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The Washington Monument reflected in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

No. 40 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Washington, D.C.

United States

Monuments, the National Mall and free world-class museums in the US capital.

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Photo: Ali Khan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Washington, D.C. is No. 40 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. The capital of the United States, on the Potomac River, was laid out in the 1790s with broad avenues and grand public buildings.

The National Mall is lined with monuments and with museums of the Smithsonian Institution, most of which are free to visit.

The United States Capitol, Washington, D.C.
The United States Capitol, Washington, D.C.. Photo: Architect of the Capitol, Public domain, source

Best time to go

Spring is the classic time to visit: the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin usually peak in late March or early April. Autumn is also pleasant.

Summers are hot and humid, and winters can be cold.

Top sights

  • 1

    National Mall and Washington Monument

    The grassy park stretches from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. Timed tickets are needed to ride to the top of the Washington Monument.

  • 2

    Lincoln Memorial

    The temple-like memorial with its seated statue of Abraham Lincoln overlooks the Reflecting Pool.

  • 3

    Smithsonian museums

    Free museums on and around the Mall include the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History.

  • 4

    National Gallery of Art In our Top 100 Museums

    One of the world's great art collections, with free entry.

  • 5

    National Museum of African American History and Culture In our Top 100 Museums

    A Smithsonian museum in a striking bronze-coloured building; free timed passes may be needed.

  • 6

    United States Capitol and Library of Congress

    Free tours of the Capitol can be booked online; the Library's Jefferson Building has a magnificent Great Hall and reading room.

  • 7

    Georgetown

    A historic neighbourhood of brick townhouses, shops and restaurants by the river.

Getting there

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is on the Metro, a few minutes from the city. Washington Dulles (IAD) is on the Metro Silver Line, and Baltimore/Washington (BWI) is linked by train.

Amtrak trains from New York, Boston and other cities arrive at Union Station.

Getting around

Metrorail and Metrobus cover the city and suburbs; use a SmarTrip card, which also works in phone wallets.

The Mall is best explored on foot or by Capital Bikeshare, but distances are bigger than they look.

Practical tips

Currency
US dollar (USD). Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is customary: around 18–20% in sit-down restaurants and a dollar or two per drink in bars.
Language
English.
Safety
The main sightseeing areas are generally safe; take normal big-city care at night. Expect security checks at museums and public buildings. The emergency number is 911.
Visa & entry
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including the UK, most EU countries, Australia and Japan) need an approved ESTA before they travel; most other visitors need a visa. Canadian citizens generally need neither for a short visit. Apply only on the official site esta.cbp.dhs.gov and check travel.state.gov for the current rules.
Power
120 V, 60 Hz; plug types A and B.

Official information: Destination DC (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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