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Washington D.C., United States - Things to Do in Washington D.C.

Things to Do in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C., United States - Complete Travel Guide

Congress meets where Ethiopia's best restaurants thrive. Washington D.C. mixes serious politics with surprisingly good food, all connected by tree-lined streets that make this feel like an actual city instead of just a government town. The National Mall cuts a green path through downtown, linking monuments that look better in person than any photo suggests.

Top Things to Do in Washington D.C.

Smithsonian Institution Museums

Pick one or two Smithsonian museums. The Natural History Museum houses the Hope Diamond, while Air and Space displays the Wright Flyer alongside spacecraft that flew to the moon. Each could easily consume six hours if you let it.

Booking Tip: All Smithsonian museums are free, but some special exhibitions require timed passes that you can reserve online up to 30 days in advance. Weekday mornings are significantly less crowded, and many museums stay open until 7 PM during peak season.

National Mall and Monuments

The Mall walk takes 45 minutes. The stretch from Capitol to Lincoln Memorial covers America's civic heart, and seeing these monuments in person carries more weight than expected. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial hit hardest—plan extra time there.

Booking Tip: Monument access is free, but the Washington Monument requires advance tickets ($1 reservation fee) available online up to 30 days ahead. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best lighting and smaller crowds. Consider renting a Capital Bikeshare bike to cover more ground efficiently.

Capitol Hill and Supreme Court

Capitol tours show working democracy. The Rotunda and National Statuary Hall reveal how Congress operates, while the Supreme Court next door offers intimate views of oral arguments when court sits. The Library of Congress Jefferson Building gets skipped by most tourists—their loss.

Booking Tip: Free Capitol tours require advance reservations through your Representative's or Senator's office, though same-day tickets are sometimes available at the visitor center. Supreme Court visits are free but arrive early when court is in session (October through June). Tours cost nothing but plan 2-3 hours for the full experience.

Georgetown Waterfront and Historic District

Georgetown predates D.C. itself. Cobblestone streets and Federal architecture create a small-town feel that somehow survived absorption by a major city, while M Street boutiques cater to people with serious money. The waterfront connects to miles of Potomac trails.

Booking Tip: Georgetown has no Metro access, so plan on taking a bus, taxi, or walking from the nearest Foggy Bottom station. Street parking is challenging, but there are several paid garages. The waterfront restaurants tend to be pricey but offer pleasant outdoor seating, especially during sunset hours.

Kennedy Center and Tidal Basin

Kennedy Center hosts excellent performances. The building offers free daily tours and a rooftop terrace with panoramic Potomac views that most visitors miss entirely. Combine this with the nearby Tidal Basin for a cultural afternoon away from Mall crowds.

Booking Tip: Kennedy Center tours are free and run daily, but show tickets vary widely in price from $25-200+. The Millennium Stage offers free performances every evening at 6 PM. Cherry blossom season (late March-early April) draws massive crowds to the Tidal Basin, so visit very early morning or consider the off-season for a more peaceful experience.

Getting There

Reagan National (DCA) gets you downtown in 20 minutes via Metro's Blue Line. Dulles handles international flights but takes 45 minutes by car or Silver Line Express bus to reach Metro—plan accordingly. Union Station connects to Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, making New York a 3-hour train ride and Boston about 7 hours.

Getting Around

Metro covers tourist spots well. The Red Line runs from downtown through Dupont Circle to Adams Morgan, while a 7-day pass costs ~$65 and includes buses. Capital Bikeshare works for longer Mall distances—the stations are everywhere.

Where to Stay

Downtown/Penn Quarter
Dupont Circle
Georgetown
Capitol Hill
Foggy Bottom
Adams Morgan

Food & Dining

D.C. food has gotten serious. U Street and Adams Morgan serve some of America's best Ethiopian cuisine, while H Street evolved into a dining strip that locals use. James Beard winners operate alongside food trucks that'll surprise you between museum visits.

Top-Rated Restaurants in United States

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Peppermill and Fireside Lounge

4.5 /5
(19043 reviews) 2
bar night_club

Moonshine Grill

4.6 /5
(7161 reviews) 2
bar

The Southern Gentleman

4.8 /5
(4877 reviews) 2

The Guenther House

4.5 /5
(4678 reviews) 2

Canlis

4.6 /5
(2800 reviews) 4
bar

Whiskey Bird

4.8 /5
(2525 reviews) 2

When to Visit

April through May offers perfect weather. Late March brings cherry blossoms and massive crowds—the timing varies by about two weeks each year. Summer heat can be brutal, but museums extend hours and outdoor events multiply.

Insider Tips

Check museum websites for after-hours programs. Evening tours and lectures let you experience collections without the usual crowds—many offer these weekly.
Kennedy Center's rooftop terrace is free. The sunset views beat any paid observation deck, and most people don't know it exists.
C-SPAN shows daily Congressional schedules. Committee hearings are open to public with advance planning through your representative's office—seeing actual democracy beats any civics textbook.

Explore Activities in Washington D.C.

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Itineraries

Sample trip routes and plans for Washington D.C.

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Washington D.C.

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Washington D.C.

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Washington D.C.

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