Top Rated Attractions in Washington DC

The Sidney Harman Hall is a majestic 774-seat theater in the heart of Washington DC and forms a part of the Harman Center of the Arts. Suitable for dance and music events, organizers can choose from the proscenium, thrust, semi-arena or bare stages, depending on the show. It is acoustically designed to suit dramas, plays and even live chamber music concerts. The venue along with the Lansburgh Theatre on the 7th Street is home to the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

The Music Center at Strathmore has been hosting music shows since 1981. World class performances by local, national and international talents take place here. Several organizations, each unique in their own way, host concerts spanning numerous genres from folk and jazz to rock and pop, thus offering something for every music taste here. Concerts are held at one of the many spaces featured on the premises of this expansive venue. These include the Concert Hall and the Rehearsal Rooms.

This club somewhat resembles Dr. Frankenfurter's laboratory in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The large, open space features a bar and a chest-high stage with a rather impressive sound and lighting system. Four bars are located throughout the venue, serving premium draft and bottled beer. Light snacks are also available for when those late night hunger pangs start kicking in. You can relish a wide range of items like sandwiches, wraps, paninis and sweets among many others during your visit to 9:30 Club.

The Kennedy Center is a must-see for any visitor. The center consists of Concert Hall, Eisenhower Theater, Family Theater, KC Jazz Club, Opera House, Terrace Theater and the Theater Lab, which show productions that include plays, operas, ballets, concerts and films. Among the center's highlights include the Shakespeare Festival produced by the Shakespeare Theatre. Free tours introduce visitors to the Hall of States, Hall of Nations, the main theaters and gifts from many countries honoring the 35th president.

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.

This is perhaps the best-known venue in Washington for jazz and blues performances. The club is tucked away in lower Georgetown, near the C&O Canal. A number of national acts can be seen here, and the atmosphere is sleek and sophisticated. The place bills itself as a "Jazz Supper Club," and the food is almost as good as the music, much of it is Creole-inspired. On most nights, artists perform two sets, but occasionally a third set is added on the weekend. The cover charge changes each night.