buildings to tour in dc

25 Historic Buildings in Washington, DC

The historic buildings of Washington, DC preserve the past and offer a fascinating glimpse into the changes in architecture and daily American life since the early settlement of the nation's capital. Here is a guide to the 25 oldest and most significant Washington, DC historic landmarks, in order of date of construction.

Mount Vernon Estate

1674 (land granted to John Washington, great-grandfather of George)

Mount Vernon, Virginia. The 500-acre estate of George Washington and his family includes a 14-room mansion that is beautifully restored and furnished with original objects dating back to the 1740's. Visitors can tour the outbuildings, including the kitchen, slave quarters, smokehouse, coach house, and stables. The historic site is located along the shores of the Potomac River and is the most scenic tourist attraction in the Washington, DC area.

Old Stone House

3051 M St. NW Washington, DC. Located in the heart of Georgetown, the oldest known private home in Washington, DC is preserved to demonstrate everyday life for the average citizen during this time. The historic house is maintained by the National Park Service and is open to the public.

U. S. Capitol

Taylor McIntyre / TripSavvy

E. Capitol St. and First St. NW Washington, DC. One of the most recognizable historic buildings in Washington, DC is the U. S. Capitol building. Since its original construction, the building has been built, burnt, rebuilt, expanded and restored. The Capitol Complex includes the Capitol Building itself, the House and Senate Office Buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden , the Capitol Grounds, the Library of Congress buildings, the Supreme Court Building, the Capitol Power Plant, and various support facilities.

White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC. Although construction of the White House began while George Washington was president, he never lived in it. President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, were the first residents of the White House. The important Washington, DC landmark serves as the President’s home and office. There are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels.

U.S. Treasury Building

15 St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC. The historic Gregorian-style building, located to the east of the White House, was burned and rebuilt several times during the 1800s. It is the third oldest federally occupied building in Washington DC, preceded only by the Capitol and the White House. At the time that it was built, it was one of the largest office buildings in the world. It is five stories tall and sits on 5 acres with a landscaped garden.

Dumbarton House

2715 Q St. NW Washington, DC. The historic house in Georgetown was originally the home to Joseph Nourse, first Register of the U.S. Treasury. Today it is owned by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America and serves as a museum displaying an outstanding collection of Federal period (1790-1830) furniture, paintings, textiles, silver, and ceramics.

Sewall-Belmont House

144 Constitution Ave. NE Washington, DC. The National Historic Landmark located on Capitol Hill is the headquarters of the National Woman's Party and was the home of its founder Alice Paul. The museum offers educational programming and is open for public tours.

The Octagon Museum

1799 New York Ave. NW Washington, DC. This building was designed by Dr. William Thornton, the first architect of the U.S. Capitol. It was part of the Pierre L'Enfant plan to establish a residential section of the federal city. During the War of 1812, the Octagon served as a temporary home for James and Dolley Madison after the White House was burned. Later, the building served as a girls school, the Navy Hydrographic Office, and headquarters for the American Institute of Architects. Today, the historic building serves as a museum of architecture, design, historic preservation, and the early history of Washington, DC.

Arlington House

Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. The home of Robert E. Lee and his family serves as a memorial to this important historical figure that helped restore America after the Civil War. About 200 acres of the land that occupies Arlington National Cemetery was originally the property of the Lee family. Arlington House sits atop a hill, providing one of the best views of Washington, DC.

The Willard Hotel

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, DC. The historic luxury hotel has been a central gathering place for elegant dinners, meetings and gala social events for more than 150 years. The Willard is a Washington institution that has hosted almost every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce in 1853.

Tudor Place

1644 31st St. NW Washington, DC. The federal era mansion was built by Martha Washington's granddaughter, Martha Custis Peter and was the home to six generations of the Peter family. Today, the historic home offers house tours, garden tours, and special events.

Decatur House

748 Jackson Pl. Washington, DC. Located just steps from the White House, one of the oldest homes in Washington, DC features Federalist and Victorian style furnishings and exhibits that explore 200 years of Washington, DC history.

Ford's Theater

517 10th St NW Washington, DC. The historic Ford's Theatre, where Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, is a national historic landmark and also functions as a live theater. The building was used for several different purposes until it was restored in 1968. The Peterson House, the rowhome where Lincoln died, sits across the street. It is open to the public and is furnished with period pieces of that time.

National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum

750 9th St. NW, Washington, DC. The U.S. Patent Building was restored as a vital part of the redevelopment of the Penn Quarter neighborhood of downtown Washington, DC. The building houses two museums in one building. The National Portrait Gallery presents six permanent exhibitions of nearly 20,000 works ranges from paintings and sculpture to photographs and drawings. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is the home of the largest collection of American art in the world including more than 41,000 artworks, spanning more than three centuries.

Smithsonian Castle

1000 Jefferson Dr. SW Washington, DC. The Victorian style, red sandstone building was originally the home of the first Secretary of the Smithsonian, Joseph Henry, and his family. The building is the oldest one on the National Mall and it served as the first Smithsonian exhibit hall from 1858 until the 1960s. Today, it houses the Smithsonian’s administrative offices and the Smithsonian Information Center.

Old Ebbitt Grill

675 15th St. NW Washington, DC. The oldest saloon in Washington, DC, features upscale American cuisine in a Victorian setting. It is a popular gathering spot for politicians, congressional interns, journalists, and tourists.

Renwick Gallery

Pennsylvania Ave. and 17th St. NW Washington, DC. The French Second Empire style building was designed by architect James Renwick Jr. to house the private art collection of Washington banker and philanthropist William Wilson Corcoran. By 1897, Corcoran's collection had outgrown the building and the gallery was moved to its current location across the street. The U.S. Court of Claims took over the Renwick Building in 1899. In 1972, the Smithsonian restored the building to be used as a gallery of American art, crafts, and design. It was refurbished again in 2000.

Eastern Market

7th St. & North Carolina Ave. SE Washington, DC. The historic market is one of the few public markets left in Washington, DC. A fire destroyed the market's original South Hall in 2007 and it is currently being restored. A temporary structure is being used across the street at the Hine Junior High School playground. The farmers market offers fresh produce and flowers, delicatessen, baked goods, meat, fish, poultry, cheese, and dairy products. On weekends, the Farmers Market moves outdoors. Arts & Crafts Fairs are held on Saturdays and The Flea Market attracts a crowd on Sundays.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

1411 W St. SE Washington, DC. Frederick Douglass, the famous abolitionist, and advisor to Lincoln, bought this house in SE Washington, DC in 1877. The year that it was built is unknown. The National Historic Site was recently restored and reopened in 2007. The home and the grounds are open to the public. Reservations are required.

Washington Monument

 Taylor McIntyre / TripSavvy

15th St. and Constitution Ave. NW Washington, DC. Construction of the Washington Monument began in 1848. However, the memorial was not completed until 1884, due to lack of funds during the Civil War. The monument honors the memory of President George Washington and is an important historic site and landmark on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

National Building Museum

401 F St., NW Washington, DC. Housed in the former Pension Bureau building, this historic structure is recognized as a marvel of architectural engineering. The Great Hall is impressive with its Corinthian columns and ​a four-story atrium. The museum in downtown Washington, DC examines America's architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning.

Eisenhower Executive Office Building

17th St and Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC. Located next to the West Wing, this building houses a majority of the offices for the White House staff. The impressive structure, a fine example of the French Second Empire style of architecture, was originally built for the State, War and Navy Departments.

Corcoran School of Art and Design

500 17th St. NW Washington, DC. The historic building was established as a private art gallery to house the extensive collection of Washington banker and philanthropist, William Wilson Corcoran (partner of the bank Corcoran & Riggs).

Union Station

TripSavvy / Victoria Chamberlain

50 Massachusetts Ave. NE Washington, DC. The city's train station is a beautiful historic building with exquisite features such as 50 foot Constantine arches and white marble flooring. Union Station is a transportation hub for the region as well as an upscale shopping destination.

Carnegie Library

801 K St. NW Washington, DC. The early 20th-century Beaux-Arts style building was the District of Columbia’s main library from the early 1900s until 1972. In 1980, it was partially renovated to serve as a part of the University of the District of Columbia. Beginning in 1999, the building was restored and in 2003 opened as the City Museum of Washington, DC. Sadly, the museum did not draw enough interest and closed. The building is currently used as the home of the Historical Society of Washington, DC and is available to rent for special events.

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Written by Becca Blond and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Whether you are marveling at its white marble monuments and memorials, learning about history in one of its free museums, or getting a feel for how locals live in one of its vibrant neighborhoods, Washington, D.C. emits a pulsating energy not found anywhere else in the U.S. The District of Colombia is a city you can explore dozens of times and have a completely different experience with each visit.

Designed by Pierre-Charles L'Enfant at the request of George Washington, America's capital city sits on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. It is located on land specifically set aside after the Revolutionary War to keep the federal government from being in a single state.

L'Enfant planned D.C. to feel larger than life with its wide avenues, inspirational marble buildings, public squares, and a magnificent "public walk" that is the National Mall. The city is split into four quadrants: NW, NE, SW, and SE and its layout is a street grid intersected by avenues.

First-time visitors flock to its list of must-see attractions like the White House, Capitol Building, and museums, monuments, and memorials, perfectly spaced along its park-style National Mall. But beyond these famed attractions, you will find another DC. One ruled by locals and influenced by the host of long-term international residents, that is filled with eclectic neighborhoods including U Street , Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and Georgetown.

This is a city where you can eat your way across the world's food scene in the space of a few miles. It is also a city that boasts a world-class arts scene and outdoor experiences from paddleboarding on the Potomac River to walking or biking along the C&O Canal towpath.

If you can avoid visiting DC in the summer, do so. Besides being unpleasantly hot and humid, summers are when you'll see the biggest crowds. The best times to visit Washington are spring and autumn.

Plan your trip to the nation's capital with our list of the top attractions in Washington, D.C.

1. United States Capitol and Capitol Hill

2. the lincoln memorial, 3. national mall and veterans memorials, 4. the white house, 5. the washington monument, 6. national air and space museum, 7. national gallery of art, 8. united states holocaust memorial museum, 9. library of congress, 10. national museum of natural history, 11. national museum of american history, 12. national museum of african american history and culture, 13. jefferson memorial and tidal basin, 14. the john f. kennedy center for the performing arts, 15. national zoological park, 16. national archives, 17. international spy museum, 18. arlington national cemetery, 19. washington national cathedral, 20. georgetown historic district, 21. smithsonian american art museum and national portrait gallery, 22. u.s. botanic garden, 23. u street corridor, 24. the wharf, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to washington, d.c., best time to visit washington, d.c..

Recognized around the world as a symbol of the United States, the Capitol is the seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The huge dome, based on the dome of St. Peter's in Rome, stands out above all other Washington buildings.

Like Washington itself, the building has grown over the years since the central portion was built between 1793 and 1812. The last addition, in 1958-62, enlarged the main façade where presidents take the oath. On the other side, a marble terrace offers beautiful views over the mall and the city.

The interior is resplendent with frescoes, reliefs, and paintings, especially the rotunda under the great cast-iron dome with a ceiling painting by Constantino Brumidi and huge paintings of scenes from American history on the walls. Beside it is the former Chamber of the House of Representatives, with statues of leading historical figures. The small Senate Rotunda leads into the beautifully restored Old Senate Chamber, where the Senate met until 1859, and the Supreme Court until 1935.

When free tours resume, they can be reserved online and begin at the visitor center on the lower floor, where there is an interesting exhibition on the building's history. Free tours on weekday afternoons explore the ornate paintings on the walls and ceilings of the corridors in the Senate wing, designed by Brumidi between 1857 and 1859. To visit the Senate or House in session, you need to contact your Senator or Representative for a pass; foreign visitors can arrange visits through the visitor center.

East of the Capitol are the Supreme Court Building; the Library of Congress; and Folger Shakespeare Library, home of the world's largest collection of the printed works of William Shakespeare .

The Capitol Hill neighborhood extends southeast, with the lively Eastern Market, a farmers market with craft vendors, as well.

The best-loved of all Washington's memorials, the Lincoln Memorial stands at the far end of the mall, separated from the Washington Monument by the Reflecting Pool. At its center is a 19-foot marble statue of a seated and pensive President Abraham Lincoln surrounded by 36 columns, one for each of the states that existed at the time of Lincoln's death. This is the most famous work designed by noted sculptor Daniel Chester French. Jules Guerin painted the murals on the inside walls, showing important events in Lincoln's life.

Since its completion in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial has been the scene of a number of historic events. In 1939, when the all-white Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) refused to let celebrated African American singer Marian Anderson perform at a concert in nearby Constitution Hall, President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt arranged for her to give an open-air concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, attended by 75,000 people and broadcast to millions of radio listeners.

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I have a dream..." speech from the memorial steps in 1963, again making history here.

Visiting this and other Mall monuments is one of the favorite things to do in Washington, D.C. at night. The monuments are all lighted, and many, like the Lincoln Memorial, are open 24 hours. The statue of Lincoln is especially powerful lighted at night inside the darkened interior of the temple and framed by the floodlit white columns.

The spacious swath of lawns and pools that form a wide greenbelt from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial is also the site of many of Washington's landmark buildings and monuments. Most prominent at its center point is the Washington Monument , and war memorials include those to veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial , a poignant wall inscribed with the names of all American servicemen and women who lost their lives or are missing, is one of Washington's most visited memorials. The nearby Vietnam Women's Memorial has a bronze sculpture of three servicewomen helping a wounded soldier. The Korean War Veterans Memorial contains 19 steel sculptures of soldiers. The newest, American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial was dedicated in 2014.

If you look at a Washington, D.C. attractions map, you'll notice that many of them line the National Mall, so you're likely to spend a lot of time here. Along with providing a park for walking, running, and picnicking, the Mall is a place for celebrations and festivals. Best known of these is the annual Independence Day celebration with fireworks around the Washington Monument.

Also in July, the Smithsonian American Folk Life Festival fills the Mall with music, crafts, performances, storytelling, cultural programs, and food from various regions around the country. The Smithsonian Kite Festival is held here in late March or early April.

On summer evenings, you can often find military bands performing at venues along the Mall. The US Navy Band has concerts at the Capitol steps overlooking the Mall on Mondays and on Tuesdays at Navy Memorial. The US Air Force Band performs on the capitol steps on Tuesdays and at the Air Force Memorial on Fridays.

Location: Between Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue, Washington, D.C.

The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. The home of every president except George Washington, it was originally built by James Hoban in 1792, and after being burned down by British forces in 1814 was rebuilt in 1818.

Although tours of the interior that include the East, Blue, Green, and Red Rooms; the Ballroom; and the State Dining Room must be reserved well in advance through your Congressional office or embassy, every tourist to Washington will want to see this iconic building, at least from the outside.

The free White House Visitor Center , a short distance away, has excellent interactive exhibits, which show details about the White House and the presidential families. It includes furniture of past presidents, a model of the residence, historical changes, and videos with insights from presidents about their time living there.

The Ellipse , a 54-acre stretch of lawn stretching to Constitution Avenue, hosts summer concerts by the US Army Band. Next door to the White House are the elaborate 1833 Greek Revival Treasury Building and the 1871 Executive Office Building , one of the most striking old government buildings in Washington. From Lafayette Square, one of the city's best-known, statues of Lafayette and others overlook the White House.

Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/whho/index.htm

The 555-foot white shaft of the Washington Monument is a familiar icon of the National Mall, and a beautiful sight, especially when mirrored in the long Reflecting Pool at its foot. Construction of the obelisk to honor the nation's first president did not proceed smoothly. The plan was approved by Congress in 1783, but ground wasn't broken until 1848.

When the tower reached 156 feet in height in 1854, political wrangling and lack of funds stopped the project for several years, and the Civil War caused further interruption so that the tower was not capped until 1885, when it was finally completed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

You can still see the separate stages of its building by three changes in the color of its facing stones; inside are engraved stones from states, cities, foreign countries, individuals, and civic groups, many of them donors who helped in its private funding stages. You can take an elevator to the very top for aerial views over the mall and much of Washington. The base of the monument is surrounded by a circle of 50 American Flags.

Address: 15th & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

The National Air and Space Museum is one of the world's most popular museums, with a collection of history-making air and spacecraft that includes the original 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer and Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis , the first plane to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

More recent flight history is represented here by the Apollo 11 command module , part of the first manned lunar landing mission. Permanent and changing exhibitions illustrate the science, history, and technology of aviation and space flight, covering topics like the use of air power in both world wars, the space race, flight pioneers, and up-to-the-minute flight and space technology.

Many of the exhibits are interactive, and all contain actual historical objects, such as a moon rock you can touch. Not only do permanent exhibits illustrate the history, they show the how and why of flight and space science, explaining how things fly, how jet engines work, and what keeps the International Space Station in orbit.

In addition to the exhibits, there is the Albert Einstein Planetarium , an IMAX theater, and the Public Observatory on the east terrace, where you can examine lunar craters and see planets and other astronomical features through telescopes. Flight simulators (fee charged) allow kids and adults to fly combat missions with aerial maneuvers like 360-degree barrel rolls or experience naval aviation in an F-18 Super Hornet.

The museum is also the home of the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, adjacent to Dulles Airport, and has even more historic aircraft and space exploration artifacts, including a Concorde and the space shuttle Discovery . You can watch from observation walkways through the hangars where experts are restoring historic aircraft.

The Air and Space Museum is currently undergoing a seven-year makeover that will transform not only the arrangement of 23 galleries, but the way it interprets the history and science of flight. During renovations, a number of the exhibits will be closed, so if particular exhibits are of special interest, you can consult the museum's website to find out if they are open.

Address: 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.nasm.si.edu

Housed in two separate buildings connected by a tunnel, the National Gallery of Art is one of the world's premier art museums and one of the most popular in the U.S. Based on the sizable collection of financier and later Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, its large and diverse collection includes masterpieces of European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts.

Frequent temporary exhibitions add to this outstanding permanent collection to highlight arts from cultures around the world. Among the highlights is Ginevra de Benci, the only Da Vinci painting in any American museum. Others include works by major French Impressionists - Monet, Degas, and Renoir -- and other masterpieces by Rembrandt, El Greco, and Vermeer.

The newer East Wing features sculptures by Henry Moore, a mobile by Alexander Calder, and other modern works. Free concerts are held at the National Gallery on Sunday evenings from fall through spring.

Also part of the Smithsonian Institution and located on the mall are the two museums that comprise the National Museum of Asian Art. These are the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery , which houses more than 1,000 pieces, principally Chinese jade and bronze, Chinese paintings and lacquerware, and ancient Near Eastern ceramics and metalware.

The Freer collection includes nearly 30,000 pieces of Asian artworks, including Buddhist sculptures and Persian manuscripts, one of the most extensive collections in the world. The Freer also features 19th-century and early 20th-century American art, most notably a large collection of work by James McNeill Whistler.

The drum-shaped Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden traces the history of modern art from the mid-1800s, through more than 12,000 pieces of art and sculpture. One of the highlights of the garden is Rodin's Burghers of Calais .

The National Museum of African Art displays thousands of objects representing diverse artistic styles throughout the African continent, including sculptures, masks, costumes, household objects, and ceramics. All of these Smithsonian museums are among the many free things to do in Washington, D.C.

Address: 600 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.nga.gov

Near the Smithsonian museums, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum documents, studies, and interprets the history of the Holocaust with the dual purpose of memorializing the victims and helping the world to confront hatred and prevent genocide.

Permanent exhibits examine the rise of the Nazis and the Aryan ideology, the ghettos, key events such as Kristallnacht, the concentration camps, and the Nazi atrocities. An exhibit on Americans and the Holocaust examines US reaction to Nazis, the war, and genocide, while another features personal accounts by US soldiers and citizens who witnessed the evidence of Nazi atrocities.

The presentations draw on the enormous collections of more than 12,750 artifacts, 85,000 historical photographs, 9,000 oral history testimonies, as well as archival footage and records of survivors and their families. A visit to the museum is a sobering experience.

Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://www.ushmm.org

An underground passage with historical exhibits leads from the Capitol Building to one of Washington's little-known places to visit, the Library of Congress. It's the world's largest library, modeled on the Opera House in Paris. You can visit portions on your own, but free tours disclose even more of its beautiful interior.

Displayed here are one of the three surviving complete Gutenberg Bibles, an earlier hand-printed Bible, Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson's personal library, and galleries filled with exhibits focusing on topics as varied as the musical careers of the Gershwin brothers and the work of editorial cartoonists and graphic artists.

Address: Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://www.aoc.gov/

One of the most popular things to do with children in Washington, the Museum of Natural History explores the natural world with permanent and changing exhibits to interest all ages. Favorite exhibits include the renowned Hope Diamond and the dazzling collection of gems and minerals around it, and Ocean Hall with its stunning underwater photography and replica of a 45-foot North Atlantic Right Whale.

The Hall of Human Origins follows human evolution over six million years in response to a changing world. Children will especially like the dinosaur exhibits and the interactive Discovery Room where they can touch and play with various artifacts.

Address: Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://www.si.edu/Museums/natural-history-museum

One of the most popular of the Smithsonian's many museums that line the mall, The National Museum of American History traces the political, cultural, scientific, and technological history of the U.S. since the Revolution. It displays important pieces of Americana, including Thomas Jefferson's desk, one of Edison's light bulbs, and the original flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words to The Star Spangled Banner .

But beyond these treasured national artifacts, exhibits also examine how people lived, what they ate, where they worked, how they played, what they wore, how they traveled, how they worshiped, and how they governed themselves.

Illustrating these multiple themes are artifacts that include everything from gowns, work by First Ladies, and Julia Child's complete kitchen to the Muppets and the actual ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in the film Wizard of Oz . With all the historical things to do in Washington D.C., you might think your family has had enough history. But this engaging museum houses some fascinating exhibits and artifacts of our collective past that will appeal to all ages.

Address: 14th Street NW at Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://americanhistory.si.edu

Focusing on themes of history, culture, and community, the newest of the Smithsonian museums explores changing definitions of American citizenship and equality, at the same time highlighting African American culture and that of the entire African diaspora.

Various themes are covered in changing exhibits, which center on themes such as African American food traditions and chefs, the influence of African American sports stars on the breakdown of segregation, and African craftsmanship.

Historic artifacts on display include a section of the original Woolworth lunch counter that was the scene of the Greensboro, N.C. sit-in in 1960, and the aircraft known as the "Spirit of Tuskegee." In World War II, it was used to train African American airmen in the Army Air Forces, men whose work helped trigger the desegregation of the military.

Address: National Mall at Constitution Avenue, N.W., between 12th and 14th Streets

Official site: https://nmaahc.si.edu/

The design for the domed white memorial to Thomas Jefferson, the third US president, is based on the Roman Pantheon, its low dome supported by 54 Ionic columns. Inside, appearing in a dramatic silhouette through the columns, is a 19-foot statue of a standing Jefferson, and around are engraved excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and other writings.

The monument stands alone at the far end of the Tidal Pool, which reflects the monument in its surface, and all around the edge of the water are cherry trees, a gift from Japan. These are one of Washington's greatest attractions when they bloom each spring, surrounding the basin with a cloud of pink flowers and celebrated with the Cherry Blossom Festival .

Along the Cherry Tree Walk around the Tidal Basin, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial reflects twelve years of American History through four outdoor rooms. Each one is devoted to one of FDR's terms of office as he guided the country through the Great Depression and World War II. Unveiled in 2011, the 30-foot-high Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is the newest along the Tidal Basin.

Address: 900 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, D.C.

Opened in 1971 and named in memory of President John F. Kennedy, the National Cultural Center overlooks the Potomac River in a state-of-the-art building designed by architect Edward Durell Stone. It is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, which hosts some of the world's greatest guest artists each year, and the Washington National Opera , one of the nation's leading opera companies.

Its three main stages and several smaller stages present over 2,200 performing arts shows and events each year, about 400 of which are free. These represent all types of music and theater, both classical and contemporary.

Joining the Los Angeles Music Center and Lincoln Center in New York as one of the three most important venues in the United States, the Kennedy Center is a major stop for visiting overseas opera, dance, and drama companies on tour.

Address: 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.kennedy-center.org

The National Zoo is another part of the Smithsonian, where nearly 2,000 different animals, birds, and reptiles live in habitats replicating as closely as possible their natural environments. Of the several hundred species represented here, about a quarter are endangered. This is one of the world's best zoos, not only for the quality of the visitor experience, but for its leadership in areas of animal care and sustainability.

By far the most popular animals here are the giant pandas, part of a major initiative that began in 1972 with the arrival of Hsing Hsing from the People's Republic of China. Other zoo highlights are red pandas, Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, Asian elephants, cheetahs, white-naped cranes, and North Island brown kiwis.

In the Amazonia exhibit, you can glimpse the colorful underwater life of the Amazon, where one of the world's largest freshwater fish swims beneath a living tropical forest.

Along with the cheetahs at the Cheetah Conservation Station, you can see Grevy's zebras, dama gazelles, vultures, and red river hogs, and at the highly popular Elephant Trails, you can see the multigenerational herd and learn about the elephants' life at the zoo and in the wild.

Check the day's schedule for feeding times, demonstrations, educational games, and talks. As you might expect, this is one of Washington's favorite places to visit for children.

Address: 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://nationalzoo.si.edu

The National Archives holds permanent records of the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, District of Columbia courts, and some federal agencies, as well as pre-World War I military service records for U.S. Army and Confederate veterans, and pre-1940 vessel and station logbooks for the U.S. Navy.

The records are open to researchers, and in the Rotunda, you can see the Declaration of Independence , Constitution , and Bill of Rights . Exhibition galleries feature a 1297 Magna Carta and a changing group of other historically significant documents. An exhibit, Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote, includes documents from the suffrage movement, and in other areas are interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages.

Address: 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://museum.archives.gov

The place for 007 wannabes, the museum covers the techniques, technology, history, and contemporary role of espionage. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and throughout the building are actual examples of real espionage equipment (including a poison dart umbrella designed by the KGB), from declassified hardware and captured equipment to movie props used in the James Bond series.

Photographs, audio-visual programs, and special effects combine to give a picture of strategies and methods behind secret espionage missions. The collections include historic spy artifacts from the Revolution and Civil War, along with a wealth of ingeniously concealed and disguised cameras and weapons, even the famous Enigma cipher machine that broke the Nazi codes in World War II.

The top floor is dedicated to real-life spies Aldrich Ames, Robert Hanson, and John Walker, detailing the actual methods and tools they used to spy on the United States, with videos describing how spies were caught. The lower floor moves from fact to fiction, filled with information and actual props used in James Bond movies.

Highlighting these is the Aston Martin DB5 that first appeared in the 1964 film Goldfinger , equipped with machine guns, oil jets, a dashboard radar screen, an ejector seat, tire slashers, a bulletproof shield, and a rotating license plate. The car actually inspired intelligence agencies to add similar features to their own vehicles.

Address: 700 L'Enfant Plaza, SW; Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.spymuseum.org

On a hillside overlooking the city from across the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery is filled with memorials to American history and the men and women who were part of it. Its best-known landmarks are the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , President John F. Kennedy's gravesite, and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial depicting the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima in World War II. The Welcome Center has maps, information (including the locations of specific graves), and exhibits telling the story of Arlington National Cemetery and its monuments.

Among these are memorials to nurses, Iran Rescue Mission casualties, and various battles and groups, including one at the graves of Lt. Cmdr. Roger B. Chaffee and Lt. Col. Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, who were killed in a fire aboard their Apollo spacecraft. Another commemorates the seven Challenger astronauts.

In a solemn and impressive ceremony, the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed every hour on the hour October 1 to March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30. Although the cemetery is not right in the city, both the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Metrorail system and Metrobus have stops close to the gate.

Official site: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil

The English-style, Neo-Gothic National Cathedral, one of the world's largest cathedrals, took 83 years to build, from 1907 to 1990. It follows the Gothic building style and techniques, with flying buttresses and solid masonry construction of Indiana limestone. Throughout the cathedral are artistic details to see, from its stained-glass windows to the hand-embroidered kneelers that commemorate war heroes and historic events.

Special tours, reserved in advance, explore hidden parts of the building and its art; families should ask for the brochure Explore the Cathedral with Children for a scavenger hunt to find wrought-iron animals, tiny carvings, and gargoyles. Be sure to look for the gargoyle of Darth Vader high up on the northwest tower.

The cathedral is the burial place of President Woodrow Wilson and Helen Keller, and state funerals for Presidents Eisenhower, Reagan, and Ford took place here. The top of the 300-foot central tower is the highest point in Washington.

The Bishop's Garden, on the south side of the cathedral, includes plants found in medieval gardens, plants mentioned in the Bible, and others native to the area, along with a fish pond. The 59-acre Cathedral Close, designed by the eminent landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr in the early 20th century, is an urban oasis modeled on the walled grounds of medieval cathedrals.

Carillon recitals are held each Saturday at 12:30pm, and the peal bells are rung on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9pm and after Sunday services. On Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:30pm, a cathedral organist discusses the Great Organ here, followed by a mini-recital.

Address: Massachusetts & Wisconsin Avenues NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.cathedral.org

The neighborhood from 27th to 37th Streets, between Rock Creek Park and K Street NW, is the city's oldest, with origins in the early 1700s, before Washington itself. Georgetown University , the nation's oldest Roman Catholic and Jesuit College, is located here.

Today, Georgetown's tidy streets of historic homes and its boutique shops, cafés, restaurants, and small museums make it a popular respite from lines at the mall attractions. The C&O Canal , the 184-mile waterway paralleling the Potomac River, begins here, and its towpath is a favorite place for walking and cycling.

Dumbarton Oaks is a 16-acre estate with formal gardens and a valuable Byzantine and Christian art collection. Federal period Dumbarton House features Federal-style furniture, paintings, textiles, silver, and ceramics, and is home to one of five original known copies of the Articles of Confederation.

Tudor Place is an early 19th-century mansion built by Martha Washington's granddaughter, Martha Custis Peter, and her husband. Items from George and Martha Washington's Mount Vernon home are shown here, and the Federal-period gardens contain plants and trees from the early 19th century. The Kreeger Museum displays a wide collection of art from the 1850s to the 1970s including paintings by Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Chagall, Gauguin, and Picasso.

If you're looking for places to eat in Washington or things to do at night, this is one of the places to visit. The neighborhood is filled with restaurants and cafes, along with live music venues.

Sharing the historic Old Patent Office Building with the National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum holds one of the world's largest and most inclusive collections of American art, representing more than 7,000 artists from the colonial era to the present.

The collections record the wonder of artists capturing the beauty of American landscapes as the nation expanded westward, and the changing face of American cities and towns. Special collections represent works by more than 200 African American artists, collections of Latinex works, an outstanding array of contemporary American craft and folk arts.

The National Portrait Gallery focuses on famous Americans, from the time of the first colonies to present day leaders and important public figures, including the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House.

Address: 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, D.C.

Official sites:

• https://americanart.si.edu/art
• https://npg.si.edu/

At the foot of Capitol Hill, the U.S. Botanic Garden is an oasis of tropical gardens in the center of the city. Surrounded by outdoor gardens, the huge glasshouse is the hub of a museum of living plants. Permanent interior exhibits create environments for plants at home everywhere from the desert to rainforests, while outside is a showcase of plants that thrive in the Middle Atlantic states.

The greenhouse contains two courtyard gardens and 10 garden rooms, and the outside displays include a pollinator garden, rose garden, kitchen garden, and water garden. There's always something in bloom, and benches in the vast conservatory invite a stop to enjoy the fragrances and the lush green surroundings.

Address: 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://www.usbg.gov/

D.C.'s U Street Corridor is one of the city's top historic neighborhoods and served as the epicenter of Black culture in America between 1862 and 1948. Designated a historic district in 1998, this neighborhood is filled with colorful buildings housing plenty of shops, restaurants, and theaters.

It is anchored by 14 th Street on its west side and the recently renovated Howard Theatre on its east end at the edge of the Shaw neighborhood. Constructed in 1910, this was the center of Black Broadway for the first half of the 20 th Century. It fell into decline but underwent a magnificent renovation and reopened a decade ago.

Duke Ellington was born in this neighborhood and a sculpture honoring the famed jazz musician can be seen at the intersection of Florida Ave and T Street. Also check out a concert at Lincoln Theatre , built in 1922, where Ellington and other jazz greats like Billie Holiday, Nat King, Cole, and Louis Armstrong all used to play.

U Street is known for its delicious food scene. Here you'll find the acclaimed Ben's Chili Bowl , which has served everyone from Anthony Bourdain to Barack Obama. Its restaurants span the globe, however. If you are craving authentic Ethiopian fare, head to "Little Ethiopia" on the east end of U Street.

With its second phase only completed in 2002, The Wharf is D.C.'s hottest new waterfront neighborhood, home to more than 80 restaurants and shops, an iconic fish market, four hotels, and a popular live music venue. Running along the Potomac River for one mile, the neighborhood was created as part of a larger development plan for what had been a neglected portion of the SW quadrant.

Just about a 10-minute walk from the National Mall, The Wharf's waterfront location provides a totally different vibe than the memorial and museum area. The Municipal Fish Market is the country's oldest continuously operating open-air fish market, originally opened in 1805. Until the redevelopment of The Wharf, it wasn't really on the tourist map anymore. Today it is buzzing with hungry travelers and locals alike, who come here to dine al fresco on fresh fish.

If you want to get out on the Potomac River yourself, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore. There are also seasonal water taxis running from The Wharf to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, across the river. Alexandria is known for its stately 18 th - and 19th-century buildings and brick streets. It's a great place to wander around for an afternoon. Water taxis also run to Georgetown.

Come evening, book a luxe riverboat dinner cruise on Potomac. These offer a wonderful way to relax after an action-packed day, and river sunsets can be phenomenal.

Official site: https://www.wharfdc.com/

Sightseeing by Day:

• Washington, D.C. has so many famous sites that it's difficult to keep track of all there is to see and do. One of the best ways to explore this city is on a classic Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour , seeing the sites from an open-top red bus and getting on and off wherever you choose.

Sightseeing by Night:

• At night, Washington is transformed as the floodlights are beamed up the monuments, giving them a completely different look from their daytime appearance. The Washington, D.C. Monuments by Moonlight Night Trolley Tour is a 2.5- hour guided tour that provides an easy way to see the city at night.

Sightseeing by Bicycle:

• Active travelers will enjoy the Washington D.C. Monuments Bike Tour to visit the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial on a three-hour ride. Hybrid bikes and the relatively level terrain make this suitable even for those who are not avid cyclists. As many places to visit have security checkpoints and do not allow backpacks, it is wise to carry as little as possible while touring.

Weather wise, the best time of year to travel to Washington, D.C. is between the months of March and May and September to November . You'll hit cherry blossom season (usually from late March to early April), ogle spectacular fall foliage (especially in October through November), and enjoy a long stretch of great weather free from frigid and sweltering temps.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Places to Visit Close to Washington: If you have time to explore outside the city, there are many easy Day Trips from Washington, D.C ., and our page on Top-Rated Weekend Getaways from Washington D.C. can give you plenty of ideas for longer excursions.

Exploring Maryland : There are a number of tourist attractions in Maryland , including those in historic Annapolis and Baltimore with its lively harbor area. The state is also famous for its beaches and oceanfront resorts, many of which are within easy weekend reach from Washington. You can learn more about these on our page Top-Rated Resorts in Maryland.

Discovering Virginia : The District of Columbia lies between two states, and to its south, you can visit attractions in Virginia , including those in the capital city of Richmond . Or you could spend a weekend immersed in colonial history with the help of our page Top Tourist Attractions in Williamsburg & Easy Day Trips .

More on District of Columbia

How Do I Tour the U.S. Capitol and See Congress in Session?

Learn all you need to know about visiting and touring america’s center of democracy..

UPDATE: The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All tours are free and are led by professional tour guides and do not include the Senate and House Galleries. The tour route is subject to change. Note that advance reservations are required for a tour. Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. Please leave time to go through security and review the U.S. Capitol’s prohibited items list before your visit.

The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and the center of American democracy. The world-famous domed building is home to the United States House of Representatives and Senate; where America’s congressmen and congresswomen conduct business, debate laws and pass bills on behalf of the American people. The U.S. Capitol and U.S. Capitol Visitor Center  is also one of DC’s most popular monuments and museums and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Tour groups in United States Capitol Building Rotunda - Attractions and landmarks in Washington, DC

How do I arrange a tour of the United States Capitol Building?

Plan your visit in advance! A public tour of the U.S. Capitol is free and open to anyone who makes an advanced reservation, although there are some same-day tickets available by standing in line at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center (note that lines will be long during spring and summer).  We recommend reserving a  reserving a tour date and time .

All tours begin and end at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Inauguration Day).  Tours typically take about 90 minutes and are  fully accessible for people with disabilities.

What will I see on a Capitol tour?

Guided tours begin with a 13-minute intro film, followed stops in the Capitol Rotunda, where guides point out the center point of the District of Columbia, as well as demonstrate the unique acoustical effect where a speaker several yards away can be heard more clearly than a speaker close to the listener. The Capitol Dome is encircled by murals, and the fresco on the eye of the ceiling is called The Apotheosis of Washington showing President Washington rising to the heavens in glory with Liberty and Victory/Fame beside him. Below, on the walls of the Rotunda, are large paintings depicting significant events in American history: The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Baptism of Pocohontas, The Embarkation of the Pilgrims, The Landing of Columbus and General George Washington Resigning His Commission. Other stops on the 45-minute walking tour include the Crypt, National Statuary Hall and connecting corridors of the U.S. Capitol, where you’ll see statues representing every state.

Can I see Congress in session?

The guided tour doesn't include the Senate and House galleries. However, visitors can obtain free passes through their congressmen to view both chambers when Congress is in session. International visitors can ask about gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. When Congress is not in session, the galleries are open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. However, viewing hours are subject to change and are not always the same for the House and Senate galleries. You can check the schedules with your Congressional office when requesting gallery passes. Read more information about  watching Congress in session  and viewing the House and Senate galleries.

@paddyleahy

What’s in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

You’ll find a cafeteria and gift shop in the Capitol Visitor Center. The gift shop carries merchandise inspired by the art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for continental breakfast and lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you haven’t printed your tour reservation, bring along the number you were assigned. There are free listening devices in multiple languages for international visitors.

How do I get to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

Because there is very little parking, it is best to travel via the  Metro or the DC Circulator. There are three Metro stops within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol: Union Station (Red Line), Capitol South and Federal Center SW (Orange, Silver and Blue lines). The Capitol Visitor Center, which serves as the main public entrance, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First and East Capitol streets.

Looking for more in the neighborhood? Take advantage of  our guide to Capitol Hill .

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U.S. Department of the Treasury

Tours of the historic treasury building, who can take the tour.

Tours are available at this time for citizens and legal residents of the United States. You must register in advance with your Congressional Office and provide the following for each visitor:

• date of birth
• social security number

In addition, everyone must have a photo I.D. to gain admittance to the building on the date of their scheduled tour.

Prohibited Items

• strollers (no storage area onsite)
• backpacks (no storage area onsite)
• cameras - photography (still or video) is not permitted in the building

Tour Entrance

Visitors must enter through the West building entrance (Bell entrance).  This entrance is located in between the Treasury Building and the White House.  A docent will meet you to escort the group into the building.  

Cancellations

Please note, you must notify your congressional office immediately if you need to cancel your tour once you have received confirmation.  Space is limited and there is usually a greater demand than available tour slots.  Early cancelations afford others to fill the vacant tour slots.

Accessibility

Special arrangements must be made, in advance, for wheelchair access to the building.

Transportation

We strongly recommend that you use public transportation because nearby parking is limited. The closest metro stations are Metro Center or McPherson Square. From McPherson Square, follow the street signs to the White House. We are next door on the east side. Metrobus and Metrorail information is available by calling 202-637-7000.

What you will see

Some highlights are the Salmon Chase ,  Andrew Johnson Suites , and the Cash Room .

Please note that this is NOT the tour for seeing the production of United States currency notes or coins. For a tour of currency production, please visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's Tours page .  For a tour of coin production, please visit the US Mint's Tours page .

Iconic Capitol Hill Tour

Visit the heart of the Federal City, with stops at the U.S. Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the U.S. Capitol Building, and more.

Quick Details

• User Ages: All Ages • Free under 5
• Hour Glass Duration: 2 Hours
• Info Distance: 1 Mile

This architectural walking tour takes visitors through the political core of Washington, DC. Over the course of two hours, your knowledgeable guide will share stories from the original city plan by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the tumultuous construction of the U.S. Capitol Building, the rise of the magnificent Beaux Arts Library of Congress, and the backstory of the imposing Supreme Court building. We’ll discuss the influence of prolific designers like Thomas Jefferson, Robert Mills, Frederick Law Olmsted, and Daniel Burnham. Controversy, chaos, and red tape abound!

The tour begins in the massive Great Hall of Union Station, once the largest train station in the world. This gateway to the nation’s capital—where presidents, diplomats, and politicians have all passed through—has hosted inaugural balls, parties, protests, and even a runaway train. After exploring the heights and depths of Union Station, we’ll proceed past the Freedom Bell and Columbus “Fountain” to the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court. Then on to the east façade (the original front) of the U.S. Capitol Building, and inside the breathtaking Library of Congress. Finally, we’ll take an underground tunnel to finish up at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center—where you can join a free tour of the building’s interior (depending upon timing and availability), or head down to the National Mall to explore a Smithsonian museum or two.

Iconic Capitol Hill Sights and Stops:

• Union Station
• Supreme Court Building
• Library of Congress Jefferson Building
• U.S. Capitol Building Grounds
• U.S. Capitol Visitors Center

Additional booking times are available as a private tour. Please visit the private bookings calendar to take a look!

For large groups, driving tours , or custom itineraries, please contact us to book.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Iconic Capitol Hill Tour

How strenuous is the route.

This tour route is completely flat and easily accessible. The tour covers approximately 1 mile over the course of 2 hours.

What should I bring on the tour?

We recommend bringing bottled water and wearing sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Please note that there is no food or liquid allowed inside the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center , so you’ll need to eat any snacks and drink any water before entering. Empty water bottles can be filled once inside. Our tour begins at Union Station, which offers plenty of food and drink options, if you’d like to grab something beforehand.

Are there bathroom stops on this tour?

There are no bathroom breaks on the tour, although we begin the tour at Union Station, which offers restroom facilities. There are also restrooms inside the Library of Congress and U.S. Capitol Visitors Center.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour begins inside the Great Hall of Union Station, under the big clock (GPS Address: 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002), and ends inside the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center.

Does this tour go inside the U.S. Capitol Building?

This tour does not go inside the U.S. Capitol Building, but we can explain how to join a free building tour at the conclusion of our tour, depending upon timing and availability. If possible, please let us know in advance if you’d like to tour the Capitol.

Map of the Tour Route

Related Activities

Arlington national cemetery tour.

Duration:  2.5 Hours, 2.5 miles

Visit the Kennedy Graves, go inside Arlington Mansion, witness a Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and learn stories and secrets within this hallowed ground. This tour is offered publicly on Memorial and Veterans Day. Please reserve a private tour outside of those times.

National Mall: Monuments & Memorials Architecture Tour

Duration:  2 Hours, 1.5 Miles

Learn the little-known history of Washington’s most well-known national landmarks. See the towering Washington Monument, visit the sobering Vietnam Wall, the awe-inspiring Lincoln Memorial, and explore the secrets of the National Mall.

Welcome to Washington, DC, the nation’s capital. You will find an abundance of cultural, educational, and just plain fun attractions and events here. Start your trip planning with the useful resources below.

United States Congress

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Book a tour, look at a Capitol map and find other useful information. The mission of the Visitor Center at the U.S. Capitol is to provide a welcoming and educational environment for visitors to learn about the unique characteristics of the House and the Senate and the legislative process as well as the history and development of the architecture and art of the U.S. Capitol.

Map of Capitol Grounds The Capitol, House and Senate office buildings.

Map of Accessible Transportation at the Capitol Accessible entrances and transportation servicing the Capitol and surrounding buildings.

Virtual Tour of Capitol Explore the nation's Capitol, including the old and current House chambers.

Library of Congress

Each of “America’s Library buildings”, named for a U.S. President (Adams, Jefferson, and Madison), contains millions of cataloged books and other print materials on 530 miles of shelving is a world-renowned research center for scholars easily accessible to both Congress and the public. Special exhibitions —including a permanent display of the Gutenberg Bible, the first book printed with movable type—make the Library a favorite tourist attraction. First Street and Independence Avenue, SE.

Supreme Court of the United States

“Equal Justice Under Law” is the promise on the portals of the Supreme Court building.Court sessions begin the first Monday in October and continue two weeks per month through April. Courtroom seats are available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis when the Court is in session. Twenty-minute courtroom lectures are available every hour on the half-hour when the court is not in session. Group tours are available and must be made in advance. First and East Capitol Streets, NE.

United States Botanic Garden

Located at the base of Capitol Hill, the conservatory features more than 20,000 plants, including exotic flowers and fruit species. First Street and Maryland Avenue, SW.

Call Toll-Free : 888.796.8763

Call Toll-Free 888.796.8763

Email: [email protected]

Government Buildings Washington DC Tour

Tour Washington DC helps you with an unforgettable experience of touring the federal government offices in Washington D.C. Enjoy some of the most visited and important sites in the capital city. Our government buildings Washington DC tours bring the opportunity to explore and learn about these significant architectural marvels. Book now!

Call Toll-Free   888.796.8763

Email: [email protected].

Washington DC Tours » Government Sites

Government Buildings in Washington DC

As our national capital, Washington, DC, is home to several government sites. All three branches of our government are located here – Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. The Executive Branch is led by the President of the United States, who resides in the White House. The Legislative Branch is comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Both of these reside in the U.S. Capitol Building on Capitol Hill. Finally, the Judicial Branch of Government is guided by the Supreme Court which resides in a building by the same name. 

Apart from these remarkable federal buildings in D.C, we’ll take you to the National Archives, Capitol Visitor Center, and White House Visitor Center during our tour to expand your knowledge of our governing system. 

Capitol Hill

As an active building serving as home to the United States Congress, the U.S. Capitol Building is an incredible tourist destination. Enjoy a Capitol Hill Tour on any of our Washington DC Tours or a customized tour for your group.

US Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the Highest Court in the United States. It is in session from the first Monday in October until early summer. We will take your group on a walking tour of this grand establishment, a representation of our law and justice.

Capitol Visitor Center

Recently opened, the Capitol Hill Visitor's Center is the perfect place to enhance your Washington DC tour experience. Learn more about the history of this great structure with our friendly and engaging tour guides.

The White House

The White House has been the home of every President of the United States since John Adams. This most iconic Washington DC government building is visited by millions every year. We are delighted to provide you with an exceptional trip there!

National Archives

See the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and many other amazing historical documents here. Get yourself submerged in the history of the establishment of our mother nation. Our quality tour service only enhances your experience.

White House Visitor Center

Learn more about the White House and its amazing history here at the White House Visitor's Center. It’s an insightful addition to our top-notch itinerary, so you leave with accurate knowledge and unforgettable memories!

We Customize Government Buildings Washington DC Tours for You

As with each of our tour services, we are happy to customize a tour for your group to include the government sites and attractions that your group wants to experience. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to any of our groups. We want to know about your preferences for government buildings and execute a personalized tour plan. We focus on your comfort, so flexibility and affordability are what we offer. Book your tour to the capital today!

Know These Things Before Your DC Government Buildings Tour

• Please try to wear comfortable clothing. Also, walking shoes are very much recommended.
• We may only reschedule if there are possibilities of severe weather conditions.
• You will get metro transportation to the White House at our expense.
• We request that you not carry any illegal products because we will be going through security checks at a few places.
• The duration of our walking tour is more or less 3 hours.
• Don’t be afraid of the distance we will cover; the walk will be comfortable!

Benefits of Our Tour Services

What we offer under our tour services will fit your interests perfectly. We always create a plan that’s detailed and comprehensive. And we bring a number of valuable benefits with our offerings.

Industry Recognition and Accreditation

Rest assured of the fact that Tour Washington DC is highly recognized and accredited in the industry. We hold prestigious accreditations from renowned organizations like ABA, IATA, and IATAN. Plus, we’re proud to have an exceptional A+ rating from BBB, which guarantees a superb tour experience that aligns with your values!

Cost-Effective Customization for Groups

Coming with a large student group, or is it an office retreat? We can accommodate anyone with our proven approach. We can fit any budget with our comprehensive tour plan, so you don’t have to worry much about spending. You will love our custom packages! Also, remember, the larger the group, the more cost-effective our tour becomes. 

Flexible and Personalized Service

You and your group have your own expectations and needs, and we respect that. You have the flexibility to choose your favorite options and places to visit. We discuss everything with you and bring you an itinerary perfect for your lovely group of people trying to enjoy Washington, DC. Contact us online now!

Call Toll-Free    888.796.8763

Email:  [email protected], why choose us.

When it comes to exploring the government buildings in Washington DC, choose Tour Washington DC for an unforgettable experience. We are expert guides who value your visit. Our aim is to make sure that you get a deep understanding of our capital’s rich history.

Our friendly and experienced guides will take you on a tour of these famous places, telling you interesting stories about their meanings and how our government works. We offer walks of Capitol Hill, trips to the Supreme Court, and more- for inspired people who want to learn more about our historic system. 

Whether you want a customized tour or focus on specific themes like Capitol Hill or the Founding Fathers, we are here every step of the way. Book your trip online with us today.

Featured Programs

The Gift Shop

The 31 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

Ever wish you could be in two (or four) places at once? The next few weeks are full of FOMO, the fear of missing out. On Saturday alone, you’ve got hundreds of bands playing outdoors at Petworth PorchFest, seven D.C. museums offering special activities during Do the Loop day, DJs spinning dance music during Project Glow, the D.C. Cocktail Festival, a screening of “The Lord of the Rings” inside the National Building Museum, and cultural festivals from Purcellville to Suitland. On the same day, families can celebrate the reopening of the Glen Echo carousel with an afternoon of activities, or visit the D.C. Public Library’s book festival for young readers. Speaking of books, it’s also Independent Bookstore Day. Tough choices will have to be made, but at least you know some of your options.

Thursday, April 25

It’s Your Mug 30th Anniversary at the Kennedy Center

In the mid-1990s, a Georgetown coffeehouse called It’s Your Mug was the epicenter of Washington’s poetry scene: It was, according to a 1997 Washington Post story , “the hallmark for New Age Black poetry in Washington and the place where [poet and host Toni Asante] Lightfoot single-handedly popularized the open mic.” Diverse groups of writers read everything from works in progress to erotica. When the two-level coffee shop closed, Lightfoot and poets dispersed back to bars and cafes on U Street, such as Mango’s, but It’s Your Mug’s influence hasn’t diminished. To mark its 30th anniversary, Lightfoot and a number of the open mic’s regulars are gathering at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, including performance artist Holly Bass, rapper and educator Toni Blackman, and Words Beats and Life’s Director of Poetry Patrick Washington, for an evening of lyricism accompanied by live jazz. 6 p.m. Free .

Spirit Week at Other Half

Dressing up in themed outfits, chalking up sidewalks, decorating hallways: Spirit week is a staple of high school life — and now a brewery in Ivy City. Other Half is hosting Spirit Week at all seven of its locations, including D.C., with new beers and different discounts for participating each day. Start Thursday with Decade Day, which offers 10 percent off for those dressed in outfits from a different decade. Friday’s Twin Day means buy one, get one free pints for two people in matching outfits. Throw on an old Other Half T-shirt for $4 off flights on Saturday’s OHB Spirit Day, and get a $5 pint of hazy Varsity Greens IPA for wearing any sports jersey on Sunday. Through Sunday. Free admission .

Taylor Swift Trivia at Honor Brewing

Honor’s Sterling taproom and production facility hosts a monthly themed trivia night, and this month is all about Taylor Swift. Prizes are awarded for the top three teams. Arrive early for happy hour, which includes $10 flights, $5 wines and $1 off pints. 7 p.m. Free .

Friday, April 26

Georgetown French Market

If a trip to Paris isn’t in the cards this spring, the Georgetown French Market should be on any Francophile’s calendar. This annual sidewalk sale happens on Wisconsin Avenue NW between O Street and Reservoir Road, and up and down the surrounding streets, with more than 40 local businesses participating in the fun. Browse pop-up outdoor book sales, take 10 percent off French wine at Bacchus Wine Cellar, get a grilled merguez sausage from Patisserie Poupon, and listen to live music or watch street performers, including a mime and a unicyclist. Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Free .

Spring Open Doors at Spanish Cultural Center

Explore the latest indoor and outdoor art installations at the Beaux-Arts mansion that used to house the Spanish ambassadors. Inside, you’ll find “SPAINfographics,” which details the relationship between Spain and the United States through the work of infographic artists, and “Not Your Regular Wall,” an returning exhibit that, in this edition, is inspired by Spanish scientist Santiago Ramón y Cajal. Outside, one exhibit re-creates iconic photos of male leaders with images of women, and another explores the idea of “returning to the outside world.” Note that a reservation does not guarantee admission. Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free.

Saturday, April 27

Petworth PorchFest

All the neighborhood is a stage in Petworth this weekend. More than 100 hosts open their porches, stoops and front lawns to almost 300 musical acts between 2 and 6 p.m. Some you might have heard of, such as the jazz-punk fusion of the Messthetics, the lush pop of Ari Voxx or the groovy synth-pop of Wrizzards. Many of them you have not. But that’s missing the point of this massive festival, which stretches almost two miles from north to south but still feels like a block party. The main stage, which hosts music from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Petworth Recreation Center, is a handy starting point, but the best part is meeting up with friends and following your ears through the streets, where you’ll hear jazz, hip-hop duos, bluegrass pickers, mariachis, DJs spinning house and dad bands knocking out classic rock covers. If one address is too crowded or you lose interest, there’s another show around the corner (or sometimes just a few houses away). Bring a hat, because you’ll spend a lot of time standing on the sidewalk, and pack food and drinks. 2 to 8 p.m. Free .

Do the Loop

When most folks talk about museum hopping in D.C., they’re referring to visiting multiple Smithsonians on the Mall, or maybe browsing the galleries and historic houses near Dupont Circle. There’s a much more ambitious schedule at the second Do the Loop day, which brings together seven institutions west of Rock Creek, including the Kreeger Museum in Foxhall, American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center in Tenleytown and Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown. (The Jackson Art Center, Addison/Ripley Fine Art, Georgetown University Art Galleries and Klagsbrun Studios, which are also participating, are clustered near one another in Georgetown.) Each location offers something different: tours of Dumbarton’s gardens and museum; sculpture garden tours and food trucks at the Kreeger; guided gallery tours with journalist and artist Bob Schieffer at Katzen. Scavenger hunts and hands-on activities for children are offered throughout the day. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., though individual location hours vary. Free .

Carousel Day at Glen Echo Park

Saturday is an exciting day for children of all ages: Glen Echo Park’s 103-year-old Dentzel Carousel opens for yet another season. Riders can claim their favorite animal — a galloping ostrich, bounding hare, majestic lion — while the gorgeously restored carousel spins to the waltzing tunes of a 1926 Wurlitzer band organ. Each trip is $2, making a $5 unlimited day pass a great deal. But there’s more to do than go up and down, around and around: The day’s activities include free music and dance performances, hands-on crafts, dance classes, and open art studios. (Some events in the park that day, such as performances of “Alice in Wonderland” at the Puppet Co., charge a fee.) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission; carousel rides $2 each or $5 for an all-day pass.

Project Glow at the RFK Festival Grounds

The third annual Project Glow turns the grounds around the abandoned RFK Stadium into an EDM wonderland. Performances from Chicago house legend Derrick Carter, dance-pop hitmaker Zedd, and creative back-to-back pairings like upstart Acraze and genre-hopper Wax Motif should keep the rave going, as will sets by DMV favorites including Baronhawk Poitier, Mathias, Thablackgod and others. Let’s hope the weather prevents DJs from shaking the windows of residents miles away. Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 11 p.m. $109-$279 .

Independent Bookstore Day

The American Booksellers Association is celebrating its 11th Independent Bookstore Day, which means discounts, parties and more for D.C.-area book fans. Kramers in Dupont Circle has two promotions: Find a golden ticket hidden in the store for a 20 percent discount, or get a free “blind date with a book” for every $75 spent ( 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free ). East City Bookshop on Capitol Hill (which is also celebrating its eighth anniversary) is offering 10, 20 and 30 percent discounts at random throughout the day, plus chances to win a curated tote of advanced reader copies or a year of free audiobooks ( 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free ). If choosing only one store to spend your Independent Bookstore Day perusing is just too much pressure, consider joining the D.C. Bookstore Crawl , where hitting five out of 19 locations will get you a prize — or hit all 19 to enter a raffle for a grand prize. Stops include Big Planet Comics, Lost City Books, Politics and Prose, and the Potter’s House ( 10 a.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday. Free ).

D.C. Cocktail Festival at Union Market

Bartenders from popular D.C. bars and restaurants like Compass Rose, Bar Chinois, the Doyle and the Wells come together to pour drinks at the D.C. Cocktail Festival, held at Union Market’s event space Dock 5. Tickets offer the chance to taste samples of all 15 cocktails, so pace yourself accordingly. This day-drinking event is divided into two sessions: The first begins at noon for VIP ticket holders and 1 p.m. for general admission, with the party ending at 3 p.m. The second session begins at 3:30 p.m. for VIP and 4 p.m. for general admission, and ends at 6:30. Noon to 6:30 p.m. $39-$59 .

Plant sale at the National Arboretum

Find the perfect perennial or just pick up pots and planters at the annual plant sale hosted by the Friends of the National Arboretum. Because this is the National Arboretum, the selection can be more impressive than at other garden events around town. ( Check out the website for the exact list of flowers, shrubs, succulents, conifers and other plants available for purchase.) But there’s more to do than stock up your yard: Take a class on the role of raised beds in urban gardens; visit the ARTboretum for family activities, such as face painting and games; and browse the vendor village tables, full of garden supplies, fine art, clothing and jewelry from local makers. Food trucks and local companies are on hand with refreshments. The plant sale tent is members-only until 11 a.m., but other activities are open to the public during that time. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free; pay-what-you-can for the gardening class .

Maryland Day at the University of Maryland

Throughout the Free State, March 25 is celebrated as Maryland Day, which commemorates the arrival of English colonists in 1634. But in College Park, Maryland Day is something else: a celebration of the state’s flagship university, when the campus opens its doors to the surrounding community, alumni or not. There are more than 400 activities taking place, from the football team’s spring game to an insect petting zoo. (“Imagine tarantulas, exotic insects, scorpions, bees and millipedes longer than your hand for you to look at and touch.”) Try making 3D art, conduct surgery with robots, listen to musical performances, explore rare books or sample ice cream from the Maryland Dairy. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free .

Reopening of the Metropolitan Beer Trail

The ever-popular bar-and-brewery crawl along the Metropolitan Branch Trail officially reopens for business this weekend. Visit 11 stops, including breweries Lost Generation, Red Bear and Right Proper, or beer gardens, such as Metrobar and Wunder Garten, to earn points that can be redeemed for T-shirts, baseball caps and other prizes. (The person who checks in the most times by the end of December wins a $25 gift card for each of the participating businesses.) The trail is just over two miles long, but you don’t have to complete it in one day. Through Dec. 31. Hours vary. Free to participate .

‘The Lord of the Rings’ at the National Building Museum

The National Building Museum’s “Great Movies in the Great Hall” is like bringing your favorite summer movie series indoors. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, complete with a picnic, to spread out on the carpet in one of the city’s most impressive indoor spaces, among the soaring Corinthian columns. Before “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” screens, J.R.R. Tolkien researcher Joey Wilson-Brooke presents a virtual program about the role of architecture and design in the books and on-screen. Costumes are encouraged. Popcorn and beverages are available for purchase. (No outside alcohol is allowed.) Doors at 6:30 p.m. $5-$15; free for children younger than 12 .

STAR Fest at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

The STAR Fest — that stands for “ Sing, Talk and Read ” — is an in-person offshoot of D.C.’s Books From Birth program. Bring little ones for a day of story times, soft play activities, musical performances by children’s entertainers and an area that lets children imagine their own stories. This event is designed for children younger than 5. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free .

Cultural Arts Festival at Creative Suitland

Poets, musicians, dance companies and theater are all featured at this afternoon festival, including Prince George’s County Poet Laureate Khadijah Ali-Coleman. A vendor market spotlights local designers of jewelry, soaps and home decor, as well as food trucks. 2 to 7 p.m. Free .

Purcellville Music and Arts Festival

Multiple stages of music, dance and entertainment are featured at the Purcellville Music and Arts Festival, set in the historic downtown area. Attractions include a show with more than 30 artists in the Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink, a market with local makers and food vendors, and family activities such as T-shirt painting and glitter tattoos. Justin Trawick and the Common Good and the Rowdy Ace Band are among the performers in Fireman’s Field Park. Dogs, lawn chairs and tents are welcome. Noon to 7 p.m. Free .

Broadway Rave at 9:30 Club

Move over, Taylor Swift-themed dance nights, because there’s a new and very niche singalong party in town. Broadway Rave advertises itself as a “traveling dance party for adult theater kids,” with musical standards on the playlist and surprise guest appearances from the stars of Broadway shows. The D.C. edition is landing at 9:30 Club, and you’re encouraged to show up dressed as your favorite Broadway character. We’re guessing the costumes will be truly extra. 10 p.m. $20 .

D.C. Chocolate Festival at the French Embassy

Returning for a seventh year, this festival is a celebration of all things chocolate — education, confection and, of course, sampling. Taste and shop in the main exhibit or check out classes and workshops throughout the day on topics like chocolate and beverage pairings and the chocolate economy. There are also non-chocolate foods and beverages in case your sweet tooth falls out. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2 to 5:30 p.m. $25; free for children under 12.

Sunday, April 28

Make It Mount Pleasant! Spring Arts and Crafts Market

Support local artists at the Make It Mount Pleasant! Spring Arts and Crafts Market, which turns Mount Pleasant Street NW into an open-air gallery for more than 50 artists who live in the neighborhood and across Northwest Washington. The Mount Pleasant Artists Collective and Mount Pleasant Main Street host the Sunday market, where you’ll be able to purchase paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography, fabric arts and other crafts. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free .

Vintage Vineyard at St. Vincent

Check out nine local vendors curated by Vintage Vineyard in a pop-up at St. Vincent Wine’s garden. Shop thrift finds while drinking discounted wine ($10 per glass, or 25 percent off bottles) and listening to live jazz between 3 and 5 p.m. Noon to 6 p.m. Free.

Catalina Wine Mixer at Lulu’s Winegarden

Find your new favorite warm-weather sips at this wine tasting at the U Street wine bar, which features two unlimited samples of more than two dozen West Coast wines — roses, “chillable reds,” sparking whites — paired with breakfast tacos during two 90-minute sessions. Tickets include the option to purchase discounted wines to take home. Noon to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 3:30 p.m. $55 .

‘Glacier: A Climate Change Ballet’ at the National Portrait Gallery

Dancers mimic the movements of melting polar ice caps, pretending to ripple, crack and plunge as they maneuver through the National Portrait Gallery’s Kogod Courtyard during a free performance of Moveius Contemporary Ballet’s “Glacier: A Climate Change Ballet.” This work is created by Diana Movius, who works as a climate policy expert while also serving as the founder and artistic director of this D.C.-based ballet company. 4 to 4:45 p.m. Free .

Ellington at 125: The D.C. Collective in Concert at Arena Stage

Hosted by the D.C. Jazz Festival, artist-in-residence and bassist Corcoran Holt’s contribution to the months-long celebration of Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday includes a concert in tribute to his mentor, Davey Yarborough, former dean of instrumental music at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. 4 to 5:30 p.m. $25-$45.

Spring Fest at Calico

The hip Blagden Alley spot is bringing, for the second year, a spring festival to its multilevel 3,000-square-foot yard. Make a paper flower kit or create your own faux-floral bouquets, try new seasonal cocktails and dishes, or grab a bit from popcorn pop-up Zing Pop. 1 to 10 p.m. Free.

Willie’s 91st Birthday Fiesta at Republic Cantina

The incomparable Willie Nelson turns 91 on Monday, and Tex-Mex hot spot Republic Cantina is honoring one of Texas’s favorite sons during an afternoon party. Listen to tribute sets from D.C.’s Human Country Jukebox while snacking on tacos and sipping margaritas and $5 Shiner Bocks. (If you lean toward the latter, there’s a special Willie-themed koozie, too.) 3 to 6 p.m. Free; admission and seating are first-come, first-served .

Youth Invasion at the Atlas Performing Arts Center

GenOUT Youth Chorus, the ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington D.C. for singers age 13 to 18, teams up with the chorus from Jackson-Reed High School for an afternoon of songs such as “The Rainbow Connection” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’” in the Atlas’s Lang Theatre. 4 p.m. Free; reservation required .

Tuesday, April 30

Slash Run Ninth Anniversary Party

Mark nine years of loud rock shows, creative burgers and whiskey shots in Petworth with a special edition of Slash Run’s Hot Nights Karaoke. Show up early (between 5 and 7 p.m.) for happy hour with $2 off drafts before the singing starts. 8 p.m. Free .

Wednesday, May 1

Jacob Collier at the Anthem

At his live shows, Collier creates his own orchestra of audience members. (His mother, Suzie Collier, is a violinist, conductor and professor at the Royal Academy of Music.) He conducts thousands of fans as a giant instrument, siphoning different melodies from each corner of the venue like a massive human organ. The audience choir became the centerpiece of “Djesse Vol. 4,” released in February, as the last in a quartet of albums that explore diverse soundscapes. Grand, sprawling and entirely genre-less, it’s heralded by an even more diverse list of credits, including Paul Simon, John Mayer, Lizzy McAlpine, Shawn Mendes, Lawrence and Brandi Carlile. Between Morse code, ambient animal sounds and dozens of languages, it also features the 100,000 voices of audience choirs Collier has conducted on his tours. 7:15 p.m. $50-$70.

NMWA Nights tickets on sale

The monthly after-hours parties at the National Museum of Women in the Arts tend to sell out so quickly that we don’t get to write about them. So here’s your reminder to plan ahead: If you want to attend the May 15 event, celebrating the exhibition “New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024” with DJs, a performance by Pretty Boi Drag, a costume contest and art-making activities, tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Prices include two cocktails or mocktails. 5:30 p.m. $22-$25 .

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• A Brief Guide to All the Key Hotels in Washington D.C.

Seven hotels earned at least one MICHELIN Key in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. MICHELIN Keys Travel Hotels

On April 24, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide announced its very first Key hotels in the United States — a brand new distinction recognizing the most outstanding hotels in the country. We're thrilled to report that, in Washington D.C., seven hotels earned at least One Key. And while hotels in the capital have historically skewed towards the traditional, our seven Key hotels run the gamut of styles. Among the newest and hippest, the Eaton DC sports a boho aesthetic and a firm commitment to a progressive ethos — this hotel, set downtown on K Street, is a launchpad for progress, where rotating art exhibits fill the first floor and activists and political groups make use of its radio station, screening room, and co-working space. Representing the more traditional luxury hotels, the Hay Adams has been an institution — set in a monumental Italian Renaissance building just across from the White House — since 1928. Here, the feeling is of old-world elegance. Between the Eaton and the Hay Adams, we find the rest of our Key hotels somewhere in the stylistic middle. For waterfront views try the Pendry , with its modernist, Parisian-influenced aesthetic set on the Potomac in the city’s Southwest Waterfront. Or head to Georgetown and the Rosewood , where vistas from the rooftop bar overlook the C&O Canal. Other highlights: the  Dupont Circle Hotel , one of the only hotels privileged enough to set up in Dupont Circle, with its sophisticated restaurant and a swanky cocktail bar. The Jefferson , another option downtown, has the Quill, an upscale cocktail bar and lounge in its historic building dating back to 1923. At the Riggs , in the city’s Penn Quarter, there’s both an enchanting cafe and a subterranean bar. You can hardly go wrong. Below, explore the map of every Key hotel in Washington D.C. And scroll down to learn more each accommodation.

The Seven MICHELIN Key Hotels in DC:

The Jefferson - 2 Keys

Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf - 1 Key

Eaton DC - 1 Key

Riggs Washington DC - 1 Key

The Dupont Circle Hotel - 1 Key

The Hay-Adams Hotel - 1 Key

Rosewood Washington, D.C. - 2 Keys

Top image: Riggs DC

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The One Key Chicago Athletic Association has had an illustrious and sometimes sordid history that dates back to 1893, when it wasn’t quite a hotel. A lot has changed since then, but the ghosts of the past are never far away.

Eaton DC Is a Launchpad for Progress

Katherine Lo’s Eaton DC isn’t just one of the best hotels in the United States capital. It’s also a headquarters for activism, community, social justice, and sustainability. And it’s not shy about it.

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Florida’s Hotel Selection Is Starting to Sizzle

On April 18, 2024, all the new MICHELIN Stars were announced in Florida. Which makes this the perfect time to check in on some of our newest additions to our hotel selection in the Sunshine State.

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The Department of General Services (the “Department” or “DGS”) needs capital improvements to the Marion S. Barry Jr. Building, aka OJS Building, (the “Building”) located at 441 4th Street NW, Washington DC 20001 (the “Project”) and is seeking an architect/engineer (“Architect/Engineer” “A/E” or “Contractor”) to perform work for the Project. This is an administrative building and is currently occupied by over twenty-five (25) District agencies. The building was built and has been occupied since 1990 and underwent various interior modifications.

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The best cocktail bars in Washington, DC

A bold collection of speakeasies, rooftop bars and hotel haunts are turning Washington, DC into a mecca for mixologists. With an inventive and unique list of libations, this city is quickly becoming a destination for cocktail connoisseurs.

Come for the Capitol, stay for the cocktails. Washington, DC invented the Gin Rickey, after all, but these days, the US capital is harnessing this heritage with a wave of innovative cocktail bars and meccas of molecular wizardry. From sleek hotel lounges, like The Pembroke, to moody, subterranean speakeasies, like Allegory, there's been lots of new openings and refreshed menus in recent years, with mixologists utilising unusual ingredients like hay-smoked bee larvae and almond blossoms. Here's our selection of the most atmospheric, creative cocktail spots to visit.  

1.   The Wells

Juniper junkies converge on Capitol Hill for this gin-centric cocktail lounge. The intimate bar is backed by a glass menagerie of gin: London dry, citrus-forward Japanese bottles, oak-aged varieties and smooth, small-batch American sips. These are the stars of seasonal cocktails like Let the Beet Drop, a concoction of yoghurt gin, red beet, honey, egg white and lemon. The design is just as spirited: The Wells is swathed in green, while carrot-coloured banquettes edge alcoves, the floor is tiled in honeycomb and a planetary-like light fixture is strung with copper. Pair drinks with elevated snacks like beluga caviar and chips or wagyu skewers with spicy habanada.

Bartender’s choice: The Martini is a staple. The addition of olive oil in the gin allows for the sweetness of olives to play with the botanicals of gin, while Cocchi Americano smooths out the edges. “It’s an olive oil cake, and it’s all grown up,” says lead bartender Alex Pisi.

2.   Allegory

Molecular magic is made at Allegory. You just have to find it first: the sleek speakeasy is hidden behind a black door in the lobby library of progressive hotel Eaton DC. This dimly-lit den spans leather banquettes, a glowing semi-circular bar and moody black pendant lights. A series of magical realist murals by Erik Thor Sandberg line the walls, fusing whimsical Alice in Wonderland themes with the story of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges. The innovative cocktail menu is inspired by the artwork, and bar bites include artisanal cheese plates and crispy pork bánh mì.

Bartender’s choices: Beat of the Drums is Allegory’s version of the classic margarita, blending agave spirits with a Mesoamerican orgeat and fermented huckleberries, then garnished with a piece of huckleberry popcorn. Other inventions, such as the viridescent Garden of Live Flowers (made with gin, rhum agricole, aloe, snap peas, cardomom and coconut black pepper) are also well worth a try.

3.   Silver Lyan

Bring your bucks to this historic former national bank. Its current guise is the grande dame Riggs Washington DC hotel, where the underground cocktail bar is built into an old vault. Silver Lyan’s decor reflects its heritage: brass detailing, stately pillars, oversized art deco lights and plush red velvet. At the helm is award-winning mixologist, Ryan Chetiyawardana (known as Mr Lyan), whose cutting-edge cocktails use unique ingredients, such as tart riberry, arrowroot tea and mulberry soda to name a few.  

Bartender’s choice: Splurge on the Silver Service Martini. Choose one of four different styles of martini, poured into an elegant John Jenkins vintage-style glass. The drink is served with Castelvetrano olives, house-pickled onions, a lemon twist and a freshly shucked oyster. “My personal favourite version is the Ford’s 50:50,” says Vlad Novikov, head of bars for Riggs.

4.   Bresca

With one beaming Michelin star, this Parisian-style bistro on 14th Street may be serious about sustenance, but it’s equally as playful. Inside are pops of perky yellow, booths of deep blue and a living wall swollen with earthy moss. Pull up a pew at the airy bar lined with wooden stools, where Bresca's cocktail menu, Myths & Legends, is a work of art — it whimsically weaves stories with colourful illustrations and innovative seasonal sips.  

Bartender’s choices: In the Circle is a twist on the traditional Manhattan, using culinary techniques to accentuate the vanilla, dark chocolate and spice notes of the D’Ussé Cognac and Michter’s Rye. It’s batched and sous vide with earthy shiitake mushrooms to complement the sweeter local squash cordial. Alternatively, pair a cavier tart with Flora & Fire, a subtle, smoky tipple made with mezcal, cachaca, Aperol, yellow chartreuse and strawberry fuse.

5.   Off The Record

Paint the town red at Off the Record. This iconic basement boozer in The Hay-Adams hotel is dripping in the dramatic: deep rouge crawls from tufted banquettes to the walls and lampshades. A wedding cake ceiling is strung with chandeliers, while caricatures of political figures adorn the walls. Situated on the edge of Lafayette square, to the north of the White House, this bar is a hallowed haunt of savvy locals. Pair its sprawling list of scotches and signature cocktails with bites like lobster rolls, burgers or yellowfin tuna tartare.

Bartender’s choice:   Served in a collins glass, the Lowrider is a refreshing grapefruit cocktail made with Ilegal Mezcal, lime, Aperol, Bittermens Hellfire Habanero Shrub, Fever Tree Pink Grapefruit and Tajín. “This cocktail is a tantalising way for lovers of the Paloma to spice up their game,” suggests bar manager Rachel Sergi.

6.   VUE Rooftop

The glistening crown atop Hotel Washington, this swish 11th-floor rooftop bar boasts fantastic panoramas of the city’s skyline, including views of the White House and stately Washington Monument. The interior is pared-back luxury: dark wood, billowy light fixtures and intimate booths. This is a space that seamlessly stretches from brunch to beats as live DJs play into the night. Soak up the Sazeracs with crispy calamari, lamb burgers or creamy burrata on rustic bread.

Bartender’s choice: Power to the Peaches blends white peach and rosemary Grey Goose Essence, which is complemented by Cointreau, chamomile, honey, lemon and a refreshing Chandon Garden Spritz. Alternatively, try one of the various seasonal cocktails like the Bi-partisan Blend, VUE's take on an espresso martini with horchata and chicory pecan bitters.  

7.   Jane Jane

Step into a Southern hospitality daydream. On 14th Street NW, retro-style Jane Jane may be small, but it has big energy. Plaid blue mosaic tiles trace the floor and bar, there are walnut-wood walls, vintage-inspired cocktail wallpaper and forest green pendant lights and booths. With only 32 seats, the intimate vibe is a cocktail party at a pal’s place which is welcoming, unpretentious and playful. Two dozen cocktails are organised by liquor, five of which are house varieties, while comfort bites are inspired by the owner’s Southern hospitality. Try the pickled okra, pimento cheese or Jane’s caviar with trout roe, creme fraiche and potato chips.

Bartender’s choice:   Should We Be Bad is the bar’s take on a classic espresso martini, replacing vodka with bourbon and adding velvet falernum for extra depth and body. Meanwhile, the jazzy Jane Jane Mule, where bourbon, fino sherry, lemon, mint, ginger beer and Angosturra are swirled on the rocks, is also well worth a try.  

8.   Hill Prince

This H Street haunt is the quintessential neighbourhood bar: convivial, affordable and pouring top-notch tipples. Set in a 100-year-old row house, Hill Prince is named after a racehorse and the classy equestrian vibe extends throughout: exposed brickwork, original pine flooring, brown leather sofas, gold-framed mirrors and a lick of hunter-green paint. There’s even a restored carriage house and a verdant courtyard to spill into on balmy nights. Head to the long main bar, dangling with moon-like pendant lights, where classic cocktails are created.  

Staff picks:   Try the savoury Mole Old Fashioned on draft, made using rye whiskey, Montenegro Amaro, Xocolatl Mole Bitters and Angostura Bitters. Alternatively, sample the house-made syrups and elixirs included in signature, summery drinks like the Vodka Mule made with peach bitters and spicy ginger beer.

9.   The Pembroke

Parisian-style The Pembroke may draw bon vivants for a bite, but its cocktails make it a libation destination. Within the Dupont Circle hotel, this restaurant is airy, leafy and chic with cream-panelled walls, coral Chanel tufted banquettes and picture windows offering views out over a summery terrace. It centres around a classic marble cocktail bar topped with gold lamps, where tinctures are shaken and stirred. Alongside an enormous wine list, cocktails have seasonal twists and locally sourced organic fare includes homemade lobster bucatini and lamb tagine with citrus couscous, to name a few.

Bartender’s choice: “The Hibiscus Margarita is a sophisticated twist on the classic margarita, featuring Casamigos Blanco, Cointreau, freshly squeezed lime juice and organic hibiscus syrup. Hibiscus syrup contributes a unique floral note, creating a well-rounded and robust flavour profile,” says bartender Tashawn Jackson.

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Biden picks up another big union endorsement, this one from building trades workers

President Joe Biden talks with NABTU President Sean McGarvey after speaking to the North America’s Building Trade Union National Legislative Conference, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Joe Biden speaks to the North America’s Building Trade Union National Legislative Conference, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Joe Biden arrives to speak to the North America’s Building Trade Union National Legislative Conference, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden picked up the endorsement of North America’s Building Trades Unions at a Wednesday event where the president and his allies set out to dismantle Republican Donald Trump’s reputation as a successful real estate developer.

“Donald Trump is incapable of running anything,” said Sean McGarvey, the organization’s president. “God help us if he gets anywhere near the White House in the future.”

The event, held in a Washington hotel ballroom with a boisterous crowd of union members, was another salvo in the battle for votes from blue collar workers. Trump has tried to chip away at Democrats’ traditional advantage with organized labor, while Biden has been adding to his roster of endorsements and trying to fend off his predecessor’s comeback bid.

Biden said unions would help him make Trump a “loser again,” and he mocked Trump’s inability to pass infrastructure legislation when he was president, saying “he never built a damn thing.”

The Democratic president repeatedly torched his likely Republican opponent as a callous businessman who turned firing people into entertainment as part of his long-running reality show “The Apprentice.”

“He looks down on us. I’m not joking. Think about it,” Biden said. “Think about the guys you grew up with that you’d like to get in the corner and just give him a straight left. I’m not suggesting you hit the president. But we all know those guys growing up.”

Biden recently campaigned in his childhood hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and he’s increasingly used economic arguments to portray Trump as out of touch with workers’ concerns.

In this election, Biden said, “it’s either Scranton values or Mar-a-Lago values.”

The endorsement adds to Biden’s considerable union support. The United Auto Workers backed him in January, and the United Steelworkers Union followed suit in March.

A Trump campaign spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But Trump has also sought support from organized labor, including meeting with the Teamsters earlier this year.

“Usually a Republican wouldn’t get that endorsement,” Trump said. “But in my case it’s different because I’ve employed thousands of Teamsters and I thought we should come over and pay our respects.”

Trump’s popularity with white working class voters has been a challenge for Democrats who puzzle over his appeal.

McGarvey promised “an unprecedented field program in key battleground states” to help defeat Trump this year.