With 1.7 million international tourists and 20.2 million total visitors annually, Washington, D.C., is one of America's most popular tourist destinations. The city is popular for good reason, offering something for everyone—from tours of iconic buildings like the Capitol and the White House to a collection of museums displaying art, human history, and natural history. Here's a list of must-see destinations in the nation's capital!

Government Buildings

• United States Capitol- Tours are led by professional guides who walk visitors through the Capitol's Crypt, National Statuary, and iconic Rotunda to look at the historical statues and art that decorate the building while learning about the history of the Capitol.
• The White House- Tours of the White House are self-guided and cover the public rooms in the East Wing and the rose garden. Before visiting tourists must submit a request at least 21 days before their trip, but no more than 90 days before.
• Library of Congress- At 1.5 million square feet, the Library of Congress is regarded as one of the largest libraries in the world. The library is home to millions of books, movies, photographs, newspapers, manuscripts, and audio recordings, and features 20 reading and research rooms. One of the most iconic parts of the Library is the historic Great Hall constructed of marble and stained glass.

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Museums

• Museum of American History- One of the most iconic museums in the country, the museum is home to exhibits ranging from military history to pop culture. Its notable artifacts include George Washington's uniform, 27 dresses from various First Ladies, and Dorothy's red slippers from The Wizard of Oz.
• National Art Gallery- The National Art Gallery is home to many iconic works of art, notably Ginevra de' Benci, one of less than twenty of Leonardo Da Vinci's surviving paintings. The gallery includes works from Van Gogh, Monet, Raphael, Botticelli, and historic pieces such as Marie Antoinette's writing desk and an ancient Roman mosaic.
• National Portrait Gallery- Home to 220,000 works of art from the 8th century to the present, the National Portrait Gallery is a must-see for art lovers. The museum has official presidential portraits, portraits of Frieda Kahlo, Harriet Tubman, and other notable people in American culture.
• National Museum of Natural History- The most popular museum in DC, the National Museum of Natural History holds over 146 million specimens, boasting an impressive collection of rocks, minerals, cultural artifacts, and animals. It's home to the iconic Hope Diamond and numerous dinosaur skeletons.
• National Air and Space Museum- The National Air and Space Museum houses 26 exhibitions ranging from military history to space exploration. From parts of the Apollo 11 to the Wright Brothers's original place, the Air and Space Museum remains one of DC's most popular.
• National Museum of African American History and Culture- This is the biggest museum of black history in the United States and is the only national museum dedicated to celebrating and documenting African American culture and history. The museum is home to numerous artifacts from the likes of Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Chuck Berry, Kobe Bryant, and many more!
• National Museum of the American Indian- The NMAI is home to an extensive array of photographs, artifacts, and media that educate about and celebrate Native American culture. The museum is also known for its distinct interior design, featuring nature motifs, no sharp corners, and a unique feeling compared to other museums in DC.

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Landmarks & Memorials

• Vietnam Memorial- The Vietnam Memorial features two statues depicting soldiers, and a large wall carved with the names of the over 58,000 men and women who died in the war. The memorial is a place to pay respect to fallen soldiers, grieve and reflect.
• World War 2 Memorial- The World War 2 Memorial is seated on the eastern side of the Reflecting Pool and features 56 granite pillars decorated with bronze laurel wreaths. Each wreath symbolizes US states and territories, and the memorial has a pair of small arches for the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. The memorial wall is covered in gold stars to represent fallen soldiers, and overall, the memorial is a place to honor the millions of people who supported the war effort.
• Jefferson Memorial- Peering over the Tidal Basin, the Jefferson Memorial holds a 19-foot statue of Thomas Jefferson holding the Declaration of Independence, and the building has carvings of Jefferson's iconic quotes.
• Lincoln Memorial- The iconic Lincoln Memorial stands at an impressive 192 feet high, with the statue of Lincoln being 19 feet tall. The memorial has Lincoln's Gettysburg and Second Inaugural addresses etched into the walls and overlooks the Reflection Pool. The landmark is seen as a symbol of freedom and is one of the most iconic spots in Washington DC.
• Arlington Cemetery- Arlington Cemetery is the largest military cemetery in the US, with 400,000 veterans and President John F. Kennedy buried there. Today the cemetery is a place for people to pay their respects, grieve, and reflect on American history.

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Quick Tips:

• Plan ahead of time- Since some government buildings require reservations, it's a good idea to plan before your visit. Additionally, many buildings, including the Smithsonian museums, have a lengthy list of prohibited items, so it's a good idea to look over this before going.
• Get a rechargeable smarTrip card- Taking the DC metro is one of the easiest ways to move around the city, and a smarTrip card is the easiest way to handle fees. They only cost $10 and can be used at all metro stations in DC.
• Wear comfortable shoes- A trip to DC requires walking numerous miles to get around and bringing a good pair of walking shoes is a must-have for any visit.
• Bring a reusable water bottle- Many vendors across the city will try to overcharge tourists for water, so it's a good idea to bring a reusable bottle and save money.