Washington, D.C.

Walk the National Mall at Dawn

The National Mall is one of the world's great public spaces — the Lincoln Memorial reflected in the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument's perfect obelisk at dawn, and the Capitol dome lit at the far end. Visit at dawn or dusk to avoid crowds and experience the monuments in the most atmospheric light. All monuments are free and open 24 hours.

Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture

The most important new museum built in America in decades — a stunning bronze-cladded building on the Mall that tells the full story of African American history, from slavery through the Civil Rights Movement to the present. Free admission but timed-entry tickets required (book weeks in advance). Allow a full day.

Tour the National Gallery of Art

Two connected buildings housing one of the world's finest art collections, entirely free of charge. The West Building covers Medieval through early 20th century including da Vinci's portrait of Ginevra de'Benci (the only Leonardo in the Americas), Vermeer's Girl with the Red Hat, and Impressionist masterpieces. The East Building features modern and contemporary art.

See the Capitol and Congress

Free tours of the US Capitol Building are available through your Congressman's office or the Capitol Visitor Center. The building's Rotunda, Statuary Hall, and Old Chamber are extraordinary spaces. The Capitol Visitor Center beneath the East Front Plaza provides exhibits on the history of Congress. The Supreme Court across the street is also free to visit when not in session.

$70-100/day

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$350-1500+/day

National Mall & Capitol Hill

The ceremonial heart of Washington stretches 1.9 miles from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, flanked by Smithsonian museums on both sides. Capitol Hill extends east from the Capitol with the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and the vibrant Eastern Market neighborhood with its weekend farmers market and antiques bazaar.

Georgetown

Washington's oldest neighborhood predates the city itself, a charming enclave of Federal-era brick townhouses, elegant restaurants, boutiques along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, and the Georgetown Waterfront Park along the Potomac River. Georgetown University gives the neighborhood a youthful energy. The C&O Canal towpath provides excellent walking and cycling from Georgetown through the Maryland countryside.

Dupont Circle & Adams Morgan

Dupont Circle is Washington's most cosmopolitan neighborhood — Victorian townhouses, independent bookstores (Kramer Books), art galleries, outdoor cafes, embassies, and excellent restaurants. The Sunday farmers market at the circle is among the city's best. Adams Morgan to the north is a lively, diverse neighborhood with Ethiopian restaurants, dive bars, and independent music venues.

The Wharf & Navy Yard

Washington's newest waterfront districts along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. The Wharf is a gleaming mixed-use development with excellent restaurants, live music venues (The Anthem), and water taxis. Navy Yard near Nationals Park baseball stadium has become DC's most popular nightlife and dining district for young professionals.