Things to do in Washington

Activities, attractions and tours

A capitol building with a dome, surrounded by autumn foliage.
A person sitting on a ledge overlooking a large obelisk and a body of water.
A large government building with a dome, an American flag, and a full moon in the sky.
A grand interior with marble columns, ornate railings, and multiple levels of balconies.
A large indoor museum with various aircraft on display, including a space shuttle.

Things to do

Washington: Small-Group City Unveiled eCruiser Tour

Washington DC Monuments & Highlights: Small-Group Electric Cart Tour

€30
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Washington DC Monuments & Highlights: Small-Group Electric Cart Tour
DC Monuments with River Cruise, Cherry Blossoms, Entry Tickets

DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets

€60
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook

No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook

€22
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook
Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket

Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket

€31
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket
Capitol Building in Washington DC

One day tour Washington & Philadelphia from New York

€165
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
One day tour Washington & Philadelphia from New York
George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission

George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission

€26
per adult
George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission
Discover DC Tour

Discover DC with Nick

€78
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Discover DC with Nick
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Most popular experiences in Washington

Tours & day trips

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Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
7.8 out of 10 with 690 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €48 and current price is €43 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 160 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 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €57 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 50 activities
Washington DC Monuments & American History Guided E-Cart Tour

Washington DC Monuments & American History Guided E-Cart Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 451 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €61 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 41 activities
City Cruises Washington DC: Premier Brunch Cruise

City Cruises Washington DC: Premier Brunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 65 reviews
Price is €117 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 13 activities
Washington, DC: Potomac River Yacht Cruise with Open Bar

Washington, DC: Potomac River Yacht Cruise with Open Bar

Activity duration is 2 hours
6.6 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €65 per adult
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What to do in Washington

Stay near popular Washington attractions

A calm river reflecting trees and a tall monument.

National Mall

9.4/10 (20,772 reviews)
America's most significant public space features iconic monuments and world-class museums along tree-lined paths. Stroll between the Lincoln Memorial and Capitol Building, experiencing the heart of American democracy.
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Where to stay in Washington

Find the best Washington areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Washington
Learn more about Washington
A fountain with a statue of a figure, surrounded by trees and benches in a park.

Dupont Circle

Visitors to Dupont Circle love its fantastic nightlife, and you can check out Dupont Circle and Mansion on O Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dupont Circle Station.

A row of brick buildings with storefronts, a crosswalk, and a traffic light.

Georgetown

Georgetown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Georgetown Park or Washington Harbour.

A large government building with a dome, an American flag, and a full moon in the sky.

Capitol Hill

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Capitol Hill. Check out top attractions like United States Capitol and Folger Shakespeare Library, and jump on the metro at Capitol South Station or Eastern Market Station to see more of the city.

A historic building with a clock tower, a busy intersection, and a person riding a scooter.

Downtown Washington D.C.

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Washington D.C.. Check out top attractions like Capital One Arena and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.

A statue of Benito Juarez in front of a modern building with multiple balconies.

Foggy Bottom

Important monuments a university vibe and top sights from Potomac River to Market 5 Gallery – discover Foggy Bottom, a destination also famous for its historic sites.

Outdoor cafe seating with tables and chairs, a storefront with a sign, and a brick building in the background.

Alexandria

A cemetery with numerous headstones and trees.

Arlington

A tree-lined street with a building displaying art classes and a stone wall.

Bethesda

A wooden pier extending over a calm lake with a person fishing.

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.