20 Best Things To Do In Washington DC: It’s More Than Just A Capital City!

Grand, iconic, and the political hub, the USA’s capital is bursting with a sense of power and history. Everywhere you turn, you see a site that bore witness to significant events, whether it’s Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ moment or the Capitol Building that has seen the majority of presidential inaugurations.

Imposing museums line the Mall, commemorating Natural History, American Art & Portraiture, Air & Space, and African American History, among other things. They’re symbols of the pride Washington takes in the country it represents and are always free to visit.

Among them, you’ll find monuments to the past standing in the ever-present reminder of things that have been.

As well as the power of the past, Washington also stands as a symbol of the power of the present. The White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court are here, as well as the World Bank, the Pentagon, and dozens of embassies.

Do you know how in House of Cards or other films set in Washington DC, there’s that constant sense of influential politicos striding? It’s not entirely inaccurate! The city is throbbing with action, decisions being made, and alliances being broken. As bleak as we might feel about the current situation, there’s something fascinating in being close to this.

So far, we’ve painted a picture of a city that’s interesting, but perhaps not all that warm – to brush Washington off as a sterile place would be unfair. There’s a rich and varied arts scene here, from the National Theatre to independent ones. Jazz clubs are still going strong, and you’re never far from some live music in the evenings. Galleries, open-mic nights, comedy, and craft beer all thrive in this city packed with young, ambitious people.

With all this on offer, it’d be a mistake to limit your trip to DC to only a couple of days, and your program doesn’t need to be limited to museums and monuments, as you can see from our list of the Washington DC.

And if you live nearby, chances are you will return again and again, especially when you see how easy it is to book a train from Washington DC to New York City via Omio.

1. Experience One Of Washington’s Newest Areas At The Wharf

From history to hip and happening, the city’s newest waterfront district is one of our favorite things to do in Washington DC – and not just because we love being by the water.

Open since October 2017, this mile-long stretch along the Potomac River is packed with restaurants, shops, and recreation options. As we also saw recently in Lisbon, Providence and Auckland, there is a global trend towards reimagining and renovating often overlooked waterfront areas, and here “The Wharf” reestablished DC as a waterfront city and destination.

It’s a gorgeous place to meander, people watching and soaking up the sun (if there is any!). If you’re a water baby, you can hire kayaks or paddleboards; if it’s winter, you can brave ice-skating. Restaurants include outposts of all Washington’s hottest spots, from Nicholas Stefanelli’s Italian Market and Restaurant to Fabio Trabocchi’s Del Mar. There’s also the 6000-seat venue.

The Anthem is showcasing some great shows, so get outdoors and enjoy the best of this captivating city!  

2. Eat Your Way Around The Adams Morgan Neighbourhood On A DC Dinner Tour

If you didn’t believe us about Washington being more than politics and history, this is the Urban Adventure tour to go on.

It will open your eyes to the wealth of culinary delights that lives in this city as well as teach you more about one of DC’s most ethnically diverse areas – Adams Morgan. You’ll visit some of the neighborhood’s hidden gems, trying a variety of six dishes and heading stories about the impact of the area.

From traditional American BBQ to Middle Eastern dishes to a sweet treat rounding it all off, your taste buds will thank you. The cocktail helps, as well! It’s a great way to meet people, whether that’s other travelers or the locals you chat with, and you even get some exercise (so all those calories don’t count, right?).

3. Combine Great Food With Showtime With Drag Brunch at Nellie’s Sports Bar

Perhaps one of the more surprising things to do in Washington DC is this fabulous drag show in a sports bar, with a side of eggs, bacon, and mimosas.

Yup, you heard that right. Turn up at this big, white building on a corner on U Street on Saturday or Sunday, and you’ll be ushered to a seat, a Bloody Mary or mimosa will be put in your hand, and before you know it, you’ll be chowing down on pancakes. At the same time, queens do an opening cheerleader performance. This drag show is anything but a drag…

It’s very interactive (i.e., be warned: there’s audience participation) as the queens dance between tables or even commit to some acrobatics from the ceiling beams. If you are shy – girl, you can bet they will find you, but that is just half the fun.

You can sing along to Rihanna or be taught how to twerk – or enjoy the show with your drink in hand. Brunch has never been so fabulous, inclusive, or diverse! 

4. Feel Literary At The Library of Congress

Bibliophiles, listen up – this is the biggest library in the world. Located in three buildings on Capitol Hill, with 532 miles of shelves and over 164 million items in its collection, this is a genuinely staggering sight.

But it’s not all about the books. There are also maps, recordings, photos, and various exhibitions. The most dazzling architecture is in the Thomas Jefferson Building, where you’ll find several exhibitions among the stacks.

Even if you’re not as obsessed with books as us, the architecture alone is worth the visit. Rose windows in the ceiling, zodiac symbols inlaid in the floor, ornate staircases with carvings representing popular American professions at the time of building; there are seemingly infinite amounts to wonder at.

Daily tours will give you further background on the library – these, plus entry, are totally free.

5. Stay at Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle

Hidden away among embassies a mere five minutes away from the lively residential area of Dupont Circle, this Art Deco hotel combines chic and contemporary design with friendly service and a whole host of amenities to make it one of the best places to stay in Washington.

There’s no scrimping on comfort, as you’ll realize when you sink into the luxury mattress in your room; the rooms are kept clean and fresh.

You get free coffee in the morning, and there’s a wine happy hour in the evening where you can chat with other guests before heading out for dinner. If you’d prefer to have dinner there, the Riggsby restaurant has some delicious options. With all this comfort, it’s hard to imagine wanting to leave – but if you do, you can hire a bike, and everything you want to see is only a couple of miles away.

One of the best parts about the Kimpton Carlyle? Not everyone knows about it – so keep it our secret!

6. Taste A Little Bit Of Everything At Union Market

A hall where all our favorite types of places live under one roof? Point us in the right direction! The former Union Terminal Market has undergone a bit of a resurgence as a gourmet food hall with tons of casual dining options.

It’s imperative to come here hungry as you’ll basically want to try everything, from the Korean tacos to the scrumptious doughnuts to the homemade pasta. If you come with a group, there’s something for every taste.

For those foodies who like to cook at home, Union Market is also a (slightly pricey) option for stocking up your kitchen shelves. You can get a huge range of luxe goods, like artisan tea, fresh produce, and enticing spices and seasoning. Murals and Yoko Ono art decorate the exterior, denoting what a hip place you’re about to enter!

7. Wheel Around The Sights On A Monuments Bike Tour

We already mentioned how many monuments there are to see in DC, so why not catch them all on a fun and breezy bike tour? This way, you’ll get to see all of the city’s ‘Greatest Hits’ without feeling like you’re endlessly trekking between statues. The tour will take you to the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Washington Monument, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and more.

It’s a more fun way to introduce kids (and some reluctant adults!) to American history, and you’ll relish getting a chance to see more of the city as you freewheel around. Informative guides add to the experience, and you’ll get plenty of time to dismount and explore each spot before you’re speeding off to the next one!