Washington D.C. is more than just the capitol of the U.S.! From famous monuments to countless museums and beautiful places to visit, this city has endless entertainment. We’ve got the scoop on the 51 best places to visit, dine, and explore in Washington D.C.
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
This mansion has some of the best gardens in Washington D.C. Take a stroll through the inside and stop outside to view the beautiful nature, as well as the Potomac River. It costs $10 for adults and $3 for anyone 17 or under.
1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007 // Website
National Zoo
The Smithsonian National Zoo is open 364 days of the year and has free entry. Go visit all the animals, including Pandas, and do some dining and shopping!
3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 // Website
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is located directly in front of the beautiful Reflecting Pool. With large white columns at the front of the memorial, and a larger than life statue of Lincoln, this place attracts a lot of tourists and is definitely one you should not miss!
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037 // Website
Reflecting Pool
This pond, which is directly in front of the Lincoln Memorial, is the perfect spot to take a picture. With the Washington Monument clear across on the other side, the photo opportunities are endless and the view is gorgeous!
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20024 // Website
National Arboretum
This beautiful area, consisting of 446 acres, has many gardens. From the Flowering Tree Collection, to the National Bonsai Museum, this place has lots to explore.
3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 // Website
National Museum of American History
This national museum has a lot of interesting exhibits, portraying different events in American history. Check out an exhibition of all the First Lady dresses, and wander around Julia Childs’ famous kitchen in this museum!
1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560 // Website
Georgetown Cupcakes
This cute cupcake shop has a wide selection of cupcakes and is located in Georgetown. Fun fact: they also had their own TV Show called D.C. Cupcakes!
3301 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 // Website
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
If you are a history lover, this museum is the one for you! Though not the most happy place to walk around, this museum houses some real artifacts from The Holocaust as well as endless facts.
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024 // Website
Rasika Restaurant (Indian)
This famous Indian restaurant always makes it on the lists of best restaurants in Washington D.C. If you are looking for some flavorful Indian Cuisine in a modern and sleek indoor setting, this is the restaurant for you!
633 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004 // Website
National Air & Space Museum
Tour this museum to find out more information about airplanes and space! There are many models of different airplanes housed inside the museum as well as a spaceship rocket!
600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560 // Website
U.S Botanic Gardens
These gardens are located on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and have different exhibits of flowers and more for tourists to wander around.
100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001 // Website
The Old Post Office Clock Tower
This tower is the second tallest building in Washington D.C., only shorter than the Washington Monument. It gives a great view and is open from 9-5 daily.
1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 // Website
John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
Its not Broadway, but it’s pretty close! With a wide variety of shows, this place is buzzes with entertainment. This is definitely worth a night out, especially if you are a theatre lover!
2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566 // Website
Washington National Cathedral
This beautiful church has amazing architecture and a great view from the top. The gardens right behind it are also beautiful to walk around in!
3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 // Website
The Mansion on O Street
This Mansion was named one of the top five historic venues to explore and is great for private parties and corporate events. If you are exploring with a group, definitely consider checking this place out!
2020 O St NW, Washington, DC 20036 // Website
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Holding one of the world’s most inclusive collections of art, the museum represents over 700 artists.
F St NW & 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 // Website
Spanish Steps
Located in the Kalorama neighborhood, these Spanish steps are a gem! These steps add a European flare to the neighborhood.
1725 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20008 // Website
The White House
This one is pretty obvious, but you cannot miss visiting this famous building while in D.C. It is pretty to just marvel at from the outside, but you could also reserve tickets to walk around the inside if you book months in advance!
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500 // Website
Lincoln’s Cottage
This may be a small cottage, but it is a part of American history and where Lincoln used to reside. Check it out if you want to explore Lincolns old residence.
140 Rock Creek Church Rd NW, Washington, DC 20011 // Website
The Technicolor Church in Southwest D.C.
This church may be hidden, but it is one of the most interesting buildings to look at in D.C. What used to be a plain small church, is now a funky, multi-colored building. This is a great picture spot!
700 Delaware Ave. SW, Washington, DC
Constitution Gardens
Located within the boundaries of the national mall, the 38-acre Constitution Gardens provide an oasis away from the busy capital.
Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20024 // Website
Le Diplomate Restaurant
This French restaurant is popular for it’s complete French feel. the interior and exterior make it seems like you just stepped onto the streets of Paris!
1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 // Website
District Doughnut
If you’re a doughut lover, this is the place to go. This cute donut shop offers lots of different donut flavors and has made quite a name for itself in Washington D.C.
749 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 // Website
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The Presidential memorial dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, one of the most influential of the Founding Fathers, is a historic site that cannot be missed.
701 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242 // Website
Fiola Italian Restaurant
Fiola is a high-end restaurant, offering rustic Italian food in an upscale space.
601 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20004 // Website
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Want to see how money is made? Check out the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to witness the magic behind the process.
301 14th St SW, Washington, DC 20228 // Website
Washington Monument
This monument, located across the Lincoln Memorial, actually has a great view of the city! Ride the elevator to the top to see the sights!
2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024 // Website
National Archives
Holding many historic and government records, the National Archives should definitely be on your itinerary.
700 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20408 // Website
Albert Einstein Statue
Calling all science nerds! Want to hang with a larger than life statue of Albert Einstein? Check out this memorial in front of the National Academy of Sciences building.
2101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20418
Washington D.C.’s Cherry Blossoms
Stop to experience the blooming Cherry blossoms during March or April! Visit the National Cherry Blossom Event
1250 H Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 // Website
Newseum
Though this is one of the few museums without free admission, it is worth it to go! If you are interested in broadcast, journalism, and/or current events, this interactive-style museum will grab your interest!
555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 // Website
Zaytinya
This restaurant offers an innovative menu inspired by Turkish, Lebanese, and Greek cuisines. It has a very classy setting and is one of DC’s most popular restaurants!
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 // Website
Lincoln Park
This is a beautiful park located in the Capitol Hill Neighborhood. It is the largest park in Capitol Hill and even features a monument of Abraham Lincoln!
Washington, DC 20003 // Website
China Chilcano Restaurant
This is the perfect restaurant for mixing up your taste palette. The interior is chic and modern, with some asian flare sticking true to its Peruvian fusion style cuisine.
418 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 // Website
Baked & Wired
This cute spot is an artsy neighborhood coffeehouse and bakery offering espresso drinks, cupcakes, and their signature granola.
1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC 20007 // Website
Farragut Square
This city square has a beautiful park and is a great stop if you want to take a rest from walking around the bustling city.
912 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20006 // Website
P.O.V. Rooftop Lounge and Terrace
This rooftop bar has a great view of the city and is a great place to relax and get some drinks with friends or family. It is open throughout the day and at night, so stop by to marvel at the views and drink some fun cocktails!
515 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 // Website
National Gallery of Art
Located on the national mall, the National Art Gallery is an art museum that is open to the public and free. It is also one of the largest museums in the United States!
6th & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565 // Website
Smithsonian Institution
As the world’s largest museum, the Smithsonian Institution aims to preserve heritage, discover new ideas, and share resources with the world.
600 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20002 // Website
The Old Stone House
This is the oldest building in D.C. to still be standing on its original foundation. It is located in Georgetown, so take a walk around the town and stop by for a visit!
3051 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 // Website
Georgetown Waterfront Park
This park is the perfect place to relax after a stroll around Georgetown. Stop by and enjoy the view of the Potomac River. This park even offers boat rides!
3303 Water St NW, Washington, DC 20007 // Website
Washington Harbor
Bordering the Potomac River on the Georgetown waterfront, the Washington Harbor offers restaurants, live entertainment, and more!
3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007 // Website
Chinatown
With a great selection of authentic Chinese cuisine, this historic borough is a great place to visit! It holds about 20 Chinese and Asian restaurants as well as small businesses.
604 H St NW #600, Washington, DC 20001 // Website
Graffiato
This Italian restaurant is known for serving modern comfort food. It has seasonal menus complete with pizzas and small plate dishes.
707 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 // Website
International Spy Museum
Get your spy on and visit this museum! This museum is very interactive and will have you solving puzzles and investigating all sorts of cases. You will be a professional spy by the time you get out!
800 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004 // Website
Restaurant Eve
This restaurant is popular for its elegant setting and American Cuisine! It has a multi-course menu full of delicious options!
110 S Pitt St, Alexandria, VA 22314// Website
Natural History Museum
If you’re into natural history, come tour the different collections of animals here for free!
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560 // Website
United States Capitol Building
A tour of the inside of this building is a must! It is home of the United States Congress, and is a really worthwhile place to visit!
East Capitol St NE & First St SE, Washington, DC 20004 // Website
Korean War Veterans Memorial
This memorial honors those who served in the Korean War. Walk along the wall and read all the names of fallen soldiers, who gave their lives up to serve their country.
900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024 // Website
National World War II Memorial
This memorial attracts tourists because of its gorgeous fountains and architecture that honors the soldiers who fought in World War II.
1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20227 // Website
National Capital Columns
These Corinthian columns once towered over Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson’s inauguration. They are still in good condition and now sit in an open field.
3501, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 // Website
We hope you enjoyed this list of 51 places to see and things to do in Washington D.C. Have the best time on all of your travel adventures.
Julie
Monday 18th of September 2017
The Spanish Steps are in Rome (Italy), not in Spain.
Kelly Mahan
Wednesday 13th of September 2017
Love this list! All of these places look super interesting. I'm already saving this post so I can check it out on my next trip there!