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Get ready to fill up your itinerary.
But your trip to the district doesnt need to feel reminiscent of your high school civics class field trip.
Credit:Getty Images
D.C.’s vibrant neighborhoods and livability are what make it popular with everyone young and old.
But visitors will be rewarded by digging beneath the city’s buttoned-up reputation.
A swath of newmuseumopeningsboth Smithsonian and otherwisehas added to the citys already robust culture scene.
The National Archives Building.Credit:Getty Images
Walkable and bikeable, D.C. is a decidedly green city.
Visit in spring or fall, when crowds are smaller and hot temperatures have eased.
Our favorite things to do in Washington, D.C., are sure to fill your itinerary.
Rubell Museum.Credit:Rubell Museum
If the answer is “in high school,” then perhaps its time for a revisit.
Explore by foot on your own, or opt for a guided tour for added details and nuance.
But to really explore the Capitol fully, opt for a trip inside.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial.Credit:Getty Images
Take a self-guided or guided tour to see highlights of the cathedrals features and learn their stories.
There is really no shortage of options and there’s something for all ages.
But the city is also home to some incredible modern and contemporary art museums.
Union Market.Credit:Joy Asico
Take advantage of the moonlight to see the monuments in a different light (literally).
Non-citizens should contact their embassies.
The most iconic spot is from the top of the Washington Monument.
Hillwood Estate.Credit:Courtesy Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, photographed by Erik Kvalsvik
A visit to the top is free, although you will need to reserve ahead of time.
An elevator will carry you 500 feet up to the observation deck.
The organization Boating in DC is a good place to visit to choose your vessel.
ilili.Credit:ilili
Just beyond beautifulOld Town Alexandriaacross the Virginia border, Washingtons beloved estate is more welcoming than imposing.
Whether thats true or not, its a topic that continues to inspire intrigue.
For a deeper dive, explore theCIA Museumonline to see artifacts like spy gadgets and espionage memorabilia.
Riggs.Credit:Riggs Washington D.C.
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, it opened in 1891.
Today, visitors to D.C. can see more than 2,200 animals from 400 species.
If they dont win, its a shame, but it, like anything, is about the experience.
Today its a local spot for buying freshly caught fish and crab.
The Jessie Taylor Seafood stall also makes a great spot to grab a cooked lunch to go.
Come for a coffee, hand-made chocolates, or a full meal.
Start in the city and hop on a Capital Bikeshare or eventry renting a bike for the day.
The 10-mile scenic route winds through woods and skirts the Potomac.
Dont miss the Prunus Walk (for flowering plum trees) and Forsythia Dell as well.
The Arboretums free app makes it easy to navigate the grounds and helps with identifying trees and flowers.
Book yourself a table (preferably well in advance!)
at the intimate France-comes-to-Georgetown Lutece.
Equally as intriguing are spots like the hip Jane Jane and thegin-focusedThe Wells.
Even if youre not staying the night, its worth popping in for a peek at the famous place.
Surprisingly, the building only served as a post office for a relatively short time before falling into disrepair.
Over the decades the Old Post Office served as a mixed-use building of offices and a food court.
In recent years the building was restored to its former glory and today is the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
Its Pennsylvania Avenue location cannot be beat for exploring the city and the National Mall.
It was here, in 1869, that then-President Ulysses S. Grant popularized the term lobbying.
Five to seven days is recommended.
