All citiesWashington, D.C. Things to do and walking itinerary
United States Washington, D.C. travel guide
33 things to do in Washington, D.C., where to stay, airport transfers, 5 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Washington, D.C.
- White House — official residence and office of the President of the United States (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Washington Monument — obelisk on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Smithsonian Institution — group of museums and research centers administered by the United States government (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Arlington National Cemetery — national cemetery in Virginia, United States (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Lincoln Memorial — memorial in Washington, D.C., United States (visit ≈ 15 min)
- United States Capitol — The domed seat of Congress at the east end of the National Mall; free guided tours start at the visitor centre. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Library of Congress — The Jefferson Building's mosaic- and fresco-filled Great Hall and reading-room balcony; one of the world's largest libraries. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- National Gallery of Art — A huge free art museum holding the only da Vinci painting in the Americas, plus a sculpture garden. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Mall — park in Washington, D.C. (visit ≈ 15 min)
- National Museum of Natural History — natural history museum in Washington, D.C. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Jefferson Memorial — memorial in Washington, D.C., United States (visit ≈ 15 min)
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum — United States' official memorial to the Holocaust in Washington, D.C. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial — US national memorial in Washington, D.C. (visit ≈ 15 min)
- National Museum of Women in the Arts — art museum in Washington, D.C., United States (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Museum of American History — history museum in Washington, D.C., a division of the Smithsonian Institution (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Ford's Theatre — theater in Washington, DC (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Smithsonian American Art Museum — fine arts museum in Washington, D.C., a division of the Smithsonian Institution (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Museum of the American Indian — museum in Washington, D.C., a division of the Smithsonian Institution (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Marine Corps War Memorial — monument consisting of a large sculptural group on a circular base in Arlington, Virginia, United States (visit ≈ 15 min)
- National Zoological Park — zoological park in Washington, D.C., United States (visit ≈ 150 min)
- National Museum of African Art — museum about African Art located in Washington, D.C., a division of the Smithsonian Institution (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Dumbarton Oaks — research institution concerning Byzantine and Pre-Columbian studies and garden and landscape studies (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden — art museum in Washington, D.C., a division of the Smithsonian Institution (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Victims of Communism Memorial — artwork (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Freer Gallery of Art — art museum in Washington, D.C. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Newseum — former news and journalism museum in Washington, D.C. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Postal Museum — museum in Washington, D.C., a division of the Smithsonian Institution (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Museum of African American History and Culture — museum in Washington, D.C., a division of the Smithsonian Institution (visit ≈ 120 min)
- United States Botanic Garden — botanical garden in Washington, DC (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Arthur M. Sackler Gallery — museum of Asian art in Washington, D.C. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- World War II Memorial — war memorial in Washington, D.C., United States (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial — memorial located in West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- The Phillips Collection — art museum in Washington, D.C. (visit ≈ 120 min)
3-day Washington, D.C. walking itinerary
Starting point: Dupont Circle. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 8.2 km · 11,110 steps · 1 h 49 min on the way): White House → National Museum of Natural History → National Gallery of Art → National Mall
- Day 2 (≈ 9.9 km · 13,430 steps · 2 h 13 min on the way): Smithsonian Institution → Washington Monument → Jefferson Memorial
- Day 3 (≈ 6.1 km · 8,190 steps · 1 h 20 min on the way): Lincoln Memorial
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Washington, D.C.
- Washington National Cathedral — Neo-Gothic cathedral on the city's highest hill; admire the stained glass and hunt for the Darth Vader gargoyle. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Old Stone House — A small 1765 stone house and garden in Georgetown, thought to be the oldest building still standing in the city. (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Mount Vernon — George Washington's riverside estate on the Potomac, with gardens, workshops and a porch overlooking the water. (visit ≈ 180 min)
Where to stay in Washington, D.C.
- Dupont Circle: Cafés, embassies and the Red Line metro.
- Georgetown: Historic houses, waterfront and shopping.
- Capitol Hill: Near the Capitol, quiet row houses.
- Penn Quarter / Chinatown: Walk to museums, restaurants and a metro hub.
- Foggy Bottom: Near the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Memorial.
- Navy Yard: New riverfront area, ballpark and bars.
Getting from the airport to Washington, D.C.
- Reagan National (DCA): Metro Yellow/Blue Line ≈ 20 min
- Dulles (IAD): Metro Silver Line ≈ 55 min
- Baltimore/Washington (BWI): MARC or Amtrak train + shuttle ≈ 40 min
Getting around
Metro links the main sights; add SmarTrip to your phone. The Mall area is very walkable, and Capital Bikeshare is handy.
Classic places to eat
- Ben’s Chili Bowl: Chili half-smoke on U Street since 1958.
- Old Ebbitt Grill: Oyster bar next to the White House.
- Martin’s Tavern: Georgetown tavern since 1933; try the hot brown.
- Eastern Market: Weekend market; blueberry buckwheat pancakes.
- Rasika: Crispy spinach palak chaat.
- Le Diplomate: Parisian-style brasserie on 14th Street.
- Off the Record: Politicos’ bar in the Hay-Adams basement.
- Georgetown Cupcake: Famous cupcake shop.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Minibar — 2 MICHELIN stars, Innovative
- Albi — 1 MICHELIN star, Levantine
- Masseria — 1 MICHELIN star, Italian
- Cranes — 1 MICHELIN star, Spanish, Japanese
- Fiola — 1 MICHELIN star, Italian
Romantic views
- Lincoln Memorial Steps (Sunset): From the steps you look across the Reflecting Pool to the Washington Monument.
- Tidal Basin (Early morning): Walk toward the Jefferson Memorial on a shore lined with cherry trees.
- Georgetown Waterfront Park (Sunset): A calm riverside path on the Potomac facing Key Bridge.
- Dumbarton Oaks Gardens (Afternoon): Historic terraced gardens with hidden corners in Georgetown.
Football stadiums in Washington, D.C.
- Audi Field: Home of D.C. United
Good to know before visiting Washington, D.C.
- Fine: Carrying open alcohol in the street is banned in most cities.
- Fine: Cannabis remains illegal federally: banned in national parks, airports and across state lines.
- Fine: Declare fruit, vegetables, meat and other food at customs; undeclared items are fined.
- Warning: The drinking age is 21; bars and shops ask for ID.
- Warning: Healthcare is very expensive; get comprehensive travel medical insurance.
- Price tags exclude sales tax, which is added at the till.
Extra rules for Washington, D.C.
- Fine: All of D.C. is a no-drone zone.
- Fine: Cannabis possession is legal locally, but banned on federal land like the National Mall.
- Fine: Eating and drinking on the Metro is prohibited.
- Emergency: 911
- Plugs: A/B, 120V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink.
- Tipping: Tipping 18–22% in restaurants is all but mandatory; $1–2 per drink at bars.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA, Wikivoyage — United States of America, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Washington, D.C. travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Washington, D.C.?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 3 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 6 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Washington, D.C.?
- Highlights: White House, Washington Monument, Smithsonian Institution, Arlington National Cemetery and Lincoln Memorial. The map has 33 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Washington, D.C.?
- Dupont Circle: Cafés, embassies and the Red Line metro. Other options: Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Penn Quarter / Chinatown, Foggy Bottom and Navy Yard.
- How do you get from the airport to Washington, D.C. city centre?
- Reagan National (DCA): Metro Yellow/Blue Line ≈ 20 min · Dulles (IAD): Metro Silver Line ≈ 55 min · Baltimore/Washington (BWI): MARC or Amtrak train + shuttle ≈ 40 min
- How do you get around Washington, D.C.?
- Metro links the main sights; add SmarTrip to your phone. The Mall area is very walkable, and Capital Bikeshare is handy.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Washington, D.C.?
- According to the last known data there are 5 starred restaurants: Minibar (2 stars), Albi (1 star), Masseria (1 star), Cranes (1 star), Fiola (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Washington, D.C.?
- Emergency: 911.
- Do you tip in Washington, D.C.?
- Tipping 18–22% in restaurants is all but mandatory; $1–2 per drink at bars.
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