7 of the best things to do in Washington, DC

26.03.2024 - 23:31 / lonelyplanet.com

Washington, DC, is a city with endless appeal.

This is where you'll find some of America's most famous buildings – places such as the White House and the Library of Congress, the world's largest library. At its heart is the National Mall, a linear park filled with monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial. 

But DC isn't just an excellent place for a history fix – its 21 Smithsonian museums provide remarkable insights into a wide range of topics, from Asian art to American politics. It's also worth venturing beyond the Smithsonian's esteemed institutions to lesser-known institutions, such as downtown's National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, which has one of the world's largest collections of bonsai trees.

You'll never go hungry here, either, whether you're a fan of food halls such as the brilliant Western Market Food Hall (visit first thing in the morning to enjoy the oven-fresh pastries at Bullfrog Bagels) in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, or have a weakness for fine dining (Capitol Hill is your best bet for that).

With so much to check out, we've narrowed down the best Washington, DC, experiences to put on your radar.

Yes, this is one of DC's most popular spots, but it's also breathtakingly beautiful. The best way to explore the awe-inspiring National Mall is on foot, wandering along its 34 miles of trails. Its 65 monuments include the WWII Memorial, the Washington Monument (once the world's tallest freestanding structure) and the Lincoln Memorial. You'll need to pace yourself, so consider visiting first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon when crowds have thinned out, and aim for one monument an hour maximum. The National Mall is usually at its busiest between midday and 3pm, so try and avoid these times. If you're visiting in July or August another advantage to this approach is that you'll avoid the hottest time of day. 

Make sure you visit some of the lesser-known monuments, too. Check out the beautiful German-American Friendship Garden, surrounded by fragrant lavender hedges, or the Lockkeeper's House on the corner of Constitution Ave and 17th St, which is the oldest building on the Mall. When energy levels are down, hop between the National Mall's monuments on the DC Circulator National Mall service, which calls at 15 stops on and around this famous park. Fares start at $1 per person, and children under five ride for free.

If you want to tour the White House, you'll need to submit an application to do so at least 21 days before your visit. If you're a US citizen, applications must be made through your member of Congress, while international visitors should contact their country's embassy in the city. The free 45-minute tours include access to several rooms, including the East Wing's Red Room