Landmarks in Washington DC – 12 Must-See Places

A visit to the capital city and federal district of the United States is much like stepping into a vast open-air museum. There are tons of landmarks and places to explore, all spread apart to make a beautifully well-maintained iconic capital.

So what are the landmarks in Washington DC that you should visit, especially on your first trip? Follow along as we share the best places and sites to see in Washington, as well as guided tours and combo tickets that you can grab at a discounted rate through Tripster.

12 Famous Landmarks in Washington DC

1. The White House

The most famous Washington D.C landmark also happens to be the most famous address in the world. The White House has been the home of every U.S. president for over 200 years, except George Washington.

A visit to this top historical site is a must, but advance planning is required to tour the interior of the White House. Only a limited number of people are allowed access inside the White House. To be included on the list, all visitors must submit a public tour request through your members of Congress three months in advance and no less than three weeks before your visit.

If you’re an international visitor and wish to schedule a tour, please contact your home country’s embassy in Washington, DC.

White House visitors will gain limited access to the following:

• Public rooms in the East Wing, including the Blue Room, Red Room, and Green Room
• State Dining Room
• China Room
• White House Rose Garden

If you cannot secure access inside the White House, going to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW is still worth your time! After all, you can’t visit Washington without seeing the White House in person. Several Washington DC walking tours are hosted by expert guides who will fill your visit with in-depth learning and insights.

2. United States Capitol and Capitol Hill

The magnificent domed U.S. Capitol building is not only architecturally impressive. It also symbolizes American democracy and serves as the home of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

As one of the most famous landmarks in DC, this National Historic Landmark is open to the public with guided tours available from Monday to Saturday. Free tours can be reserved online, but please note that visits to the House and Senate chambers require a separate pass.

Once inside, take some time to appreciate the Capitol’s interiors, resplendent with frescoes, reliefs, and paintings. You can’t miss the ceiling painting by Constantino Brumidi, which depicts George Washington rising to the heavens in glory. Other paintings include scenes from American history, all of which are equally impressive.

3. Abraham Lincoln Memorial

Abraham Lincoln Memorial is one of the most visited National Park Service sites in the country. Once you see the glorious 19-foot marble statue of a seated and a pensive President Abraham Lincoln surrounded by 36 columns, one for each of the states that existed at the time of his death, you will understand why this memorial is so well-loved by visitors from all over.

The Statue of Lincoln presides over the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument from a distance. It is a sight to behold during the day when the sun is at its brightest, but even more so at dusk, when the sun goes down and the monuments light up.

For dramatic views of the Lincoln Memorial, visit when the crowds are fewer and the monument is at its most atmospheric. Book a Private Nighttime Walking Tour of DC’s National Mall for a memorable experience.

While admiring the beauty of the Lincoln Memorial, don’t forget to venture to the 18th step from the top landing of the memorial. If you stand over it, you’ll find yourself right on the spot where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood to give his I Have a Dream speech in 1963.

4. Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin

Thomas Jefferson Memorial is reminiscent of a grand pantheon in Rome. Rightly so, since the Roman Pantheon served as the inspiration for this outstanding piece of architecture. Out of dozens of landmarks of Washington DC, Jefferson Memorial is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and intricately designed.

Aside from admiring the 19-foot statue of a standing Jefferson, take some time to look at engraved excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and other writing carved along the walls. The monument stands alone at the far end of the 107-acre Tidal Basin, which reflects the monument on its surface and makes for the most picturesque view.

If you do happen to visit the Jefferson Monument during the spring, you will be fortunate enough to be surrounded by the beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom around the Tidal Basin.

While walking along the Tidal Basin, don’t forget to stop by the 30-foot-high Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, which will forever serve as a monument to the freedom, opportunity, and justice for which he stood.

5. National Mall Veterans Memorials

The National Mall, dubbed America’s Front Yard, is one of the country’s most visited national parks year-round. It is home to some of the most popular memorials and sights in Washington, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors all American servicemen and women who went missing or lost their lives during the Vietnam War. Meanwhile, the Korean War Veterans Memorial is home to 19 steel sculptures of soldiers, which symbolizes each branch of the Armed Forces.

The World War II Memorial is also located in the National Mall. It honors the 16 million who bravely and loyally served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the most devastating times in world history. A sprawling memorial for the 32nd President Franklin D. Roosevelt is also nearby and is open 24 hours a day.

One day is not enough to wander through the National Mall and the landmarks located within the area. For an excellent learning experience, we recommend booking a Washington Monument and DC Highlights Tour by USA Guided Tours. You will get insider information from your local guide and the best part is, you won’t have to find your own way since an expert will be with you the entire time.

6. The Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is arguably the most famous landmark in Washington DC.

Once the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, this tribute in memory of the first American president remains the world’s tallest stone structure and obelisk. The base of the monument is always surrounded by a circle of 50 American Flags, which represent the 50 states of America.

After admiring the Washington Monument from the ground. Take an elevator to the top floor. You’ll find yourself in an observation deck that provides aerial views over the mall and much of Washington.

7. Arlington National Cemetery

One would say that it is a privilege for Arlington National Cemetery to be one’s final resting place. Spanning over 639 acres, this beloved cemetery is reserved for soldiers killed in battle since the Civil War.

The Arlington Cemetery is also filled with memorials of American history and the men and women who were part of it. Notable sites include John F. Kennedy’s gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed every hour from October to March, and then every half hour from April to September. This solemn and impressive ceremony continues regardless of the weather conditions.

The must-visit sites at the Arlington National Cemetery are spread apart. Consider booking the Arlington National Cemetery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour to make the most of your visit. While onboard, learn more about the cemetery’s history and the heroes who rest there. Any time you hop off, explore the Arlington Cemetery at your own pace.

8. Georgetown Historic District

There are dozens of historical landmarks in Washington DC, but arguably none more charming than Georgetown Historic District.

Georgetown is considered the city’s oldest neighborhood, with origins in the early 1700s, before Washington itself. Walk along tidy streets lined with historic homes, quaint shops with local products, decades-old cafes, and small museums that feature works of art created by local artists.

If you take a Private Walking Tour of Historic Georgetown, you will enjoy a carefully planned tour of trendy shops, beautiful parks, and preserved Federalist architecture that has withstood the test of time. Along the way, a local guide will tell you about the happenings and the people who walked the streets of this well-kept neighborhood. The tour takes approximately three hours, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing!

9. National Museum of Natural History

A trip to the National Museum of Natural History is one of the best things to do with kids. This museum is part of the vast Smithsonian Institution and is home to permanent and changing exhibits that explore the natural world and human evolution.

Delve into the fascinating story of our planet’s treasures and revel in several outstanding collections. The renowned Hope Diamond, for instance, continues to wow visitors with its deep blue 45.2-carat centerpiece, surrounded by 16 white diamonds, both pear-shapes and cushion cuts.

Guests of all ages will enjoy the Hall of Human Origins, which follows human evolution over six million years in response to a changing world. For the kids, venturing to the dinosaur exhibits will likely be the highlight of the trip.

If you’re planning to visit more Smithsonian museums, consider booking the Two Smithsonian Museums of American History & Natural History: A Private Tour. Guests on this tour will have an expert tour guide escort them through the halls and exhibits, bringing more stories and anecdotes about the collections found inside!

10. Ford’s Theatre

Ford’s Theatre is one of the Washington land marks that is known for having a bloody history. Just two years after the Theatre opened, it became the location of Abraham Lincoln’s gruesome assassination.

Visitors can view the onsite museum, which holds exhibits on President Lincoln and his assassination. Featured artifacts related to the assassination include the derringer used by John Wilkes Booth. This is also an opportunity to get an inside look at the effect it had on the country and its people.

11. National Air and Space Museum

The National Air and Space Museum is a popular choice for visiting families because of the interesting exhibits and artifacts that pique the interests and imagination of young ones. More than that, this museum is included in our list of Washington famous landmarks due to its collection of history-making air and spacecraft.

The original 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer and Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the first plane to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, are both a part of US history and are worth seeing and learning about in person.

Many of the exhibits in the National Air and Space Museum are interactive, and all contain actual historical objects. For instance, visitors are invited to touch a real moon rock. No need to go to space for this one-of-a-kind experience!

12. National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art is one of the famous Washington DC landmarks that is located in the National Mall. The gallery was founded in 1937 and to this day still serves as the home of an extensive collection of over 75,000 works.

This massive house of art is considered one of the world’s premier museums. Its large and diverse collection includes masterpieces of European and American paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

For a memorable trip to the National Gallery of Art, we recommend experiencing the vastness of the world-class museum with an expert art historian.

The National Gallery of Art: Washington DC Private Walking Tour, for instance, is a curated tour that provides personalized attention as you explore masterpieces dating from the medieval period to the present day. Hear about the lives and legends of the masters who created them during a 2.5-hour tour especially designed for art lovers and culture vultures of all ages.

Washington DC Tours and Vacation Packages

Got your list of “famous landmarks Washington DC”? Bundle all your tickets together through Tripster!

Explore a range of walking tours and private tours that will enrich your visit to the most popular Washington landmarks like the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

And if you’re staying in Washington DC for a couple of days, consider getting a Washington DC vacation package! Book your choice of hotels and attraction tickets in one go to save time and money.

There’s a lot to unpack if you want to see all Washington landmarks, but you probably can’t visit them all in one trip. Choose your favorites and book tickets and hotels in advance to ensure you can check off everything on your must-visit list!

Have You Been to Washington DC?

What buildings in Washington DC is your favorite? Leave us a comment below!