Washington, D.C. offers visitors a unique blend of the past and present. From the iconic National Mall, where the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument stand as timeless symbols of the nation’s heritage, to the world-class Smithsonian museums, there's no shortage of inspiring and educational experiences.
Stroll through charming neighborhoods like Georgetown, filled with quaint boutiques and cafes, or take in the vibrant culinary scene that reflects the city’s diverse population. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a foodie, Washington, D.C., promises an unforgettable adventure rich with stories and flavors that capture the essence of America.
I've managed DC by Foot Walking tours for nearly 15 years. It is literally my job (and joy) to help people experience the city! Including everything there is to do in the Nation's Capital is a pretty hefty undertaking so I've divided the tops of what to do in DC into sections - top 20, things to do with kids, things to do at night, and things to do for free.
Our quick top 10 things to do in DC:
- Take a Walking Tour with DC by Foot
- Explore a Smithsonian Museum
- Visit the National Mall & Tidal Basin
- See Capitol Hill (Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress)
- Witness Changing of the Guards at Arlington Cemetery
- See the White House
- Walk down Embassy Row
- See Historic Georgetown
- Go to Ford's Theatre to learn about President Lincoln's assassination
- Ride the Metro
Keep reading for all our tips and tricks on things to do in Washington, DC.
Why trust us? DC by Foot has been the leading walking tour company in Washington, DC, for over a decade.
In addition to our best-rated walking tours, we take visitors to museums and attractions through security at federal buildings and more. There is no site (off the beaten path or on the Mall) one of us has not been to!
Our Washington, DC Travel Tips Facebook group has over 80,000 members who rely on our advice to plan their trip to DC.
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN PLANNING A TRIP TO WASHINGTON DC
If you're looking up things to do in DC, you're probably planning a trip to DC - or maybe you're here now? Hi! 👋
A few things must be planned far in advance when coming to DC.
- White House Tours: These must be requested in advance through your congressperson. You won't be able to get tickets to the White House at the last minute. There are no walk-up options! A great alternative is the White House Visitor Center, which does not require tickets and is free to visit.
- Some attractions require tickets to visit, and reserving them in advance is the best way to guarantee a visit; however, you can try for walk-up tickets (or book a tour with us since we provide tickets!) to the
- US Capitol
- Library of Congress (don't stress about this one, they almost always have availability last minute!)
- Washington Monument
- Holocaust Museum
- National Zoo
- National Museum of African American History & Culture
- Air and Space (National Mall location only)
- Ford's Theatre
- Other federal tours that require advanced planning and do not have walk up options are the FBI Experience and Pentagon Tours.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN DC
There is enough to fill your time in DC no matter how long you're here, so deciding the best things to do also depends on what you seek.
What is the number one attraction in Washington DC? Well, that depends on who you ask!
Whether you're visiting with kids, looking for things to do at night, or want to know all the free things in DC, we have a travel guide specific to that type of travel.
- Review of Free Things to Do in Washington DC
- What to Do in Washington DC with Kids
- Washington DC Itinerary
- Things to Do in DC at Night
- What tour should I take in Washington DC?
- Top Things to do for First Time Visitors
- Washington DC Night Walking Tours
You can also find our suggested itineraries based on our years of experience planning trips for families, corporate groups, schools, and more!
Obviously, one of the best things to do here in DC is take a walking tour with us! We offer tours year round.
My favorite tours to give are the Lincoln Assassination and Historic Georgetown tour, but our most popular tours are Memorials & Moonlight and Ghosts of Georgetown.
THINGS YOU CAN ONLY DO IN WASHINGTON DC
Below is our list of the top 20 attractions, landmarks, and things to do in the nation's capital.
In each listing, we add links for more in-depth looks at each choice and related items.
1. See the Cherry Blossoms
While Washington, DC, is obviously not the only place where Cherry Blossoms can be found, it is one of the most magical spots.
The famed pink and white trees bloom in Spring, reflecting along the Potomac River and Tidal Basin providing a beautiful backdrop to the memorials.
They famously bloom in Spring but you'll note around the city that there are varieties that bloom in different seasons in other parts of the city.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from mid-March to mid-April, though the trees bloom depending on the weather and can sometimes occur before or after the festival.
We have the best guide to the Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC to help you plan your trip!
2. Enjoy the Spring Colors
The number of free museums in DC isn't limited to the Smithsonians. DC also has museums of nature:
- United States Botanic Garden
- National Arboretum
- Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Keep exploring the parks around the city. Teddy Roosevelt Island has my favorite view of Georgetown from across the river and huge statue of Teddy in the middle of the hike.
Leafy parks can be found at nearly every major intersection with memorials to Civil War generals, major events or famous musicians - did you know Sonny Bono Memorial Park is just south of Dupont Circle?
You can hike a forested trail without having to leave the district, have a picnic along the Georgetown Waterfront, or see gilded age mansions surrounding Dupont Circle.
3. Avoid Spring Showers at Unique Museums
This time of year in DC is pretty nice but it can be a whiplash trying to plan what to wear - it can be 40* in the morning and 80* in the afternoon!
Many tourists (and school groups) will head to one of the Smithsonian Museums on rainy days, so miss them and head to one of the lesser visited museums:
- Mansion on O
- Phillips Collection (Contemporary Art)
- National Museum of Women in the Arts
- Capital Jewish Museum
- National Building Museum
- Renwick Gallery
4. Special Events at the National Zoo
The Smithsonian National Zoo hosts events that make visiting it a unique experience such as animal talks or introducing new arrivals to the public.
Especially as the Pandas will return to public view on January 24, 2025 (earlier if you are a National Zoo member)
Now, we are Zoo members because I live here with two elementary age kids so it is definitely worth it for us. I love our Zoo and I think they do an amazing job, but while I include this in our top things to do - a lot of that has to do with the Panda's. We aren't the only Panda exhibit in the US but it is a relatively rare experience amongst zoos.
If you have a zoo near your home, you don't care about Pandas and you aren't a zoo fan, I think its okay to skip this in favor of one of the other attractions in DC.
6. Eat your Way through DC like a Local
I won't tell you not to go to the touristy sites like the top of the Washington Monument if it's your first time in DC. Still, I hope you'll see the real DC, too - the neighborhoods away from the Smithsonians where we spend sunny Sunday brunches and cool Thursday jazzy evenings.
A great way to join the locals is to try out some of DC's fantastic food. Whether you're looking for a local dive bar (Tune Inn near Eastern Market is my favorite) or a Michelin-starred dining experience, we recommend some of the best places to eat in DC.
Did you know that the DC Metro area has the largest Ethiopian population outside of Ethiopia? Check out some of the flavors of Little Ethiopia on 7th Street NW.
Or explore Eastern Market (an actual food market but also a neighborhood) on our Eastern Market Food Tour. We also offer a food tour of Georgetown!
7. Tour the National Mall
This is the highlight of most visits to DC. You shouldn't (and almost can't) visit DC without seeing the National Mall.
One-half of the mall has memorials, and the other half has museums. Throughout the year, you'll also find events, unique installations, concerts, festivals, and movies on the Mall.
Make sure you read our Guide to the National Mall for the best information on the most FAQs about the National Mall:
- what to see
- which museums are on the National Mall
- where to eat
There are dozens of memorials to visit, but many of the most popular are all on or around the National Mall, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Wall, and the Washington Monument (just to name a few).
We cover the memorials on our National Mall walking tours.
If you'd rather go out on your own, we have a self-guided National Mall tour! and a GPS-enabled audio tour.
Or if you're looking for less walking and more hop-on/hop-off style touring, check out our Bus Tour page to find the best bus tour.
Continue the trip to tour the Tidal Basin to explore the MLK, FDR, and Jefferson Memorials (and if you're in town in the spring, this is where you'll find the most famous Cherry Blossoms!)
8. Explore the Museums
There are 21 Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo - and you'll likely not have time to explore them all (but try if you want!)
For our definitive guide to all the best museums in DC, visit our post.
Most Smithsonian Museums do not require tickets! Only the National Zoo, National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Air and Space Museum (Mall) require tickets.
We have guides to make the most of your visit to some of the most popular Smithsonian Museums
- National Museum of African-American History and Culture Tickets and Tours
- Guide to the National Portrait Gallery & Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Visiting the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in DC
- American History Museum in Washington DC
- Visiting the Air and Space Museum in DC | Guided Museum Tours (2025)
- Air and Space Museum Dulles
- Visiting the Smithsonian National Zoo
My favorite Smithsonian Museums are also on the "off the beaten path" list - the National Postal Museum (my kids say this one is the best. It has a wonderful scavenger hunt for kids.) and the National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum.
We offer guided tours of many of the Smithsonian Museums!
While the Smithsonian Museums may be the most popular, there are dozens of museums in DC from the National Gallery of Art (where you can find the only Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas to the International Spy Museum where you can assume a false identity as you visit.
- Smithsonian Museums in DC Ranked
- What are the Free Museums in DC?
- Planet Word Museum
- Ford’s Theatre Museum Tickets and Tours
- National Gallery of Art | Art Museums in DC
- Why Visit the Holocaust Museum
- White House Visitor Center
- International Spy Museum Tickets and Discounts
There is a museum for every interest from medical oddities at the National Museum of Health and Medicine to Russian tsarist memorabilia at Hillwood Garden and Estates.
Some of these museums are also included on various DC Discount Tourist Passes.
9. Visit Capitol Hill
The three main buildings on Capitol Hill cannot be experienced anywhere else:
We offer guided walking tours of Capitol Hill that include tickets to take a docent-led tour of the Capitol and entrance into the Library of Congress.
If we don't have a tour that fits into your schedule, tickets are available to the public! Use the links above to find out how to explore Capitol Hill on your own.
A unique thing I suggest doing that will give you a souvenir you can only get here is to get your Library of Congress card. You do not need to be a DC resident or American citizen to get a library card from the Library of Congress!
10. Walk down Embassy Row
You can only find Embassies in Washington, DC - the official representation of a foreign country.
There are over 200 embassies spread around the city, but many are concentrated on one section of the city, what we call Embassy Row.
Join our guided walking tour to learn about the people, places (and international intrigue) on our Embassy Row tour.
11. Witness the Changing of the Guard
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most honored military cemeteries in the US.
It is the final resting place of over 400,000 and where we honor our unknown soldiers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Dozens of times each day, you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Be sure to read our guide to Arlington National Cemetery for a self-visit or join us on one of our Arlington National Cemetery tours.
12. Visit the National Archives
The original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights are all on display at the National Archives.
There is even a copy of the Magna Carta. Reservations are not necessary but are recommended and free.
We've prepared a guide to help you plan your time here, including tips on how to get here, security, what you will see as well as concessions.
13. Go Inside the White House (or see it from outside!)
The home of the U.S. President is open to all. Tickets are free but extremely limited.
Read our post on how to get White House tour tickets.
We provide advice on where to apply for tickets, tips on planning your visit, such as getting through security, as well as a virtual tour to show you what you will see.
If you don't want to pop inside, you can always visit the White House Visitor Center or find the Best Views of the White House.
14. Visit Ford's Theater
Our 16th President loved the theater and it was at Ford's Theater where he would meet his tragic end.
Read our guide to tickets and tours of Ford’s Theatre as well as offer a preview of what’s to see in the museums.
Our popular Lincoln Assassination Tour runs nightly and some dates have tickets included!
15. Explore Historic Georgetown
The oldest neighborhood in Washington DC is older than the city itself.
This residential neighborhood is full of history, shopping, and great food. It is a unique part of the city and a great place to wander.
We offer a variety of walking tours and you can use our guide to explore Georgetown on your own.
There is a variety of architecture, small-town charm in a big city, and Rock Creek Park for those looking for a bit of outdoors.
While Georgetown is one of the most visited neighborhoods, it is not the only place to explore:
- Neighborhood Guide to the Wharf in Washington DC
- Things to Do in Georgetown, D.C.
- Tour of Old Town Alexandria | Things to See and Do
- Embassy Row | Washington DC
- Visiting the Capital One Arena Neighborhood
- Visiting the Nationals Park Neighborhood
- Adams Morgan Neighborhood Guide
16. Tour the Pentagon
As the headquarters of the Department of Defense for the United States, you may not think the building is open to the public.
However, with advance planning and some background checks, you and your family can take a Pentagon Tour.
Be sure to read our guide to visiting the Pentagon, which covers how to visit the Pentagon on a guided tour, with tips on how to get here, where to park, and other nearby attractions.
17. Cheer on the "National" Teams
There is no shortage of sports teams in DC for you to root for!
You might also find that Baltimore games are just as easy to get to thanks to the MARC trains between DC and Baltimore!
Baseball
- Washington Nationals
- Baltimore Orioles
Soccer
- DC United (men)
- Washington Spirit (women)
College Basketball
The benefit of so many of our stadiums being centrally located is the number of restaurants and other attractions nearby.
18. Ride the Metro
Admittedly, this isn't an attraction or tour, but for many people, visiting DC offers a rare chance to ride a world-class subway.
DC has a well-connected public transportation (WMATA) system and difficult-to-understand parking regulations.
For this reason, it is best to park your car for the day in a garage, at your hotel, or even at one of the suburban Metro stations and use public transportation to get around the city.
Using Public Transportation in DC:
Use Hop On Hop Off Tours: You can use a Big Bus Tours ticket to get around town via their hop on hop off tours.
20. Take in the Art, Music, and Theatre Scene of DC
If you follow us on Instagram (@topthingstododc) you know we love the DC arts scene!
Love Art? Check out one of the many art museums:
- National Gallery of Art & Sculpture Garden
- National Portrait Gallery
- Smithsonian Art Museums: Hirshhorn, Freer & Sackler Galleries, African Art
- Kreeger Art Museum
- Phillips Art Collection
- Women in the Arts Museum
Want to check out some music?
Did you know the DC area is home to the only National Park for the Performing Arts?
Wolftrap is just outside the city of Virginia and is a fantastic family-friendly venue.
Other venues to look into:
- The Anthem
- The Atlantis
- 9:30 Club
- Blackcat
- Creative Cauldron
- FedEx Field, Capitol One Arena and Nationals Park also host some of the larger acts that come into town.
Theatre lover? The overlap between the DC by Foot tour guide community and the theatre community is pretty big - we have set designers, front of house, actors, and musicians in our tour guide family.
There are over 90 theatres in Washington, DC to see Broadway tours, operas, ballet, and plays:
- Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - home to the National Symphony Orchestra, National Opera, Washington Ballet and Broadway touring shows.
- National Theatre
- Ford's Theatre (yes! You can see a show here!)
- Shakespeare Theatre Company
More Things to Do in DC...
There is so much to do in Washington DC that they cannot all fit into a top 20 list.
Click on the links below for our guides to visiting a few more of the top places to visit in DC.
- Play an Escape Game (Georgetown & Downtown DC locations!)
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing
- Washington National Cathedral
- Caisson Unit
- Tour the FBI Headquarters
- Explore Old Town Alexandria
- Mount Vernon, George Washington's Home
- United States Botanical Gardens
Getting Around Washington DC
I know a lot of guests coming to Washington, D.C., are arriving by car, and personally, I don't think driving in DC is that much of a pain—except for the traffic, lack of parking, no right on red, waiting for pedestrians, and how some of the lanes change direction depending on the time of day.
The best way to get around Washington, D.C., is public transportation.
If you're unfamiliar with subway systems, read our post on using the DC Metro.
Almost all of the sites we recommend are accessible by public transportation—really, only Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Annex and Mount Vernon are best visited by car.
(You can get to both without a car, and our posts explain how!)
For times that you're not traveling far or don't want to deal with the Metro, we have a great Capital Bikeshare system, and there are scooters for short-term rental on every corner downtown.
About The Author
