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Washington D.C., United States

Things to Do in Washington D.C.

Top sights, the tours and tickets travellers book most, hidden gems and day trips.

Most booked:DC Monuments by Night: 10+ Landmarks | Open-Top Upgrade Available

Most booked tours and tickets in Washington D.C.

DC Monuments by Night: 10+ Landmarks | Open-Top Upgrade Available

DC Monuments by Night: 10+ Landmarks | Open-Top Upgrade Available

4.77,286 reviews3h
DC Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, National Mall, Tickets

DC Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, National Mall, Tickets

4.66,052 reviews3h
Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

4.64,236 reviews2h 30m
Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour + Boat Cruise

Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour + Boat Cruise

4.73,753 reviews6h
Washington DC Monuments Tour by Electric Cart Day and Night

Washington DC Monuments Tour by Electric Cart Day and Night

4.83,298 reviews2h
DC Monuments & Capitol Hill Highlights Tour by Electric Cart

DC Monuments & Capitol Hill Highlights Tour by Electric Cart

4.83,128 reviews2h
Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards

Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards

4.92,842 reviews2h
DC Night Tour: 10+ National Mall Monuments, Entry Ticket Upgrades

DC Night Tour: 10+ National Mall Monuments, Entry Ticket Upgrades

4.62,316 reviews3h

Tickets and tours by attraction

The best options for each of Washington D.C.'s top sights, compared.

Top sights in Washington D.C.

  1. 1National Mall
  2. 2Smithsonian Museums
  3. 3Lincoln Memorial
  4. 4Capitol Building
  5. 5Georgetown
  6. 6White House
  • Walk Through Living History for Free: Explore the vast Smithsonian Institution's 19 museums and the National Zoo, all with free admission. Stand in the chamber of the U.S. Supreme Court, take a free tour of the U.S. Capitol, and visit the iconic monuments lining the National Mall 24/7.
  • Witness Democracy in Action: Observe a live session of Congress from the House or Senate galleries, tour the White House (with advance planning), and see the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution in the National Archives' Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.
  • Experience World-Class Cultural Festivals: Attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in summer, or the bustling Eastern Market on Capitol Hill any weekend for local art, food, and crafts.

Tickets and passes in Washington D.C.

George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission

George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission

4.3366 reviews30m
Private Night-Time Monuments Tour of DC for up to 10 Guests

Private Night-Time Monuments Tour of DC for up to 10 Guests

5.0357 reviews2h
Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park Small Group Day Tour

Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park Small Group Day Tour

4.7136 reviews9h

Food and drink experiences in Washington D.C.

Washington DC's Best Donuts, Sweet Treats & Walking History Tour

Washington DC's Best Donuts, Sweet Treats & Walking History Tour

4.9622 reviews2h
Georgetown Foodie Culinary Tour & Neighborhood Walk

Georgetown Foodie Culinary Tour & Neighborhood Walk

4.8466 reviews3h
Washington's Hidden Gems Food Tour with 6+ Tasty Dishes

Washington's Hidden Gems Food Tour with 6+ Tasty Dishes

4.7369 reviews3h

Day trips and outdoor activities from Washington D.C.

DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets

DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets

4.71,673 reviews6h
Washington DC: Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour

Washington DC: Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour

4.8891 reviews3h
Washington DC's Monuments & US History Guided E-Cart Tour

Washington DC's Monuments & US History Guided E-Cart Tour

4.6627 reviews2h

Hidden gems in Washington D.C.

Places most visitors miss, many of them free.

Theodore Roosevelt Island

A 91-acre wilderness preserve and memorial to the 26th president, located in the Potomac River.

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

The former estate of cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, showcasing her unparalleled collection of Russian imperial art and French decorative arts.

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café

A beloved independent bookstore and café in Dupont Circle that stays open 24 hours on weekends.

National Building Museum

A museum dedicated to architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning, housed in a magnificent historic building with a colossal interior courtyard.

Dumbarton Oaks Gardens

The historic gardens and museum of a Georgetown estate, featuring stunning European-style terraces, a pebble garden, and a renowned Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art collection.

Day trips from Washington D.C.

Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

20 min by Metro (Yellow/Blue Line) or 15 min by car

Step back in time in this beautifully preserved 18th-century port city. Wander cobblestone streets lined with historic homes, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants along the Potomac River.

Annapolis, Maryland

45 min by car or 1 hour by commuter bus

The charming capital of Maryland and home to the U.S. Naval Academy. Explore its colonial-era brick streets, maritime history, and enjoy fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

1 hour 15 min by car

A stunning historic town at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, steeped in Civil War history and offering incredible hiking in the surrounding national park.

Plan your Washington D.C. trip

Things to do in Washington D.C.: FAQ

What are the best things to do in Washington D.C.?+

Top sights include National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, Lincoln Memorial and Capitol Building. Away from the crowds, try Theodore Roosevelt Island and Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens.

What are the most popular tours in Washington D.C.?+

The most booked experiences on Viator are DC Monuments by Night: 10+ Landmarks | Open-Top Upgrade Available (4.7 stars, 7,286 reviews); DC Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, National Mall, Tickets (4.6 stars, 6,052 reviews); Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley (4.6 stars, 4,236 reviews).

How much do tours in Washington D.C. cost?+

The tours and tickets on this page start between €27 and €612 per person, depending on length and what is included.

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.