Washington DC
A curated guide to Washington DC, United States: 8 top sights, 8 standout places to eat, where to stay, and a sample itinerary.
What to see
- National Mall 4.8★ (140,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Lincoln Memorial 4.8★ (54,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Washington National Cathedral 4.8★ (7,100 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History 4.8★ (58,000 reviews) · Natural history museum
- National Gallery of Art 4.8★ (20,000 reviews) · Art museum
- National Museum of African American History and Culture 4.8★ (31,000 reviews) · National museum
- United States Botanic Garden 4.7★ (18,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Washington Monument 4.7★ (24,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
Where to eat
- maman 4.8★ (3,000 reviews) · Coffee shop
- La Grande Boucherie DC 4.7★ (5,800 reviews) · Restaurant
- Le Diplomate 4.6★ (8,000 reviews) · Restaurant
- Tryst 4.3★ (2,400 reviews) · Coffee shop
- Tatte Bakery & Cafe | West End 4.3★ (2,100 reviews) · Cafe
- VUE Rooftop 4.1★ (2,300 reviews) · Restaurant
- Ebenezers Coffeehouse 4.5★ (1,400 reviews) · Coffee shop
- The Dabney 4.6★ (1,300 reviews) · Mid-Atlantic restaurant (US)
Where to drink
- Jack Rose Dining Saloon 4.6★ (2,400 reviews) · Cocktail bar
- Service Bar DC 4.6★ (863 reviews) · Bar
- The Crown & Crow 4.6★ (699 reviews) · Bar
- Silver Lyan 4.7★ (508 reviews) · Cocktail bar
- Allegory 4.3★ (681 reviews) · Cocktail bar
A sample 3-day shape
Day 1
- Morning: National Mall
- Afternoon: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Dinner: maman
- Nightcap: Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Day 2
- Morning: Lincoln Memorial
- Afternoon: National Gallery of Art
- Dinner: La Grande Boucherie DC
- Nightcap: Service Bar DC
Day 3
- Morning: Washington National Cathedral
- Afternoon: National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Dinner: Le Diplomate
- Nightcap: The Crown & Crow
This is a starting shape — plan your own Washington DC trip →
Frequently asked
How many days do you need in Washington DC?
With 17 notable sights and 13 standout eateries, 2–4 days covers the essentials at a relaxed pace.