Below is a list of the top and leading Places to Visit in Washington, DC. To help you find the best Places to Visit located near you in Washington, DC, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Washington, DC’s Best Places to Visit:
The top-rated Places to Visit in Washington, DC are:
- The U.S. Capitol – the seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- The Library of Congress – the world’s largest library, modeled on the Opera House in Paris.
- The Lincoln Memorial – a 19-foot marble statue of a seated and pensive President Abraham Lincoln
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – one of the world’s most popular museums.
- National Gallery of Art – one of the world’s premier art museums and one of the most popular in America.
The U.S. Capitol
The U.S. Capitol is arguably one of the most recognizable symbols and structures in America. It houses the Senate and House of Representatives and is widely known for its dome-like structure that was based on St. Peter’s Basilica. The United States Capitol building has gone through a variety of renovations to preserve and maintain its aesthetic and function. Its interior is lined up with the excellent architecture and artwork like paintings, frescoes, and other forms of art. It is also lined up with statues of historical figures from America’s history. Visitors and tourists can experience exhibitions, tours, and learn a variety of things about DC and the country’s history.
Products/Services:
Visit, exhibitions, education, online learning, tours
LOCATION:
Address: First St SE, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 226-8000
Website: visitthecapitol.gov
REVIEWS:
It is a place you need to see while you visit Washington. It is a historic building with a great atmosphere. Unfortunately, the fence around doesn’t look to get closer. It is also recommendable to take some pictures in the evening. It is a beautiful in do not miss it – Martin Tsanev
The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress’s aesthetic took inspiration from Paris’ Opera House and is considered as the world’s biggest library housing almost 200 items to date. Scheduled tours will have people experience most of its amazing interior, although you can explore portions of the library on your own. Some impressive and well-known items that can be seen here include one of the three Gutenberg Bibles, Thomas Jefferson’s personal library, Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence, and other historical American pieces. If you are a historian or are deep into American history, the Library of Congress is definitely a must-visit place for you.
Products/Services:
Library catalog, digital collections, research
LOCATION:
Address: 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540
Phone: (202) 707-5000
Website: loc.gov
REVIEWS:
One of the most important libraries in the world. You can see it just behind the US Capitol. It is a very beautiful building both inside and outside. It is very clean, safe, and free to go in. Upstairs, there is a corridor with large windows where you can see the inside of the library. Remember to visit their store and buy yourself a book. – Rodrigo Gonzalez
The Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is another one of the most popular and well-known spots in Washington, DC. It is a 19-foot-tall marble statue of President Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln Memorial also has 36 large beams that signify each of the existing states during the time of President Lincoln’s demise. The memorial has also served as an important place where certain historical events took place. These events served as a transition in certain years of the country’s history. Events such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I have a dream” speech was done in the Lincoln Memorial. Tourists and visitors can experience events, exhibitions, and can tour the premises.
Products/Services:
Tours, events
LOCATION:
Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 426-6841
Website: nps.gov/linc
REVIEWS:
What a wonderful experience to have seen this place for another time. I’m glad I was able to bring my children to see the Lincoln Memorial like I did when I was 6 years old. So much detail in this memorial. There wasn’t too much of a crowd and the weather was amazing! – Michelle Phillips
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is the perfect happy place for people who are into aviation and space. It has one of the largest inventories of spacecraft and aircrafts the world has ever seen. The Smithsonian houses the likes of the original Wright Brothers Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 Command Module. Visitors can experience exhibits in a more interactive setting, unlike other museums. It also houses the Albert Einstein Planetarium, a public observatory that also has an IMAX theater in it. Each gallery houses important aviation pieces from the past that will wow any and all visitor.
Products/Services:
Visit, exhibitions, collections, research
LOCATION:
Address: 600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
Phone: (202) 633-2214
Website: airandspace.si.edu
REVIEWS:
There are heaps of reviews here and it’s quite popular I really don’t need to make a review but what the heck one more can’t hurt. It’s awesome to be able to see the monuments and museums at the nation’s capital so if you have some time to check them out!! I love to see the history they have preserved here! – Robert Rohbock
National Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art is considered one of the most premier art galleries and museums in the world. The art gallery is divided into two interconnected wings that house some of the best art pieces in the world. The National Gallery of Art was built from the huge art collection of former Treasure Secretary Andrew Mellon and later became one of the world’s best art museums. The gallery houses paintings, sculptures, and other pieces from the likes of Da Vinci, Renoir, Monet, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other famous artists. If you are an art connoisseur and are in Washington, DC, make sure to visit the National Gallery of Art. You won’t regret it.
Products/Services:
Tours, guides, maps, food and drink, exhibitions, research
LOCATION:
Address: Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565
Phone: (202) 737-4215
Website: nga.gov
REVIEWS:
Exquisite art and sculptures from all around Europe and the US dating centuries back. There is no entry fee. The museum structure is beautiful especially indoor gardens. You can spend as little or much time as you like. – Nancy D.
Alain Atkins is the senior editor for Kev’s Best. Alain has been working as a journalist for nearly a decade having published pieces in many print and digital publications including the Argus Leader and the Huffing Post. Alain is based in St Louis and covers issues affecting his city and state. When he’s not busy in the newsroom, Alain enjoys backpacking.