Overview

The District of Columbia—better known as Washington, D.C.—is the capital of the United States and a city filled with monumental history, political power, and vibrant culture. While it’s not a state, D.C. offers world-class museums, iconic landmarks, international cuisine, and diverse neighborhoods. It’s a place where history is made, and visitors can walk in the footsteps of presidents, activists, and visionaries.

  • Capital: Washington, D.C. (itself the capital of the U.S.)
  • Largest Cities: Washington, D.C. is a single city and district
  • Population: ~700,000 (2024 est.)
  • Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC−5) / EDT (Daylight Saving)
  • Climate: Humid subtropical — hot, humid summers and chilly, mild winters

Top Destinations in Washington, D.C.

National Mall

A grand stretch of monuments and memorials connecting the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.

Smithsonian Museums

Free-entry world-renowned museums including the Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, and more.

Capitol Hill

Home to the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court.

Georgetown

A charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets, upscale shopping, and historic waterfront views.

Dupont Circle & U Street

Trendy, diverse districts known for nightlife, dining, art galleries, and jazz heritage.

Must-See Attractions

  • Lincoln Memorial – An iconic tribute to Abraham Lincoln
  • Washington Monument – Towering obelisk offering panoramic city views
  • U.S. Capitol Building – The seat of American legislative power
  • Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Space shuttles, aircraft, and moon rocks
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial – A powerful monument to civil rights and leadership

Things to Do

  • Tour national monuments and memorials by day or night
  • Visit world-class museums—all free under the Smithsonian Institution
  • Explore neighborhoods like Georgetown, Adams Morgan, and Capitol Hill
  • Attend a congressional session or Supreme Court hearing (when in session)
  • Take a paddleboat ride or stroll around the Tidal Basin, especially during cherry blossom season

Getting There & Around

Major Airports

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), Dulles International (IAD), Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)

Transport

  • Metrorail and Metrobus systems make getting around easy
  • Biking and walking are great options—D.C. is very pedestrian-friendly
  • Rental cars not usually needed unless exploring beyond the city

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (Mar–May): Cherry blossoms, mild temps, and outdoor festivals
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak tourist season with concerts and events
  • Fall (Sep–Nov): Crisp air, fewer crowds, and vibrant foliage
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Peaceful museums, holiday lights, and occasional snow

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: A global food scene influenced by embassies and diverse communities
  • Specialties: Half-smokes (DC-style sausage), mumbo sauce, jumbo slice pizza, crab cakes
  • Drinks: Craft cocktails, local coffee shops, and D.C.-based breweries
  • Events & Festivals:
  • National Cherry Blossom Festival (Spring)
  • Fourth of July on the National Mall
  • Smithsonian Folklife Festival
  • Capital Pride
  • H Street Festival

Souvenirs from D.C.

  • U.S. Capitol or White House-themed gifts
  • Cherry blossom or monument art prints
  • Books from the Library of Congress gift shop
  • Local handmade crafts or artisanal food items
  • Political humor T-shirts, mugs, or buttons

Fun Facts

  • D.C. is not a state, but a federal district created in 1790
  • The Washington Monument is 555 feet tall, once the tallest structure in the world
  • No building in D.C. is allowed to be taller than the Capitol Dome
  • The city is home to 176 foreign embassies and missions
  • More than 20 million people visit D.C. annually

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Classic Monuments & Museums

  • Day 1: National Mall – Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, and Smithsonian Museums
  • Day 2: Capitol Hill – U.S. Capitol tour, Library of Congress, and Eastern Market
  • Day 3: Georgetown – shop, dine, and walk along the historic waterfront

5-Day D.C. Deep Dive

  • Day 1: Monuments by Moonlight – twilight walking tour
  • Day 2: Museums – Natural History, Air & Space, and African American History
  • Day 3: Capitol Hill and Supreme Court – guided tours
  • Day 4: Neighborhoods – U Street jazz, Adams Morgan eats, Dupont Circle galleries
  • Day 5: Day trip to Mount Vernon or Arlington National Cemetery

Cities

  • Washington D.C.