Washington D.C., or simply “DC” as Americans affectionately call their capital, doesn’t impress with a towering skyline like Chicago or New York.
Instead, the American capital captivates with a relaxed urban vibe and a unique blend of modernity and history.
In this city of 700,000 residents, politics has been and continues to be made, and history is written.
So it’s no surprise that many monuments to famous figures, war heroes’ graves, and numerous museums are scattered throughout the city.
Which 12 attractions you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Washington D.C., we reveal in this post.
The White House is the ultimate attraction for any DC visitor. The building on Pennsylvania Avenue was named by the 26th U.S. President, Theodore Roosevelt, after its white exterior paint.
All U.S. presidents have lived in the White House except for the first, George Washington. With 132 rooms in total, it serves as both the official residence and workplace of each sitting president, making it one of the most secure homes in the country.
The most interesting rooms for us outsiders include the Oval Office, the president’s power center where meetings with top officials take place, and the East Room, where receptions and state dinners are regularly held.
All state rooms are located on the ground and first floors, while the president’s private quarters are on the second floor.
Would you like to catch a glimpse of the White House’s magnificent interior? Believe it or not, it’s possible—and even free of charge.
You can take a guided tour that allows you to see select rooms and the stunning gardens up close.
Note: Due to changing political circumstances, rules and availability may change quickly. Tours must be requested well in advance through your country’s U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Be sure to check the official White House website or your local U.S. Embassy for the latest details during your stay.
We decided to settle for an exterior view, avoiding potentially long security checks. Just a heads-up: you can’t get as close to the building as it might look on TV.
But with a good camera, you can zoom in pretty well!
A stop at the White House is, in our opinion, essential for any first-time visitor to Washington D.C.
Commissioned by the United States' first president, George Washington, the U.S. Capitol was built in 1793 on Capitol Hill. Since its completion, this has been the political heart of the United States.
It’s the site of the presidential inauguration and home to Congress, the Senate, and the House of Representatives.
Many protests and rallies are held in front of the building each year.
With a free, approximately 45-minute guided tour, you have the opportunity to see the Capitol not only from the outside but also from within.
Tours are available Monday – Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
You can reserve a time for your tour online on the Capitol’s website.
The U.S. Capitol remains one of the most visited landmarks in the city, alongside the White House.
For your trip to the USA, you’ll need a power adapter, as plug types A and B are used. These are different from the plug types commonly used in many countries around the world.
You can find a suitable adapter here: Travel Adapter USA.
The most famous monument in Washington D.C. and an absolute must-see is the impressive Lincoln Memorial. This monumental structure, built in the Greek style, was erected in honor of the 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, 50 years after his assassination.
Lincoln played a crucial role in ending slavery and reuniting the country during the Civil War. The building’s Doric columns symbolize the unity of the 36 states that existed at the time.
Inside the Memorial stands a nearly 6-meter-tall (20 feet) seated statue of Abraham Lincoln made of white marble, looking contemplatively toward the Capitol. His gaze is directed at the Reflecting Pool across from the memorial, where you can see reflections of surrounding monuments depending on the weather.
Above the statue is Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address engraved in stone, and below the memorial, there’s an exhibit dedicated to Abraham Lincoln.
In 1963, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I have a dream” speech directly in front of the Lincoln Memorial to thousands of people.
Today, an inscription marks the spot where King stood and spoke his iconic words.
Our Tip: The Lincoln Memorial draws countless tourists daily, so we recommend visiting either early in the morning or at sunset for the best photos and to avoid crowds.
There are plenty of hotels and other accommodations in D.C. However, if you’re expecting a certain level of comfort, you’ll definitely need to budget a bit more for the American capital.
Hotels in Washington D.C. and New York are among the most expensive in the country.
We were completely satisfied with our accommodation at the Residence Inn by Marriott Washington D.C. Downtown, which we booked through booking.com.
Although the hotel wasn’t exactly a bargain, its prime location right in Downtown made the higher price somewhat justifiable.
Compared to other memorials in Washington D.C., the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial is relatively new.
Dedicated to the slain civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, it’s located at the Tidal Basin, just a few steps from the Lincoln Memorial where he gave his most famous speech.
The memorial consists of three parts, symbolizing the key ideas of the civil rights movement: justice, democracy, and hope.
The first part is a path through the “Mountain of Despair”, flanked by two stone walls leading to the statue of King himself.
The second part, the "Stone of Hope," is the striking statue itself, engraved with the famous quote from his "I Have a Dream" speech: "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope".
The third section is the “Wall of Quotes”, a 70-meter (230 feet) long wall made of dark granite inscribed with 14 quotes from King’s sermons and speeches.
The Jefferson Memorial was built in honor of the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, who authored the American Declaration of Independence.
It is located on the opposite side of the Tidal Basin.
The building, modeled after the Roman Pantheon, is impressive not only from the outside but also from the inside.
Inside, you’ll find intricately decorated walls adorned with excerpts from Jefferson's speeches and writings.
Standing between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, right in the middle of the National Mall, is the 169-meter-tall Washington Monument.
This white marble tower, shaped like an obelisk, was built to honor the first U.S. President, George Washington. It’s surrounded by 50 U.S. flags representing each state.
An elevator inside the monument takes you to the top, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, and all of Washington – even if it’s through small acrylic glass windows.
You can get free tickets for the elevator each morning at the Washington Monument Tickets Office.
To avoid the rush, we recommend booking your ticket online in advance for a $1.50 fee at Washington Monument Tickets. The monument is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
If you’re walking around Downtown, you might get the impression that the city consists solely of government buildings and memorials – but that’s far from true! Leave Downtown, and you’ll quickly discover that Washington D.C. has much more to offer.
The oldest neighborhood in the city, Georgetown, is now one of Washington D.C.’s most upscale residential areas, located in the west part of the city.
Georgetown is perfect for shopping enthusiasts – you’ll find everything from small and mid-sized boutiques to unique shops along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
Apart from the many boutiques, Georgetown has a lot of great dining spots. We particularly enjoyed the outdoor bars and restaurants along the Washington Harbour with views of the Potomac River. Take a stroll along the beautiful riverside promenade and look for a bar or restaurant that catches your eye!
If you’re not too tired from sightseeing, be sure to walk through the Georgetown Waterfront Park. Just a few blocks away, you’ll find the city’s oldest house, the Old Stone House.
Admission is free, so take a look inside.
Another historic building in the area is Georgetown University, one of the most prestigious universities in the country, which reminded us instantly of Hogwarts.
Like many major U.S. cities, Washington D.C. has a classic Chinatown. Located east of Downtown along H Street and I Street between 5th and 8th Streets NW, Chinatown has its own charm and character. The neighborhood’s entrance is marked by an unmissable, elaborately decorated archway.
Chinatown is known for its variety of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese restaurants. However, if you’ve been to New York or Chicago, you might find D.C.’s Chinatown a bit underwhelming – the impressive archway is essentially the highlight of this area.
Looking for something different from Downtown’s historic buildings? Shaw, with its vibrant U Street, is the place to be.
Shaw is north of Downtown and stretches from 9th to 18th Streets NW.
Today, along with Georgetown, it’s one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. With colorful street art, trendy cocktail bars, a variety of international restaurants, unique fashion shops, and a relaxed, friendly vibe, Shaw is a favorite destination. The predominantly African-American community and jazz sounds from clubs transport you to another world.
Shaw’s history, however, hasn’t always been so positive. After the Civil War, freed African-American slaves settled here, and the area later became a hub for drugs and crime, especially after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, which led to riots and fires that destroyed many buildings.
In the late 90s, the community and government revitalized Shaw, giving it the unique charm it has today.
Our Tip: Even if you’re not hungry, don’t miss the Chilli Dog at Ben’s Chilli Bowl.
This small diner has been around since 1958 and has served notable figures like former President Obama.
Founded in 1820, the United States Botanic Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the United States and a perfect escape to immerse yourself in lush greenery.
The garden features a variety of plants native to the U.S., including desert plants and unique species from Hawaii.
Besides admiring the wide variety of plants, you can also learn about the cultivation and care of different species.
Many plants, particularly rare jungle varieties, are housed in impressive glass greenhouses.
There’s also an outdoor garden area showcasing regional plants, including a beautifully arranged rose garden.
The United States Botanic Garden is located on the National Mall, right next to the Capitol, and is worth a visit. It’s open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is free.
One of the other free attractions in Washington D.C. is the National Museum of American History.
As the name suggests, this museum takes you on a journey through different eras of American history.
It covers the country’s political, social, and economic development, as well as the impacts of wars up to U.S. independence. The exhibits are spread across three floors.
If you’re interested in the country’s historical background, this is the place for you. Plan to spend at least two hours here.
The National Museum of American History is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, and admission is free.
Another fascinating museum in D.C. is the National Air & Space Museum. Located on the National Mall, it showcases various exhibits from the history of aviation and space exploration, including the first U.S. steel aircraft, the Bell P-59, and the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter plane.
The museum also offers a flight simulator and an IMAX theater, though there is an additional fee for these.
If you’re interested in aviation and space, this museum is perfect for you. Plan to spend at least two hours here.
The National Air & Space Museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, and admission is also free.
The last museum we’d like to recommend is the National Museum of Natural History. This museum captivated us, as it houses around 500 million animals, plants, fossils, and minerals across multiple floors.
Plan to spend at least three hours here, as it can get quite crowded. It’s best to arrive early to take your time exploring all the fascinating exhibits.
The National Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, and admission is also free.
Even though there are no skyscrapers in Washington D.C., you can still get a view of the American capital from above – and it’s completely free!
Take the elevator up to the bell tower of the Old Post Office building, and you’ll be rewarded with an impressive 360° view of the city.
This spot is somewhat of a hidden gem, so you’re likely to find fewer visitors here.
The Old Post Office building is located in Downtown, right by the Federal Triangle Metro station.
The entrance is somewhat hidden behind the Trump National Hotel, next to a Starbucks Café. The Old Post Office Pavilion is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and admission is free.
The Eastern Market in the Capitol Hill neighborhood offers a colorful, cultural variety of goods and is a must-visit for foodies and art lovers.
For over 140 years, the market has been a paradise for culinary enthusiasts.
Here, you can try fresh, sweet, and savory snacks made from local ingredients and browse the many stalls where local artists sell their work – an experience for all the senses!
The Eastern Market is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
A trip to the oldest zoo in the United States, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, is a true highlight for children and adults alike.
The zoo was established in 1889 as part of a project to preserve bison, which were almost hunted to extinction by settlers in the West.
Today, the zoo is home to pandas, turtles, and over 360 endangered species and is still dedicated to conservation.
The National Zoo is located in the northwest part of the city, right in Rock Creek Park, and is easily accessible via the Red Metro Line or by bus.
You should plan to spend at least half a day for your visit.
Plan to spend at least half a day here. The zoo is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and admission is free.
You can even bring your own food and drink.
Like many major cities, Washington D.C. offers Hop-On-Hop-Off sightseeing bus tours. This is often a cost-effective and convenient way to explore the city on a guided tour or get a first impression of the area.
For Washington D.C., however, we recommend saving the $49 bus tour fee and, in good weather, investing $8 in a day pass with Capital Share Bikes.
Using a bike to explore the sights may not be the most comfortable option, but it does have some advantages over the bus tour:
You can easily rent a bike at one of the many bike stations around the city using the Capital Share Bikes app on your smartphone.
Enjoy browsing and planning!
Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.
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