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22 guides, prices checked 25 October 2026

The best things to do in DC

The National Mall memorials, the Smithsonian museums, the US Capitol and the monuments at night. Here is what is free and what to book, with honest advice on paying for what is free, tours that run shorter than promised and getting your money back.

See the best things to do
The Washington Monument at dawn, reflected in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall
Short answer

The top things to do in DC are the National Mall memorials, the US Capitol and the Smithsonian museums, and most are free. Capitol tours are free, and the Mall is open 24 hours. Pay for a tour where it helps: the memorials at night, or a guide inside the Capitol and the Library of Congress.

Our 8 picks for things to book in DC

Six tours and tickets we would book, then two with an honest note. All eight show free cancellation on GetYourGuide.

  • The round Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress, seen from the gallery from €58 per person Our top pick

    3 hours 4.7 (1,678) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Capitol Hill and Library of Congress tour

    A licensed guide walks you around Capitol Hill. Your ticket covers a docent-led tour inside the Capitol and reserved entry to the Library of Congress. You stop outside the Supreme Court; you can go in on select days only. The guide speaks English, with booklets in French, German or Spanish.

    Best for A first visit, without booking the Capitol yourself

    Check availability: Capitol Hill and Library of Congress tour on GetYourGuide
  • The Pacific arch of the World War II Memorial lit up at night, above the dark pool from €54 per person

    2 h 30 min 4.6 (1,619) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Monuments by moonlight trolley tour

    A trolley takes you past the memorials lit up at night. You get two 30-minute stops on foot: the Lincoln, Vietnam and Korean War memorials, then the FDR and MLK memorials. The listing says the Iwo Jima stop is skipped while a bridge is closed. A World War II Memorial stop takes its place.

    Best for Seeing the memorials lit up at night

    Check availability: Monuments by moonlight trolley tour on GetYourGuide
  • The white marble Supreme Court Building with a US flag in front from €42 per person

    3 hours 4.8 (62) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress tour

    You meet at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Your Capitol tickets are arranged for you, and a docent shows you the Rotunda, Statuary Hall and the Crypt. You also visit the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress. The tour ends with a walk through the US Botanic Garden.

    Best for All three Capitol Hill sights in one go

    Check availability: Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress tour on GetYourGuide
  • The Washington Monument seen from its base, with a US flag in front from €22 per person

    1 hour 4.5 (234) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Washington Monument reserved-time ticket

    This is not a guided tour. You get a reserved entry time and a digital guidebook. The listing itself says the National Park Service does not charge for Monument tickets. So you pay for not having to get the free ticket yourself. Everyone still goes through security at the Monument.

    Best for You missed the free online tickets or the morning line

    Check availability: Washington Monument reserved-time ticket on GetYourGuide
  • from €27 per person

    45 minutes 4.2 (214) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Potomac River sightseeing cruise

    A 45-minute cruise with commentary, from Washington Harbour at 3050 Water St NW in Georgetown. You see the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Memorial Bridge from the water. Drinks and snacks cost extra. The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users.

    Best for Seeing the monuments from the water

    Check availability: Potomac River sightseeing cruise on GetYourGuide
  • from €31 per person

    45 minutes 4.1 (153) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Potomac sunset cruise

    The same 45-minute river trip, timed for sunset, from the same pier in Georgetown. There is a bar on board, but drinks and snacks cost extra. The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users.

    Best for An easy evening on the water

    Check availability: Potomac sunset cruise on GetYourGuide
  • from €40 per person

    24, 48 or 72 hours 3.95 (2,715) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Hop-on hop-off bus with Arlington audio tour

    Open-top double-decker buses run two routes with 18 stops, for 24, 48 or 72 hours. The commentary is recorded, not live, and an app shows where the buses are. Rated under 4.0 on GetYourGuide (3.95 from 2,715 reviews), so read the listing before you book.

    Best for Getting between spread-out sights

    Check availability: Hop-on hop-off bus with Arlington audio tour on GetYourGuide
  • from €24 per person

    1 h 30 min 3.52 (30) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Bubble Planet immersive ticket

    An indoor stop at 524 Rhode Island Ave NE, with more than 10 bubble-themed rooms and a bubble pool. You book a time; plan on about 1.5 hours. Rated under 4.0 on GetYourGuide (3.52 from 30 reviews).

    Best for A rainy-day indoor stop

    Check availability: Bubble Planet immersive ticket on GetYourGuide

Every Washington, DC guide

Each guide compares the tours and tickets for one sight, activity or day trip, with official prices first.

Monuments, museums & the Capitol

City tours, cruises & food

Day trips & planning

Our picks side by side

Our picks side by side
Tour or ticketFromDurationWho it suitsWhy we picked it
Capitol Hill and Library of Congress tour 4.7 (1,678)€58
per person		3 hoursA first visit, without booking the Capitol yourselfRated 4.7 from 1,678 reviews, the most-reviewed Capitol tour here.
Monuments by moonlight trolley tour 4.6 (1,619)€54
per person		2 h 30 minSeeing the memorials lit up at nightTwo long stops on foot, not just a drive past.
Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress tour 4.8 (62)€42
per person		3 hoursAll three Capitol Hill sights in one goRated 4.8 from 62 reviews, with the Botanic Garden at the end.
Washington Monument reserved-time ticket 4.5 (234)€22
per person		1 hourYou missed the free online tickets or the morning lineThe fallback when the free tickets are gone.
Potomac River sightseeing cruise 4.2 (214)€27
per person		45 minutesSeeing the monuments from the waterNo free option does this.
Potomac sunset cruise 4.1 (153)€31
per person		45 minutesAn easy evening on the waterThe calmest way to end a day of walking.
Hop-on hop-off bus with Arlington audio tour 3.95 (2,715)€40
per person		24, 48 or 72 hoursGetting between spread-out sightsThe most-reviewed bus pass, with an honest note.
Bubble Planet immersive ticket 3.52 (30)€24
per person		1 h 30 minA rainy-day indoor stopAn indoor option, with an honest note.

  • Capitol Hill and Library of Congress tour

    €58 per person3 hours 4.7 (1,678)

    Details
    Who it suits
    A first visit, without booking the Capitol yourself
    Why we picked it
    Rated 4.7 from 1,678 reviews, the most-reviewed Capitol tour here.

  • Monuments by moonlight trolley tour

    €54 per person2 h 30 min 4.6 (1,619)

    Details
    Who it suits
    Seeing the memorials lit up at night
    Why we picked it
    Two long stops on foot, not just a drive past.

  • Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress tour

    €42 per person3 hours 4.8 (62)

    Details
    Who it suits
    All three Capitol Hill sights in one go
    Why we picked it
    Rated 4.8 from 62 reviews, with the Botanic Garden at the end.

  • Washington Monument reserved-time ticket

    €22 per person1 hour 4.5 (234)

    Details
    Who it suits
    You missed the free online tickets or the morning line
    Why we picked it
    The fallback when the free tickets are gone.

  • Potomac River sightseeing cruise

    €27 per person45 minutes 4.2 (214)

    Details
    Who it suits
    Seeing the monuments from the water
    Why we picked it
    No free option does this.

  • Potomac sunset cruise

    €31 per person45 minutes 4.1 (153)

    Details
    Who it suits
    An easy evening on the water
    Why we picked it
    The calmest way to end a day of walking.

  • Hop-on hop-off bus with Arlington audio tour

    €40 per person24, 48 or 72 hours 3.95 (2,715)

    Details
    Who it suits
    Getting between spread-out sights
    Why we picked it
    The most-reviewed bus pass, with an honest note.

  • Bubble Planet immersive ticket

    €24 per person1 h 30 min 3.52 (30)

    Details
    Who it suits
    A rainy-day indoor stop
    Why we picked it
    An indoor option, with an honest note.
  • None of the 8 includes hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point.
  • All 8 offer free cancellation.
  • Prices and ratings as shown on GetYourGuide on 25 October 2026. Prices are "from" prices in euros and can change; the booking page shows the live price.

Our top 10

Top 10 things to do in DC

The big sights first. Each one shows what it costs and, where it helps, the tour or ticket we would book.

  1. The seated statue of Abraham Lincoln inside the Lincoln Memorial

    The National Mall memorials

    The National Mall is open 24 hours a day. The Lincoln, World War II, Vietnam, Korean War, MLK, FDR and Jefferson memorials all stand along it.

    Free, and no ticket needed.

  2. The red sandstone Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall, with autumn trees in front

    The Smithsonian museums

    The Smithsonian says its museums are free to enter. Many are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but each museum sets its own hours.

    Free. Some museums use timed passes.

  3. The US Capitol with its white dome above a green lawn and trees

    A US Capitol tour

    All Capitol tours are free. The Visitor Center is open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Our pick: Capitol Hill and Library of Congress tour, from €58 per person

  4. The Washington Monument seen from the air, with the green National Mall and the city around it

    The Washington Monument

    Entry is free with a timed ticket. Online tickets come out about 30 days ahead and cost a $1 fee each.

    Our pick: reserved-time ticket, from €22 per person

  5. The carved stone pediment and columns of the National Archives Building

    The National Archives

    Entry is free and you need no ticket. It is open every day, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    Free. A $1 timed ticket is optional.

  6. The north side of the White House behind its lawn and fountain, with trees on both sides

    A White House tour

    White House tours are free. You ask for one through your Member of Congress, 7 to 90 days ahead.

    Free. Ask your Member of Congress.

  7. Rows of white headstones on a green slope at Arlington National Cemetery

    Arlington National Cemetery

    The cemetery is open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its Metro stop is a 5-minute walk from the main gate. Tram tours leave every 20 minutes.

    Take the Metro to the Arlington Cemetery stop.

  8. The World War II Memorial lit up at night, its pillars reflected in the pool

    The memorials at night

    The memorials stay open 24 hours, so you can walk them after dark. The Park Service also lists ranger-led night walks.

    Our pick: Monuments by moonlight trolley tour, from €54 per person

  9. A path under autumn trees beside the Potomac River in Washington, DC

    A Potomac River cruise

    A 45-minute cruise leaves from Washington Harbour in Georgetown. You see the Lincoln Memorial and the Kennedy Center from the water.

    Our pick: Potomac River sightseeing cruise, from €27 per person

  10. A prairie dog eating hay at the Smithsonian National Zoo

    The National Zoo

    Entry is free, but everyone needs an entry pass, even babies. The grounds are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Free with an entry pass.

Must-see things to do in Washington, DC and what they cost

Most must-see sights in Washington, DC cost nothing. The table shows the official price next to the tour we would book, so you never pay for something that is free.

Official price and our pick, checked 25 October 2026
SightOfficial priceHow to get inOur pick
Washington MonumentFree, plus a $1 fee per ticket onlineTimed ticket on recreation.gov, about 30 days ahead, or same-day tickets on site from 8:45 a.m.Reserved-time ticket, from €22
US CapitolFreeBook at visitthecapitol.gov, or walk up by 2:30 p.m. for the next tourGuided Capitol Hill tours, from €42
National ArchivesFree; a $1 timed ticket is optionalWalk in, daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.None needed
White HouseFreeAsk your Member of Congress, 7 to 90 days aheadNo tour can sell entry
Smithsonian museumsFree, the Smithsonian saysWalk in; some museums use timed passesNone needed
Arlington National CemeteryNot stated on the cemetery siteMetro to the Arlington Cemetery stop, a 5-minute walkHop-on bus with Arlington audio tour, from €40
The Potomac RiverNo free boat tripCruises leave from GeorgetownSightseeing cruise, from €27
  • Monument ticket: you pay for a reserved time when the free tickets are gone. It is not a tour.
  • Capitol tours: you pay for a guide on the grounds, and tickets you don't book yourself.
  • Arlington bus: you pay for the ride and a recorded audio tour, not for entry.
  • Cruise: you pay for the boat. There is no free way to see DC from the river.

Things to see in Washington, DC for free

You can fill several days in Washington, DC without paying for entry. These sights are free, as their own websites say.

  • The National Mall and its memorials: open 24 hours, from the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial.
  • US Capitol tours: all tours are free.
  • White House tours: free, through your Member of Congress.
  • The National Archives: free, with an optional $1 timed ticket.
  • The Washington Monument: free, plus a $1 fee per ticket if you book online.
  • The Smithsonian museums: free to enter, the Smithsonian says.
  • The National Zoo: free, but everyone needs an entry pass.
  • The White House Visitor Center: free, at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW.
  • The Udvar-Hazy Center: the air and space museum in Chantilly, Virginia, is free. Parking costs $15.

Fun things to do in DC beyond the monuments

The fun side of DC is on the water, after dark and indoors. Here is what each kind of tour is good for. Our guides above compare them one by one.

  • River cruises: see the memorials and the Kennedy Center from a boat.
  • Night tours: ride between the lit-up memorials after dark.
  • Ghost tours: hear DC's spooky stories on a walk at night.
  • Segway and bike tours: cover the long Mall faster than on foot.
  • Food tours: taste your way through a neighborhood.
  • Bubble Planet: an indoor stop on a rainy day, from €24. It rates under 4.0 on GetYourGuide.

Fun things to do in DC for adults

For a night out, take the Potomac sunset cruise: the listing says it has a fully stocked bar on board. Or see the memorials by moonlight on the night trolley tour. Both are among our picks above.

Things to do in DC tomorrow or next week

Even at short notice, you can still see most of DC. The Mall and its memorials are open 24 hours, and these sights let you in on the day.

  • Washington Monument: a few same-day tickets are handed out on site from 8:45 a.m., with no fee.
  • US Capitol: walk-up visitors join the next tour with space. Arrive by 2:30 p.m.
  • National Archives: no ticket needed. In busy times, the line can take an hour or more without one.
  • Library of Congress: same-day tickets for the Jefferson Building come out at 9 a.m.
  • Tours: all eight of our picks show free cancellation, so booking for next week is low risk.
  • No events calendar: we keep none. Check each sight's own website for closures on the day you go.

Booking tips for Washington, DC

  1. Get Monument tickets early

    Book on recreation.gov about 30 days ahead. Or line up on the day: same-day tickets come out from 8:45 a.m.

  2. Ask early for the White House

    Send your request through your Member of Congress 7 to 90 days ahead. Visitors from other countries need a passport.

  3. Pack light for the Capitol

    Bags bigger than 18 x 14 x 8.5 inches are not allowed. Neither are food and drinks.

  4. Check what's included

    Read the "includes" list on each listing. The night trolley tour, for example, skips its Iwo Jima stop while a bridge is closed.

  5. If your plans change

    Each card shows its own cancellation terms. All eight of our picks show free cancellation on GetYourGuide.

Questions people ask about Washington, DC

What are the best things to do in Washington, DC?
Walk the National Mall memorials, take a free US Capitol tour and visit the Smithsonian museums. Go up the Washington Monument with a free timed ticket. Then see the memorials lit up at night, on foot or on a tour.

When is the best time to visit Washington, DC?
For the cherry blossoms, go in late March or early April: the Park Service says peak bloom most often falls then. Most sights are open all year. The Washington Monument closes only on December 25, and the Capitol is closed on Sundays and some holidays.

Where should I stay in Washington, DC as a tourist?
Stay in Penn Quarter and Downtown on a first visit. The Hilton Garden Inn there is 1 mile from the National Mall. For more areas and hotels, see Where to stay in Washington, DC.

Are the museums and monuments in Washington, DC free?
Mostly, yes. The Smithsonian says its museums are free, and the Mall's memorials are open 24 hours at no cost. Capitol, White House and National Archives visits are free too. The Washington Monument is free, with a $1 fee per ticket online. Mount Vernon is not free: its site listed $28 for adults, on a page still showing 2025 prices.

More things to do in Washington, DC

More things to do in Washington, DC, with live prices and availability straight from GetYourGuide.

See every Washington, DC tour with today's prices and open dates on GetYourGuide.

Browse all on GetYourGuide

Browse all of them on GetYourGuide

Sources (19), facts checked on 25 October 2026

Written by the Things to Do in Washington DC editorial team.