Top Things to do in Washington DC
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What to do and see in Washington DC, District of Columbia (DC): The Best Government Buildings
Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country.
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1. Supreme Court
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,480 reviews
A Corinthian-style building where the final guardians of the Constitution deliberate.
Reviewed By cordyroy - Naples, United States
Walking around this beautiful building you are constantly reminded the history is being made with every decision passed down from the Supreme Court of the United States. The introductory film was very interesting and the lecture given in the courtroom was very informative. Both spoke to the process by which a case is presented to and decided upon by the court.
2. Library of Congress
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,003 reviews
Though the Library of Congress doesn't own every book ever published, it sure has most of them, with 532 miles of shelves and 115 million items, with 7,000 added each working day.
Reviewed By MrsBear49 - Poole, United Kingdom
As part of our visit to the Capitol building we saw there were tunnels leading to the Library of Congress so decided to explore. It is a beautiful building and it is important to remember to look up at the ceilings which are very decorative. The library offers lots of wonderful photo opportunities and also houses the books of Thomas Jefferson along with a number of other interesting exhibitions including a beautifully preserved Gutenberg Bible. The actual library is not accessible but can be seen from the viewing gallery. The amazing thing is that all this is free.
3. Smithsonian Institution Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,538 reviews
The world's largest museum and research complex is actually comprised of 19 museums and the National Zoo, with subjects that vary from African Art to the postal service, sculpture to space exploration.
Reviewed By 877jacquif
The Castle, site of the Smithsonian Museums’ Visitor Centre, is like a heavenly haven in the heat of a mid-summer visit to the National Mall. Located near the middle of the south side of the Mall, it’s perfectly placed either to get your bearings at the start of a visit to the Smithsonian Museums, or to take a break out of the sun in summer (or the cold in winter presumably). There is handy info there on all the other museums and a shop selling souvenirs from across the museum estate. There’s also a small café serving beverages and cakes and crisps and so on. Don’t expect to get a big nutritious meal there, but you will find snacks which will keep body and soul together until your next meal. The loos are also a bonus. There wasn’t a lot of info there about the building itself, which was (just so you know) designed by James Renwick Jr, who’s also responsible for a lot of the churches in Manhattan, and completed in 1855. Parts of it later burned down in 1865; the blaze taking with it all of Smithson’s letters. But it opened again in about 1867 and is now a great place to stop off on the National Mall.
4. U.S. Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,954 reviews
The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The Senate and the House of Representatives have met here for more than two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government.
Reviewed By Kittygal - Los Angeles, United States
Just back from my second DC trip. In addition to the general tour of the capitol, I highly recommend the additional tours offered. I've done the Senate murals tour (last spring), which shows the opulent and colorful murals that grace the Senate chamber halls, and the new Votes for Women tour (last week), which focuses on the centennial of the passage of the 19th Amendment. Both tours were excellent. And they can be smaller and more personal, too. You can see what's being offered by checking the Visitor's Center calendar on its website. Tour tickets (free) are available at the info desk each morning. You can come by first thing and get a pass and then go do something else (I went to the Supreme Court for oral arguments last week and returned for my tour at 1:00). Or you can get a bite at the cafeteria (try the Senate bean soup!)
5. Department of State
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By SOBO101
If you have an interest in where the Diplomats meet at the Department of State, this is a 45 minute tour for you. Apply to visit, online, in advance. You will learn about and see period furniture and art. The rooms are beautiful. And you will learn a little history as well.
6. Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By Beukel
When we visited the White House Christmas tree side, we can’t help noticing this beautiful building. We entered the lawb and able to walk on the garden and also visited the memorial in front. Such a remarkable infrastructure indeed!
7. Senate and House Office Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By TSANAND1976 - Hyderabad, India
A magnificent building which is a must see in the US Capital. The place can be accessed by a short walk from the Union Station, else any cab will take you there. The Building itself is impressive but not as Gigantic and marvellous as Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi or Parliament in New Delhi. However the place is very neatly maintained. In order to go into the senate one must reach by morning 8AM and the number of visitors are restricted. It is important that the entry ticket must be retained till the visit is over and I repeat do not throw it away. The short film gives a insight to the History of USA. The guided tour was excellent and specially the main hall. Overall an excellent and must visit place in Washington DC.
8. The Pentagon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,214 reviews
The headquarters of the United States Department of Defense are housed in the massive Pentagon, whose five wedge-shaped sections represent the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Reviewed By stacywanderlust - Nashville, United States
The Pentagon tour was very structured and informative. The tour guides are military personnel and deeply care about their duty to inform the public of the history of the military branches. The tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon was very moving. No photos are allowed during this tour. There is a small gift shop but it wasn't opened at the time of my tour. I recommend this tour for anyone interested in military history.
9. White House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8,112 reviews
One of America's most recognizable historical and political symbols is also the home and office of the President of the United States.
Reviewed By GPTravel73 - Kingswinford, United Kingdom
Whilst in Washington DC you cannot miss the opportunity to see the White House, to go inside, you need to book at least three months in advance and if you are British you will need to contact the american emabssy in London first. Across the road from the White House, is the White House Gift shop which is well stocked with many gifts / souvenirs, a couple of blocks down from the gift shop is the White House Visitors Centre, so if you don't get access to the White House itself this is the next best thing. Glad we were able to make it, take plenty of photographs but at the time of this review the White House is having new fencing / barricades erected hence views may be restricted.
10. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 958 reviews
Headquartered in D.C., this is where money is printed.
Reviewed By tvlmama721 - Salt Lake City, United States
Go visit! Great tour to see where your paper money is made. Good 40-ish minute tour for kids and adults. Gift shop with unique merchandise. Visited this week and there was no waiting and our tour group only had 6 people! You can arrange a tour ahead of time through your Congressperson or Senator's office. I think you can also do walk ups during the slow season. This is in area with Holocaust Museum and the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial which could be incorporated into the same day's visit.
