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United States of America
Things to do in Washington, D.C.
467 attractions · United States of America
Photo: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway, Public domain
Mid-Atlantic, United States of America · 38.895, -77.037
About Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. serves as the federal capital of the United States, defined by its monumental architecture and status as a global political center. The city features a radial street layout designed by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, centered on the expansive National Mall [137]. Visitors often navigate the corridor between the US Capitol Grounds [32356] and the Lincoln Memorial [231] to explore extensive collections at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History [277]. It remains the only major American city not located within a state, operating as a federal district under the jurisdiction of Congress.
Good to know
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The city's height regulations are governed by the Height of Buildings Act of 1910, which prevents most buildings from reaching higher than the width of the street they front plus 20 feet.
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Washington, D.C. has a shadow representation in Congress, electing two 'shadow' senators and a representative who lobby for statehood but lack voting power.
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The city was built on land ceded by Maryland and Virginia, though the portion originally from Virginia was retroceded to that state in 1846.
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There are over 170 foreign embassies located in the city, many concentrated along a section of Massachusetts Avenue historically known as Embassy Row.
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Despite its name, the city does not have a professional baseball team that plays within its own city limits in a traditional sense; the District houses the stadium, but the city itself lacks the autonomy of a traditional state municipality.
Plan your visit to Washington, D.C.
Best time to visit
Late spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October) provides mild temperatures and avoids the humid peak summer months.
How many days
3-4 days to cover the major museums and historical landmarks across the National Mall.
Getting around
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates an extensive subway system, complemented by high walkability within the central monument core.
Where to stay
Stay in Foggy Bottom or near Dupont Circle for convenient access to public transit and close proximity to the major museum districts.
Budget
Expensive, primarily due to high lodging costs and dining prices in the city center.
Highlights of Washington, D.C.
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
National Mall
This central park serves as the primary outdoor connector for the city's most significant federal monuments and museums.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The museum houses a vast collection of natural specimens, including the Hope Diamond and massive dinosaur fossil skeletons.
Lincoln Memorial
This landmark commemorates the 16th U.S. President with a towering marble statue housed in a classic Greek-style temple.
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
The facility maintains the world's most comprehensive collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft, including the Wright Flyer.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The architecture of the building draws inspiration from Yoruba crowns and holds a deep archive of African American historical artifacts.
World War II Memorial
A grand plaza featuring 56 granite pillars surrounding a circular pool honors the millions who served during the Second World War.
Washington Monument
Standing as the world's tallest stone structure, this obelisk offers an elevated perspective of the city's urban planning.
US Capitol Grounds
These expansive grounds house the legislative seat of the U.S. government, characterized by the iconic white dome.
Top things to do in Washington, D.C.
The 467 most popular places in Washington, D.C..
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241
Places of interest Hidden gem
Congressional Cemetery
Congressional Cemetery is a historic 35-acre burial ground established in 1807 along the Anacostia River in Washington,...
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242
Temples Hidden gem
Saint Peter's Church on Capitol Hill
Saint Peter's Church on Capitol Hill is a historic Roman Catholic parish established in 1820 to serve Irish immigrants a...
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243
Historical places Hidden gem
General Tadeusz Kościuszko Statue
The General Tadeusz Kościuszko Statue in Washington, D.C. honors the Polish and American Revolutionary War hero who engi...
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244
Historical places Hidden gem
Seabee Memorial
The Seabee Memorial honors the United States Navy Construction Battalions, known as Seabees, who build military infrastr...
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245
Venues Hidden gem
Hartke Theatre
Hartke Theatre is the primary campus theater complex for the Catholic University of America Department of Drama, located...
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246
Historical places Hidden gem
Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial
The Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial is located within Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, dedicated to the seven...
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247
Temples Hidden gem
Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart
Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart is a historic Roman Catholic chapel located at the heart of Georgetown University's...
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248
Temples Hidden gem
Shiloh Baptist Church
Shiloh Baptist Church is a historic African American congregation established in 1863 by former slaves from Fredericksbu...
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249
Museums Hidden gem
American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center
The American University Museum is a three-story contemporary art institution housed within the Katzen Arts Center at Ame...
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250
Historical places Hidden gem
Japanese Pagoda
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251
Parks Hidden gem
The Park at LeDroit
The Park at LeDroit is a community-focused urban green space located in the historic LeDroit Park neighborhood of Washin...
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252
Parks Hidden gem
Noyes Park
Noyes Park is a neighborhood recreation facility in the Brookland area of Northeast Washington, D.C. The park features a...
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253
Parks Hidden gem
Fort Marcy
Fort Marcy is an earthwork fortification built in 1861 to protect the Chain Bridge and the approaches to Washington, D.C...
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254
Parks Hidden gem
Diamond Teague Park
Diamond Teague Park is a waterfront public plaza located along the Anacostia River in the Navy Yard neighborhood. The pa...
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255
Museums Hidden gem
Wegmans Wonderplace
Wegmans Wonderplace is a tactile, interactive learning space specifically designed for children ages zero to six located...
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256
Places of interest Hidden gem
Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge
The Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge is a 1,691-foot-long arched bridge spanning the Anacostia River in Washington, D....
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257
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Capital Crescent Trail
The Capital Crescent Trail is an 11-mile multi-use rail-trail stretching from Silver Spring, Maryland, to Georgetown in...
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258
Museums Hidden gem
National Deaf Life Museum
The National Deaf Life Museum is located within the historic Chapel Hall on the campus of Gallaudet University, the worl...
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259
Historical places Hidden gem
Rochambeau Statue
The Rochambeau Statue in Washington, D.C., honors Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, the French gene...
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260
Historical places Hidden gem
Twin Oaks 雙橡園
Twin Oaks is a historic 18-acre estate in Washington, D.C., serving as the official residence of the Representative of t...
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261
Venues Hidden gem
Theater J
Theater J is a professional theater company located within the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center that specializes in...
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262
Historical places Hidden gem
John Marshall Park
John Marshall Park is a linear urban park located between the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse and the National Building...
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263
Museums Hidden gem
The Fridge
The Fridge is a contemporary art exhibition space and underground performance venue located in the historic Capitol Hill...
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264
Historical places Hidden gem
Navy and Marine Memorial
The Navy and Marine Memorial honors members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps who have served at sea. Located a...
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265
Places of interest Hidden gem
John Paul Jones Memorial
The John Paul Jones Memorial commemorates the American Revolutionary War naval hero known for his famous declaration 'I...
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266
Venues Hidden gem
Washington Improv Theater
Washington Improv Theater is the premier hub for long-form improvisational comedy in the District of Columbia. Located a...
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267
Museums Hidden gem
National Museum of American Jewish Military History (NMAJMH)
The National Museum of American Jewish Military History in Washington, D.C., documents the participation of Jewish Ameri...
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268
Historical places Hidden gem
General William Tecumseh Sherman Monument
The General William Tecumseh Sherman Monument is a prominent bronze equestrian sculpture located in Washington, D.C., co...
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269
Temples Hidden gem
Nineteenth Street Baptist Church
Nineteenth Street Baptist Church is one of the oldest African American Baptist congregations in Washington, D.C., founde...
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270
Historical places Hidden gem
John Ericsson Memorial
The John Ericsson Memorial honors the Swedish-American inventor who designed the USS Monitor, the first ironclad warship...
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Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Washington, D.C.?
Aventuro lists 467 curated attractions in and around Washington, D.C., sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Washington, D.C.?
National Mall is the most popular place to visit in Washington, D.C. right now.
What kind of attractions does Washington, D.C. have?
The largest category is parks, with 132 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore San Francisco, Boston, Chicago.
Explore more of United States of America
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
