. The cafe is obviously used by all the staff, so I’m guessing it was subsidised, but if you get the chance, then use it!
The tour was excellent from a learning perspective, but it was too busy and the poor staff were trying their best to balance the need to inform with the need to keep control of the numbers. The building is magnificent and really could do with more time to do it justice. The art is also amazing. Loved the statues from each state and the history around them.
Everyone should visit this place to understand how one branch of the US government works.Written February 5, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Isa bGatineau, Canada1,487 contributionsWe walked up and down and across the street all the way to the Jefferson Memorial. We did it once during the day; and once at night. Be ready to walk 30 000 steps. ensure to have wifi. Its all free, but there is barely no contextual information by each memorial. You need to research it online to understand the full breath of the monument's creation and of the individual legacy it was made to recognize. The Roosevelt one is the one with more information, including about his wife and dog which deserved their own memorial as well.
Of course, the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials and statues are to be seen and reflected upon when you read their magnifient speeches. My favorite memorial was the Martin Luther King one, still so relevant today. It really make one think about peace and how we treat each other.Written January 5, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - GuildfordCookiesGuildford, UK68 contributionsThe views were amazing and, given The White House was blocked off as the election was in the next couple of weeks, this was our best view of The White House! Interesting information plaques at the top with identifiers for the buildings below. Even the lift ride back down was interesting with a stop half way back down to view the inside of the monument. Great experience.Written January 25, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ericka ROrlando, FL167 contributionsStrange to rate. I think it's specific to each person but it was interesting to see during the holidays. It was dressed up even more because of the season. Gave a cute and yummy chocolate at the end. Have that ID ready cause it will be checked to death. Like....a lot but makes sense. Pictures are possible but everyone will photo bomb you mistakenly as theres many people on the tour in a limited space. Downloaded the app but it wasn't much help beyond entrance.Written December 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Paul HPhiladelphia, PA216 contributionsThis was really interesting. We spent over 3 hours on the top floor, and when we realized there was another floor with at least as many exhibits we kind of lost mental and physical energy--I think I would like to go back and visit the fourth floor. The special exhibit on Bond cars was really cool! A little expensive but well worth the visit.Written January 27, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AcinetoAuckland Central, New Zealand23,972 contributionsAlthough entry to the museum is free, you do need to grab a timed ticket online. You are able to do it at the door if it's not too busy. The building itself is one of the more interesting ones in the National Mall. It is located on the Washington Monument end of the mall.
Like the other museums, you pass through security to enter the building. You can grab a map at the information desk. Although you can start anywhere, it is recommended to take the elevator down to the basement and work your way up.
The basement is where history starts with slavery. It has information and articles from the ships and the whole trade. It then goes into American Slavery and the lives of the slaves. It helps you understand the complex history of African Americans in America.
As you go up the building, you move forward in time. It goes into the end of slavery and the discrepancies in treatment between people. It follows the achievements of many African Americans in spite of prejudice. The upper levels are more into art, culture, and achievements of famous African Americans.
Although a bit different from the other museums, it shows the history of what was done and the importance of the fight for equality. It was interesting to see the reality of things you've heard about.Written January 25, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
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