Tourist Attractions in Washington

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Washington

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Washington

Washington is the capital of one of the world’s most powerful countries, the centre of American democracy and a symbolic city for every US citizen. Washington is home to all the power structures of the country: Congress, Pentagon, IMF, World Bank, Presidential Administration.

Tourists are interested in this city because here you can learn a lot about the history of the United States and understand what the “American spirit” is. Numerous museums display the best achievements of culture, monuments to the first presidents decorate wide avenues, the majestic Capitol building hovers over the city as a symbol of democracy and freedom.

Washington captures its austerity and solemnity. Crowds of people, crazy traffic and non-stop non-stop – all this remains in New York. Washington has its own special charm.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Washington

The White House

 4/5

4 reviews

A rather modest looking white building that houses the office of the President of the United States. The mansion was built in 1800 under the second American president John Adams. The building consists of six floors (including basement and ground floor). Two floors are occupied by the current president’s family, while the remaining floors contain administrative offices, reception halls, and dining rooms. Along with the tour you can see the historical chambers of the White House: the Blue Room, the Green Room, the Red Room and some others.

Open time

Capitol Hill

 0/5

The United States Congress building, located on the hill of the same name. It appeared together with the White House in 1800. The building is built in a solemn classical style. The name “Capitol” was borrowed from the Roman Empire, and a deep meaning was put into it. Just as the ancient Capitoline Hill towered over the Eternal City, so the U.S. Capitol claims widespread dominance.

Washington Pass Observation Site

 4.9/5

912 reviews

A street that runs from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol building. Along National Avenue are concentrated major Washington memorials, historic city museums, the Botanical Gardens and the Smithsonian Institution. One of the most famous speeches in US history was delivered here – “I Have a Dream” by M.L. King, where the fighter for black rights expressed his vision of equal rights for blacks and whites.

Open time

Washington Monument

 4.7/5

20172 reviews

A 169-metre-high white marble granite obelisk erected in honour of Founding Father D. Washington. It was built in the mid-19th century with donations from American citizens and funds from private organisations. The column is surrounded by 52 spires with flags of American states. A staircase of several hundred steps leads to the top of the monument, and there is also a lift for convenience and speed.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Lincoln Memorial

 4.8/5

48119 reviews

A complex located within the National Mall. It is dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln. The idea to erect a monument to commemorate the 16th president arose immediately after Lincoln’s death, but the memorial appeared only in 1922. The building of the complex is somewhat reminiscent of the ancient Greek Parthenon. The colonnade of 36 columns symbolises 36 states (during Lincoln’s presidency there were only 36 states).

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

 4.8/5

9565 reviews

The monument is dedicated to the third president of the USA, T. Jefferson, who is called one of the founding fathers. The text of the US Declaration of Independence belongs to his hand. The memorial is surrounded by a garden of Japanese sakura trees on the shore of an artificial lake-pool. The architecture of the complex is a strict neoclassical style, which was actively planted in the United States in the early and mid-20th century.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Korean War Veterans Memorial

 4.8/5

2283 reviews

A memorial complex dedicated to the dead and missing soldiers of the 1950-1953 Korean War. It was an armed conflict between South and North Korea, in which the United States took a very active part. The memorial was inaugurated in 1995, and four years later, work on the surrounding area was completed. The memorial features sculptures of soldiers of various nationalities.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

 4.9/5

7652 reviews

Martin Luther King was a renowned advocate of black rights and a fighter for justice and equality, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. A monument in his honour was unveiled in Washington in 2011 in the presence of President Barack Obama and several thousand American citizens (mostly black). The monument is located in the park area of the National Mall.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Ford's Theatre

 4.7/5

6436 reviews

The theatre where the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated. It happened in 1865 while Lincoln was in his VIP box watching a play. A native of the slave-holding U.S. South and a fanatic of the old ways, D. W. Booth secretly infiltrated the box and shot the president. The theatre now functions as a museum. The building is listed on the U.S. Register of National Historic Places.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Library of Congress

 4.8/5

2315 reviews

The library is considered one of the most beautiful and largest book collections in the world. It was founded in 1800, when the capital of the United States was moved to Washington, DC. About 5000 dollars were allocated for the purchase of books, which was a very impressive sum for the beginning of the XIX century. Initially, the halls of the library were intended only for members of Congress. Now the funds of the book depository have about 30 million copies.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

 4.8/5

45475 reviews

A museum run by the Smithsonian Institution with over 100 million different exhibits. It exhibits collections of minerals, gems, minerals, archeological finds, fragments of space bodies and much more. The museum is free of charge for visitors, it is open all year round and only closes at Christmas.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

 4.7/5

23279 reviews

The museum is of most interest to visitors to Washington, DC. It was recognised as the most visited museum on the National Mall. Over 5 million people pass through its halls in a year. Museum expositions tell about the history of the United States, as well as the development of culture, achievements of the social sphere and politics. Personal belongings of the founding fathers and collections of European Renaissance paintings are also on display.

Open time

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

 4.6/5

40548 reviews

One of the most interesting museums on Washington’s National Mall. It exhibits real aircraft or life-size replicas of them. Also in the museum are kept spacecraft, rockets, engines, command modules of space stations, spacesuits of astronauts. The exhibition started in the middle of the XX century. The museum is constantly engaged in active scientific and research activities.

Open time

National Museum of the American Indian

 4.5/5

9237 reviews

One of the newer museums on the National Mall – opened in 2004. The expositions are devoted to the history and culture of Native American peoples. There is a collection of clothing, everyday objects and rituals, weapons, jewellery, coins of various Indian tribes. There is a theatre where Indians play national instruments, dance and arrange various shows for visitors.

Open time

National Gallery of Art

 4.8/5

16151 reviews

A museum with works by artists of different art schools and time periods. Sculptures, paintings, photographs, and graphic drawings by both American and European artists are exhibited here. In total, the National Gallery of Art has about 1200 canvases. These are mainly works by French, Italian and American masters.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Newseum

 4.7/5

6680 reviews

A museum dedicated to the history of the emergence and improvement of mass media. The expositions trace the entire evolution from the first newspapers and radio to the era of high-speed Internet. In the museum, visitors will see not only exhibits – everyone can try his or her hand at being a reporter and learn how news is created, what goals it pursues, and where news stories come from.

Place is closed permanently

International Spy Museum

 4.4/5

13047 reviews

Quite an interesting place where some secrets of intelligence and spy activities are revealed. There is a similar museum only in the USA. The Advisory Board includes former functionaries of the FBI, CIA and even the Soviet KGB. The museum’s collections include exhibits that shed light on the work of spies. Separate expositions are devoted to the history of Soviet (and Russian) intelligence.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Washington National Cathedral

 4.8/5

5558 reviews

A majestic Gothic church, finally completed in the 1990s. The cathedral belongs to the Protestant Church. The decision to build it was made at the end of the XIX century, but the work took almost 100 years. The temple bears the name of Saints Peter and Paul (again a reference to the glory of the Roman Empire, which does not give rest to Americans). In the walls of the cathedral were held funeral funerals of the 34th, 38th and 40th presidents of the United States.

Open time

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

 4.9/5

4826 reviews

The largest Catholic church in the United States. The temple is built in the Byzantine style. The interior decoration is made in a rather lavish manner. The basilica was erected in the middle of the XX century, since then several times the popes have visited here. For American Catholics the temple is an important spiritual centre and a place of pilgrimage. The church staff is active in public and educational work among the parishioners.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Supreme Court of the United States

 4.1/5

823 reviews

The building on Capitol Hill where the highest judicial body of the United States sits. The Palace was built in 1936 to a design by architect C. Gilbert. The building is an almost perfect example of classical architectural style. The main facade is decorated with a sculptural group depicting Freedom, Order and Power. The male and female statues on either side of the grand staircase symbolise justice and the rule of law.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

J. Edgar Hoover Building

 0/5

A multi-story and seemingly unremarkable building on Pennsylvania Avenue. This is the headquarters of the FBI. Many people know this house since the days of the TV series “The X-Files”. The main office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation was named in honour of Edgar Hoover – the creator and first director of this service. You can get inside the building together with an organised tour group.

The Pentagon

 4/5

2509 reviews

A giant building in the shape of a regular pentagon (Pentagon in Greek), which houses the US Department of Defence. It is the largest office building in the world, and about 40 thousand employees work here in comfort. Pentagon car parks are designed for several thousand cars. During the Cold War, the Pentagon was the “zero point” for Soviet nuclear missiles.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Smithsonian Castle

 4.5/5

911 reviews

The Smithsonian Institution is one of the major research centres in the United States. The administration of the organisation is located in a picturesque red stone castle in the Neo-Romanesque style. In the middle of the XX century, the structure was included in the list of national monuments of the USA. The first architectural project was made in the classical style (similar to the Capitol building), but then it was decided to use the Romanesque style characteristic of medieval Germany as a model.

Right now place is temporarily closed.
Please re-check in future

Old Post Office Pavilion

 4.4/5

511 reviews

A late 19th century architectural structure with elements of European neo-Romanesque style that was briefly used as a post office. For a long time it stood empty; after the reconstruction, shops, offices and restaurants were located inside. It also houses some government services. There are free guided tours of the pavilion. There is an observation deck on the 95 metre clock tower, from where you can admire Washington.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Georgetown

 0/5

The oldest and most prestigious neighbourhood in Washington, where luxurious mansions, antique shops and upscale restaurants stand amidst the greenery. The heart of the neighbourhood is Georgetown University, an elite educational institution from which many representatives of the American establishment came. Georgetown is one of the most picturesque places in the American capital.

Mount Vernon

 0/5

The family estate of the first President of the United States, J. Washington, 24 kilometres from the capital. It is an impressive farm surrounded by plantations. In the middle of the territory there is a mansion house, where the atmosphere that was here during the life of the leader is preserved. You can take a walk around the estate or take a peek into the president’s office. On Washington’s birthday, the estate is free of charge for everyone.

Arlington National Cemetery

 4.8/5

2842 reviews

A cemetery where soldiers who fell in the Civil War, 1861-1865, are buried. Over time, this place became the final resting place for several American presidents. J. Kennedy and his wife are buried here. The cemetery is located on a picturesque plain and attracts attention with slender rows of white memorial slabs. Every year a solemn procession lays flowers on the graves.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

United States Botanic Garden

 4.7/5

14861 reviews

The garden appeared in 1820 near the Capitol (it was officially opened only in 1850). There are 60 thousand plants on the territory. Every year the garden is visited by hundreds of thousands of people. Seeds were delivered here from all corners of the world, including the most remote, thanks to an active advertising campaign. The garden has the largest greenhouse complex on the territory of the USA, divided into natural zones.

Open time

Great Falls

 4.7/5

485 reviews

The rapids and waterfalls on the Potomac River about 22 kilometres from Washington, DC. They are considered the most important and picturesque natural attraction in the entire county. The area abounds with rapids of various difficulty categories, which attracts numerous kayaking enthusiasts. The Potomac River near the falls flows through the territory of Virginia and Maryland state parks.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Admin Offices

 4.6/5

84 reviews

The festival is celebrated annually in late March or early April, when the Japanese cherry blossoms bloom in the alleys of Washington, DC. The festival lasts for a fortnight until the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Tourists from all over the United States and many visitors from other countries come to see this mesmerising spectacle. The trees were presented to the American capital by Japan in 1912 as a sign of friendship between the two countries.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Open 24 hours