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Washington D.C.
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Top 27 Best Things to Do in Washington D.C. - 2024
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Explore the best things to do in Washington D.C.! Uncover top activities and experiences for an unforgettable visit.
Updated May 2024
- 7.94.6/5890 ReviewFree
based on 8228 reviews"The White House is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Washington, D.C. largely because it’s the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. I would recommend to anyone interested in American history and politics to tour the inside of the White House (it’s free but limited). The White House is also visible from outside by keeping a distance from it. You can also see the National Mall and Memorial Parks nearby (there are 14 parks and monuments in total), including the iconic Washington Monument."Washington D.C..The Mall1.1km from downtownHighlights: The White House is the office and residence of successive U.S. presidents, and is also synonymous with the U.S. government. The white building with neoclassical architectural style meets the ardent expectations of the first U.S. President Washington for the presidential residence of the United States. It is spacious, sturdy and elegant, and does not require tall and luxurious , but stands majestically, watching the entire National Mall from the south to the north, as if watching the development and growth of the entire United States. The White House was not called "The White House" at the beginning of its construction. It was a gray sandstone building. It was destroyed by fire in the Anglo-American War in 1812. After the war, in order to cover up the traces of the fire, all the gray stone walls were painted white. , and was officially named the "White House" by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1902.Show Less - 7.64.7/5484 ReviewFree"Do not miss visiting the US capitol. The building is amazing and the history it tells is a must do when visiting Washington DC. You can do a free tour where a guide is telling you a lot of facts about the building, the people who worked here and the ones who still work here. You can experience the history of the government of the United States here better then any where else.Secret tip: visit the capitol when the sun is down for a walk around the capitol garden."Washington D.C..Capitol Hill3.1km from downtownHighlights: The U.S. Capitol is the seat of the U.S. Congress. It is not only the office building of the House of Representatives and the House of Representatives, the legislature of the United States, where the three separate powers are separated. Book.Show Less
- 7.24.7/5507 ReviewFree
based on 23574 reviews"The National Aerospace Museum of the United States, large-scale, covers all aspects of the history of aerospace since the Wright brothers invented the aircraft, glide wings, aircraft, aircraft, transport aircraft, passenger aircraft, rockets, planetary probes, spacecraft, artificial satellites, everything, The ribbon also shows high-speed racing and motorcycles, the vastness of the sky and the high speed of the passion, and the pinch in place. The shelves of the gift shop are also full of tricks and multi-person eyeballs."Washington D.C..The Mall2.6km from downtownHighlights: The National Air and Space Museum is located on the south side of the National Mall and is affiliated to the Smithsonian Institution. The exhibition hall occupies an entire three blocks, and 24 exhibition halls bring together a large number of landmark aircraft, space probes, etc. Center for the history and scientific research of spaceflight, planetary science, and earth sciences.Show Less - 7.14.7/5590 ReviewFreebased on 32033 reviews"The Lincoln Memorial is an iconic symbol of American history and a place of profound significance. Its majestic architecture, featuring the towering statue of Abraham Lincoln, commands respect and admiration. The solemnity of the Reflecting Pool, set against the backdrop of the Washington Monument and the Capitol, creates a breathtaking vista. Visitors are immersed in the spirit of freedom, equality, and unity, making it a must-visit destination. The memorial's role in commemorating one of America's greatest leaders and his enduring message of liberty and justice for all is truly inspiring."Washington D.C.2.3km from downtownHighlights: The Lincoln Memorial is a pure white ancient Greek temple-style building built in memory of Abraham Lincoln and is regarded as an eternal statue of the United States and a symbol of Washington. It is also a well-known place for the pursuit of peace, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. 1. The Memorial Hall of Architectural Art is an ancient Greek temple-style memorial hall made of white granite and marble. There are 36 tall stone pillars around the outer corridor of the memorial hall, symbolizing the 36 states of the United States when Lincoln was alive. There are 48 flower decorations on the top parapet, representing the 48 states of the United States when the memorial hall was completed, and the names of the 48 states are also engraved on the lintel of the column. The memorial hall does not have a door, which means that it is always open to the world. 2. The seated statue of Lincoln climbs the high stone steps and enters the memorial hall, facing the seated statue of Lincoln carved with pure white marble in the center. His eyes are deep, his expression is stern, resolute and firm, and there is an inscription behind the seated statue of Lincoln, which means "In this temple, in the hearts of the people, always remember the memory of Lincoln, who saved the Union for the people." In Lincoln There is a stone carving of the Gettysburg Address on the left side of the seated statue, while on the right wall of the seated statue is inscribed another inaugural address by Lincoln. 3. The three-point and one-line sitting statues face the square with their backs to their backs. You can see that the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the United States Capitol form the central axis of the National Mall. The meaning here is infinite and shocking. In front of the Memorial Hall, there is a 610-meter-long rectangular reflection pool, and you can vaguely see the beautiful reflection of the Washington Monument in the pool water.Show Less
- 7.04.6/5653 ReviewFreebased on 9508 reviews"It is a great place to experience the culture and rich history of Washington D.C."Washington D.C..The Mall2km from downtownHighlights: The Washington Monument is located in the center of the National Mall, and the 555-foot-high obelisk rises from the ground. Washington, D.C. expressly stipulates that any buildings around it shall not be higher than the Washington Monument. 1. The Washington Monument, an obelisk without a word, was built in 1848, stopped in 1854 due to the Civil War, and continued construction in 1876. Although the stones used were all collected from the same location, the colors were very different. , is the trace left by two constructions 22 years apart. The entire obelisk is smooth, without a single letter, as if to tell the world that Washington's contribution to life cannot be described in words. 2. The top of the cube column of the Washington Monument, which is stacked on the monument, is a four-sided triangular spire, which is as sharp as a pyramid. The interior is hollow, and its inner walls are embedded with 193 steles donated by various countries, cities and cities in the United States, major groups and celebrities, including the classical Chinese and literate steles donated by the Qing Dynasty. 3. There are a total of 897 steps spiraling upwards in the monument. You can experience the pilgrimage journey one step at a time, or you can choose to take the elevator to the top for 70 seconds. There are 8 viewing windows in four directions of the top observation deck, which can look far into the United States Capitol in the east of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial in the west, the Jefferson Memorial in the south, and the beautiful tidal lake.Show Less
- 6.14.6/5150 ReviewFreebased on 3488 reviews"i had the privilege of visiting the US Capitol in Washington DC back in 2019. the tour took us through the rotunda and crypt, as well as a history of the building. definitely highly recommended for anyone who visits DC!"Washington D.C..Capitol Hill4km from downtownHighlights: Capitol Hill is a neighborhood in Washington, the capital of the United States. It is named Capitol Hill because of its high terrain and similar hills, and because the U.S. Capitol Building and the Library of Congress stand here. 1. The United States Capitol The United States Capitol is the seat of the United States Congress, and it is also a symbol of the people, the people, and the people of the United States. 2. Library of Congress The Library of Congress is one of the four official national libraries in the United States. It is a federal cultural institution with a long history in the United States. It has become a treasure trove of knowledge in the world and occupies an important position in American culture. It consists of three parts: Thomas Jefferson Building, John Adams Building, and James Madison Building. The tripartite stands and the Capitol Building complements each other. The amazing collections of ancient and modern Haina and the exquisite architectural art are breathtaking.Show Less
- 5.74.6/5129 ReviewFreebased on 8414 reviews"At both ends of the square are the Capitol and the Washington Monument. The surrounding circle is full of museums: the History Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Aboriginal Museum............ In the middle is a large pool, and the green space next to it is full of small squirrels. They are not afraid of people at all. They will ask tourists for food. There is a feeling of cartoon reproduction, there are helicopters passing around the super cute Washington Monument, very shocking"Washington D.C.2.2km from downtownHighlights: The National Mall, directly south of the White House, is an open national park in Washington, D.C. It stretches from the Lincoln Memorial in the west to the U.S. Capitol Building in the east. Five museums, as well as large and small monuments, statues and gardens, can be described as the center of Washington. 1. Lincoln Memorial The Lincoln Memorial is located at the west end of the National Mall. It is a white ancient Greek temple-style building. It was built in memory of Abraham Lincoln in the United States. It is regarded as an eternal statue of the United States and a symbol of Washington. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the speech "I have a dream". 2. U.S. Capitol The U.S. Capitol is located at the east end of the National Mall and is the seat of the U.S. Congress. The foundation stone was laid by Washington on September 18, 1793. It is the office building of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the legislature that separates the three powers. 3. Washington Monument The Washington Monument is located in the center of the National Mall. It was built to commemorate Washington. A 555-foot-tall obelisk rises up. The lofty status in the heart also makes the Washington Monument a landmark in Washington.Show Less
- 5.64.7/5334 ReviewFreebased on 12526 reviews"One of the most beautiful Natural History Museum. There are a lot to see."Washington D.C..The Mall2km from downtownHighlights: The National Museum of Natural History is located on the north side of the National Mall. It is one of the 16 museums in the Smithsonian museum system. Since its opening in 1910, it has collected more than 120 million exhibits, ranging from primitive dinosaur fossils to early human origins. Cultural relics, rare animal specimens and precious mineral gems around the world have well preserved the heritage of natural science and human culture. 1. The symbol of the museum - The African Wild Elephant Museum collects and exhibits various and precious animal specimens. The layout is so careful that even the living environment of the animals is truly reproduced, trying to restore the lifelike natural biological chain. Among them, the African wild elephant specimen in the center of the hall on the first floor is very large. This specimen vividly restores its original appearance on the African grassland, and is regarded as the symbol of the National Museum of Natural History. There are also separate themed pavilions for mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects and marine life. 2. The treasure of the town hall - the blue diamond "Hope Star" is located in the mine and gemstone exhibition hall on the second floor. It is famous for the blue diamond "Hope Star", which flashed by in the movie "Titanic" But left an indelible impression on the world. Rough diamonds that once weighed more than 112 carats were cut into blue diamonds that now weigh 45 carats. Once this so-called "cursed diamond" has been around the world for nearly 300 years, now it brings more than 100 million visits to the museum every year.Show Less
- 5.54.7/5192 ReviewFree
based on 9358 reviews"It is a very pleasant experience to spend a couple of hours in this gallery. In fact, it’s not enough to visit it once (given the size of it, and it’s always free to visit!). I particularly enjoyed looking at the architecture of the newer part of this gallery (see photos). Also, the vibe is really good and perhaps it has something to do with the abundance of natural sunlight. Definitely recommended to plan a visit to this place!"Washington D.C..The Mall2.3km from downtownHighlights: The National Gallery of Art, located on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol, consists of two buildings with very different styles, one in the west, a neoclassical building with ancient Greek style, and one in the east, a modernist geometric building. The two museums have a total of more than 40,000 works of art from the Middle Ages to the present. The unique architecture and rich precious collections make them have a unique style unmatched by other art museums.Show Less - 5.44.6/599 ReviewFree"Historic, larger than expected, beautiful and powerful monument. Would recommend coming with a local guide to learn the history- way too much to put in a Google review. Did go on a weekend and it was very busy, however worth it. A good amount of walking is required."Washington D.C.2.1km from downtownHighlights: The Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol form the central axis of the entire National Mall. On the central axis of the National Mall, there is a 610-meter-long rectangular pool named Reflection Pool to reflect on the world's war and peace, as well as the independence and freedom of the United States. The two ends of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument are separated, and they are more resolute and solemn under the beautiful reflection of the pool water. 1. Lincoln Memorial The Lincoln Memorial is a white ancient Greek temple-style building, regarded as an eternal statue of the United States and a symbol of Washington. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the speech "I have a dream". 2. Washington Monument The Washington Monument is located in the center of the National Mall, with a 555-foot-tall obelisk rising from the ground. Washington, D.C. expressly stipulates that no buildings in the surrounding area shall be higher than the Washington Monument, indicating the lofty status of President Washington in the hearts of the American people. It also makes the Washington Monument a visible landmark in Washington.Show Less
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FAQ
What are some Best Things to Do in Washington D.C.?
Some Best Things to Do in Washington D.C. include:The White House, United States Capitol, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Washington D.C.?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Washington D.C. include:The White House:4.6, United States Capitol:4.7, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum:4.7, Lincoln Memorial:4.7, Washington Monument:4.6
At what locations in Washington D.C. can Best Things to Do in Washington D.C. be found?
The Best Things to Do in Washington D.C. are mainly located in:The White House:Washington D.C., United States Capitol:Washington D.C., Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum:Washington D.C., Lincoln Memorial:Washington D.C., Washington Monument:Washington D.C.
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