Washington D.C., United States - Travel Guide

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Plan a free trip to Washington D.C.

Updated: 2026-10-11

Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States, a city rich in history, world-class museums, and impressive monuments. Visit to experience the heart of American politics, learn about the nation's history, and enjoy a rich culture.

Top things to do in Washington D.C.

Things to do in Washington D.C. include Lincoln Memorial, United States Capitol Building, National Air and Space Museum. Here are 15 places worth knowing, with a short note on each.

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A sample 3-day itinerary for Washington D.C.

Here is what 3 days in Washington D.C. look like when the planner builds them - arriving at noon on the first day and flying home at noon on the last. Stops are grouped by proximity so no day doubles back, and the same route can be built for any length, from two days to a week.

Day 1Arrival at noon

Stops
6
Walking
42 min
  1. 1
    Jefferson MemorialTidal Basin
    1 km (🚶 19 min)
  2. 2
    World War II Memorial
    450 m (🚶 8 min)
  3. 3
    Martin Luther King, Jr. MemorialPark
    300 m (🚶 5 min)
  4. 4
    Korean War Veterans Memorial
    350 m (🚶 5 min)
  5. 5
    Lincoln MemorialMemorial · Downtown
    300 m (🚶 5 min)
  6. 6
    Vietnam Veterans MemorialMonument
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Day 2

Stops
5
Walking
50 min
  1. 1
    Holocaust Memorial MuseumMuseum · National Mall
    750 m (🚶 13 min)
  2. 2
    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryNatural history museum · Downtown
    300 m (🚶 4 min)
  3. 3
    National Gallery of ArtArt museum · Downtown
    1.1 km (🚶 15 min)
  4. 4
    Washington MonumentObelisk · Downtown
    900 m (🚶 18 min)
  5. 5
    White HousePresidential palace · Downtown
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Day 3Return at noon

Stops
2
Walking
6 min
  1. 1
    United States Capitol BuildingCapitol building · Capitol Hill
    400 m (🚶 6 min)
  2. 2
    Library of CongressCapitol Hill
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The route assumes the first day starts at noon, after you land, and the last ends at noon, before your flight. It is an example: with your dates the planner builds a route around your landing and your flight home, real opening hours, how you get around and your own preferences.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Washington D.C.?

Lincoln Memorial, United States Capitol Building, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, White House, National Gallery of Art and 9 more. Lincoln Memorial: An impressive monument dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln, with a beautiful view of the Reflecting Pool.

What can you do in 3 days in Washington D.C.?

Day 1: Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial. Day 2: Holocaust Memorial Museum, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Art, Washington Monument. Day 3: United States Capitol Building, Library of Congress.

Which areas should you explore in Washington D.C.?

The itinerary for Washington D.C. runs through Tidal Basin, Downtown, National Mall and Capitol Hill.

Which museums are worth visiting in Washington D.C.?

Museums worth visiting in Washington D.C.: National Air and Space Museum (Downtown), Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Downtown), National Gallery of Art (Downtown), Holocaust Memorial Museum (National Mall) and National Museum of American History (Downtown).

Destinations near Washington D.C.

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