Looking for the best things to do in Washington, DC? You’ve come to the right place.
Known as the nation’s capital, Washington, DC offers way more than you might expect.
Boasting a rich history, iconic landmarks, and incredible museums, you might feel a bit overwhelmed when choosing what to do during your time here.
However, you can’t go wrong with my suggestions below, as these cover a range of activities to keep you engaged and entertained.
Excited yet? Read on to learn what to do in Washington, DC, for the trip of a lifetime!
Let’s dive in!
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Washington Essentials
Top Experiences & Tours in Washington, DC
If you’re exploring Washington DC, you have to make sure you at least book a Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus (click here!) or a DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour (click here!).
Where To Stay in Washington, DC
When you’re ready to book your trip, make sure you stay in one of these!
($) Hotel Pentagon – Budget-friendly hotel near the city that has free parking on-site! Click to check availability!
($$) Hamilton Hotel – Washington DC – Gorgeous hotel in the heart of the city that’ll put you near the best things to do! Click to check availability!
($$$) Riggs Washington DC – Highly rated luxury hotel that’ll be the perfect place to rest and recover after a long day of exploring! Click to check availability!
How To Get Around Washington, DC
With so many top things to do in DC, Washington, many forget about one crucial factor: how to get around.
Knowing this can save you lots of time and money and ensures your trip is nothing but smooth sailing.
Your first option is to simply rent a car. This way, you can reach all the places to visit in Washington, DC, at your own time and convenience.
While it may be more convenient, renting a car can be quite costly.
Opt for the hop-on-hop-off and guided tours recommended above, which cover both your sightseeing and traveling.
The most budget-friendly way to get around is via public transport.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is responsible for the most common public transportation systems in the city.
The system includes Metrobus, Metrorail, and the DC circulator.
You can pay for your rides using either a reloadable plastic card or mobile pay through a SmarTrip account.
Also Read: 25 Magical Things To Do In New York City At Christmas.
1. Start Your Morning With a Coffee Date
After touching down in Washington, you’re going to need a hit of caffeine to kickstart your day.
A shot of espresso and a hearty breakfast will get you ready for the day ahead.
And, you also have an opportunity to take a few cute snaps for the socials.
I can’t recommend the Busboys & Poets enough.
Inspired by American poet Langston Hughes, who started out as a busboy, this coffee shop is a hub for creatives.
Offering breakfast and brunch, dig into smoked salmon benedict, pancakes, and French toast, among other delicious meals.
And if you want to start the day right make sure you click here to book a Capitol Hill Guided Tour with Entry Tickets!
2. Visit Some of the Top Monuments
Some of you may want to explore Washington’s top attractions at your own pace, preferring not to splurge on a guided tour.
The best next option is to see some of the most noteworthy monuments in Washington by yourself.
Your first stop should be at the Lincoln Memorial, a famous monument built between 1914 and 1922.
Honoring the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, the monument consists of the statue of Lincoln, murals and inscriptions.
It’s an unmissable attraction and one you’ve probably seen on TV, but nothing beats seeing this Parthenon-inspired tribute in person.
Also, the lit-up monument reflects beautifully on the pool in front of it at sunset for an Instagrammable moment.
After that it’s time to visit the official residence and workplace of every U.S president, the White House.
You can tour the White House free of charge that typically takes place between 9:30 am to 12:30 pm from Tuesday through Saturday.
Don’t miss the 500-foot-tall Washington Monument, a hollow Egyptian-style stone obelisk in honor of George Washington, known for its striking appearance.
Lastly, the domed Thomas Jefforson Memorial has stunning columns and walls covered in his various texts and quotes.
In spring, it’s truly a sight to behold, as the waterfront memorial is surrounded by colorful cherry blossoms.
One of the best ways to see these monuments is to book a DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour – click here to check availability!
3. Browse Through a Local Market
Sample some local dishes and collect gifts for your loved ones back home by browsing through a few local markets.
Union Market is Washington’s hip-feasting ground with several food stalls selling baked goods, seafood, and other fresh produce.
Do try out the dumplings from Laoban Dumplings and pop in at District Doughnut for a variety of sweet treats.
The Eastern Market is great for shopping souvenirs.
Taking place every weekend, this colorful market has everything from pop-up vintage stores to candles, fragrances, and art.
Short on time? Book a Washington DC “See the City” Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour to see all the top sites!
4. Stay at the Mansion on O Street
The Mansion on O Street is one of those places to visit in Washington, DC that you’ll never forget.
It’s eccentric and one-of-a-kind, a museum and a boutique hotel. So, you can see why it’s unique.
This luxury boutique drips in quirky and antique-like decor, resulting in eye-catching content for your Insta page.
Don’t believe me? Once you tour the hotel/museum with its 100+ rooms and 32 secret doors, you’ll understand why it’s so well-loved.
5. Explore the National Portrait Gallery
If you consider yourself a bit of a history buff, then you’ll love visiting the National Portrait Gallery.
This historic art museum was founded in 1962 and officially opened in 1968 to display portraits of those who have shaped the nation.
These individuals include scientists, politicians, artists, inventors, performers and activists who made significant contributions to the history and culture of the U.S.
The “America’s Presidents” exhibition is the pulse of the museum’s mission to showcase the country’s history.
Plus, it’s also the nation’s only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House.
Familiar faces include Harriet Tubman, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Frida Kahlo among other iconic figures.
The National Portrait Gallery is open seven days a week, from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm.
6. Grab Brunch at an Aesthetic Restaurant
If you’re traveling to Washington with the girls, you’ll know that a brunch date is on the itinerary.
While Washington has plenty of excellent restaurants, the Compass Rose stands out.
It’s insanely aesthetic and Instagrammable, with exposed brick walls and splashes of vibrant colors.
Compass Rose serves international-inspired street food while maintaining a cozy neighborhood feel.
Another fabulous brunch spot is Anju, a Korean restaurant that serves hangover soups, strawberry-lychee lemonade, stews and milk bread French toast platters.
From the careful presentation of the dishes to the elegant interior, you can’t go wrong here.
Want a unique way to experience brunch? Click here to book a Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit!
7. Treat Yourself at a Luxe Spa
Indulge in luxurious spa treatments for the day.
This relaxing experience will make you feel revitalized after a long day of exploring Washington.
Not much more needs to be said, except that Washington offers some of the finest spas nationwide, making it one of the best things to do in DC.
The Spa at Four Seasons is chic, with eight treatment rooms, a steam shower, a whirlpool, and massage treatments.
Then, The Salamander Spa is an oasis for holistic therapy with eight treatment rooms and zen relaxation rooms, among other services.
8. Wander Dumbarton Oaks for Lovely Photos
Looking for an Instagram-worthy spot to show off your travels?
The charming Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown is the perfect place for this. It has scenic, historic gardens with enchanting paths and terraces.
Designed by Beatrix Farrand, these gardens make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a classic painting.
It’s a place where nature and history meet.
The on-site museum is filled with world-class art collections, and there’s a Music Room for concerts and lectures.
9. Take in the Scenery of Georgetown
Georgetown is a super charming area with cobblestone streets, picturesque bridges and Federal-style architecture.
This historic neighborhood boasts high-end, Michelin-approved restaurants, designer shops and scenic views, all perfect for aesthetic pictures.
The Georgetown Waterfront Park features a riverside promenade and gardens along the banks of the Potomac River.
Then, visit some of the top sights around the area, such as the Tudor Place, Blues Alley Club, and the Escape Game.
10. Mingle With the Locals at the Wonderland Ballroom
The Wonderland Ballroom is a classic neighborhood dive for unwavering local vibes.
The very rustic gastropub has two floors: a downstairs bar and an upstairs dance floor.
Let loose a little and go in your best dancing attire, exchanging your heels for something more comfortable to dance non-stop.
If dancing ain’t your thing, you’ll enjoy trivia night! These take place on Monday nights with no entry fee.
Hold up, trivia nerds, you’ll still need to at least buy a drink or snack at the bar.
The veggie burgers and sweet potato chips are amazing, by the way.
11. Stroll Through the National Botanical Gardens
Located on 100 Maryland Ave, the National Botanical Gardens is your answer to free things to do in Washington.
You can spend about two hours strolling through it’s indoor and outdoor gardens filled with exotic plants.
There’s also a conservatory, a butterfly garden, and a rare plants gallery.
The conservatory is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
And, the gated outdoor gardens (National garden) are open between 7:30 am to 5:00 pm daily.
The opening hours are different in summer, which you can check out here.
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