What to do in Washington, MD

Activities, attractions and tours

Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington

Washington Attractions

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.


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

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.


Most fun & popular experiences in Washington

Tours & day trips

See all 445 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 166 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 42 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 36 activities

What to do in Washington


Discover the most popular places to visit in Washington

Explore areas of Washington

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

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(269 area reviews)

Central business district boasting Penn Quarter, Chinatown, and CityCenterDC, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and theaters. Explore historic sites like Lafayette Square and enjoy diverse dining options such as Fogo de Chão and Old Ebbitt Grill.

Downtown Washington D.C.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park which includes a city and a river or creek

Northwest

5/5(4 area reviews)

Discover the heart of Washington, D.C. in this bustling quadrant, home to the central business district, Federal Triangle, and northern National Mall museums. Explore college campuses, catch a game at Capital One Arena, or visit the National Cathedral and Rock Creek Park. Enjoy seamless connectivity with all six Metro lines and numerous bus options.

Northwest
Georgetown showing a house, heritage architecture and a city

Georgetown

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Historic landmarks and a bustling commercial district await, with high-end shops, bars, and restaurants at Wisconsin Avenue and M Street. Enjoy waterfront dining at Washington Harbour or explore the scenic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.

Georgetown
United States Capitol which includes heritage architecture, an administrative buidling and a sunset

Capitol Hill

4/5(121 area reviews)

Historic and densely populated, this neighborhood boasts the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress. Stroll along Pennsylvania Avenue, shop at Eastern Market, or explore Barracks Row's vibrant commercial scene.

Capitol Hill
Alexandria featuring heritage elements

Old Town Alexandria

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Discover well-preserved late-18th and early-19th century urban architecture in this National Historic Landmark District. Explore the commercial center around S. Washington Street and King Street, featuring notable buildings like the Art Deco Virginia Public Service building.

Old Town Alexandria
Dupont Circle which includes a monument and a statue or sculpture

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(138 area reviews)

Embassies and think tanks abound in this area, where visitors can enjoy the Dupont Circle Fountain, historic Anderson House, and diverse dining options. Easily accessible via the Red Line Metro station.

Dupont Circle

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Washington