Washington, DC is often associated with historic monuments and government buildings—but take a closer look, and you’ll discover one of America’s most vibrant cities. From free museums to lively, culturally rich neighborhoods filled with shops and cafés, DC has something for everyone. Dive into this guide for the top things to do in Washington, DC and explore the city's hidden gems.
Washington, DC is a hub for world-renowned museums and galleries. The Smithsonian Institution consists of 17 museums, galleries and a zoo, including the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Portrait Gallery and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, to name a few. Then there is the National Gallery of Art, whose collection includes some 150,000 paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, decorative arts and new media that trace the development of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present. You can check out its free exhibits and programs, including lectures, tours, concerts, films and family activities, year-round.
Don’t miss a trip to the National Museum of Women in the Arts either, the first museum in the world that is solely dedicated to championing women in the arts. Their collection highlights a wide range of works in a variety of mediums by artists, including Louise Bourgeois, Lalla Essaydi, Lavinia Fontana, Frida Kahlo, Hung Liu, Zanele Muholi and Faith Ringgold.
Planet Word is the only museum in the United States that is dedicated to renewing and inspiring a love of words and language. Located in the historic Franklin School on the corner of 13th and K Streets, it uses state-of-the-art technology in its interactive galleries and exhibits to bring words and languages to life in all sorts of fun ways. Case in point: the “Speaking Willow” tree murmurs words in hundreds of languages as one passes under its branches. The “Word Worlds” room allows guests to “paint” with words; simply choose a word like “verdant” or “luminous” and see the room transform all around you with colour, sound and motion. Then there is “Lexicon Lane,” an immersive puzzle-solving experience where visitors uncover clues hidden among quirky shops and landmarks to solve mysteries. You might spend most of your day at Planet Word—but it’s time well spent.
A walking architectural tour of the charming Georgetown area is one of the top things to do in Washington, DC. Established 50 years before the capital’s formation, Georgetown got its start as a gritty port city on the banks of the Potomac River. Despite modest beginnings, it eventually came to have the most expensive and desirable property in the District. Home to palatial mansions, elegant cemeteries, stately churches and a world-class university, visitors can explore the highlights and secrets of the capital’s most exclusive neighborhood with DC Design Tours.
There is no better way to spend an evening in Washington, DC than by catching a live performance. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is widely considered to be the most prestigious performance venue in DC. Presenting the best in theater, ballet, dance, hip hop, jazz, contemporary music, comedy, opera, symphony and more, the Kennedy Center is a place where diverse art forms collide to break down boundaries between audiences and art. The Millennium Stage features free performances most evenings, while the permanent immersive exhibit, Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy, is open daily.
From white-tablecloth award-winners to hole-in-the-wall favorites, Washington, DC serves up something for every appetite. There are plenty of top restaurants to try, such as Ben’s Chili Bowl for their iconic chili half-smokes; Anju, a Korean restaurant serving contemporary comfort eats; Casa Teresa for Spanish cuisine; Perry’s Restaurant for their low-key rooftop and killer Japanese menu; the fast-casual restaurant, RASA, that whips up delicious Indian meals; and Colada Shop, a local Cuban café that has delicious coffee and sandwiches.
Every nook and cranny of the city abounds with beloved shops selling all sorts of keepsakes and curated goods. Check out Book Hill and Cady’s Alley in Georgetown, where you will find antique shops, funky boutiques and specialty stores. Visit Downtown DC’s CityCenter for designer brands and high-end stores like Gucci, Tiffany & Co, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin and more. Dupont Circle offers consignment steals at Secondi, Tiny Jewel Box for vintage jewelry, and Kramers and Fantom Comics for books. Explore The Wharf for independent bookstores like Politics & Prose, Shop Made in DC for wearables and wares from the local community of creators, and Patrick's Fine Linens and Home Décor for upscale home goods, luxury linens and unique furniture.
Fly to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) from India via Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Doha, Dubai or London. The airport is easily accessible to and from the city on the Metro's Silver line.
Plan your Washington, DC getaway with ThomasCook today.
Produced in partnership with Washington, DC and Visit The USA. Scan/click here to book your trip with Thomas Cook.