Washington DC Attractions

Top Things to Do in Washington DC, DC - Washington DC Attractions

Things to Do in Washington DC

Stroll or bike through the National Mall, stopping at the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Smithsonian museums. Go in Spring to catch the cherry blossoms in bloom

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Washington DC.


Top Attractions in Washington DC

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Jose R
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Lincoln memorial is undergoing renovations and construction of the Lincoln memorial museum which are supposed to be completed in 2026. Some of the views will be obstructed.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jose R
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum is huge so you may need to stay at least 3 hours. We stayed only 1/2 hr as we were in a rush and it was our second time. The kids enjoyed that little bit we had though, especially the dinosaurs.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jose R
    12 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You need free advanced tickets to get in. Make sure you get them at least a few days in advance. The museum is under renovation until 2026, so half of the museum is closed. You can see it in less than 2 hours, including the planetarium (which is not free, 4 people is $32). It’s nice and educational for the kids.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • D M
    Cincinnati, OH33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Top notch art and experience. I sat in the gallery on a couch and sketched for an hour.
    Clean bathrooms and secure. Beautiful sculptures and art.

    Easily accessible on the national mall.
    Written 29 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jose R
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You need free, timed tickets to get in. It’s a beautiful library with plenty of history. The reading room is only open to researchers and can only see it from the second floor. We were able to use the Children’s library and spent there about an hour.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Boyd J
    Maleny, Australia1,688 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum requires a timed pass to get in and the security procedures similar to boarding an aircraft. The exhibits are laid out so that you take an elevator to the third floor. The lift is steel, has no buttons or signs and 15 people are crammed into the car. Half way up a short announcement begins about – I can’t remember what – as I was still taking in how the elevator car ride is meant to represent in a minuscule way the journey of Jews in airless freight cars to a concentration camp. The door opens and the exhibits are unrelenting from there on, as they should be. The story then unfolds over three floors as you move through the exhibit and descend each floor. The special children’s exhibit tells the story of Daniel in a way that doesn’t shy away from what happened, yet in a sensitive way more suitable for children.
    It is a confronting, sobering, yet compelling experience. Not to be missed out of all of the museums in Washington D.C.
    Written 24 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • montanapescado
    Albuquerque, NM1,316 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    When I first heard what design had been selected for this memorial, I thought it grossly inartistic and unworthy of what was to be memorialized. When I saw it in person , I realized how wrong I was. This is utterly compelling and a must stop for DC visitors.
    Written 1 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • montanapescado
    Albuquerque, NM1,316 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    For me, this is the ultimate war memorial. While uniformly gray, the Pancho clad statues slogging through the field have a compelling life to them. Pro tip: try to go at dusk for maximum effect. One of my visits was on a very foggy evening, which was positively overwhelming.
    Written 1 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jaclyn H
    Raleigh, NC43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was my first time visiting DC. I was visiting my son who was recovering from an injury during deployment. We took advantage of this opportunity and explored DC. National Mall was nothing like you see on TV and in movies. What an experience to see it up close. Stunning. The reflecting pools are stunning, everything was well-maintained. Expect it to be busy, but everyone was super courteous even all the kids on a field trip. This is a must.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LesleyDublin
    Dublin, Ireland217 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We booked this in advance. There is no charge. You get a tour of the building, it's very interesting. If you want to go into the Gallery of the Senate or House of Representatives you need to contact your Public Representatives in advance to get passes. I don't know the details of this as I'm not American. There is a gift shop in the Capitol building and also a large cafeteria downstairs. This building is the heart of the American politics system and well worth a visit.
    Written 9 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • montanapescado
    Albuquerque, NM1,316 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Everything about this varied and detailed memorial is well thought out and not only appropriate to commemorating the conflict, but also the generation and their position in the broader base of the historical period. The layout, architecture, and display take the visitor to the 1940s while providing place and peace for reflection.
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jaclyn H
    Raleigh, NC43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was my first time visiting DC. I was visiting my son who was recovering from an injury during deployment. We took advantage of this opportunity and explored DC. Fantastic monument to see. I am not a fan of heights, so I didn't go up, but everything around it was incredible.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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