Washington is the capital of the United States, a planned city of 68 square miles on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. It holds the three branches of the federal government, the Smithsonian museums (free to enter), the National Mall monuments and a wide range of neighborhoods, and receives more than 20 million visitors a year.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Washington.
-
1
Lincoln Memorial
Tip: Visit at sunrise or after dark for thin crowds and the best light on the marble. · The memorial is open 24 hours, and rangers are on duty from 9:30am to 10pm. · Descend to the lower-level exhibit space for the construction history and a restroom. · Stand on the Reflecting Pool side steps for the classic view back toward the Washington Monument. · Allow extra time on summer days; the marble steps have little shade.
-
2
Washington Monument
Tip: Reserve timed tickets on recreation.gov at 10am Eastern, 30 days ahead; they sell out fast. · Each ticket carries a non-refundable $1 USD service fee. · A limited number of same-day tickets can be available in person, so arrive early. · Check nps.gov/wamo before visiting, since maintenance closures do occur. · Walk the grounds at sunrise to photograph the obelisk without crowds.
-
3
United States Capitol and Capitol Visitor Center
Tip: Reserve a free guided tour at visitthecapitol.gov before arriving; walk-in tours are limited. · Security screening applies, so leave large bags and prohibited items at the hotel. · Arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour time. · Constituents can request Senate or House gallery passes through a Member of Congress. · Weekday mornings have the shortest lines.
-
4
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Tip: Check airandspace.si.edu for timed-entry pass requirements before visiting. · Arrive at opening at 10am and see the most popular galleries first. · Planetarium shows cost extra and sell out, so book ahead. · Wear comfortable shoes; the galleries cover a large area. · Eat at the on-site cafeteria or bring snacks to avoid long Mall-area lines.
-
5
National Museum of Natural History
Tip: Go straight to the Hope Diamond at opening before queues build. · The Butterfly Pavilion, IMAX films and some programs need paid tickets booked ahead. · Use the Constitution Avenue entrance to avoid the busiest security lines. · Pick three or four halls rather than trying to see everything. · Weekday mornings are the best time for families.
-
6
National Museum of American History
Tip: Visit the Star-Spangled Banner gallery early, since it can have lines later. · Flash photography is not allowed around the flag. · Pick a floor or two rather than attempting every gallery. · Eat at the on-site cafeteria to avoid leaving the building at lunch. · Weekday mornings are the quietest.
-
7
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Tip: Reserve free timed-entry passes at nmaahc.si.edu well before the visit date. · Start in the history galleries when they are least crowded, early in the day. · Allow at least three hours; the lower levels are emotionally heavy and slow-moving. · Eat at the Sweet Home Cafe to avoid leaving mid-visit. · Weekday mornings are the quietest.
-
8
National Gallery of Art (West Building and Sculpture Garden)
Tip: Use the Constitution Avenue entrance for the shortest security lines. · Take the underground concourse to move between the West and East Buildings. · Pause at the Garden Court for a rest and a coffee. · Free docent tours are offered on many days; check the daily schedule. · Visit the Sculpture Garden on a mild afternoon or evening.
-
9
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Tip: Reserve free timed passes for the Permanent Exhibition at ushmm.org. · Book the first entry slot for smaller crowds. · The exhibition is not recommended for children under 11. · Allow time to sit in the Hall of Remembrance afterward. · Photography is not allowed in the Permanent Exhibition.
-
10
National Archives Museum
Tip: Reserve timed entry at archives.gov/museum in spring and summer. · Arrive at opening to see the Rotunda with fewer people. · Photography is not allowed in the Rotunda, and flash is banned elsewhere. · Use the Constitution Avenue entrance for general admission. · Pair with nearby Penn Quarter restaurants for lunch.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Items
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Items
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Most Smithsonian museums are free and open daily 10am-5:30pm; several (NMAAHC, the Holocaust Museum, the National Zoo and at busy times Air and Space) use free timed-entry passes, so book on each museum's website days to weeks ahead.
The Capitol Visitor Center tour is free but needs a reservation at visitthecapitol.gov (+1-202-226-8000); White House interior tours need a written request through a Member of Congress months ahead.
Washington Monument tickets carry a non-refundable $1 USD service fee, release at 10am Eastern 30 days ahead on recreation.gov, and sell out fast.
The National Mall is about 2 miles long from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial; wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and consider a Capital Bikeshare bike or the DC Circulator National Mall bus.
Security screening applies at nearly every museum; leave large backpacks at the hotel to save time in line.
Spring (late March to May) and fall (September to November) give the most comfortable walking weather; July and August often reach a heat index above 100 F (38 C).
Frequently asked questions
Are the Smithsonian museums really free?
Yes. All Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo in Washington are free to enter. Some need a free timed-entry pass, and special exhibits, IMAX or planetarium shows can charge a fee.
How do I get inside the U.S. Capitol?
Reserve a free guided tour at visitthecapitol.gov or call +1-202-226-8000. The Capitol Visitor Center is on the east side at First St SE.
Can tourists visit the White House?
Interior tours are free but must be requested through a Member of Congress, normally months in advance, and are subject to availability and security rules. The White House Visitor Center at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW is open to everyone.
How many days are needed to see the main sights?
Three days covers the National Mall monuments, three or four museums and the Capitol; five days adds Georgetown, Rock Creek Park and a day on the Potomac.
Is the Washington Monument open?
Yes, with timed tickets: free, plus a $1 USD service fee, booked at recreation.gov from 30 days ahead; confirm current hours at nps.gov/wamo because maintenance closures occur.