What to do in Washington, MD

Activities, attractions and tours

Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington

Things to Do in Washington DC

Welcome to the nation’s capital, where you can find history and urban living in equal measure. There is no shortage of things to see in Washington, D.C. From quintessential stops at places like 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to hours spent at small museums and fantastic restaurants, there are loads of ways to use your time in this city. Visit the Jefferson Memorial, stop by Ford’s Theater, and cap off your day at a chic restaurant lounge. There is so much to do in the capital that many visitors take advantage of Washington, D.C. tours.

Areas & Neighbourhoods

Attractions in Washington, D.C. span many neighbourhoods, each with its own vibe. Perhaps you want to dive into the arts scene, or maybe you’re in town with one mission: Learn everything you can about American history. It doesn’t matter what you’re hungry for, Washington is serving it in at least one neighbourhood.

Arts District — Head to the Arts District for a sampling of the city’s best jazz musicians, as well as iconic local restaurants serving late-night chili and plenty of historic buildings.

Capitol Hill — This neighbourhood is, naturally, home to the U.S. Capitol Building. In addition to this important landmark, you will also find other places of interest in the area. The Library of Congress is in Capitol Hill, as well as the Eastern Market. Foodies will be happy to be met with lots of fine dining as well.

Chinatown — Washington, D.C.’s Chinatown is not the largest of its kind in the nation. Still, what it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere. This neighbourhood is a refreshing blend of culture, cuisine, and event venues.

Penn Quarter — Penn Quarter marries some of the best parts about Washington, D.C. art and culture. For instance, you can watch a major event at the Verizon Center just as easily as you can grab a bite at a small ethnic eatery.

Things to See in Washington, DC

Spend your mornings reflecting in front of the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Monument. You can take photos of some of the most important sights in the country on just about every corner, so keep your shutter finger ready. Other meaningful things to see in the city include: Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Supreme Court building. Visit in the spring, and you can revel in the sight of more than 1,000 cherry blossoms. And year round, your evenings are easy to fill with shows like the Washington Ballet.

Things to Do & Attractions in Washington, DC

The diverse list of things to do in Washington, D.C. is ever growing, while historic mainstays are not going anywhere. You can fill your time in more active pursuits walking through the National Zoo and the Smithsonian Museum. You might also want to spend an afternoon exploring the foliage in Rock Creek Park. The city sponsors a program called the Capital Bikeshare, which has hundreds of bike rental stations in the city and makes it easy to get around. Washington, D.C. bus tours help you see many of the most significant attractions in one day.

You can also book top Washington DC hotels and great Washington DC package holidays right here on Expedia.co.uk.


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What to do in Washington


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Washington

Downtown Washington D.C.

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(156 area reviews)

Art galleries, museums and theaters as well as vibrant entertainment, nightlife and shopping districts await in this city center neighborhood.

Downtown Washington D.C.
Northwest

Northwest

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Northwest. Check out top attractions like White House and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at Cleveland Park Station or Van Ness-UDC Station to see more of the city.

Northwest
Georgetown

Georgetown

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Discover some of Washington’s oldest buildings, upscale shops and vibrant nightlife in this elegant riverside suburb.

Georgetown
Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(91 area reviews)

Funky shops, historic houses and fascinating museums have turned this once-exclusive neighborhood into a fun-loving bohemian district.

Dupont Circle
Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill

4/5(42 area reviews)

Home to the emblematic U.S. Capitol Building, this central neighborhood is famous for its historic landmarks, markets, museums and nightlife.

Capitol Hill
Washington_OldTownAlexandria_6163859_06

Old Town Alexandria

5/5(5 area reviews)

This well-preserved historic district a short drive from Washington D.C. has modern art and designer fashions lining 18th-century cobblestone streets.

Old Town Alexandria

 

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Day trip destinations from Washington

Frequently asked questions

Is Washington worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor adventures and history, there are plenty of fun things to do in Washington. Remember to experience the area's blend of cool sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Washington?
After you've checked off popular attractions like Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of African American History and Culture, spend some time enjoying Washington's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Washington?
National Mall is one of the top tourist attractions in Washington and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Washington?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off many city attractions, including National Mall, Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of African American History and Culture. The average stay in Washington is three days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Arlington isn't far away.
Is Washington a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Washington is a great destination to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of African American History and Culture. Then take a stroll around Downtown Washington D.C, located 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) from the centre, and Connecticut Ave - K Street, which is about 2 kms (1 mile) away.
What are some activities to do in Washington with kids?
Planning what to do in Washington with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Washington for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Washington, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to K Street or Ellsworth Place.
Are there free things to do in Washington?
In Washington, National Mall is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in Washington.

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