As the capital and political center of the United States, Washington, D.C. has little of the hustle and bustle of big cities, less compact than New York, less relaxed than Florida, and less chaotic than LA. With clean streets, confident residents, and a cultural and historical heritage, what’s rare is that most of the sights here are free.
The most classic route in DC, and where most of the must-visit attractions are located, is concentrated in the area from Capitol Hill to Lincoln Memorial and from the White House to Jefferson Memorial, where the attractions are relatively concentrated.
However, it’s best to plan ahead, know which places you want to go, and learn the stories behind them before visiting to have a completely different experience. Today，we’ll recommend the top 10 classic must-visit attractions in Washington, DC.
Tips：
Washington, D.C.’s urban planning centers around the Capitol building, dividing the city into four quadrants: Northeast (NE), Northwest (NW), Southeast (SE), and Southwest (SW).
The east-west streets are named with letters from A to Z and beyond, with the first letter indicating the quadrant, and the north-south streets are numbered with the numbers increasing as they move away from the Capitol, also with the quadrant suffix.
Must-visit Attraction #1：United States Capitol
The Capitol Building is located in a slightly eastern position in Washington, D.C., but it is considered the center of Washington. The definitions of the east, west, south, and north of DC are all based on the Capitol Building.
The Capitol Building is a typical neoclassical building consisting of a domed central building and interconnected north and south wing buildings. The large dome on the central roof is often seen on TV news, and there is a statue of the Statue of Liberty on top of the dome.
Both houses of the US Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives, have their offices in this building, with the Senate located in the north wing and the House of Representatives in the south wing.
When the Senate holds a meeting, the American flag is raised on the north wing of the Capitol Building, while the opposite happens when the House of Representatives holds a meeting.
Reasons to visit
- The central rotunda is the heart of the Capitol Building, featuring magnificent and exquisite murals and numerous sculptures of important historical figures.
- This is an important venue for meetings of the US Congress and both the Senate and House of Representatives.
- The Capitol Building is an important repository of American art, and its architectural achievements are also unique and outstanding.
Basic Information
Address: East Capitol St NE & First St SE, Washington, DC 20004, USA. Cost
Information: Visiting the Capitol Building is free, but daily capacity is limited. Visitors need to book a tour date and time online.
Opening Hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, closed on Sundays. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Presidential Inauguration Day.
Transportation:
- Take the Blue or Orange line to Capitol South Metro Station and walk north for 10 minutes.
- Take buses 96, 97, A11, DCN22 to NE 1st St & NE Maryland Av, buses 32, 34, 36, 922 to INDEPENDENCE AVE & NEW JERSEY AVE SEeb, or buses 32, 34, 36, 39, 630, 902, 904, 909, 922, 929, 995, A11 to SE Independence Av & SE 1st St.
Tips：
- Before entering the Capitol Building Visitor Center, all visitors must pass through a security check. It is forbidden to bring any liquids, food, large luggage, knives, or other dangerous items during the visit.
- Visitors can obtain foreign language audio guides for the Capitol Building at the information desk of the Visitor Center. Chinese is one of the available languages. The audio guides are free to use, and visitors need to present a non-passport photo ID at the information desk to obtain a guide. The ID will be returned when the guide is returned.
Must-visit Attraction #2: National Gallery of Art
The art museum is located on the west steps of the Capitol Building and consists of two buildings with distinct styles. The West Building is a neoclassical building in the style of ancient Greece, while the East Building is a modernist geometric building designed by the Chinese-American architectural master I. M. Pei.
All exhibits in the museum are arranged in chronological order. If you have enough time, immersing yourself in such an art palace and getting to know the great masters and their works in order is like reading a vivid history of Western art.
Reasons to visit
- The museum houses the only Da Vinci painting in the United States, the masterpiece “Ginevra de’ Benci,” which can be viewed up close without railings or glass cases.
- Here you can also admire precious works by masters such as Raphael, Botticelli, Titian, Rembrandt, as well as classical European art masterpieces such as Raphael’s Madonna, Van Gogh’s self-portrait, and Monet’s water lilies.
Basic Information
Address: 6th & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565, USA.
Cost: Free.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday 11:00-18:00. Closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Transportation: Take the yellow or green line of the metro to Archives station, and walk to the museum.
Tips:
Phone calls are not allowed in any galleries. Non-flash photography is permitted in special exhibitions only, and selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed
Must-visit Attraction #3: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a museum under the Smithsonian Institution. The collections in the museum truly reflect the social, cultural, scientific, and technological traditions, as well as the evolution of the American national character. It is themed on “Earth,” and its collection comprehensively reflects the appearance and evolution of humans and the natural environment.
The elephant in the African Elephant Display on the first floor is the symbol of the museum. The Mineral and Gem Hall on the second floor also exhibits the Hope Diamond, weighing 45 grams, which appeared in the movie “Titanic.”
Reasons to visit
- The largest national comprehensive history museum in the United States, and one of the largest natural history museums in the world.
- The museum has extremely realistic reproductions of animal habitats in the natural food chain.
Basic Information
Address: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Admission: Free, but the Butterfly Pavilion and IMAX Theater have admission fees. The Butterfly Pavilion is free on Tuesdays.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-17:30 (closed on December 25th for Christmas). During US daylight saving time and certain US holidays, visiting hours may be extended until 19:30.
Transportation: Take the Blue/Orange Line to Federal Triangle Metro Station. From there, walk south on 12th Street to Constitution Ave, then head east (away from the Washington Monument) for about 5 minutes.
Tips:
For security reasons, all visitors must undergo a security check before entering the museum. Dangerous items such as tripods, selfie sticks, and knives are prohibited inside the museum.
Must-visit Attraction #4：Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is home to exclusive collections, and there are too many legends in aviation and space here.
The collections are divided into regions, ranging from the earliest hot air balloons, Wright brothers’ airplane sketches and models, various civilian aircraft, World War I and II fighters, lunar probes, meteorites, space suits, Mars probes and more.
Aerospace enthusiasts can also experience many simulators here.
Reasons to visit
- One of the world’s leading aerospace museums with a large collection of real aircraft;
- Rare and stunning close-up views of the exhibits.
Basic Information
Address: Independence Avenue at 6th Street Southwest, Washington, DC 20560, United States.
Fee: Free admission. Guided tours are available at 10:30 and 13:00 daily, led by volunteers who provide explanations during the 90-minute tour. Advanced reservations are required and can be made on the official website.
Opening hours: Regular opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:30. During spring and summer, the museum may extend its opening hours to 19:30, and it is closed on Christmas Day.
Transportation: Take the Blue/Orange/Yellow/Green/Silver line to L’Enfant Plaza and walk to the museum. Public transportation in Washington is very convenient, and the distance between attractions is not too far. It is recommended to purchase a bus ticket that allows you to hop on and off throughout the day instead of walking everywhere and getting tired.
Tips:
- Photography is allowed in the museum, but the use of selfie sticks, tripods, etc., is not permitted.
- Alternative attractions: Newseum, which is a good choice for those who are interested in news.
Must-visit Attraction #5：Madame Tussauds
Washington’s Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is different from other Madame Tussauds museums. In addition to displaying wax figures of celebrities, it also features wax figures of over forty US presidents since the founding of the country.
The complete collection of US presidential wax figures here is unmatched by other museums, and walking among all the presidents who have emerged in the over 200-year history of the United States feels like entering a living history book, which is very impressive.
Reasons to visit
- The world’s unique political version of Madame Tussauds Wax Museum;
- Few people, less waiting time for taking photos.
Basic Information
Address: 1001 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Admission: Adults (13 years old and above) $22.00, Children (3-12 years old) $17.50. It’s slightly cheaper to purchase tickets on Mafengwo than on the official website and it’s more convenient.
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-18:00, Sunday 10:00-17:00. Opening hours may change seasonally, please refer to the official website for the most up-to-date information. Click here to check the official website.
Transportation: Take the blue/orange/red/silver line to Metro Center Station, and then walk one minute to reach the museum.
Must-visit Attraction #6：The White House
The White House is simple yet elegant, and exudes an aura of authority. The white building has a classical and artistic charm, serving as both the residence of the President of the United States and the administrative center of the country.
Every sound and decision made within its walls can impact the world. Despite its global significance, the White House sits on an ordinary street, where protests, street performances, and street vendors may be seen. This closeness between ordinary citizens and the highest officials of the country embodies American freedom.
A quiet road runs in front of the White House, where armed police officers stand guard beside the railings. Visitors can take photos from outside the courtyard, even if they are not allowed inside for a tour. It is worth visiting the White House and experiencing the atmosphere of the local government.
Reasons to visit
- The White House has lifted its ban on photography that had been in place for over 40 years.
- The White House is a symbol of the American government.
Basic Information
Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, United States.
Fee: Free admission, but reservations need to be made through a member of Congress. Non-US citizens should contact their embassy in Washington D.C. to assist with the tourist visa application process.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 11:30 am; Friday and Saturday, 7:30 am to 1:30 pm. Transportation: Take the Orange/Blue/Silver line on the metro and get off at the Federal Triangle or Metro Center station.
Tips:
Video cameras are not allowed during White House tours. Mobile phones are permitted, but they must be turned to silent mode and visitors are not allowed to make calls or send text messages during the tour.
Must-visit Attraction #7：Washington Monument
There are 50 levels of iron stairs and a high-speed elevator that takes only 70 seconds to reach the top of the Washington Monument. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and the Potomac River through small windows.
From the top of the Washington Monument, one can see the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Pentagon, the Lincoln Memorial, and many other landmarks in Washington D.C. The U.S. government also has a regulation that no building in D.C. can be taller than the Washington Monument.
Reasons to visit
- The first and most prominent landmark in Washington D.C.
- The Washington Monument is hollow inside and remains the world’s tallest stone structure.
Basic Information
Address: 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024, USA.
Fee: Admission is free, but advance phone reservation is required and a service fee of $1.5 is charged for each ticket; Free same-day tickets are also available starting from 8:30 AM, on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of six tickets per person.
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00, with last entry at 16:00. During Daylight Saving Time (from the last Monday in May to the first Monday in September), it is open from 9:00-22:00, with last entry at 21:45.
Transportation:
- Subway: Take the Blue or Orange line to Smithsonian station, and walk for 10 minutes to the monument.
- Bus: Take Bus 11Y or 52 to SW 14th St & SW Jefferson Dr, and walk for 5 minutes to the monument.
Tips:
Due to modernization of the elevators by the National Park Service, the Washington Monument was closed until Spring 2019. Visitors can still take photos outside.
Must-visit Attraction #8：Lincoln Memorial
This is a Greek temple-style memorial, surrounded by 36 white marble columns symbolizing the 36 states that existed when Lincoln was president, with each column inscribed with the name of a state on the frieze.
The memorial is aligned in a straight line with the Capitol and the Washington Monument. In front of the memorial is a reflecting pool, which at night reflects the illuminated Washington Monument and the Capitol, creating a magnificent sight and making it a famous attraction in Washington. It is also impressive to see during the day.
Reasons to visit
- The back of the US penny is depicted in real life.
- The memorial’s alignment with the Capitol and the Washington Monument is magnificent.
Basic Information
Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States.
Fee: Free.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day, but restrooms, museum, and elevators will be closed at night.
Transportation: You can take the Blue Line or Orange Line subway to the Smithsonian Metro Station and walk west along the axis from the Washington Monument for about 20 minutes. Or you can take the Blue Line subway to the Arlington Cemetery Metro Station, walk south for about 15 minutes and cross the bridge.
Must-visit Attraction #9：Tidal Basin
Connected to the main waterway of Washington, the lake’s water level changes with the river’s water level, hence the name Tidal Basin. There are many cherry blossom trees planted along the Tidal Basin, and the most beautiful time of the year is in April.
When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom along the Tidal Basin and the white memorial in the middle of the lake reflects its image, boating on the Tidal Basin, with the petals floating in the breeze, adds a touch of tenderness to the grandeur of Washington.
Walking along the Tidal Basin, there are also four presidential memorials: Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Roosevelt Memorial. Even if it is not cherry blossom season, visiting here while exploring Washington is never boring.
Reasons to visit
- One of the best places to admire the cherry blossom season in Washington;
- Several presidential memorials are located around the lake.
Basic Information
Address: Tidal Basin and Ohio Drive NW, Washington DC, DC 20003, USA.
Fee: Free.
Opening Hours: Open all day.
Transportation: Take the Blue/Orange/Silver line of the subway to the Smithsonian station, and walk to the destination.
Must-visit Attraction #10: Potomac River
The Potomac River has significant historical significance as it was the boundary where the North and South confronted each other during the Civil War.
It has a prosperous history of water transportation, but it has declined over time. Taking a boat tour on this river, visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of Washington DC’s parks along the river, and see famous buildings such as the Pentagon, Washington Monument, Air Force Memorial, etc., from a wider perspective.
During the cherry blossom season, the Potomac River is even more beautiful. If visitors do not want to rush to the various museums, the Potomac River is definitely an unexpected surprise on their trip to Washington DC.
Reasons to Visit
- A refreshing natural landscape beyond the many solemn sights of Washington DC.
- The mother river of Washington DC.
Basic Information
Address: Located in southwest Washington.
Fee: Free.
Opening Hours: Open all day.
Transportation: It is recommended to choose a one-day tour with transportation included.
Final Words
There are far more attractions to visit in Washington than those recommended above. It is best to choose the attractions that interest you the most so that you can have a more enjoyable trip.
As President Kennedy once said, “I look forward to an America which will not be afraid of grace and beauty, which will not be dominated by compulsive technology. I look forward to an America which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business or statecraft.”
This quote is a message to those who want to visit Washington. In addition to being a tourist, be a traveler who delves deeper into civilization.