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What are the top attractions in Washington?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Washington, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.
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★ 4.8
National Mall
Washington, DC, USA
Explore →139,844 reviews
★ 4.8
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 2056...
Explore →58,601 reviews
★ 4.8
Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Explore →54,115 reviews
★ 4.6
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
650 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Explore →48,728 reviews
★ 4.8
National Museum of African American History and Culture
1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Explore →30,781 reviews
★ 4.6
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Explore →46,659 reviews
★ 4.7
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Explore →27,842 reviews
★ 4.8
National Gallery of Art
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, USA
Explore →20,535 reviews
★ 4.7
Washington Monument
2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Explore →24,350 reviews
★ 4.8
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Explore →17,409 reviews
★ 4.7
United States Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Explore →18,721 reviews
★ 4.8
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566, USA
Explore →11,500 reviews
★ 4.7
Museum of the Bible
400 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Explore →14,223 reviews
★ 4.4
International Spy Museum
700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Explore →17,952 reviews
★ 4.8
Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
Explore →7,280 reviews
★ 4.7
United States Capitol
Washington, DC 20004, USA
Explore →5,051 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Washington?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
Quick answer Top tour formats in Washington include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.
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Hop-On Hop-Off
Walking Tours
Food Tours
Day Trips
Boat Cruises
Skip-the-Line
Private Tours
Adventure Tours
Photography Tours
Night Tours
Hop-On Hop-Off BusHop-On Hop-Off Bus in Washington
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Food and Wine ToursFood and Wine Tours in Washington
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City Walking ToursCity Walking Tours in Washington
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Day TripsDay Trips in Washington
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Boat and CruisesBoat and Cruises in Washington
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Skip-the-LineSkip-the-Line in Washington
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Private ToursPrivate Tours in Washington
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Nightlife ToursNightlife Tours in Washington
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Photography ToursPhotography Tours in Washington
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Helicopter ToursHelicopter Tours in Washington
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Where to eat and go out in Washington?
Restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Quick answer Browse top-rated restaurants, nightlife venues, and live shows happening now in Washington. Listings ranked by traveler ratings; tickets and tables bookable directly through partner sites.
Where to Eat
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar$$
★ 4.9
Old Ebbitt Grill$$
★ 4.6
Founding Farmers DC$$
★ 4.5
The Hamilton$$
★ 4.5
Zaytinya$$$
★ 4.5
Le Diplomate$$$
★ 4.6
Unconventional Diner$$
★ 4.7
Westfield WheatonRestaurant
★ 4.2
Nightlife
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab$$$
★ 4.6
Virtue Feed & Grain$$
★ 4.5
The Fillmore Silver Spring$$$
★ 4.5
Kramers$$
★ 4.5
DAIKAYA Izakaya and Ramen Shop$$
★ 4.4
Barcelona Wine Bar$$
★ 4.5
The Dubliner Restaurant$$
★ 4.4
Yard House$$
★ 4.3
Shows & Events
Foo Fighters: TAKE COVER TOURAug 17
Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Pirates (21+ Event)Aug 18
My Chemical Romance The Black ParadeAug 18
The Notebook (Touring)Aug 18
Mystics vs. Toronto Tempo (Bobblehead Giveaway - First 1,500 Fans)Aug 19
D.C. United vs New England RevolutionAug 19
The Notebook (Touring)Aug 19
Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Pirates (21+ Event)Aug 19
Where can I shop in Washington?
Malls, markets, and retail districts
Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Washington from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.
★ 4.4
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
1100 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.4
Tanger Outlets National Harbor
6800 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, USA
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★ 4.4
Springfield Town Center
6500 Franconia-Springfield Pkwy, Springfield, V...
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★ 4.5
Union Market
$$
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★ 4.2
Mall at Prince George's
3500 East-West Hwy, Hyattsville, MD 20782, USA
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★ 4.5
Eastern Market
$$
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★ 4.5
CityCenterDC
825 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
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★ 4.4
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.3
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.1
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.6
Trader Joe's
$$
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★ 4.4
Eden Center
6751-6799 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22044, USA
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★ 4.0
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 3.9
Walmart
$
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What events are happening in Washington?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
Quick answer 43 upcoming events in Washington across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Foo Fighters: TAKE COVER TOUR
Aug 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & TheatreDrunk Shakespeare: Drunk Pirates (21+ Event)
Aug 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertMy Chemical Romance The Black Parade
Aug 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Notebook (Touring)
Aug 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
Mystics vs. Toronto Tempo (Bobblehead Giveaway - First 1,500 Fans)
Aug 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
D.C. United vs New England Revolution
Aug 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Notebook (Touring)
Aug 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & TheatreDrunk Shakespeare: Drunk Pirates (21+ Event)
Aug 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
Musiq Soulchild
Aug 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertDan Tyminski Band
Aug 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & TheatreDrunk Shakespeare: Drunk Pirates (21+ Event)
Aug 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Jason Schmidt w/ Haven Madison
Aug 20, 2026
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ConcertJason Aldean & Luke Bryan: Double Down Tour
Aug 20, 2026
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Koe Wetzel: The Night Champion World Tour
Aug 20, 2026
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The Notebook (Touring)
Aug 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx (Dog Days of Summer)
Aug 21, 2026
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The Notebook (Touring)
Aug 21, 2026
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SOS: The Recession Pop Party
Aug 21, 2026
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Sapphic Dance Party
Aug 21, 2026
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ConcertVirtual Riot & Blanke - Far From Home Tour
Aug 21, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & TheatreDrunk Shakespeare: Drunk Pirates (21+ Event)
Aug 21, 2026
Get Tickets →
Ella Mai - Do You Still Love Me? Tour
Aug 21, 2026
Get Tickets →
Mainstay Touring Presents: Rod Wave One Night Only Acoustic Concert
Aug 21, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertGOLDEN ERA RAVE - 2010’s EDM CLASSICS
Aug 21, 2026
Get Tickets →
Concert
AUG
17
Foo Fighters: TAKE COVER TOUR
1500 South Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC
Arts & Theatre
AUG
18
Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Pirates (21+ Event)
1100 13th St NW, Washington, DC
Concert
AUG
18
My Chemical Romance The Black Parade
1500 South Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC
Arts & Theatre
AUG
18
The Notebook (Touring)
1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW , Washington, DC
Sports
AUG
19
Mystics vs. Toronto Tempo (Bobblehead Giveaway - First 1,500 Fans)
1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC
Sports
AUG
19
D.C. United vs New England Revolution
100 Potomac Ave. SW, Washington, DC
Arts & Theatre
AUG
19
The Notebook (Touring)
1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW , Washington, DC
Arts & Theatre
AUG
19
Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Pirates (21+ Event)
1100 13th St NW, Washington, DC
Concert
AUG
19
Musiq Soulchild
513 13th St NW, Washington, DC
Frequently asked questions about Washington
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Washington?
Washington offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Washington?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Washington, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Washington?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Diving Rock Seaplane Base (07NH).
When is the best time to visit Washington?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Washington?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Washington?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.