What to do and see in Downtown / Chinatown, District of Columbia (DC): The Best Sights & Landmarks

The site of the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre is a working theatre, historical monument, world-class museum and learning center. The theatre produces musicals and plays reflecting the unique, diverse character of American life. With its inspiring theatrical productions, live historic interpretation, and rich collection of artifacts, Ford’s is the premier destination in the nation’s capital to explore and celebrate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. A daytime visit can include the museum, theatre, Petersen House (the house where Lincoln died) and Aftermath Exhibits at the Center for Education and Leadership. Advance tickets are required (convenience fee). From September to May, Ford’s presents evening and matinee productions of renowned plays, vibrant musicals, and newly commissioned works that captivate and entertain while examining political and social issues related to Lincoln’s life and legacy.

A statue of The Lone Sailor peers over this memorial, which consists of a plaza bearing a granite world map flanked by waterfalls and fountains. The heritage center contains exhibits on naval history.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is centered in the 400 block of E Street, NW, and is the nation's monument to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Dedicated on October 15, 1991, the Memorial honors federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation and its people. The Memorial features two curving, 304-foot-long blue-gray marble walls. Carved on these walls are the names of more than 2,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first known death in 1791. Unlike many other memorials in Washington, DC, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is ever-changing: new names of fallen officers are added to the monument each spring, in conjunction with National Police Week in May.

The Church of the Epiphany, established in 1842, is an historic Episcopal church in downtown Washington, DC, located one block from the White House. We are a very diverse Episcopal congregation that is passionate about ministry with downtown poor and downtown workers. At the core of our faith community are hospitality and compassion, worship and music, discernment and social justice. All of our programming is free. Our doors are open from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, for prayer, rest, and to walk our indoor labyrinth.

Built in 1876 and restored and rededicated in 1970, the historic synagogue is now stewarded by the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington. It is open for educational tours, programs, and life-cycle events. Our exhibitions are displayed in venues throughout the region to preserve the authentic feel of the historic space. Contact us to book a tour or rent the sanctuary! The historic synagogue, the oldest in the Washington area, is home to the Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum. Built by Adas Israel Congregation, President Ulysses S. Grant attended the synagogue's dedication in 1876. The congregation outgrew the building in a few decades and sold the building.It stood at Sixth & G Streets, NW, for more than 90 years before being slated for demolition. The Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington helped save the building from the wrecking ball, and in 1969, it was moved three blocks to its present site. Community contributions and a gift from Lillian and Albert Small helped restore the synagogue.

The arena is home to the AFL's Washington Valor, NBA's Washington Wizards, the NHL's Washington Capitals, the WNBA's Washington Mystics and the NCAA's Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball team. Boasting an average of 220 events per year, Capital One Arena is the heart of a $9.2 billion redevelopment that began 19 years ago when the arena was built and opened on Dec. 2, 1997. Since then the privately financed arena has hosted 47 million people and more than 3,915 events.

Owned by the U.S. General Services Administration and managed by TCMA (A Drew Company), the building is the first and only federal property designated for public and private use. As the official World Trade Center, Washington, DC, the building features a premier conference and event center, executive office space, attractions and exhibits, retail, parking, dining and community-focused programming and entertainment. As a one-of-a-kind establishment, we're excited to welcome guests of all kinds. We invite you to explore and experience the sights, sounds and services of this landmark building.

Dedicated in 1924, National Academy of Sciences Building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Albert Einstein Memorial, unveiled in 1979 to commemorate the centennial of the great scientist's birth, is located on the Academy grounds. The building's exhibits are open the public from 9 am - 5pm Monday through Friday.