Washington D.C. is one of the world’s most important political cities. Located on the Potomac River, nestled between Virginia and Maryland, the city is home to most government offices as well as the headquarters of several international organizations.
Apart from being the political center of the United States, Washington D.C. has also gradually established itself as a noteworthy tourist destination. The city has an abundance of top-notch museums, cultural attractions, historic landmarks, and plenty of other points of interest. Whether you’re looking to brush up on your American history, check out some iconic monuments, or looking to go museum hopping, you’ll surely find fun things to do in D.C.
To help you plan your trip to the nation’s capital, we’ve compiled this list of attractions in Washington D.C. (Pro tip: For a hassle-free adventure, look for a luggage locker in D.C. where you can store your baggage before exploring.)
Often regarded as the symbol of the country, the United States serves as the seat of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Needless to say, the Capitol is one of the country’s most important buildings and a must-see attraction when visiting the city. The building can easily be spotted because of its huge dome, which towers over every other building in the city. Built between 1793 and 1812, the U.S. Capitol has undergone major expansions over the years.
The main façade of the building is where newly elected presidents are sworn in and where they take the oath. While most tourists opt to take photos from the outside, it is possible to see the interior of the Capitol by joining one of the free tours, which can be booked online. Joining a guided tour is a great way to see the beauty of the building up close and to learn about its history at the same time.
One of the highlights of the guided tour of the Capitol is a visit to the Library of Congress, which can be reached via an underground passage. Alternatively, visitors can explore selected parts of the library on their own. In the library are some valuable documents and artifacts, including a draft of the Declaration of Independence as well as one of the three complete Gutenberg Bibles in existence.
Arguably the most recognizable memorial in all of Washington D.C., the Lincoln Memorial is a 19-foot marble statue built to honor former U.S. president Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated while attending a theater performance. Completed in 1922, the memorial is located on the west side of the National Mall and has quickly become one of D.C.’s most prominent tourist attractions.
Apart from serving as an incredible tribute to Lincoln, the memorial is also listed in the history books as the very site where civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his iconic “I have a dream” public speech on August 28, 1963.
Part of the incredible Smithsonian network of museums, the National Museum of Natural History is one of the most impressive museums in the city and one attraction worth visiting. Welcoming millions of guests from all over the world annually, the museum boasts over 126 million artifacts and relics related to natural history in its permanent collection.
Some of the major highlights at the National Museum of Natural History include the Ocean Hall, where marine life photography and giant whale replicas are on display, and the David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins, which showcases life-like models of early humans and traces the evolution of human species from 6 million years ago up to present day.
No visit to Washington D.C. would be complete without making a quick stop at Pennsylvania Avenue to see the White House. The official residence of the Presidents of the United States, the White House is an iconic building that is recognizable all over the world. The White House is open to the public for self-guided tours; however, these tours have to be booked well in advance via the Congressional office (for Americans) or your embassy (foreigners).
In case you are not fortunate enough to secure a tour, you can go to the White House Visitor Center instead. Just a short walk away from the White House, the visitor center features displays and interactive exhibits about the president’s residence as well as the history of those who have lived in the White House.
History buffs would be remiss not to visit the National Archives Museum, located just north of the National Mall. The facility serves as the headquarters of the National Archives and Records Administration and is among the most popular attractions in the city. Housed inside the museum are historic documents and artifacts, including the original copies of the country’s most valuable documents: the Bill of Rights, the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
If you want to take a break from all the museums and historic landmarks you’ve visited in D.C., spend some downtime and hang out at the Tidal Basin. This beautiful pond is 2 miles long and serves as the backdrop to some of the most iconic sites and landmarks across the nation’s capital.
If you happen to be visiting during the spring, don’t forget to admire and take photos of the cherry blossom trees, gifted by Tokyo to the city. If you’re feeling active, rent a pedal boat and pedal through the basin. Located along the shores of the Tidal Basin are three of the city’s most noteworthy memorials: the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
One of the biggest cathedrals in the world, the Washington National Cathedral is a famous landmark in the city and worth checking out during your trip. Featuring a Neo-Gothic style, the cathedral is so huge that it took 83 years to complete; construction started in 1907 and ended in 1990.
Aside from its regular religious masses, the cathedral is also open for special tours to the public, where guests can explore hidden sections of the structure. The Washington National Cathedral is also historic in its own right; it served as the venue for the funerals of former Residents Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and Gerald Ford and is the burial place for Helen Keller and President Woodrow Wilson.
Sources:
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/district-of-columbia-usdc.htm
https://travel.usnews.com/Washington_DC/Things_To_Do/
https://washington.org/things-do-washington-dc
https://www.touropia.com/top-tourist-attractions-in-washington-dc/
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