Your guide to Washington DC's monuments, free museums, historic neighborhoods, and the best food spots across the capital city.
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National Mall & Monuments
Walk the length of the National Mall from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial
The full walk is about 2.3 miles one way. Start early in the morning — by 10am the Mall gets crowded, especially on weekends. Wear comfortable shoes; you'll easily log 8-10 miles in a full day here.
Visit the Lincoln Memorial
Open 24 hours a day with rangers on duty from 9:30am to 10pm. The memorial is most dramatic after dark when the reflecting pool mirrors the lit columns. There are 87 steps from the base to the statue.
See the Washington Monument up close
Free timed-entry tickets are released daily at 10am on recreation.gov for the elevator ride to the 500-foot observation deck. Same-day tickets are also available at the monument lodge starting at 8:30am, but the line forms by 7am in peak season.
Pay respects at the World War II Memorial
The 7.4-acre memorial sits between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. Each of the 56 pillars represents a US state or territory. Visit at sunset for golden light on the fountain.
Reflect at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The black granite wall lists 58,318 names in chronological order of casualty. Paper and pencil rubbings of names are permitted. The directory at each end helps you find a specific name and its panel location.
Walk past the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The 30-foot granite statue sits on a 4-acre site along the Tidal Basin. The memorial opened in 2011 and features 14 quotes carved into the surrounding walls. It's about a 10-minute walk from the Lincoln Memorial.
Smithsonian Museums (All Free)
Explore the National Air and Space Museum
Reopened after a $250 million renovation with 23 new galleries. Timed-entry passes are free but required — reserve on the Smithsonian website up to 30 days ahead. Plan at least 3 hours inside.
Reserve free timed-entry passes online
See the Wright Flyer and Apollo 11 command module
Spend time at the National Museum of Natural History
The most visited natural history museum in the world sees about 7 million guests per year. The Hope Diamond is on the second floor in the gem hall. No timed-entry pass needed, but expect 20-30 minute waits on weekends.
Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture
This is the most in-demand Smithsonian museum — free timed passes release on the first Wednesday of each month at noon and sell out within minutes. Plan for 3-4 hours; the underground history galleries alone take 90 minutes.
Book timed passes as far in advance as possible
Browse the National Gallery of Art
Not technically a Smithsonian, but also free. The West Building holds European art from the 13th-19th century; the East Building has modern works. The underground walkway between them features a moving light installation. Budget 2-3 hours.
Check out the National Museum of American History
Home to the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, Dorothy's ruby slippers, and Julia Child's kitchen. The museum has 3 floors with over 1.8 million objects in its collection. Allow 2 hours minimum.
Government Buildings & Tours
Tour the US Capitol Building
Free tours run Monday-Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and last about 60-90 minutes. Book online through your senator or representative's office to also get gallery passes to watch Congress in session. International visitors can reserve through the Capitol Visitor Center.
Reserve tour tickets online in advance
Request gallery passes through your representative
See the White House (exterior or tour)
Public tours are free but must be requested through your member of Congress 21-90 days in advance. Tours run Tuesday-Saturday from 7:30am to 11:30am. If you can't get inside, the north fence on Pennsylvania Avenue gives the classic photo angle.
Visit the Library of Congress
The Thomas Jefferson Building's Great Hall is one of the most stunning interiors in DC — free to enter, no reservation needed. The reading room overlook is on the second floor. Free guided tours run every hour from 10:30am to 3:30pm on weekdays.
Walk through Arlington National Cemetery
The cemetery spans 639 acres with over 400,000 graves. The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier happens every 30 minutes from April-September and every 60 minutes October-March. The walk from the visitor center to JFK's gravesite is about 0.5 miles uphill.
Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony
Visit JFK's gravesite and the eternal flame
Neighborhoods to Explore
Stroll through Georgetown
DC's oldest neighborhood dates to 1751. M Street and Wisconsin Avenue have the main shops and restaurants. Walk down to the Georgetown Waterfront Park along the Potomac for a 0.5-mile riverside promenade.
Walk the C&O Canal towpath
Find the Exorcist Steps on Prospect Street
Explore the U Street Corridor
Once called 'Black Broadway,' this stretch between 9th and 18th Streets NW has DC's best live music and nightlife. The African American Civil War Memorial is at the 10th Street intersection. Restaurants and bars line both sides for about 8 blocks.
Walk around Dupont Circle
The circle's center fountain is a popular gathering spot. Embassy Row runs along Massachusetts Avenue NW — over 170 embassies are in DC, and many are clustered here. The Sunday farmers market (year-round, 8:30am-1pm) is one of the city's best.
Visit Adams Morgan for food and murals
18th Street NW between Columbia and Calvert is the main drag, packed with international restaurants — Ethiopian, Salvadoran, Vietnamese, and more within a 3-block stretch. The neighborhood has over 30 public murals. It's a 15-minute walk north from Dupont Circle.
Food & Drink
Try a half-smoke at a local spot
DC's signature dish is a half-pork, half-beef smoked sausage served on a bun with mustard and onions. Street vendors near the Mall sell them for $5-8. The dish has been a DC staple since the 1950s.
Eat Ethiopian food along U Street
DC has the largest Ethiopian population outside Africa — over 40,000 residents. U Street alone has a dozen Ethiopian restaurants within a 4-block radius. Meals typically cost $15-22 per person and are served on injera bread meant for sharing.
Grab Chesapeake Bay blue crab or crab cakes
Crab season runs April through November. A dozen steamed crabs costs $40-80 depending on size and season. The Wharf waterfront district along the SW waterfront has several seafood spots with outdoor seating overlooking the channel.
Visit Eastern Market on weekends
Operating since 1873, this indoor market at 225 7th Street SE has produce, meats, and baked goods Tuesday-Sunday. The outdoor weekend flea market adds 100+ vendors for art, antiques, and crafts on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm.
Seasonal & Practical Tips
Time your visit for cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April)
About 3,700 cherry trees ring the Tidal Basin. Peak bloom lasts only 4-7 days, and the National Park Service posts predictions starting in early March. The Tidal Basin loop walk is 2 miles and gets extremely crowded — arrive before 8am for photos.
Get a SmarTrip card for the Metro
A SmarTrip card costs $2 and fares range from $2 to $6 depending on distance and time of day. The Metro runs from 5am to midnight on weekdays and 7am to midnight on weekends. Peak hours (7-9:30am and 3-7pm weekdays) have higher fares.
Use the free DC Circulator bus routes
The Circulator runs 6 routes around the city with stops every 10 minutes. The National Mall route connects Union Station to the Lincoln Memorial. All rides are free as of 2023. Buses run from about 7am to 9pm daily.
Pack layers for DC's unpredictable weather
Summer temperatures regularly hit 95°F with 80%+ humidity. Spring and fall are mild (55-75°F) but can swing 20 degrees in a day. Winter averages 35-45°F with occasional snowstorms. Carry a light rain jacket year-round — DC gets about 40 inches of rain annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Washington Dc?
Three to four full days covers the highlights including national mall & monuments, smithsonian museums (all free), government buildings & tours at a relaxed pace. Five or more days lets you dig into local neighborhoods and take day trips. Most first-time visitors find four days strikes the right balance between seeing enough and not feeling exhausted.
What is the best time of year to visit Washington Dc?
Spring and early autumn typically offer the best weather with manageable crowds. Summer brings peak tourism pricing and longer queues at popular spots. Shoulder season travel saves 20-30% on accommodation and gives you shorter lines at top attractions.
How much should I budget per day in Washington Dc?
A mid-range daily budget of $100-180 per person covers a comfortable hotel, two restaurant meals, and attraction tickets. Street food and local markets cut food costs significantly. Pre-booking tickets for popular sites online often saves 10-15% and lets you skip long queues.
What is the best way to get around Washington Dc?
Public transit handles most tourist routes efficiently and cheaply. Walking between central attractions is often faster than waiting for buses or trains during peak hours. Multi-day transit passes pay for themselves after 3-4 rides per day and remove the hassle of buying individual tickets.
Do I need to book attractions in advance in Washington Dc?
Top-tier attractions and museums frequently sell out during peak season so book 2-4 weeks ahead for guaranteed entry. Lesser-known sites and neighborhoods rarely require advance tickets. Morning time slots (before 10:00) are the most popular; afternoon slots after 14:00 often have shorter waits.