WASHINGTON DC TRAVEL GUIDE: 11 Things to Know Before You Go
Explore the heart of the United States with this guide to Washington D.C.'s essential landmarks, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods. From the halls of power to world-class institutions and culinary delights, discover the best of America's capital.
The White House
The White House is one of the most famous landmarks in Washington DC and is located in the northwest quadrant of the city.
United States Capitol
The US Capitol Building is located at the center of DC, and is open for public tours with advance reservations.
Supreme Court of the United States
The Supreme Court is one of the important historical landmarks and government buildings in Washington DC.
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument requires a ticket to access the elevator to the top, with same-day tickets available and reservations bookable online.
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is a famous memorial in DC located at the end of the reflecting pool.
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution operates 17 free museums and galleries in DC, primarily on the National Mall.
DuPont Circle
DuPont Circle is a circle in DC that is a great place to hang out, take a selfie, and have snowball fights in the winter.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA) is the closest airport to DC, located just across the Potomac River in Arlington, and is connected to the Metro.
Potomac River
The Potomac River is near Ronald Reagan Airport.
Arlington
Arlington is located across the Potomac River from DC, where you can find hotels near the metro.
Washington Dulles International Airport
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is a major airport located about 25 miles west of DC, connected to the metro via the silver line.
Union Station
Union Station is next to the Capitol building and has a basement level food court and sit-down restaurants.
National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian has a cafeteria with great Native American food.
Chinatown
Chinatown has many food options, although not for Chinese food, and also close to Luna Hall Food Hall.
Peking Gourmet Inn
Peking Gourmet Inn is George Bush's favorite Chinese restaurant known for their Peking duck, located in Virginia.
Chinatown Express
Chinatown Express is a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown that makes really good noodles.
Moby Dick House of Kabob
Moby Dick, House of Kabob serves the combo number two, which includes one chicken kebab and one koobideh kebab, with rice and flatbread.
Mastro's Steakhouse
Mastro's Steakhouse is a favorite steakhouse that requires reservations and proper attire.
Five Guys
Five Guys, which started in DC, is a place to find some of DC's best burgers.
Georgetown Cupcake
Georgetown Cupcake is one of the three good cupcake places in Georgetown.
CityCenterDC
City Center DC is a new and upscale shopping area with stores like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Tiffany, located a couple blocks from Chinatown.
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton is located in City Center DC.
Hermès
Hermes is located in City Center DC.
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany is located in City Center DC.
National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum is one of the Smithsonian museums and is currently under construction.
Washington Dulles International Airport
National Air and Space Museum has a second location over by Washington Dulles Airport.
National Museum of Natural History
The National History Museum is one of the Smithsonian museums with cool dinosaurs and fossils.
US Botanic Garden
The US Botanic Garden is right below the US Capitol building, with a conservatory open until 5:00 PM and an outdoor garden open until 7:00 PM in the summer.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is located by the Tidal Basin and features cherry blossoms in March or April.
Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin is located near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and features cherry blossoms in March or April.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is just across the bridge from the Lincoln Memorial, where you can see the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in Arlington National Cemetery, where you can see the daily changing of the guards.
Ford's Theatre
Ford's Theatre still stands, where you can go inside and even see shows.
Abraham Lincoln Museum
The Abraham Lincoln Museum is right next to Ford's Theatre.
Lincoln Waffle Shop
The Lincoln Waffle Shop is on the same street as Ford's Theatre.
FBI Headquarters
The headquarters for the FBI is located near Ford's Theatre.
Ben's Chili Bowl
Ben's Chili Bowl is a classic institution located in U Street where you can get a chili half smoke.
Potomac River
There are a lot of cool walks to do along the Potomac here in Georgetown.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Theodore Roosevelt Island is a nature preserve with paths to walk around.
Key Bridge
Key Bridge is near Theodore Roosevelt Island.
C & O Canal
The C&O Canal, located between M Street and the waterfront in Georgetown, was used for shipping things in and out of DC.
Farragut Square
Farragut Square, a couple blocks from the White House, is where you can take walks down Connecticut Avenue.
National Zoological Park
The Smithsonian Zoo where you can check out the pandas, and take the Red Metro Line back.