Welcome to Washington, D.C.
Our Neighborhood
This Northeast neighborhood is known for its nightlife, restaurants, pop-ups, festivals and communal atmosphere.
Art lovers flock to The Atlas Performing Arts Center, home to a variety of performances, events and initiatives spanning a range of artistic traditions. The Atlas bills itself as “where the arts, culture and connection happen on H Street.”
The neighborhood’s largest event is the annual H Street Festival, which spans 10 blocks and attracts roughly thousands of patrons. Highlights of the fall event include musical performances and multi-cultural entertainment, in addition to art exhibits, for-sale crafts and an array of offerings from local food trucks and restaurants.'
171 locals recommend
H Street Northeast
H Street NortheastThis Northeast neighborhood is known for its nightlife, restaurants, pop-ups, festivals and communal atmosphere.
Art lovers flock to The Atlas Performing Arts Center, home to a variety of performances, events and initiatives spanning a range of artistic traditions. The Atlas bills itself as “where the arts, culture and connection happen on H Street.”
The neighborhood’s largest event is the annual H Street Festival, which spans 10 blocks and attracts roughly thousands of patrons. Highlights of the fall event include musical performances and multi-cultural entertainment, in addition to art exhibits, for-sale crafts and an array of offerings from local food trucks and restaurants.'
Food Scene on H street Corridor
Popular but snug Asian-fusion eatery known for ramen noodle soups, dumplings, sake & cocktails.
256 locals recommend
Toki Underground
1234 H St NEPopular but snug Asian-fusion eatery known for ramen noodle soups, dumplings, sake & cocktails.
Food and fashion marketplace featuring java, street food & fashion from cool labels.
284 locals recommend
Maketto
1351 H St NEFood and fashion marketplace featuring java, street food & fashion from cool labels.
Hip American-Pan-Asian spot serving cocktails, sushi, noodles, sandwiches & buckets of tater tots.
118 locals recommend
Sticky Rice
1224 H St NEHip American-Pan-Asian spot serving cocktails, sushi, noodles, sandwiches & buckets of tater tots.
Bi-level bistro serving French staples & specialty cocktails amid romantic, exposed-brick quarters.
97 locals recommend
Le Grenier
502 H St NEBi-level bistro serving French staples & specialty cocktails amid romantic, exposed-brick quarters.
Bi-level bistro serving French staples & specialty cocktails amid romantic, exposed-brick quarters.
169 locals recommend
Granville Moore's
1238 H St NEBi-level bistro serving French staples & specialty cocktails amid romantic, exposed-brick quarters.
Acclaimed, Philadelphia restaurateurs offer globally flavored, plant-based dishes in chic digs.
47 locals recommend
Fancy Radish
600 H St NEAcclaimed, Philadelphia restaurateurs offer globally flavored, plant-based dishes in chic digs.
Tacos & tequila fuel mini-golf, shuffleboard, Skee-Ball & more at this Mexican eatery & game room.
196 locals recommend
H Street Country Club
1335 H Street NortheastTacos & tequila fuel mini-golf, shuffleboard, Skee-Ball & more at this Mexican eatery & game room.
Offshoot of the historic spot that's famous for its spicy hot dogs, chili-cheese fries & milkshakes.
84 locals recommend
Ben's Chili Bowl
1001 H St NEOffshoot of the historic spot that's famous for its spicy hot dogs, chili-cheese fries & milkshakes.
Upscale restaurant serving Ethiopian cuisine, beer & wine in a sleek, elegant setting.
147 locals recommend
Ethiopic Restaurant
401 H St NEUpscale restaurant serving Ethiopian cuisine, beer & wine in a sleek, elegant setting.
A chic counter-serve for boldly flavored chicken plates or sandwiches & farm-fresh sides.
27 locals recommend
Farmbird
625 H St NEA chic counter-serve for boldly flavored chicken plates or sandwiches & farm-fresh sides.
Hip, bi-level spot for Chinese street food & drinks, including martinis, fizzes & house concoctions.
161 locals recommend
Copycat Co.
1110 H St NEHip, bi-level spot for Chinese street food & drinks, including martinis, fizzes & house concoctions.
Mediterranean fare served from breakfast through dinner & cocktails in airy, industrial surrounds.
36 locals recommend
Sospeso
1344 H St NEMediterranean fare served from breakfast through dinner & cocktails in airy, industrial surrounds.
Performing Arts/Music
The community comes out in full force for the Atlas Performing Arts Center’s award-winning, inspiring and topical productions. This National Register of Historic Places landmark features performance spaces, and in addition to plays, also exhibits affordable, offbeat music acts and collaborations.
111 locals recommend
Atlas Performing Arts Center
1333 H St NEThe community comes out in full force for the Atlas Performing Arts Center’s award-winning, inspiring and topical productions. This National Register of Historic Places landmark features performance spaces, and in addition to plays, also exhibits affordable, offbeat music acts and collaborations.
Ex-funeral parlor turned lounge with vintage decor, bands & DJs, dance floor & rooftop bar.
188 locals recommend
Rock & Roll Hotel
1353 H St NEEx-funeral parlor turned lounge with vintage decor, bands & DJs, dance floor & rooftop bar.
Hip, quirky lounge with a large beer list, dancing & New Orleans Saints games on the TV. It offers something different every night (think: DJ-fueled dance parties, karaoke or comedy)
119 locals recommend
Little Miss Whiskey's Golden Dollar
1104 H St NEHip, quirky lounge with a large beer list, dancing & New Orleans Saints games on the TV. It offers something different every night (think: DJ-fueled dance parties, karaoke or comedy)
Music in the Courtyard series on select weekends in summer. The current exhibits at Gallery O on H center around the intuitive (self-taught/Outsider) artwork from the personal collection of Dolly and Steve.
10 locals recommend
Gallery O on H
1354 H St NEMusic in the Courtyard series on select weekends in summer. The current exhibits at Gallery O on H center around the intuitive (self-taught/Outsider) artwork from the personal collection of Dolly and Steve.
Grab a Drink
Bavarian bar with a large heated beer garden/patio, sports on the TVs, German pub grub & beer.
142 locals recommend
Biergarten Haus
1355 H St NEBavarian bar with a large heated beer garden/patio, sports on the TVs, German pub grub & beer.
Tacos & tequila fuel mini-golf, shuffleboard, Skee-Ball & more at this Mexican eatery & game room.
196 locals recommend
H Street Country Club
1335 H Street NortheastTacos & tequila fuel mini-golf, shuffleboard, Skee-Ball & more at this Mexican eatery & game room.
Relaxed hangout featuring draft beer & drinks with gourmet bar fare like Korean wings & grinders.
16 locals recommend
The Haymaker Bar
1015 H St NERelaxed hangout featuring draft beer & drinks with gourmet bar fare like Korean wings & grinders.
A local crowd comes to this small, boxing-themed bar for drinks & weekend brunch. Open late.
61 locals recommend
The Pug
1234 H St NEA local crowd comes to this small, boxing-themed bar for drinks & weekend brunch. Open late.
Equestrian-themed hangout for cocktails & snacks in a former carriage house with a courtyard.
34 locals recommend
Hill Prince
1337 H St NEEquestrian-themed hangout for cocktails & snacks in a former carriage house with a courtyard.
Lively, easygoing Irish pub with a bar menu, including burgers, wings & more, plus televised sports.
16 locals recommend
Duffy's Irish Pub
2153 P Street NorthwestLively, easygoing Irish pub with a bar menu, including burgers, wings & more, plus televised sports.
Dark-wood, Old English pub with a traditional British menu & a tuck shop with imported U.K. staples.
100 locals recommend
The Queen Vic
1206 H St NEDark-wood, Old English pub with a traditional British menu & a tuck shop with imported U.K. staples.
Free Attractions
Although the Lincoln Memorial is just one of the District's many monuments, the larger-than-life Honest Abe is also among travelers' favorites. History buffs might enjoy the man of few (albeit powerful) words' two famous speeches, the second inaugural address and the Gettysburg Address, which are both etched into the memorial's opposing walls.
697 locals recommend
Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NWAlthough the Lincoln Memorial is just one of the District's many monuments, the larger-than-life Honest Abe is also among travelers' favorites. History buffs might enjoy the man of few (albeit powerful) words' two famous speeches, the second inaugural address and the Gettysburg Address, which are both etched into the memorial's opposing walls.
One of the most moving war memorials, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – or "the Wall," as it's commonly referred to – is a long black granite wall with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who perished during the Vietnam War emblazoned on its surface.
115 locals recommend
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
5 Henry Bacon Dr NWOne of the most moving war memorials, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – or "the Wall," as it's commonly referred to – is a long black granite wall with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who perished during the Vietnam War emblazoned on its surface.
If you've never been to D.C. before, plan to spend some time along the Tidal Basin, a 2-mile-long pond that was once attached to the Potomac River and serves as the backdrop to some of D.C.'s best-loved sites. Every spring, the Tidal Basin bursts with color as cherry blossom trees (gifted to D.C. from Tokyo) bloom into cotton candy-colored tufts, and they attract hordes of visitors. You can follow the path that leads around the basin, but many recent visitors recommended testing the waters in a paddle boat. Paddle boats are available to rent starting March 15 for $18 per hour for a two-passenger boat or $30 per hour for a four-passenger boat. You can pick up a paddle boat every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March 15 through October 9 from the boat dock near Maine Avenue.
123 locals recommend
Tidal Basin
20245 National DrIf you've never been to D.C. before, plan to spend some time along the Tidal Basin, a 2-mile-long pond that was once attached to the Potomac River and serves as the backdrop to some of D.C.'s best-loved sites. Every spring, the Tidal Basin bursts with color as cherry blossom trees (gifted to D.C. from Tokyo) bloom into cotton candy-colored tufts, and they attract hordes of visitors. You can follow the path that leads around the basin, but many recent visitors recommended testing the waters in a paddle boat. Paddle boats are available to rent starting March 15 for $18 per hour for a two-passenger boat or $30 per hour for a four-passenger boat. You can pick up a paddle boat every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March 15 through October 9 from the boat dock near Maine Avenue.
Attracting millions of people each year, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum contains a trove of celebrated aircraft, including Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega 5B, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and Wilbur and Orville Wright's 1903 Wright Flyer, among others. Exhibits include a flight simulator, an IMAX theater and the Einstein Planetarium. And parents beware: The three-level gift shop is huge, so get ready for pleas from your kids.
809 locals recommend
National Air and Space Museum
600 Independence Ave SWAttracting millions of people each year, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum contains a trove of celebrated aircraft, including Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega 5B, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and Wilbur and Orville Wright's 1903 Wright Flyer, among others. Exhibits include a flight simulator, an IMAX theater and the Einstein Planetarium. And parents beware: The three-level gift shop is huge, so get ready for pleas from your kids.
You need to be in the right frame of mind to visit this sobering museum that focuses on the atrocities of the Holocaust during World War II. Upon entering the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, you'll be given an identification card with the name and personal information of an actual person who experienced the Holocaust; as you move through the exhibits – Hitler's rise to power, anti-Semitic propaganda, the horrors of the Final Solution – you'll be given updates on your person's well-being.
Past travelers felt moved by this powerful museum but cautioned that its graphic collection is not ideal for younger children.
192 locals recommend
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SWYou need to be in the right frame of mind to visit this sobering museum that focuses on the atrocities of the Holocaust during World War II. Upon entering the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, you'll be given an identification card with the name and personal information of an actual person who experienced the Holocaust; as you move through the exhibits – Hitler's rise to power, anti-Semitic propaganda, the horrors of the Final Solution – you'll be given updates on your person's well-being.
Past travelers felt moved by this powerful museum but cautioned that its graphic collection is not ideal for younger children.
If you're any kind of art connoisseur, you should make a stop at the National Gallery of Art. Composed of the East Building, which houses the gallery's more modern works (think: Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko), and the West Building, which contains the collection's older works (from Sandro Botticelli to Claude Monet), this museum has enough to fill an entire afternoon; pace yourself and maybe order a coffee, gelato or lunch at one of the gallery's five bars and cafes.
385 locals recommend
National Gallery of Art
Constitution Avenue NorthwestIf you're any kind of art connoisseur, you should make a stop at the National Gallery of Art. Composed of the East Building, which houses the gallery's more modern works (think: Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko), and the West Building, which contains the collection's older works (from Sandro Botticelli to Claude Monet), this museum has enough to fill an entire afternoon; pace yourself and maybe order a coffee, gelato or lunch at one of the gallery's five bars and cafes.
Many travelers highly recommend a visit to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, built and named for America's beloved Camelot president. The Kennedy Center houses the National Symphony Orchestra, the Suzanne Farrell Ballet and the Washington National Opera, as well as a number of other theater and musical performances throughout the year. Although ticket prices run a bit high, you can take in a performance for free on the Millennium Stage.
498 locals recommend
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F St NWMany travelers highly recommend a visit to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, built and named for America's beloved Camelot president. The Kennedy Center houses the National Symphony Orchestra, the Suzanne Farrell Ballet and the Washington National Opera, as well as a number of other theater and musical performances throughout the year. Although ticket prices run a bit high, you can take in a performance for free on the Millennium Stage.
With more than 126 million artifacts on display, this robust Smithsonian museum on the National Mall attracts millions of visitors each year. Some of the museum's highlights include tarantula feedings in the O. Orkin Insect Zoo and the replicas of giant whales and other marine life in the 23,000-square-foot Sant Ocean Hall. You can also venture to the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater for a show or the Butterfly Pavilion for some fluttery fun with multi-colored bugs. And no stop at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History would be complete without stopping by the David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins, which traces the history of human species over the past 6 million years and displays life-size models of early human faces generated using modern forensic techniques. While the museum's famous National Fossil Hall is currently closed while it undergoes renovations, dinosaur fossils can be viewed in "The Last American Dinosaurs: Discovering a Lost World" exhibit on the second floor.
647 locals recommend
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NWWith more than 126 million artifacts on display, this robust Smithsonian museum on the National Mall attracts millions of visitors each year. Some of the museum's highlights include tarantula feedings in the O. Orkin Insect Zoo and the replicas of giant whales and other marine life in the 23,000-square-foot Sant Ocean Hall. You can also venture to the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater for a show or the Butterfly Pavilion for some fluttery fun with multi-colored bugs. And no stop at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History would be complete without stopping by the David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins, which traces the history of human species over the past 6 million years and displays life-size models of early human faces generated using modern forensic techniques. While the museum's famous National Fossil Hall is currently closed while it undergoes renovations, dinosaur fossils can be viewed in "The Last American Dinosaurs: Discovering a Lost World" exhibit on the second floor.
Designed to replicate the three-tiered crowns found in Yoruban art from West Africa, with bronze-colored latticework accents that honor the United States' slave roots, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture opened on the National Mall in 2016. More than 36,000 African American artifacts are displayed inside, including photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a fedora once worn by Michael Jackson.
Smithsonian National African American Museum
1400 Constitution Ave. NWDesigned to replicate the three-tiered crowns found in Yoruban art from West Africa, with bronze-colored latticework accents that honor the United States' slave roots, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture opened on the National Mall in 2016. More than 36,000 African American artifacts are displayed inside, including photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a fedora once worn by Michael Jackson.
Construction first began on this massive cathedral – the sixth largest in the world – in 1907, but it wasn't actually completed until 1990. Designed in the Gothic style, the Washington National Cathedral sits surrounded by gardens, creating a pleasant atmosphere for visitors. Take a stroll around the cathedral and peer at its high vaults and flying buttresses, or step inside to admire its intricate glass-stained windows. Another highlight is the cathedral's Gargoyle Tour. This tour – offered between May and September – gives you a chance to gaze up at the building's stony grotesques and gargoyles. (There's even a Darth Vader gargoyle that was appointed in the 1980s along the right-hand side of the northwest tower.)
226 locals recommend
Washington National Cathedral
Construction first began on this massive cathedral – the sixth largest in the world – in 1907, but it wasn't actually completed until 1990. Designed in the Gothic style, the Washington National Cathedral sits surrounded by gardens, creating a pleasant atmosphere for visitors. Take a stroll around the cathedral and peer at its high vaults and flying buttresses, or step inside to admire its intricate glass-stained windows. Another highlight is the cathedral's Gargoyle Tour. This tour – offered between May and September – gives you a chance to gaze up at the building's stony grotesques and gargoyles. (There's even a Darth Vader gargoyle that was appointed in the 1980s along the right-hand side of the northwest tower.)
A popular memorial, the World War II Memorial was dedicated in 2004 to the 400,000-plus Americans who died during the war. A circle of 56 pilings (representing the then 56 U.S. states and territories) looks over the Rainbow Pool. At night, with lights shining, this memorial can be quite ethereal.
104 locals recommend
World War II Memorial
1750 Independence Ave SWA popular memorial, the World War II Memorial was dedicated in 2004 to the 400,000-plus Americans who died during the war. A circle of 56 pilings (representing the then 56 U.S. states and territories) looks over the Rainbow Pool. At night, with lights shining, this memorial can be quite ethereal.
A treasure trove of the United States' founding documents, the National Archives Museum is high on travelers' to-do lists and almost always has long entrance lines. But once you do get inside, you'll see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, along with one of the surviving copies of the Magna Carta and the Emancipation Proclamation. Other interactive and kid-friendly exhibits fill the museum, which is located off the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro station on the Green and Yellow lines. Conveniently, the museum is also a popular stop on many of the city's best bus tours.
46 locals recommend
The National Archives Museum
701 Constitution Ave. NWA treasure trove of the United States' founding documents, the National Archives Museum is high on travelers' to-do lists and almost always has long entrance lines. But once you do get inside, you'll see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, along with one of the surviving copies of the Magna Carta and the Emancipation Proclamation. Other interactive and kid-friendly exhibits fill the museum, which is located off the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro station on the Green and Yellow lines. Conveniently, the museum is also a popular stop on many of the city's best bus tours.
Home to every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800, the White House is America's most famous homestead. If you opt to tour the building, you'll have the opportunity to visit the State Floor, which includes the East Room, the Green Room and the Blue Room. In order to participate in a tour, you'll need to contact the office of your senator or House representative at least 21 days in advance to ensure your entry, and bear in mind that tours can be canceled last minute.
1097 locals recommend
The White House South Lawn
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NWHome to every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800, the White House is America's most famous homestead. If you opt to tour the building, you'll have the opportunity to visit the State Floor, which includes the East Room, the Green Room and the Blue Room. In order to participate in a tour, you'll need to contact the office of your senator or House representative at least 21 days in advance to ensure your entry, and bear in mind that tours can be canceled last minute.
At 555 feet and 5 inches, the Washington Monument (at its completion in 1884) was the tallest structure in the world. And nowadays, you can ride one of the monument's glass-encased elevators to the top observation deck to enjoy 360-degree views of the city. You can explore the attraction's exterior for free 24 hours a day, but National Park Service rangers are only available from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. to answer questions. The monument itself is open to visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the National Park Service's Washington Monument page for more information.
790 locals recommend
Washington Monument
2 15th St NWAt 555 feet and 5 inches, the Washington Monument (at its completion in 1884) was the tallest structure in the world. And nowadays, you can ride one of the monument's glass-encased elevators to the top observation deck to enjoy 360-degree views of the city. You can explore the attraction's exterior for free 24 hours a day, but National Park Service rangers are only available from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. to answer questions. The monument itself is open to visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the National Park Service's Washington Monument page for more information.
Arguably the most magnificent building in Washington, the U.S. Capitol is where visitors go to witness politics in action. Inside, members of both houses of Congress debate and create national policy and law, while visitors explore the building's north and south wings and circular centerpiece: the Rotunda. This iconic hall houses paintings, frescoes and sculptures depicting famous scenes from American history, not to mention a 150-year-old cast iron dome.
670 locals recommend
United States Capitol
First Street SoutheastArguably the most magnificent building in Washington, the U.S. Capitol is where visitors go to witness politics in action. Inside, members of both houses of Congress debate and create national policy and law, while visitors explore the building's north and south wings and circular centerpiece: the Rotunda. This iconic hall houses paintings, frescoes and sculptures depicting famous scenes from American history, not to mention a 150-year-old cast iron dome.
Comprising three buildings and housing more than 164 million books, manuscripts, sound recordings, pieces of sheet music, maps and photographs, the Library of Congress holds the title of "largest library in the world." The most notable building in the trio is the Thomas Jefferson Building, which was built in 1897.
314 locals recommend
Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave SEComprising three buildings and housing more than 164 million books, manuscripts, sound recordings, pieces of sheet music, maps and photographs, the Library of Congress holds the title of "largest library in the world." The most notable building in the trio is the Thomas Jefferson Building, which was built in 1897.
Located beside the Tidal Basin, this 30-foot-high granite memorial pays homage to civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Everything from its address at 1964 Independence Ave. (a reference to the year the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed by Congress) to its design (which shows King emerging from the "Mountain of Despair"), are meant to reflect King's significant contribution to American history. What's more, this towering sculpture opened to the public in 2011, making it one of the newest memorials to open in the District. It is also the National Mall's first memorial dedicated to an African American.
197 locals recommend
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
1964 Independence Ave SWLocated beside the Tidal Basin, this 30-foot-high granite memorial pays homage to civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Everything from its address at 1964 Independence Ave. (a reference to the year the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed by Congress) to its design (which shows King emerging from the "Mountain of Despair"), are meant to reflect King's significant contribution to American history. What's more, this towering sculpture opened to the public in 2011, making it one of the newest memorials to open in the District. It is also the National Mall's first memorial dedicated to an African American.
Located northeast of downtown Washington, D.C., the United States National Arboretum rewards its visitors with beautiful outdoor spaces. The arboretum’s outdoor collections range from dogwoods to azaleas to magnolias, but none of the plants are the area’s primary attraction. Instead, most travelers make the trek here for the National Capitol Columns and its bonsai collection. The National Capitol Columns were built in 1828, decorated the Capitol building until 1958 and found their way to the arboretum in the 1980s. Now, the columns serve as an excellent place to snap photos or enjoy a picnic. The area’s bonsai trees sit in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, which boasts an astounding 300 miniature trees that staff members rotate through the museum’s three pavilions and special exhibits gallery.
350 locals recommend
United States National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NELocated northeast of downtown Washington, D.C., the United States National Arboretum rewards its visitors with beautiful outdoor spaces. The arboretum’s outdoor collections range from dogwoods to azaleas to magnolias, but none of the plants are the area’s primary attraction. Instead, most travelers make the trek here for the National Capitol Columns and its bonsai collection. The National Capitol Columns were built in 1828, decorated the Capitol building until 1958 and found their way to the arboretum in the 1980s. Now, the columns serve as an excellent place to snap photos or enjoy a picnic. The area’s bonsai trees sit in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, which boasts an astounding 300 miniature trees that staff members rotate through the museum’s three pavilions and special exhibits gallery.
The National Portrait Gallery most notably houses images of every previous president, allowing visitors to reminisce about each political figure as they progress through the increasingly eccentric hall of portraits. The presidential portraits aren’t alone, though, as the National Portrait Gallery also houses notable American citizens ranging from sports figures to civil rights leaders. Not to mention, the National Portrait Gallery only takes up half of the building and shares the space with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This additional attraction showcases rotating exhibits, which means that the Smithsonian American Art Museum could expose visitors to work created in response to the Vietnam War, a gallery for folk and self-taught art or many other displays.
365 locals recommend
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery most notably houses images of every previous president, allowing visitors to reminisce about each political figure as they progress through the increasingly eccentric hall of portraits. The presidential portraits aren’t alone, though, as the National Portrait Gallery also houses notable American citizens ranging from sports figures to civil rights leaders. Not to mention, the National Portrait Gallery only takes up half of the building and shares the space with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This additional attraction showcases rotating exhibits, which means that the Smithsonian American Art Museum could expose visitors to work created in response to the Vietnam War, a gallery for folk and self-taught art or many other displays.
More than 2,700 animals call the Smithsonian's 163-acre National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute home, from Asian elephants to great apes to sea lions. While here, don't miss your chance to meet the zoo's most popular resident, a baby panda named Bei Bei who was born on Aug. 22, 2015. Also, be sure to look up every now and then as you stroll beneath the Orangutan Transport System (called the O Line): Chances are you'll spot orangutans swinging along cables between eight steel towers. Or, if you're more intrigued by the exotic animals native to South America, head over to the 15,000-square-foot Amazonia exhibit, home to creatures like titi monkeys and yellow-rumped caciques.
771 locals recommend
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave NWMore than 2,700 animals call the Smithsonian's 163-acre National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute home, from Asian elephants to great apes to sea lions. While here, don't miss your chance to meet the zoo's most popular resident, a baby panda named Bei Bei who was born on Aug. 22, 2015. Also, be sure to look up every now and then as you stroll beneath the Orangutan Transport System (called the O Line): Chances are you'll spot orangutans swinging along cables between eight steel towers. Or, if you're more intrigued by the exotic animals native to South America, head over to the 15,000-square-foot Amazonia exhibit, home to creatures like titi monkeys and yellow-rumped caciques.
At this historical site, you'll learn all about Frederick Douglass, a former slave who fled from Maryland to New York City in 1838. After becoming a free man, Douglass devoted his life to speaking against slavery, producing abolitionist newspapers and writing about his experience as a slave. In 1872, Douglass and his then wife, Anna, moved to the district, where they lived until Douglass' death in 1895.
67 locals recommend
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
1411 W St SEAt this historical site, you'll learn all about Frederick Douglass, a former slave who fled from Maryland to New York City in 1838. After becoming a free man, Douglass devoted his life to speaking against slavery, producing abolitionist newspapers and writing about his experience as a slave. In 1872, Douglass and his then wife, Anna, moved to the district, where they lived until Douglass' death in 1895.
Learn about Native communities of the Americas today at one of the world's foremost cultural institutions! Free highlights tours twice a day; no reservations or tickets required. Films about Native life & programs on Native music, dance & art. Enjoy the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe & the Museum Stores. Free admission. Open daily 10 am - 5:30 pm.
196 locals recommend
National Museum of the American Indian
4th Street SouthwestLearn about Native communities of the Americas today at one of the world's foremost cultural institutions! Free highlights tours twice a day; no reservations or tickets required. Films about Native life & programs on Native music, dance & art. Enjoy the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe & the Museum Stores. Free admission. Open daily 10 am - 5:30 pm.
Attractions that Cost Money
The International Spy Museum is a private non-profit museum dedicated to the tradecraft, history and contemporary role of espionage, featuring the largest collection of international espionage artifacts currently on public display.
231 locals recommend
International Spy Museum
700 L'Enfant Plaza SWThe International Spy Museum is a private non-profit museum dedicated to the tradecraft, history and contemporary role of espionage, featuring the largest collection of international espionage artifacts currently on public display.
The Museum of the Bible is a museum in Washington D.C. which documents the narrative, history, and impact of the Bible. It opened on November 17, 2017, and has 1,150 items in its permanent collection and 2,000 items on loan from other institutions and collections.
41 locals recommend
Museum of the Bible
400 4th St SWThe Museum of the Bible is a museum in Washington D.C. which documents the narrative, history, and impact of the Bible. It opened on November 17, 2017, and has 1,150 items in its permanent collection and 2,000 items on loan from other institutions and collections.
Traveler advice
Getting around
DC Street Car
Hours of operation
Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to midnight, Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
How much does it cost to ride?
DC Streetcar is currently free to ride
How can I ride it?
Riders may board DC Streetcar at any of the eight stops on the H Street/Benning Road Line.
Getting around
Capital Bikeshare
Capital Bikeshare is metro DC's bikeshare service, with 4,500 bikes and 500+ stations across 7 jurisdictions.
Pricing 30 min $2 or 24 hours $8.
Join
Become a member online or purchase a short-term pass from the app or kiosk to use the Capital Bikeshare system.
Unlock
Find an available bike nearby, scan the QR code in the app, get a ride code at the kiosk, or use your bike key to unlock it.
Ride
Take as many short trips as you want while your pass or membership is active.
Return
Return your bike to any station, and wait for the green light on the dock to make sure it's locked.
Getting around
Metro
Washington, DC’s Metro is one of the busiest public transportation systems in the country. Its expansive network of tunnels and above ground tracks connect all four quadrants of DC with suburban Virginia and Maryland. The system is heavily used by local commuters and it’s a popular, convenient and affordable way for visitors to DC to get around the region.
The Metro consists of six color-coded lines: Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Green and Silver. The lines are connected to each other via transfer stations and many Metro stops are serviced by more than one color.
Don't miss
The H street Festival
The neighborhood’s largest event is the annual H Street Festival, which spans 10 blocks and attracts roughly thousands of patrons. Highlights of the fall event include musical performances and multi-cultural entertainment, in addition to art exhibits, for-sale crafts and an array of offerings from local food trucks and restaurants. The festival started as a 500 participant bloc party more than 12 years ago, it has now grown into a 150,000 participant event. Sep. and Oct.
Don't miss
Union Market
Long-time DC residents marvel at how previously dilapidated areas of town are now hip and fun. Nowhere is this more apparent than Union Market. The traditional wholesale market for restaurants and commercial venues, the market was associated only 10 years ago with run-down warehouses and delivery trucks. Today it is a centre of creative restaurants, outdoor markets, film and festivals.
Don't miss
Freshfarm Farmers Market
Located in a fast-changing and dynamic DC neighborhood, the FRESHFARM H Street NE Market has become a quintessential community gathering spot where friends and neighbors meet to shop and socialize. With chairs and tables we welcome market visitors to come for the produce and stay for the vibe! This market offers a bit everything including: conventional and certified organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats, pastured eggs, sweet and savory baked goods, locally roasted coffee, fermented pickles and krauts, sandwiches and flatbreads, fresh flowers, plants, and more.
Don't miss
Cherry Blossom Festival
The festival runs from March 20 – April 12, 2020
Nothing signifies the arrival of spring in the nation's capital quite like the blooming of the cherry blossom trees and the three-week-long National Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the occasion. More than 1.5 million visitors descend upon Washington, DC each year to admire the 3,000-plus trees. The festival, is full of events that honor both American and Japanese cultures and represents a close bond forged between the two countries that began with Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki’s gift of the trees back in 1912.