Find Car Rentals in Washington
What are the top attractions in Washington?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Washington, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.
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★ 4.8
National Mall
Washington, DC, USA
Explore →139,501 reviews
★ 4.8
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 2056...
Explore →57,463 reviews
★ 4.8
Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Explore →53,990 reviews
★ 4.6
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
650 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Explore →47,826 reviews
★ 4.8
National Museum of African American History and Culture
1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Explore →30,426 reviews
★ 4.6
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Explore →45,757 reviews
★ 4.7
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Explore →27,417 reviews
★ 4.8
National Gallery of Art
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, USA
Explore →20,189 reviews
★ 4.7
Washington Monument
2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Explore →24,116 reviews
★ 4.8
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Explore →17,177 reviews
★ 4.7
United States Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Explore →18,317 reviews
★ 4.8
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566, USA
Explore →11,444 reviews
★ 4.7
Museum of the Bible
400 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Explore →13,688 reviews
★ 4.4
International Spy Museum
700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Explore →17,455 reviews
★ 4.8
Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
Explore →7,063 reviews
★ 4.7
United States Capitol
Washington, DC 20004, USA
Explore →4,845 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Washington?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
Quick answer Top tour formats in Washington include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.
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Book →Hop-On Hop-OffWalking ToursFood ToursDay TripsBoat CruisesSkip-the-LinePrivate ToursAdventure ToursPhotography ToursNight Tours
Hop-On Hop-Off BusHop-On Hop-Off Bus in Washington
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Food and Wine ToursFood and Wine Tours in Washington
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City Walking ToursCity Walking Tours in Washington
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Day TripsDay Trips in Washington
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Boat and CruisesBoat and Cruises in Washington
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Skip-the-LineSkip-the-Line in Washington
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Private ToursPrivate Tours in Washington
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Nightlife ToursNightlife Tours in Washington
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Photography ToursPhotography Tours in Washington
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Helicopter ToursHelicopter Tours in Washington
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Where to eat and go out in Washington?
Restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Quick answer Browse top-rated restaurants, nightlife venues, and live shows happening now in Washington. Listings ranked by traveler ratings; tickets and tables bookable directly through partner sites.
Where to Eat
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar$$
★ 4.9
Old Ebbitt Grill$$
★ 4.6
Founding Farmers DC$$
★ 4.5
The Hamilton$$
★ 4.5
Zaytinya$$$
★ 4.5
Le Diplomate$$$
★ 4.6
Unconventional Diner$$
★ 4.6
Westfield WheatonRestaurant
★ 4.2
Nightlife
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab$$$
★ 4.6
The Fillmore Silver Spring$$$
★ 4.5
Kramers$$
★ 4.5
DAIKAYA$$
★ 4.4
Barcelona Wine Bar$$
★ 4.5
The Dubliner Restaurant$$
★ 4.4
Yard House$$
★ 4.3
Ruthie's All-Day$$
★ 4.6
Shows & Events
44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama MusicalMay 12
The Great Gatsby (Touring)May 12
44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama MusicalMay 13
Clara La San - Chosen Silences TourMay 13
Sam Harris: Truth & ConsequencesMay 13
D.C. United vs Chicago Fire FCMay 13
The Great Gatsby (Touring)May 13
West Side Story w/ Washington National OperaMay 13
Where can I shop in Washington?
Malls, markets, and retail districts
Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Washington from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.
★ 4.4
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
1100 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.4
Tanger Outlets National Harbor
6800 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, USA
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★ 4.5
Union Market
$$
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★ 4.2
Mall at Prince George's
3500 East-West Hwy, Hyattsville, MD 20782, USA
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★ 4.5
Eastern Market
$$
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★ 4.5
CityCenterDC
825 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
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★ 4.4
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.3
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.1
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 4.6
Trader Joe's
$$
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★ 4.4
Eden Center
6751-6799 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22044, USA
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★ 4.0
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 3.8
Walmart
$
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★ 4.3
Whole Foods Market
$$$
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★ 3.8
Walmart Supercenter
$
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What events are happening in Washington?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
Quick answer 44 upcoming events in Washington across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Event44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama Musical
May 12, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Great Gatsby (Touring)
May 12, 2026
Get Tickets →
Event44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama Musical
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
Clara La San - Chosen Silences Tour
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
Sam Harris: Truth & Consequences
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
D.C. United vs Chicago Fire FC
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Great Gatsby (Touring)
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
West Side Story w/ Washington National Opera
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertPub Choir Eyes Up! 2026 US Tour
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
Event44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama Musical
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
Joe Hisaishi
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
Carol Ades - Worst Person in the World Tour
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertIron & Wine
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Great Gatsby (Touring)
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
West Side Story w/ Washington National Opera
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
Event44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama Musical
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventKPOP Club Night
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
Joe Hisaishi
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertNo Scrubs: 90s Dance Party EARLY EDITION
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
Washington Nationals vs Baltimore Orioles: Hot Dog Hat
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertBreakfield
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Great Gatsby (Touring)
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
West Side Story w/ Washington National Opera
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
LeAnn Rimes: 30 Years of Blue - The Voice. The Journey. The Truth
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
Event
MAY
12
44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama Musical
450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC
Arts & Theatre
MAY
12
The Great Gatsby (Touring)
1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW , Washington, DC
Event
MAY
13
44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama Musical
450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC
Concert
MAY
13
Clara La San - Chosen Silences Tour
815 V Street N.W. , Washington, DC
Arts & Theatre
MAY
13
Sam Harris: Truth & Consequences
513 13th St NW, Washington, DC
Sports
MAY
13
D.C. United vs Chicago Fire FC
100 Potomac Ave. SW, Washington, DC
Arts & Theatre
MAY
13
The Great Gatsby (Touring)
1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW , Washington, DC
Arts & Theatre
MAY
13
West Side Story w/ Washington National Opera
2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC
Concert
MAY
13
Pub Choir Eyes Up! 2026 US Tour
1215 U St NW, Washington, DC
Frequently asked questions about Washington
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Washington?
Washington offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Washington?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Washington, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Washington?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Diving Rock Seaplane Base (07NH).
When is the best time to visit Washington?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Washington?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Washington?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.