Things to do in Washington

Activities, attractions and tours

Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

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Most popular experiences in Washington

Tours & day trips

See all 439 activities
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
7.6 out of 10 with 637 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 2,816 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 165 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,735 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 42 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,735 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 35 activities
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 32 reviews
Price is P 5,190 per adult
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Attractions

See all 9 activities
Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket

Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 2,011 per adult
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What to do in Washington

Popular places to visit

National Mall showing a city, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

National Mall

Washington’s famous strip is teeming with American history in each and every monument and museum that you’ll see.

National Mall
White House

White House

Explore the home and workplace of the president of the United States. See entertainment areas and state rooms and learn about the history of this famous building.

White House
Arlington National Cemetery which includes a square or plaza, a memorial and a cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

A beautiful and vast space, America's most famous military cemetery is a fitting tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes.

Arlington National Cemetery
National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.

Smithsonian Institution
United States Capitol

United States Capitol

Sitting on top of Capitol Hill is a Washington landmark that’s been the home of American democracy for more than 200 years.

United States Capitol
University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park

Explore the campus of University of Maryland, College Park, a top university in College Park. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.

University of Maryland, College Park
Washington Navy Yard

Washington Navy Yard

Washington Navy Yard is just one of the places to see in Washington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums.

Washington Navy Yard
Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena

Catch an event at Capital One Arena during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's acclaimed theater scene and shops.

Capital One Arena
National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

You can study the exhibits at National Museum of African American History and Culture, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Washington. Add the area's notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Areas of Washington

Downtown Washington D.C. which includes night scenes, a city and street scenes

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(3 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.
Georgetown which includes heritage architecture, a house and a city

Georgetown

A pleasant suburb on the banks of the Potomac River, home to the city’s oldest buildings, great shops and stylish bars.

Georgetown
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Northwest

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

Northwest
Alexandria which includes heritage elements

Old Town Alexandria

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
Dupont Circle which includes a monument and a statue or sculpture

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Dupont Circle
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Capitol Hill

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

Capitol Hill
Alexandria showing a small town or village, cafe scenes and street scenes

Alexandria

Arlington National Cemetery showing a cemetery, a park and landscape views

Arlington

Photo by shadiii R.gh

Chevy Chase

Silver Spring

Silver Spring

Photo by nazila

Takoma Park

Photo by Alavia

Lanham

McLean

McLean

Oxon Hill

Oxon Hill

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 neighborhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city center, 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 kilometers from the center, and Connecticut Ave - K Street, which is about 2 kilometers 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 neighborhoods 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.