The best things to do in Washington DC
National Mall
On America’s most famous lawn, you can take in the Washington Monument, the US Capitol, the White House – as well as memorials to Lincoln, Martin Luther King and American war veterans. Spend an afternoon exploring and take a minute to reflect on the palpable sense of history, power and sacrifice.
Smithsonian Museums
The National Museum of American History contains everything from the red, white and blue flag that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner to Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. The National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African American History and Culture are also worth visiting.
Art galleries
Washington DC is a paradise for art lovers. Original works by Rembrandt, Raphael and Van Gogh are among the highlights at the National Gallery of Art. From delicate watercolors by Winslow Homer to fascinating sculptures by Auguste Rodin, more than 141,000 works await. Want to get away from the Hill? Check out the weird and wonderful exhibits at The Fridge, near Eastern Market, or the Adamson Gallery in downtown.
Paddle on the river
Some of the best views of Washington DC are from the Potomac River. Hire a paddleboat from the Tidal Basin Boathouse and see the Martin Luther King and Jefferson memorials from the water. In Georgetown, the Thompson Boat Center has canoes and kayaks for hire – it even offers rowing classes.
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
Drive to this lush floral oasis one morning and, in the pink light of dawn, there’s nowhere else you’d rather be. Set in Cleveland Park in northwest Washington DC, Hillwood Museum and Gardens features Japanese and French-style gardens. Inside, you’ll find the largest collection of Russian imperial art outside Russia – including the diamond-encrusted nuptial crown of Empress Alexandra.
Top 5 places to eat in Washington DC
- For southern favorites. For all its formalities, Washington DC does no frills too. Tuck into the juiciest cutlets at Hitching Post in Petworth, or follow the aroma of mac and cheese to Oohh’s & Aahh’s.
- For veggie dishes. Meat-free burgers, burritos and breakfasts are the order of the day at Sticky Fingers, while Shouk serves up a range of vegan Israeli street food.
- For brunch. Rub shoulders with politicians at the Tabard Inn Restaurant just a few streets from the White House – unless the smell of homemade pop tarts beckon you over the river to Ted’s Bulletin.
- For Asian food. Washington DC’s diverse ethnic mix manifests itself in a selection of mouthwatering Asian restaurants. Go Thai at Little Serow, Chinese at Da Hong Pao or Vietnamese at Simply Banh Mi.
- For fine dining. Quality restaurants are a dime a dozen in the US capital. Choose from The Dabney’s mid-Atlantic menu or visit Mintwood Place for a curious Franco-American fusion.
Best hotels in Washington DC
- The Georgetown Inn. Blessed with the finest Victorian apartments, chic restaurants and walking trails by the canal, it’s no wonder locals consider Georgetown the quintessential Washington DC neighborhood. The centrally located Georgetown Inn is a long-running hotel with a recommended American bar and grill.
- Hyatt Place. On the surface, Bloomingdale is all well-maintained gardens and brick-and-stone row houses. But it packs a lot of fun into its 12 blocks, with open mic nights and award-winning restaurants. Reserve a room at Hyatt Place to see it all from high above at this modern hotel with an outdoor pool, gym and dining.
- Tabard Inn. The Dupont Circle neighborhood delights with its cultural institutions on one hand, and bistros, bars and boutiques on the other. The Tabard Inn is a classic 1800s townhouse with antique-filled rooms – providing the perfect atmosphere for your stay in this neighborhood.
- Darcy Hotel. One of the city’s more culturally diverse spots, U Street and 14th Street was once Duke Ellington’s stomping ground. Today, as the unofficial bohemian quarter, it continues to attract and celebrate artists of all disciplines and walks of life. The upper-midscale, full-service Darcy Hotel is the ideal place to soak it all up.
- The Henley Park Hotel. As the East End hangout for much of the city’s Asian community, Penn Quarter is where you’re guaranteed to find the best Chinese food and art. This stately 1918 hotel is furnished with high-end antiques and offers fine dining.
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