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Top 179 Things To Do in Washington

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Top things to do in Washington

See all 179 things to do in Washington

#1Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Cherry Blossom Loop

Jump on a double-decker bus to explore Washington, D.C. at your leisure. As the authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service, this is the official ...

recommend78% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$50
per adult
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Cherry Blossom Loop

#2Washington, D.C. Day Trip from New York

Take a day trip out of the city to soak up the history and architecture of another East Coast metropolis—Washington, D.C. Check out the monuments and memoria...

recommend90% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$169
per traveler
Washington, D.C. Day Trip from New York

#3DC Hop On-Off Tour + Arlington Cemetery Tour + Water Taxi

Named "Washington's Best Tour" by the Washingtonian Magazine, the Old Town Trolley offers the most comprehensive tour of the Nation's Capitol. Sit ...

recommend86% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$49
per adult
DC Hop On-Off Tour + Arlington Cemetery Tour + Water Taxi

#4Capital Wheel at National Harbor Tickets

Just across the Potomac River, climb aboard this observation wheel for the best bird’s-eye view of the United States' capital city. Soar above the waterfront...

recommend80% of travelers recommend

$17
per adult
Capital Wheel at National Harbor Tickets

#5Washington DC African American Heritage Tour

Delve into the African American heritage of the United States and its capital city on this local-led tour of D.C. Visit landmarks like Frederick Douglass' ho...

recommend94% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$89
$82
per adult
Save!
Washington DC African American Heritage Tour

#6Washington DC Newseum Tickets

Immerse yourself in the world’s greatest news stories in the Newseum's 15 galleries and 15 theaters. Experience 5 centuries of news history, play reporter in...

recommend92% of travelers recommend

$27
$23
per adult
Save!
Washington DC Newseum Tickets

#7Guided Monuments & Memorials Tour at Dusk

Your tour begins at the US Navy Memorial and loops around the National Mall, stopping at iconic landmarks and powerful tributes to key moments in American hi...

recommend96% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$58
per adult
Guided Monuments & Memorials Tour at Dusk

#8Madame Tussauds Washington Tickets

Meet all 45 U.S. presidents as you journey through time at Madame Tussauds. Use this unique opportunity to observe (and touch) some of the most influential f...

recommend88% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$24
$18
per adult
Save!
Madame Tussauds Washington Tickets

#9Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Work your way around Washington, D.C. museums, monuments, and memorials with convenient transportation provided by a hop-on hop-off bus. With flexible schedu...

recommend70% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$42
per adult
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

#10Moonlight Trolley Tour of National Monuments

See the amazing monuments of the nation’s capital lit by the glorious sunset and the spotlights that come on after dark. And do it all from the back of a gre...

recommend92% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$45
per adult
Moonlight Trolley Tour of National Monuments

Things To Do in Washington

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 & Neighborhoods

Attractions in Washington, D.C. span many neighborhoods, 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 neighborhood.

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 neighborhood 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 neighborhood 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.