Top Rated Attracties in Washington DC

An iconic theater, Ford's Theatre is recognized as the place where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14th, 1865. A century later on January 1968, the theater was reopened again for a performance after being under the management of numerous government organizations including the United States Department of War and National Park Service. Also found within the Ford's Theatre is a Lincoln Museum that displays artifacts from the assassination, including the gun Lincoln was shot with. Mementos from Lincoln's life are also on display.

The Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens is the legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post, a famous socialite and founder of General Foods. Consisting of numerous rooms, this mansion dates back to the 1920s and houses an outstanding collection of art, jewelry and other decorative artifacts that belonged to her. View rare Faberge eggs, historic portraits, exquisite tapestries and priceless ceramics, among others, at this stunning museum. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the landscaped estate, which notably features a French parterre garden, a rose garden, and even a cemetery that inters many of Post's pet dogs.

Originally intended as a small reference library, the Library of Congress is now home to the second largest collection of books and reading materials in the world, second only to the British Library. The collections comprises close to a 100 million items, including rare documents such as a Gutenberg Bible, early drafts of the Declaration of Independence and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The splendor of the magnificent Main Reading Room is just one of the attractions worth a visit at the Library of Congress. Browse through the many excellent exhibits on display in the library's three buildings, participate in a guided tour, or attend any of the concerts, lectures and other events hosted here. The library's collection is open to all who hold a valid Reader Identification Card, however materials cannot be taken outside the library premises. Other than the mind-blowing collection on display, the interiors of this centuries old building is equally mesmerizing. Huge, vaulted ceilings with classic frescoes and designs, ivory pillars of Greek design and the irreplaceable heritage surrounding the place makes it one of the most iconic locations in the country.

Skirted by the surging waters of Rock Creek, the National Zoological Park is a forerunner for the title of America's finest wildlife facilities. It was created by Congress in 1889, making it one of the oldest zoos in the country. The zoo was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also designed the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and New York's Central Park. The zoo is famous for its giant pandas from China but you will find all sorts of creatures, both familiar and exotic. The zoo's Asia Trail gets you acquainted with fishing cats, clouded leopards and other Asian animals. Also, the zoo is home to the Elephant Trails, Lemur Island, Cheetah Conservation and Great Cats, where you can witness mighty lions and tigers in action. Birds and reptiles from across the world also call the Smithsonian National Zoological Park their home.

One of the largest cathedrals in the world, the National Cathedral is more than an Episcopal cathedral; it is a national shrine. Being the site of several significant memorial services, the cathedral lives up to its role of a ‘spiritual home for the nation’. The final Sunday sermon delivered by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is only one among the many notable historic moments that the cathedral has witnessed. The flying buttresses, gargoyles, crypts, an enormous vaulted ceiling and intimate chapels all contribute to this architectural marvel. Furthermore, the curving walkways, well-kept hedges and spacious lawns invite exploration. When in Washington, a visit to this national treasure simply cannot be missed.

Tucked beside the United States Capitol in Washington is the highest authority in the US Judiciary, the Supreme Court of United States. This grandiose Corinthian structure was completed in 1935, and was laid out keeping in mind the Judicial and Court structures of the United States. The white marble facade of the building immediately inspires respect and the magnificent yet sober interiors speaks volumes about the elegance and gravitas of the country's highest judiciary.