Washington
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Washington Guide

Explore the best of Washington, District of Columbia, including attractions, local neighborhoods, transportation options, and travel tips to help you plan a smoother trip.

Diving Rock Seaplane Base (07NH) Washington, District of Columbia, United States 44 Live Events Next 90 days

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What are the top attractions in Washington?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
All on Viator →

Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Washington, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.

Book Washington Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
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National MallAttraction
★ 4.8
National Mall
Washington, DC, USA
Explore →139,501 reviews
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryAttraction
★ 4.8
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 2056...
Explore →57,463 reviews
Lincoln MemorialAttraction
★ 4.8
Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Explore →53,990 reviews
Smithsonian's National Air and Space MuseumAttraction
★ 4.6
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
650 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Explore →47,826 reviews
National Museum of African American History and CultureAttraction
★ 4.8
National Museum of African American History and Culture
1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Explore →30,426 reviews
Smithsonian National Zoological ParkAttraction
★ 4.6
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Explore →45,757 reviews
Smithsonian National Museum of American HistoryAttraction
★ 4.7
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Explore →27,417 reviews
National Gallery of ArtAttraction
★ 4.8
National Gallery of Art
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, USA
Explore →20,189 reviews
Washington MonumentAttraction
★ 4.7
Washington Monument
2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Explore →24,116 reviews
United States Holocaust Memorial MuseumAttraction
★ 4.8
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Explore →17,177 reviews
United States Botanic GardenAttraction
★ 4.7
United States Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Explore →18,317 reviews
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing ArtsAttraction
★ 4.8
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566, USA
Explore →11,444 reviews
Museum of the BibleAttraction
★ 4.7
Museum of the Bible
400 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Explore →13,688 reviews
International Spy MuseumAttraction
★ 4.4
International Spy Museum
700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Explore →17,455 reviews
Washington National CathedralAttraction
★ 4.8
Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
Explore →7,063 reviews
United States CapitolAttraction
★ 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
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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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What events are happening in Washington?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
All events →

Quick answer 44 upcoming events in Washington across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.

44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama MusicalEvent
44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama Musical
May 12, 2026
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The Great Gatsby (Touring)Arts & Theatre
The Great Gatsby (Touring)
May 12, 2026
Get Tickets →
44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama MusicalEvent
44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama Musical
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
Clara La San - Chosen Silences TourConcert
Clara La San - Chosen Silences Tour
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
Sam Harris: Truth & ConsequencesArts & Theatre
Sam Harris: Truth & Consequences
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
D.C. United vs Chicago Fire FCSports
D.C. United vs Chicago Fire FC
May 13, 2026
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The Great Gatsby (Touring)Arts & Theatre
The Great Gatsby (Touring)
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
West Side Story w/ Washington National OperaArts & Theatre
West Side Story w/ Washington National Opera
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
Pub Choir Eyes Up! 2026 US TourConcert
Pub Choir Eyes Up! 2026 US Tour
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama MusicalEvent
44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama Musical
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
Joe HisaishiConcert
Joe Hisaishi
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
Carol Ades - Worst Person in the World TourConcert
Carol Ades - Worst Person in the World Tour
May 14, 2026
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Iron & WineConcert
Iron & Wine
May 14, 2026
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The Great Gatsby (Touring)Arts & Theatre
The Great Gatsby (Touring)
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
West Side Story w/ Washington National OperaArts & Theatre
West Side Story w/ Washington National Opera
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama MusicalEvent
44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned, Obama Musical
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
KPOP Club NightEvent
KPOP Club Night
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
Joe HisaishiConcert
Joe Hisaishi
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
No Scrubs: 90s Dance Party EARLY EDITIONConcert
No Scrubs: 90s Dance Party EARLY EDITION
May 15, 2026
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Washington Nationals vs Baltimore Orioles: Hot Dog HatSports
Washington Nationals vs Baltimore Orioles: Hot Dog Hat
May 15, 2026
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BreakfieldConcert
Breakfield
May 15, 2026
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The Great Gatsby (Touring)Arts & Theatre
The Great Gatsby (Touring)
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
West Side Story w/ Washington National OperaArts & Theatre
West Side Story w/ Washington National Opera
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
LeAnn Rimes: 30 Years of Blue - The Voice. The Journey. The TruthConcert
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.

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