World by City

United States United States

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States, an independent federal district that belongs to no state. Beyond its global political influence, it's notable for being a planned city designed from the outset to serve as the seat of government.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Washington, D.C.
Gateway airport
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Best season
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Time zone
America/New_York
Sights covered
45 places

Sights worth seeing

See all 45 →
White House

Castles & palaces

White House

The official office and residence of the U.S. president, located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Every president since 1800 has lived and worked here, overseeing state affairs and receiving foreign dignitaries.

Washington Monument

Heritage & monuments

Washington Monument

A monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., standing 170 meters tall. From the observation deck at 153 meters, visitors can take in a sweeping view of the city.

Smithsonian Institution

Museums & galleries

Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is a cultural institution in Washington, D.C., founded in 1846 with a bequest from James Smithson. It encompasses numerous museums, galleries, and libraries, offering a wide range of exhibits to explore.

National Gallery of Art

Museums & galleries

National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art is a museum in Washington, D.C. that opened in 1941 with a collection donated by private collectors including Andrew Mellon. It's a favorite among art lovers for its wide range of masterpieces.

Lincoln Memorial

Heritage & monuments

Lincoln Memorial

Located at the western end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this memorial was built to honor President Lincoln. It's also widely known as a symbolic site of the civil rights movement and draws many visitors.

National Mall

Parks & gardens

National Mall

The National Mall is a vast park in the heart of Washington, D.C., home to the Smithsonian museums, galleries, and numerous monuments. With around 24 million visitors a year, it's a popular spot that makes for a great full-day visit.

National Museum of Natural History

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Natural History

A Washington, D.C. museum operated by the Smithsonian Institution, home to dinosaur fossils and artifacts from American history. It's filled with exhibits the whole family can enjoy together.

Washington National Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Washington National Cathedral

A cathedral in Washington, D.C. that belongs to the Episcopal Church. It is considered one of the foremost examples of Episcopal religious architecture.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

Jan
Feb
Mar
13° Apr
18° May
23° Jun
26° Jul
25° Aug
21° Sep
15° Oct
Nov
Dec

Getting there

Check flights to Washington, D.C. first

Pick a departure airport and date to jump straight to results for Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Check fares and seat availability on the flight search site.

Getting around the city

Book transport

Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.

Washington, D.C. Tours & Experiences Booking

Book local tours, tickets, and experiences in advance to enjoy without waiting. Check available products and prices now.

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Local data

Get an eSIM for United States before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Where to stay

See all stays →

Pick your dates — we'll search Washington, D.C. hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Visit stories: Washington, D.C.

Have you been to this city?

Share your visit story with photos you took yourself. Once checked, it goes into the Magazine.

Share your visit story

Guides by theme