Washington DC Landmarks
THE 10 BEST Washington DC Sights & Historical Landmarks
Washington DC Landmarks
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Sights & Landmarks
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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297 results sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Libraries • Government Buildings
Cleveland Park
Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (364)
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Historic Walking Areas • Parks
Cleveland Park
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Historic Sites • Gardens
Cleveland Park
Monuments & Statues
Cleveland Park
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Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Cleveland Park
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Cleveland Park
Architectural Buildings • Public Transportation Systems
Speciality Museums • Castles
Cleveland Park
Marinas • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Southwest Waterfront
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Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
Cleveland Park
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
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Historic Sites • Educational sites
Cleveland Park
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Showing results 1-30 of 297
What travelers are saying
- kkob3North Stonington, CT19 contributionsLincoln is a must see when in Washington DC. Walk up the steps and take in the enormous statue. Take the time to read the inscriptions.Written January 11, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Isa bGatineau, Canada1,487 contributionsWe loved our visit at the library. I loved the exhibits, the opportunity to peak inside the actual library while people are researching there, the niceness of staff.
The Thomas Jefferson Library is stunning and so well documented. The photographs exhibit that was there was pretty cool too. The treasures are indeed treasures to be seen.
We went on Halloween Thursday during one of the Thursday's Live at the library events. We put on costumes, grabbed a drink and walked around collecting candy to the sound of DJ music. It was very very cool.Written January 5, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Isa bGatineau, Canada1,487 contributionsWe had a great tour of the Capitol. We had booked for 9:30 AM, and it was full of youth tour groups before us. I guess a suggestion might be to go a bit later when they are in. We booked directly on the website on the opening day for tickets for the day we wanted.
It was very well organized and our tour guide was very informative. I liked to see the old Senate with the markings on the floor and multiple statues from the different states. It is neat to see staffer walk by too.
We didn't get to see the actual senate or house rooms. I would say the tour with waiting was about 90 minutes. It is walking up and down steps, so if you need accessibility, please be sure to confirm that and path ahead of time.Written January 5, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Isa bGatineau, Canada1,487 contributionsWe walked up and down and across the street all the way to the Jefferson Memorial. We did it once during the day; and once at night. Be ready to walk 30 000 steps. ensure to have wifi. Its all free, but there is barely no contextual information by each memorial. You need to research it online to understand the full breath of the monument's creation and of the individual legacy it was made to recognize. The Roosevelt one is the one with more information, including about his wife and dog which deserved their own memorial as well.
Of course, the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials and statues are to be seen and reflected upon when you read their magnifient speeches. My favorite memorial was the Martin Luther King one, still so relevant today. It really make one think about peace and how we treat each other.Written January 5, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Richard - AtlantaAtlanta, GA13 contributionsNote that tickets are required to take the elevator to the top. They are released 30 days in advance and sell out within minutes. They also release a limited number of tickets at 10 AM for the next day, and a limited number of same day In person tickets are available at 8:45 AM. You will pay a one dollar per ticket charge when ordering online. Do not pay the $25 per person being listed here on TripAdvisor.
That being said, it is the best view of Washington DC you will have during your trip. Incredible views of the National Mall as well as the Reflecting Pool, Lincoln Memorial, White House, and the US Capitol. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars or a camera with a long zoom lens. I was even able to take a great video of a plane taking off from Reagan National airport during my visit.
Security screening is required as is common at most government building these days. After screening, you’ll be taken to an elevator that will carry you up 500 feet to the observation level. There are two windows facing all four directions. The left window at each station has steps available for the kids to stand on to take in the view.
Then you can go down a set of stairs to a small museum, which contains some interesting history about the monument. I won’t spoil anything, but there are some interesting hidden articles inside the monument.
I also suggest a night visit if possible. The monuments along the national Mall take on a whole new life at night.Written January 5, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ericka ROrlando, FL167 contributionsStrange to rate. I think it's specific to each person but it was interesting to see during the holidays. It was dressed up even more because of the season. Gave a cute and yummy chocolate at the end. Have that ID ready cause it will be checked to death. Like....a lot but makes sense. Pictures are possible but everyone will photo bomb you mistakenly as theres many people on the tour in a limited space. Downloaded the app but it wasn't much help beyond entrance.Written December 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- zemgirlNewport, RI55 contributionsGood experience for the kids . Recommend the $5 each audio phone. It gets crowded even in the non busy months. But still a good place to learn. The employees try their hardest to be helpful and i appreciate that !Written December 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- F1LoverAnnLouth, UK291 contributionsA very sombre memorial. The place really brings home the sacrifice that the USA made in fighting this war. Very clean. Visiting in December meant that we had the place to ourselves. Felt very safe. Is very well maintained.Written December 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NoraatcSudbury, MA40,537 contributionsThe Hillwood Estate is one of the most beautiful mansions in Washington DC. Marjorie Merriweather Post, the heiress of the Post family (all of you probably know popular Post cereals) bought Hillwood in 1955 and decided that her mansion would be a museum. It is home to the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia. Marjorie Post accompanied her second husband,
Joseph Davies to Moscow, where he served as the United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1936 to 1938. It was the time when the Soviets were selling Russian treasures left and right, so smart Marjorie used the opportunity to build her incomparable collection of Russian porcelain, jewelry, icons and Faberge eggs.
I started with the Gardens, which must be delightful in any season but winter. Lovely Japanese and French gardens, vast green lawns, the Rose Garden (alas, no roses now), the Dog Cemetery…everything was so lovely…except for the weather.
I also visited the exhibition “Fragile Beauty. The Art of the Ocean” in the Dacha. The old days objects made of pearls, corals, mother-of pearl, whimsical shells strikingly contrast with some modern pieces of art. Gorgeous!
It was time to warm up in the mansion itself - I left the best part for “dessert”. All rooms in the house are an incarnation of elegance and grace… and how remarkable all the Christmas decorations are! I have never seen more spectacular Christmas trees, some of them are done by the artists, whose work is featured in the Fragile Beauty exhibit. The collection of Russian art is precious and masterfully presented… the last time I had seen so many magnificent objects of Russian art was in the Hermitage Museum in St.Petersburg. The dining room is especially impressive: just think about the porcelain of the Russian Tzars… it is all there.
Do find some time to visit spectacular Hillwood Estates on your Washington DC trip!Written December 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - I visited this place🇬🇧🇳🇱🇺🇸🇫🇷🇨đź‡Israel36,521 contributionsPROS
* Historic quaint famous exclusive neighborhood
* Stores, shops, food and entertainment
CONS
* Crowded streets of traffic
* Crowded sidewalks of people
* Crowded stores and shops and restaurants of customers
* No metro train access and bus transport is not adequate
"I VISITED THIS PLACE"...
... when we went to the Apple Store to get the iphone14 that I use to get my fantastic photos (none of this attraction though). Then we wandered around and ate ice cream because the restaurant we had heard about turned out to be not for us.
The area is not new to me- I had been there many many many times
WAS IT WORTH THE COST?
Being there is free; doing stuff is not
WOULD "I VISIT THIS PLACE" AGAIN?
Not necessarily on intent, but I wouldn't avoid it
ADVICE
* It's a tourist and entertainment area, so go if that interests you
* Public transportation to the area is not adequateWritten September 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ofamily2014Chicago, IL123 contributionsDefinitely worth your time. They did a job well done! They have statues depicting soldiers walking up towards a battle area. They have a wall of names inscribed of those who served. I found it fascinating and beautiful.Written January 8, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PaperbackTacoma, WA5 contributionsThis is an amazing tribute to all those Americans who contributed to the defeat of Nazi Germany, fascist Italy and Imperial Japan in the Second World War. Built in a massive stone oval around a large fountain pool it is a dignified and impressive place that you experience as you walk around and explore. If you time your visit for sunset you will experience amazing views of the sun setting behind the Lincoln Memorial to the west and reflecting off the Washington to the east, as the lights come on and illuminate the War memorial fountains and walkways.Written October 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ASBCRBUrbana, OH444 contributionsThis was a fantastic tour walking on upper floors, outside, and through the attics. We saw gargoyles up close and learned about stained glass windows and theirs artists, especially in the towers. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and there are lots of stairs, heights, and narrow places. It will be reflective of outside temperatures in some areas. Chris was the best tour guide we could have asked for! He's been giving tours for 30 years, so he knows SO much. He was wonderful!Written December 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- F1LoverAnnLouth, UK291 contributionsReally picturesque view, we were very lucky that on the day I visited, it was a clear blue sky, so were able to get some superb pictures, if you like the Lincoln Memorial, you will love this.Written December 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NatParkTravelersAlexandria, LA154 contributionsIt is a beautiful shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. We were glad that we registered for the tour. We had a limited amount of time and it is such a large church, with so much to see. We did have a little time to walk around after the tour, but wished that we would have dedicated the day to attend mass and explore the church and grounds. The church has a cafeteria that is open on Saturday and Sunday.Written November 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
