Things to do & places to visit in District of Columbia, United States

District of Columbia #19 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.50 based on 232.6k traveler reviews, of 31 attractions. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 5:24.

Top things to do (18)

Top destinations in District of Columbia 1

Washington DC

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 National Gallery of Art (9.302 reviews)
- An outstanding collection
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

This national art museum holds over 141,000 works of western art, spanning from the middle ages through today. Bonus: It's completely free to visit. See more..
5.0 National Museum of African American History and Culture (3.641 reviews)
- Incredible experience
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

This 10-story Smithsonian Institution museum is dedicated to showcasing the African-American way of life, culture, and experiences through America's history. See more..
5.0 Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (1.906 reviews)
- Well worth your time
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States and North America, and is one of the ten largest churches in the world. The Basilica is the nation's preeminent Marian shrine, dedicated to the patroness of the United States; the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception. It is oftentimes affectionately referred to as America's Catholic Church. Visited by Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, Saint John Paul II, and Saint Teresa of Calcutta, among others, the Basilica, though distinctly American, rivals the great sanctuaries of Europe and the world. Byzantine-Romanesque in style, its massive, one-of-a-kind superstructure is home to over 80 chapels and oratories that relate to the peoples, cultures and traditions that are the fabric of the Catholic faith and the mosaic of our great nation. The Basilica also houses the largest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art on earth. See more..
5.0 Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens (1.286 reviews)
- A must see attraction (that many have not visited. )An oasis of beauty and art on the outskirts of DC (NW). Do it!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens • Art Museums

Hillwood, the grand estate of Post Cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, sits on 25 acres overlooking Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington DC. Along with a world renowned collection of Russian and French decorative arts, Hillwood also features extensive gardens and special exhibitions. See more..
4.5 Lincoln Memorial (31.9k reviews)
- Do it by bike - save your feet!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

The Greek Doric-style memorial sits on the western end of the National Mall and has been the setting of many famous speeches throughout its history. See more..
4.5 National Air and Space Museum (23.4k reviews)
- Best Smithsonian Museum
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Note to visitors: Starting Oct 7, 2019, please enter through the Jefferson Drive entrance (National Mall side). The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. See more..
4.5 Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (12.4k reviews)
- one of the best museums
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Natural History Museums

Established in 1910 and located on the National Mall, this prestigious museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, holds the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts including the remains of dinosaurs and tools used by early man. See more..
4.5 Vietnam Veterans Memorial (12.0k reviews)
- Thankful for the ultimate sacrifice
Monuments & Statues

Emotionally stirring memorial pays tribute to the men and women who served in one of America's most controversial wars. See more..
4.5 United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (11.3k reviews)
- Reserve a ticket online!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. The Museum is open seven days a week. It is closed on Yom Kippur and Christmas Day. Free timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Museum building and can be reserved on our website. See more..
4.5 Korean War Veterans Memorial (11.1k reviews)
- A poignant and touching tribute to the Korean War
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Monuments & Statues

This memorial to Korean War veterans consists of the Pool of Remembrance and the triangular Field of Service depicting 19 soldiers on the field of combat. See more..
4.5 National World War II Memorial (10.2k reviews)
- Incredible place situated between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument
Monuments & Statues

Consisting of 56 pillars that represent the U.S. states and territories, this impressive national monument honors all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. See more..
4.5 Washington Monument (9.429 reviews)
- Washington Monument Tickets Same Day
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monuments & Statues

Dedicated to the first U.S. president, this 555-foot obelisk is an iconic American symbol that stands tall in the National Mall. See more..
4.5 Library of Congress (9.090 reviews)
- Lovely Visit!
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Libraries • Government Buildings

Though the Library of Congress doesn't own every book ever published, it sure has most of them, with 532 miles of shelves and 115 million items, with 7,000 added each working day. See more..
4.5 National Mall (8.357 reviews)
- Nice Outdoor Space
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Walking Areas • Parks

Open area of gardens, fountains, trees and monuments stretching nearly two miles between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. See more..
4.5 U.S. Capitol (7.046 reviews)
- A fantastic house
Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours Government Buildings

Please note that tour reservations are required for entry. The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The Senate and the House of Representatives have met here for more than two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government. See more..
4.5 Jefferson Memorial (6.486 reviews)
- Sadly Under Construction
Monuments & Statues

A 19-foot bronze statue of perhaps the most esteemed founding father sits beneath a columned rotunda in the style of the Roman Pantheon. See more..
4.5 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (5.952 reviews)
- Lovely peaceful and profound Memorial
Monuments & Statues

This outdoor memorial is the most popular of presidential memorials, in large part because of its elegant design, which includes waterfalls and sculptures. See more..
4.5 Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (5.798 reviews)
- Wonderful Memorial for a Great Man
Monuments & Statues

This memorial is so well done. The stone sculpture of Martin Luther King Jr. is the main feature, but his quotations flanking to each side of it are not to be skipped. We have stopped in during the day and after dark. I highly recommend going to this memorial at night...the illumination adds to the majesty of the memorial. See more..
4.5 National Museum of American History (5.028 reviews)
- Amazing items from America’s history
Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

One of the Smithsonian museums along the Mall, this one has more than 3 million artifacts in its collection—from gowns to locomotives—that reflect and preserve a record of America’s past. See more..
4.5 Ford's Theatre (4.341 reviews)
- Still engaging after 40 years
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Theaters • History Museums

The site of the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre is a working theatre, historical monument, world-class museum and learning center. The theatre produces musicals and plays reflecting the unique, diverse character of American life. With its inspiring theatrical productions, live historic interpretation, and rich collection of artifacts, Ford’s is the premier destination in the nation’s capital to explore and celebrate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. A daytime visit can include the museum, theatre, Petersen House (the house where Lincoln died) and Aftermath Exhibits at the Center for Education and Leadership. Advance tickets are required (convenience fee). From September to May, Ford’s presents evening and matinee productions of renowned plays, vibrant musicals, and newly commissioned works that captivate and entertain while examining political and social issues related to Lincoln’s life and legacy. See more..
4.5 National Portrait Gallery (3.551 reviews)
- See Portraits of Famous Americans
Saturday: 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Museums • History Museums

Housed in the Old Patent Office Building, this art museum presents portraiture of prominent figures in American history, from presidents and inventors to even pop stars. See more..
4.5 The National Archives Museum (3.548 reviews)
- A must do when in DC... to finally see in person Constitution, Declaration, and Bill of Rights
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Speciality Museums

Repository where the most important historical documents of the United States are held, such as the original Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Constitution and the 1297 version of the Magna Carta. See more..
4.5 Smithsonian Institution Building (3.546 reviews)
- Castle on the Mall
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Castles • Government Buildings

The world's largest museum and research complex is actually comprised of 19 museums and the National Zoo, with subjects that vary from African Art to the postal service, sculpture to space exploration. See more..
4.5 Capitol Hill (3.469 reviews)
- Book before you travel
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

At the east end of The Mall, the Hill is home to the U.S. Capitol. See more..
4.5 Washington National Cathedral (3.095 reviews)
- breathtaking
Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The sixth-largest cathedral in the world, Washington National Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece, a national house of prayer for all people, and a gathering place for the nation in times of sorrow and in times of celebration. It has been the site of presidential funerals, inaugural prayer services, and many historic moments, including the final Sunday sermon delivered by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. See more..
4.5 Georgetown (3.008 reviews)
- Fun to see, shop and eat here!
Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods

A charming neighborhood that, with its upscale boutiques and notable residents, is more than a college hangout. See more..
4.5 United States Botanic Garden (2.820 reviews)
- Peaceful with lots to see
Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

Steeped in history, rich with tradition, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living plant museum that informs visitors about the importance, and often irreplaceable value, of plants to the well-being of humans and to earth's fragile ecosystems. U.S. Botanic Garden campus includes the Conservatory, the National Garden, and Bartholdi Park. See more..
4.5 The Phillips Collection (1.417 reviews)
- Amazing time!!
Art Museums

"Americas First Museum of American Art" boasts a collection of over 2,500 19th and 20th-century masters, both American and European, including Renoir, Picasso, Gauguin, Manet, OKeefe and more. See more..
4.0 White House (8.168 reviews)
- Bucket list - the people’s house!
Spent 1-2 hours Government Buildings

One of America's most recognizable historical and political symbols is also the home and office of the President of the United States. See more..
4.0 International Spy Museum (5.566 reviews)
- A fascinating and hugely interactive museum
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

View the interactive exhibitions and installations, and learn about the role and techniques of espionage throughout history at the International Spy Museum. The brand-new facility houses the largest collection of spy artifacts in the world, as well as first-person accounts from top intelligence officers and experts. Here, children and grown-ups alike can embark on an immersive mission and step into the shoes of a spy. Before you leave, check out the gift shop's offbeat souvenirs. The museum is open every day of the week and can be easily reached with the DC Metro. You can get timed tickets online. – Tripadvisor See more..