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Places / North & Central America / United States

Washington, D.C.

Visited in October 2026

At a glance

Region
District of Columbia
Population
689,545
Best time to go
April to June, September to October
Main airport
Washington Dulles (IAD)
Coordinates
38.89°N, 77.03°W

Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.

Overview

The American capital is a city of grand vistas: white marble memorials, the Capitol dome and the long green lawn of the National Mall tying them together.

Most of the Smithsonian museums are free, so you can spend days moving between dinosaurs, spacecraft and old masters without spending a thing. Beyond the monuments, leafy neighbourhoods like Georgetown and Capitol Hill have row houses, bookshops and a strong restaurant scene.

Things to see

  • National Mall and Lincoln Memorial
    Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 3.0

    National Mall and Lincoln Memorial

    Walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial past the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool, ideally at dusk.

  • National Air and Space Museum
    Photo: ajay_suresh, CC BY 4.0

    National Air and Space Museum

    The Wright Flyer, Apollo 11's command module and a century of flight, free on the Mall.

  • National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Photo: Adam Cuerden, CC0

    National Museum of African American History and Culture

    A powerful, beautifully designed museum tracing history from slavery to civil rights and music.

  • United States Capitol
    Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 3.0

    United States Capitol

    Tour the Rotunda and Statuary Hall beneath the great dome, then cross to the ornate Library of Congress.

    Tickets and tours
  • National Gallery of Art
    Photo: ajay_suresh, CC BY 4.0

    National Gallery of Art

    Masterpieces from Vermeer to Rothko across two buildings, with a sculpture garden outside.

Things to do

Where to stay

Getting around

The Metro is clean and easy, and accepts contactless cards and phones. Distances on the Mall are bigger than they look, so Capital Bikeshare and the city buses save tired legs.

From Dulles, the Silver Line Metro reaches downtown in about 50 minutes. Reagan National (DCA) is much closer, with Metro trains to the centre in around 20 minutes.

When to go

Spring brings the famous cherry blossom around the Tidal Basin in late March or early April, and autumn is mild and clear. Summers are hot and humid, and winters can be cold with occasional snow.

Plan your trip to Washington, D.C.

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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