What to do in Washington DC – The Ultimate Sightseeing Guide

Introduction

Washington DC is an incredibly vibrant city, full of beautiful historical architecture and sights, parks and much more. With plenty of things to see and do, it can be hard to explore the best attractions DC has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a return visitor, read on for our ultimate guide to what to do during your stay in Washington DC.

The Mall

No visit to Washington DC is complete without paying a visit to the Mall. This stretch of land running from the Lincoln Memorial to the United States Capitol is home to some of the most iconic monuments and government buildings in the world.

The Mall is a great place to start exploring the city. The National Mall is two miles long and one of the most breath-taking public spaces in the world. Here, visitors can find a number of attractions such as the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, National Air & Space Museum, and the National Gallery of Art. This is also home to the iconic monuments such as the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial.

Be sure to take plenty of photos and take advantage of photo ops with the various monuments and memorials along the way.

Museums & Tours

Washington DC has some truly amazing museums and guided tours. From the world-renowned Smithsonian Museums to the International Spy Museum and Newseum, there are plenty of options to explore and get a better understanding of the city.

The Smithsonian Institute features a wide range of museums that have something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in art, science, or history, you can find it here. The Air & Space Museum alone is worth a visit while exploring the city. This is home to some of the most incredible aircraft and space exploration exhibits on display anywhere. From the original Wright Brothers plane to a full-scale replica of Gagarin’s spacecraft, there’s plenty to explore here.

There are many exciting tours available as well. From customizable walking tours, trolley tours, and city tours, you’ll be able to explore DC like a local with one of these special experiences. Guided tours are a great way to learn about and appreciate the history and culture of Washington DC.

Finally, for those interested in beer and history, Viator offers a unique DC experience with the Washington DC History Tour Pub Crawl. This 3-hour tour lets visitors explore four different pubs in DC while learning about some local history. On this tour, guides will lead you through three centuries worth of history while you sample some local favorites – what could be better?

Outdoor Activities

DC offers an incredible array of outdoor activities and attractions which are sure to appeal to all kinds of travelers. There are over 16 parks across DC ranging from urban oases such as the Washington Monument grounds and Dupont Circle Park to sprawling green spaces such as Rock Creek Park, Theodore Roosevelt Island and more.

The National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s most famous outdoor attractions, with more than 1,500 animals from around the world from giant pandas to white rhinos. In additional to zoo animals, visitors can also find festivals, music performances, educational programs, food booths and more here during the summer months.

Another great option is exploring DC’s green spaces through biking or kayaking. Bike rental is available throughout the city, so you can easily check out iconic sites such as the White House or even Frederick Douglass National Historic Site downtown on two wheels. For those who would prefer a slower-paced activity on the water DCanoe provides guided trips and private rentals along many famous DC rivers such as Anacostia or Potomac River where kayakers can experience nature at its best along Washington DC’s popular landmarks.

Eating Out & Nightlife

Washington DC has a truly diverse culinary offering with something to suit every taste. The bustling 14th Street area has no shortage of food as it blends local favorites with global cuisine from Ethiopian restaurants, Middle Eastern falafel joints, Mexican taquerias to classic American bistros and upscale steakhouses, you won’t run out of options here. Be sure to not miss out on Political Grill in the Willard Intercontinental or Beni’s Cubano located just off Pennsylvania Avenue for an unforgettable experience tasting the best of what DC has to offer.

Finally, no stay in Washington is complete without experiencing some nightlife spots in town. From vibrant rooftop bars like Salon de Luz in Watergate or locals hidden speakeasies like Eat The Rich- there’s something for everyone when it comes to nightlife here. For those looking for live music, 9:30 Club is one of the premier venues in town for alternative rock music and concerts from up and coming bands. There’s also great comedy spots like Laugh Out Loud comedy club or classic jazz joints like Blues Alley for evenings full of laughs and drinks.

Conclusion

Washington DC offers something for everyone! Whether you seek a history lesson with beautiful memorials, an adventure through parks and museums or a night out on the town – this city has it all! With our guide above you’re sure to make the most out of your stay in this vibrant city full of life and secrets waiting to be discovered by tourists just like you! As a reminder booking your Washington DC History Tour Pub Crawl through Viator is a great way to explore all sorts of local hot spots while learning about the city’s history.Viator’s History Tour Pub Crawl is a fantastic choice for those seeking insight and exploration into the city!