Washington DC
USA (DC)
The Nation's Capital
A compact, walkable city of monuments, world-class museums (almost all free), cherry blossoms, and the living institutions of American democracy.
Things to do
- Smithsonian Museums (National Mall)must-see
19 free museums including Air & Space, Natural History, American History, and the National Zoo — a week isn't enough.
Multiple days · Free · culture - Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Poolmust-see
Stand where MLK delivered "I Have a Dream" — most powerful at sunrise before crowds arrive.
1 hr · Free · attraction - United States Capitolmust-see
Free guided tours of the US Capitol — book weeks ahead on your Congress member's website.
1.5 hrs · Free · culture - Arlington National Cemeterymust-see
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Changing of the Guard, Kennedy gravesites — profound and moving.
2 hrs · Free · culture - National Mall Monument Walkmust-see
Walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial past the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Vietnam Wall.
3–4 hrs · Free · attraction - Georgetown Waterfront & Historic Districtrecommended
Federal-era architecture, M Street dining, canal towpath walk, and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal.
2–3 hrs · Free to walk · activity - Library of Congressrecommended
World's largest library with breathtaking Great Hall — free and largely overlooked by tourists.
1.5 hrs · Free · culture - National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museumrecommended
Free double museum including Obama portrait — in a stunning Greek Revival building.
2 hrs · Free · culture