Top 10: Things to Do in Washington, DC

Washington, DC is a city famous for its plethora of memorials and home to some of the best museums in the world. Heading to the capital of the U.S. and not sure what to do? To help you make the most of a few days in DC, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things to do in Washington, DC. To get a good feel for the city, we recommend hire a bike with Civitatis to explore Washington, DC, at your own pace. Let’s discover what the capital of the U.S. has to offer!

1. Visit the Capitol Building

The first stop for many visitors to Washington, DC, is the National Mall. Here, you’ll find many of the city’s most coveted attractions. First up, is the Capitol Building. Located on Capitol Hill, this iconic construction with a huge white columned dome has become one of the city’s main tourist attractions.

Did you know it even has its own police department? Inaugurated in 1800, it serves as the seat of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, with each of its two wings corresponding to one of the two houses of Congress.

Due to its grandeur, innumerable white columns, and huge dome, it’s an incredibly popular photo spot for tourists, so don’t miss out!

2. Make Your Way to the Library of Congress

Inside the Capitol, you can also find another must-see in Washington, DC. We’re talking about the Library of Congress. It’s one of the most beautiful, extensive, and largest libraries in the whole world!

Fun fact: one of the first Bibles printed by Gutenberg in the 16th century is kept here. Additionally, you can access a glassed-in observation deck to admire the library’s architecture, paintings, stained glass windows, and sculptures. If you want to visit both the Capitol Building and the Library of Congress, then go on this Capitol Hill tour. You’ll even get to see the Supreme Court!

3. See the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool

Another spot to visit on the National Mall is the Lincoln Memorial. It’s a massive white statue of Abraham Lincoln sat in a grand chair. You’ve probably seen it before in a movie or series, such as The Handmaid’s Tale (2017) or Rustin (2023).

Around the monument, you’ll find two of his most famous speeches inscribed on the walls: Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address and the more famous Gettysburg Address.

To the left of the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, you can find the Vietnam War Memorial, which you can explore for free! Just in front of the building housing the sculpture is the Reflecting Pool, a long pond reflecting the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. In fact, it was in this very place that Martin Luther King Jr. concluded The March with his legendary words ”I have a dream” in front of more than 300,000 people. This can form a lovely route from the Lincoln Memorial, via the Vietnam War Memorial, to the Reflecting Pool.

Want to see these iconic historic monuments illuminated at night? Don’t miss this fascinating night tour of Washington, DC!

4. Take a Picture in Front of the White House

On our list of 10 things to do in DC, we can’t ignore the White House. Not only is it the most iconic building in the city and the country, but it’s also one of the most famous in the world. Built in 1790 by order of President George Washington, this historic building is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The White House is the official residence of the president as well as their workplace. American citizens can visit the interior after applying for a permit, but for tourists, entry is prohibited.

Our top tip is viewing the White House from the north side, on Pennsylvania Avenue, since from the south, the trees block the view. Come and uncover the history of this world-famous building with us on this guided tour of the city!

5. Marvel at the Washington Monument

Next on our list of things to do in Washington, DC, is one of the tallest structures in the city. The Washington Monument stands at 555 feet high (about 170 meters). At its inauguration in 1884, it was the tallest building in the world until 1889, when it was surpassed by the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Surrounding this huge marble obelisk are 50 American flags, representing the nation’s 50 states. The views from the top are truly incredible. It’s a great way to get a sense of how important this city is and to capture some stunning images.

6. Visit the Smithsonian Museums

We can’t talk about places to see in Washington, DC, without mentioning its museums. Aside from its imposing monuments and historic buildings, the famous Smithsonian Museums offer visitors invaluable insight into countless interesting topics.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Portrait Gallery, the Hirshhorn… The options are endless. However, the National Air and Space Museum is probably one of the most recognised worldwide. There, you can see everything from spacecraft and the Apollo 11 module that landed on the moon, to a supersonic Concorde jet. A must-visit for budding astronauts and space enthusiasts!

Another of the most important museums in Washington, DC, is the National Museum of Natural History, where millions of artefacts are displayed, from meteorites to dinosaur fossils. In fact, the Hope Diamond is stored here, a 45.52-carat diamond that was extracted in the 17th century. There’s so much to discover in these fascinating museums.

7. Check out Georgetown

Just outside Washington, we leave the famous memorials and government monuments behind for a completely different setting. Welcome to Georgetown!

This picturesque neighbourhood offers a small town setting full of colourful façades, cobblestone streets, and a wide variety of restaurants and shops that give the area a chic and trendy vibe. Did you know that Georgetown is where you can find the stairs where the epic ending of The Exorcist was filmed? Take a stroll down its charming streets and along the riverside for a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

8. Pay Your Respects at Arlington National Cemetery

Another of the top things to do in Washington, DC, is to take a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. This military cemetery is located just outside the city limits in Virginia. Here rest those who have fallen in United States conflicts, as well as high-profile political figures, including President John F. Kennedy.

Here, you can also visit the different memorials built in memory of catastrophes, such as the Space Shuttle Challenger and the September 11 attacks. Learn all about these monuments on a tour of Arlington Cemetery and the Washington, DC war memorials.

9. Take a Trip to Alexandria & Mount Vernon

Similarly, we highly recommend taking a trip to Alexandria and Mount Vernon. Did you know that Alexandria was where George Washington spent most of his life? It still preserves its colonial air, and in the historic centre, you can find attractions such as the Torpedo Factory Art Center (one of the most renowned in the country), the buzzing King Street, and the George Washington Masonic Temple.

Not far from Alexandria is Mount Vernon, where you’ll find the former residence of Washington and his family. There, you can travel back in time and discover how people lived and farmed in the past. You’ll also find the tombs of George Washington and his family.

10. Indulge in Washington’s Food Tours

Finally, to top off your time in DC, we thoroughly recommend going on a food tour. The U.S. is famous for its cuisine, and the capital is no different. In fact, Washington, DC, is home to 25 Michelin Star restaurants!

However, the city is full of all kinds of eateries, from restaurants, cafes, food stalls and diners, there’s food for all the family! To taste a variety of savory snacks, join this Washington, DC food tour. If you have more of a sweet tooth, then you can’t miss this Donut Tour. Insider’s tip: plan your trip in May and experience the multi-cultural atmosphere of DC’s diplomatic roots at Around the World Embassy when people come in traditional outfits, enjoy dance and music performances and try food from all over the world.

Washington DC Travel Tips

Now that you know what you need to see in DC, check out some of our top tips for making the most of your trip to the city:

How to get around the city

Luckily, DC has a pretty solid public transportation system. The Metro and Bus services connect pretty much the whole city, and are fairly reliable, clean, and safe for users. Grab yourself a SmartTrip Card to get the best value for your money on these services. The city is also quite walkable, and bike-friendly. In fact, this bike tour of Washington DC is one of the best ways to see the city! You can also grab a bike at one of the many Capital Bikeshare stations. Another option is to make your way between city’s major landmarks on this Washington DC tourist bus.

Save money in Washington DC

While it’s true that DC is one of the most expensive cities in the country, there are a few ways you can save money on your trip. For one, grab the aforementioned SmartTrip Card to make traveling around the city as economical as possible. Then, if you’re planning on visiting tourist attractions in the city buy this Washington DC Sightseeing Pass, which includes Madame Tussauds, bike rental, a tourist bus, and Mount Vernon, among others!

We hope you’ve now got some ideas of things to do in Washington, DC, on your next trip. Be sure to check out more tours & experiences in Washington, DC. Safe travels!