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 633 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €46 per adult
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 166 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 €56 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 39 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 €56 per adult
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In NatureOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 33 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 €63 per adult
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Attractions

See all 9 activities
LEGO Discovery Centre Washington, D.C.

LEGO Discovery Centre Washington, D.C.

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €24 per adult
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What to do in Washington

Popular places to visit

National Mall featuring heritage architecture, an administrative building and a city

National Mall

4.5/5(65 reviews)

Visit some of America’s finest historic national monuments and a host of world-class museums along this strip of beautifully landscaped recreational area.

National Mall
White House

White House

4/5(142 reviews)

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 showing a square or plaza, a memorial and a cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

4.5/5(109 reviews)

Pay your respects to those who died for their country at America’s most famous military cemetery.

Arlington National Cemetery
National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian Institution

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments.

Smithsonian Institution
United States Capitol

United States Capitol

4.5/5(144 reviews)

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

4.5/5(11 reviews)

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

4/5(2 reviews)

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 fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.

Washington Navy Yard
Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena

4.5/5(40 reviews)

Catch an event at Capital One Arena during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's fascinating museums and notable monuments.

Capital One Arena
National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

4.5/5(2 reviews)

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 a city, street scenes and night scenes

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.
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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 Capital One Arena, and jump on the metro at Cleveland Park Station or Van Ness-UDC Station to see more of the city.

Northwest
Georgetown showing heritage architecture, a city and a house

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
Alexandria featuring heritage elements

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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Capitol Hill

4/5(41 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
Dupont Circle showing a statue or sculpture and a monument

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
Alexandria featuring café lifestyle, a small town or village and street scenes

Alexandria

Arlington National Cemetery which includes a memorial, landscape views and a park

Arlington

Bethesda showing a park and a house

Bethesda

Lake Artemesia which includes a lake or waterhole

College Park

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 kilometres from the centre, and Connecticut Ave - K Street, which is about 2 kilometres 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.