10 Best Things to Do in Washington DC
What Is Washington DC Most Famous For?
Washington DC attracts history buffs with its national monuments and memorials, as well as impressive museums displaying various cultures, artifacts, and collectibles from around the world. Home to the White House, you may even catch a glimpse of the nation’s president while you’re vacationing in the U.S. capital.
Spring often attracts crowds to the 2-mile-long Tidal Basin as hundreds of pink cherry trees are in bloom from March to October. Year-round, the city also has a vibrant entertainment scene, with live jazz, rock and roll, and EDM blaring from nightclubs, lounges, and bars concentrated in the U Street district. Make the most out of your stay by checking out our guide to things to do in Washington DC.
What are the best things to do in Washington DC?
1. The White House
An inside look at the president’s home
Kategoriat: Historia, Valokuvaus
The White House is a popular stop for most visitors in Washington DC as it has been the official residence of every president of the USA since 1800. Self-guided tours are available, but for security reasons foreign visitors are required to apply for a tour request at their home country’s embassy in Washington DC.
Even if you’re not able to schedule a tour inside, the White House still offers beautiful snapshots thanks to its all-white exterior, blooming flowerbeds, and fountains. Lue lisää
Osoite: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA
Avoinna: Tours: Tuesday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
Puhelin: +1 202-456-1111
The White House
2. Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials
A walking tour of the memorials
Kategoriat: Historia, Valokuvaus, Halpa
The Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials are built in commemoration of some of the nation’s most noteworthy people. The Lincoln Memorial, inspired by the Pantheon, features 36 Doric columns and a 19-foot-tall sitting statue of Abraham Lincoln looking out towards a reflecting pool.
A 10-minute walk away is the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, which is located next to the Tidal Basin. Both are located in Independence Avenue, and you get to enjoy a lovely view of gardens, sculptures, and a large reflecting pool as you walk from one memorial to another. Lue lisää
Tutustu hotelleihin kohteen Lincolnin muistomerkki lähistöllä
Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials
3. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
An actual fossilized Neanderthal at the Hall of Human Origins
Kategoriat: Perheet, Historia, Halpa
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History displays over 126 million objects ranging from animal fossils, gemstones and meteorites to live butterflies, and insects. Spanning over 325,000 sq. feet of exhibition space, it’s one of the largest museums in the world. Take a stroll through the halls and discover awe-inspiring exhibitions.
The Hall of Human Origins is where you get to learn about the history of human species through an interactive human family tree, an authentic fossilized Neanderthal, and over 70 skull replicas. Lue lisää
Osoite: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Avoinna: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Puhelin: +1 202-633-1000
Tutustu hotelleihin kohteen Luonnontieteellinen kansallismuseo lähistöllä
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
4. Pennsylvania Avenue
Museum-hopping in downtown DC
Kategoriat: Valokuvaus, Halpa
Pennsylvania Avenue is a great place to visit historical buildings and museums in Washington DC. A good starting point for tourists is the White House, where you’re within walking distances of the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial.
You can also enjoy a day of museum-hopping when you’re in Pennsylvania Avenue, with famous spots including the Smithsonian Museums, Art Museum of the Americas, and Hirshhorn Museum. There are so many things to see, your day will fill up easily. Lue lisää
Pennsylvania Avenue
5. Eastern Market
Delightful crafts by local artists
Kategoriat: Shoppailu, Ruoka
Eastern Market, established in 1805, is one of the first public marketplaces in Washington DC. It occupies an 18th-century brick building on Capitol Hill. The North Hall is where you can find vendors selling fresh flowers, produce, pasta, and bakery items from Tuesday to Sunday.
On weekends, Eastern Market hosts a large flea market where local artists sell handmade crafts, second-hand books, cameras, antiques, and collectibles from all over the world. If you’re looking for a souvenir to remember your trip, this is the place to pick one up. Lue lisää
Osoite: 225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
Avoinna: Tuesday–Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm (Sunday until 5 pm)
Puhelin: +1 202-698-5253
Tutustu hotelleihin kohteen Eastern Market (tori) lähistöllä
Eastern Market
6. US Capitol and the Library of Congress
A free tour of the senate building
Kategoriat: Historia, Halpa
The US Capitol has more than 600 rooms and miles of vaulted corridors built in 19th-century neoclassical style. Its most impressive feature is a 177-foot-tall white dome with revolutionary period scenes, relief sculptures, and busts of former presidents. Be sure to head there early as tours are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Near the senate building is the Library of Congress, where you can enjoy free lectures, poetry readings, and concerts all year round. The library also displays a recreation of Thomas Jefferson’s original library. Lue lisää
Osoite: US Capitol Grounds, Washington, DC 20004, USA and 10 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
Avoinna: Library of Congress: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm
Puhelin: + 1 202-226-8000 and + 1 202-707-5000
Tutustu hotelleihin kohteen United States Capitol lähistöllä
US Capitol and the Library of Congress
7. National Gallery of Art
A walk in the Sculpture Garden
Kategoriat: Historia, Halpa
The National Gallery of Art displays more 140,000 artworks from Europe and America from different time periods. Its West and East Buildings are connected by an underground concourse that’s fitted with Leo Villareal’s Multiverse installation, where you can see over 41,000 LED nodes creating hypnotic trailing lights and abstract sculptures.
A highlight here is the Sculpture Garden, which has a large fountain that functions as an ice rink during winter. Admission to the National Gallery of Art is free all year round. Lue lisää
Osoite: Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, USA
Avoinna: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Puhelin: +1 202-737-4215
Tutustu hotelleihin kohteen Kansallinen taidegalleria lähistöllä
National Gallery of Art
8. Rock Creek Park
A guided trail ride by the Horse Center
Kategoriat: Pariskunnat, Perheet, Valokuvaus, Halpa
Rock Creek Park is one of the largest green expanse in Washington DC. Hiking is a popular activity as the park has more than 30 trails to suit any fitness level. The Rock Creek Park Horse Center offers daily horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides for those looking to explore the park at a leisurely pace.
It’s also a popular spot for picnics, jogging, tennis, and cycling, so expect huge crowds if you’re visiting on weekends or national holidays. Join in the energetic atmosphere and enjoy the buzz. Lue lisää
Osoite: Washington, DC 20008, USA
Puhelin: + 1 202-895-6000
Rock Creek Park
9. Tidal Basin
Blooming cherry trees in springtime
Kategoriat: Pariskunnat, Perheet, Historia, Valokuvaus
The Tidal Basin is a manmade pond overlooking many Washington landmarks, including the Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials. The 2-mile-long pond is a popular spot for cycling and jogging all year round, but it draws a big crowd in spring as hundreds of cherry trees are in full bloom during this season.
Take a walk, hop in a paddleboat, or enjoy a picnic while admiring the scenery. The Tidal Basin has great views of many famous Washington sights, including the Washington Monument, so it’s the perfect place to take photos. Lue lisää
Osoite: 1501 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Tutustu hotelleihin kohteen Tidal Basin (vuorovesiallas) lähistöllä
Tidal Basin
10. U Street
Live jazz at this vibrant nightlife hub
Kategoriat: Pariskunnat, Yöelämä, Sinkut
U Street, known as the birthplace of jazz legend Duke Ellington, houses some of the busiest nightclubs, jazz clubs, and theaters in Washington DC. From the internationally acclaimed 9:30 Club to underground U Street Music Hall, there’s always a live gig happening on U Street.
This vibrant area is alive with African American culture and history. So even if you’re not there for drinks and music, you can find many art galleries, vintage shops, and wall murals while exploring this colorful neighborhood. Lue lisää
U Street
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