Top Rated Attractions in Washington DC

Part of the original design for the federal city, this massive park stretches from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and around the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial. It has played host to many momentous, world-changing events throughout history including the 1963 March on Washington, the Million Man March and several presidential inaugurations. Today, the National Mall serves as a place for reflection, a memorial to American heroes, a symbol of freedom and a forum for the exercise of democracy. The Smithsonian museums, the Vietnam Memorial, the Reflecting Pool and the iconic Washington Monument are some of the most well-known of the National Mall's many iconic sites. Certainly, any visit to Washington DC should start with a tour of the United States National Mall, aptly named "America's front yard."

The pristine facade, elegant dome, and porticoes of the Capitol Building are a symbol of the principles held dear by the nation's founding fathers and an emblem of representative democracy. Home to the Legislative Branch of the United States Federal Government, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, this iconic neoclassical building attracts many curious tourists from all over the world. Guided tours of the Capitol offer a glimpse into the everyday workings of government officials and the intricacies of its rich interiors. Offering a lesson about the nation's history and its electoral procedures, this monument continues to inspire awe and wonder.

Meridian Hill Park in Washington showcases a rich tapestry of European park styles, seamlessly blending elements of French Baroque and Renaissance designs. The park's enchanting landscape is adorned with waterfalls, pools and meandering pathways, with the Cascading Waterfall standing out as a prominent and picturesque feature. Throughout the year, cultural events and gatherings enhance the park's vibrant atmosphere, making it a cherished destination for both locals and tourists. Adjacent to this verdant oasis lies the historic Adams-Morgan neighborhood, renowned for its diverse culinary scene and eclectic array of shops, offering visitors a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration.

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 collection comprises close to 100 million items, including rare documents such as the 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 are equally mesmerizing. Huge, vaulted ceilings with classic frescoes and designs, ivory pillars of Greek design, and the irreplaceable heritage surrounding the place make it one of the most iconic locations in the country.

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.

The monumental cornerstone of the United States presidency, the White House, is the formal abode and headquarters of the President of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, this gleaming neoclassical structure was originally referred to as the Presidential Mansion before Theodore Roosevelt lovingly bestowed upon it the moniker of 'White House'—a name that would go on to signify not only the physical structure but the entire collective unit that comprised the President and his advisers. While John Adams was the first incumbent of this official home, several leaders that followed added their own elements to its interiors, the most noteworthy being the comprehensive redecoration carried out by former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of erstwhile President John F. Kennedy. Today, the central building of the White House comprises the Executive Residence, while the rest of this colossal structure consists of a total of 132 rooms, a tennis court, a putting green, 35 bathrooms, a cinema, and a bowling alley named after Harry S. Truman.