United States

Washington, DC

There’s only one place that combines more than 100 free things to do, world-class dining, acclaimed arts and culture, must-watch pro sports, thousands of acres of green space and a National Mall with the USA’s most beloved monuments and memorials. That place is the country’s epic capital, Washington, DC – the political heart of America that beats with its own incredible culture and history.

No destination in the country can complete with Washington, DC’s sheer number of monuments, memorials, and museums. And these iconic attractions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the incredible things to see and do in dynamic, multi-cultural, ever-changing DC. As well as the venues mentioned in this guide, a few highlights for attractions are the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Planet Word and the National Gallery of Art – all of which are free to visit. When it comes to activities, one fantastic thing to do is catch a sports game by one of DC’s major league sports teams like the Washington Nationals for baseball or the Washington Wizards for basketball.

Most of the public transport in the city is paid for on the SmarTrip app, which we’d recommend downloading before your visit. This cover covers the Metrorail, Metrobus and DC Circulator, making getting around Washington D.C. by public transport straightforward and easy.

Spring

22°C

Summer

29°C

Autumn

20°C

Winter

8°C

Interesting fact

Despite the fact that the city was named after him, America's first president never lived in Washington, DC. However, George Washington did choose the specific site for the founding of the national capital in 1770, along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, from land belonging to the states of Maryland and Virginia.

Interesting fact

Situated on the National Mall between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument was the world’s tallest building when it was completed in 1884, before being overtaken by the Eiffel Tower in 1889. Soaring to a height of 169 metres, it’s still the tallest stone structure and obelisk on the planet.

Interesting fact

The 3,000 cherry blossom trees lining Washington, DC’s Tidal Basin were a gift to the city from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo in 1912, in a gesture of friendship. Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates this event and the ongoing relationship between the USA and Japan.

Interesting fact

The football huddle was invented at Gallaudet College, Washington, DC in 1894. Gallaudet is a world-renowned college for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The Gallaudet Bisons played two other deaf teams that season and needed a way to prevent their opponents from stealing their signals.

Interesting fact

Washington, DC has the highest population of Ethiopians outside Ethiopia. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 allowed for more immigration from non-European countries, and the establishment of Ethiopian businesses and community networks in turn attracted more Ethiopians to come.

Interesting fact

There are more than 70 museums across the city, providing something for everyone, no matter what your age and interests. Many of them help you delve into the city’s past and in doing so understand its present and future, others look at the likes of natural history, aviation, and even espionage.

Visit the huge array of Smithsonian museums

This world-famous museum and research complex brings together 17 cultural venues covering everything from the origins of humankind (Natural History Museum) to the future of space exploration (Air and Space Museum). Incredibly, the Institution’s combined total of 150 million objects, works of art, and specimens can all be viewed for free.

Take a stroll around the National Mall

Nicknamed ‘America’s front yard’ as well as being home to several monuments and memorials honouring American forefathers and other heroes, including the Lincoln Memorial, this park is a national stage where movements and celebrations have taken and continue to take place, including Martin Luther King Jr’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.

Stroll along Washington, DC's waterfronts

Washington, DC's waterfront features vibrant areas like The Wharf, offering dining, shopping, and events with Potomac views, Georgetown with its historic charm and outdoor screenings, and the emerging Capital Riverfront, home to Nationals Park and trendy dining. These locales blend rich history with modern amenities, making them key destinations for entertainment and community events.

See a show in a living presidential memorial at the Kennedy Center

President John F. Kennedy loved and promoted the arts, and President Lyndon B. Johnson laid the cornerstone for this venue shortly after he was assassinated in 1964 (it opened in 1971). A performing arts powerhouse, it hosts around 2,000 performances a year.

See and photograph the spring cherry blossoms

See and photograph the spring cherry blossoms from the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial on the banks of the Tidal Basin or from a two- or four-person paddleboat out on the water, giving you wonderfully immersive views of the blooms.

Try an authentic Gin Rickey

Unique to the city, DC’s own cocktail the Gin Rickey (gin, lime juice, and soda) was invented in Shoomaker’s bar in the late 1880s which, despite being a dive, was the place to drink in DC. Originally made with bourbon, the drink is even mentioned in F. Scott Fitzgerald‘s 1925 classic The Great Gatsby. You can get this at Nick's Riverside Grill in Georgetown.

Sample Ethiopian Cuisine

The highest population of Ethiopians outside of Ethiopia makes Washington, DC a great place to try the African nation’s cuisine. Among the best places to sample classic dishes such as yemsir wot (a spicy red lentil stew) are Das Ethiopian in Georgetown, farm-to-table Letena in Columbia Heights, and Ethiopic on H Street NE.

Visit Ben's Chili Bowl

The dish of the city, best sampled at Ben’s Chili Bowl, is the half-smoke. Bigger and spicier than regular hot dogs, with more coarsely ground meat (usually half-pork and half-beef), it’s smoked and served with herbs, onion, and chili sauce.

Dine in Michelin-star restaurants

Delight your palette in Washington, DC with visits to Masseria by Nicholas Stefanelli a fine dining experience offering exquisite Italian cuisine in a historic setting inspired by the agricultural estates of the Puglia region. Located in a historic setting, Rania offers a fine dining experience with exquisite cuisines that redefines what an Indian restaurant can be.

A plethora of brunch spots

Bottomless mimosas at Ambar's or drag queen performances with a side of eggs at Officina at the Wharf. These are just some of your brunch options in DC. Choose from ricotta pancakes, frittatas, homemade pop tarts, and plenty more at venues, including Café du Parc and VUE Rooftop with their terraces and views of the Washington Monument and nearby sights.