Things to do in Washington, D.C. for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Washington, D.C.
All self-guided activities
Discover the culture and heritage of America's indigenous peoples guided through the Museum of the American Indian by your in-app audio tour. National Museum of the American Indian houses one of the world's largest collections of Native American artifacts spanning thousands of years. This tour will take you through the museum's highlights and introduce you to the rich heritage of the Native American peoples. The tour starts in the Potomac Atrium, the heart of the building, where you will get a glimpse into the history of the museum. Here, you will see some artifacts and artworks demonstrating the traditions of the American Indians. Next, you will learn about the Native peoples of the Chesapeake Bay region, now Washington, D.C., through photos, and ceremonial and everyday objects showcased at the Return to a Native Place exhibition. The 3rd floor also offers family activities where you can enjoy hands-on displays in the ImagiNATIONS Activity Center. While visiting the Americans Exhibition, you will see how Native American imagery has imbued the life of modern Americans and hear the true story of Pocahontas. Learn about clothing, toys, tools, and ceremonial objects through Window on Collections Exhibitions on the 3rd and 4th levels. After the tour, choose to try native foods at the Mitsitam Cafe or shop for unique souvenirs. This tour is not affiliated with the NMAI but is provided by an independent creator. Entrance is free and requires no reservation.
This self-guided audio walking tour explores Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., through the lives, legends, and oddities hidden among its graves and monuments. It will appeal to travelers interested in history, politics, architecture, Civil War stories, and unusual local character. The route begins at Congressional Cemetery and follows its paths through a compact cluster of notable memorials and burial sites before ending at the grave of Leonard Matlovich. Along the way, you will encounter the cemetery’s famous quirks, including the distinctive “Accordion” grave enclosures, then continue to stories tied to Chester Ashley, bandleader John Philip Sousa, the solemn Arsenal Monument, Beau Hickman, photographer Mathew Brady, architect William Thornton, and the graves of J. Edgar Hoover and Matlovich. This tour offers a different view of the capital: not the grand facades of government, but the personal stories left behind by politicians, artists, reformers, veterans, and eccentrics. The most memorable moments include seeing the cemetery’s unusual funerary design, standing before monuments shaped by national tragedy, and discovering how fame, scandal, service, and individuality all meet in one remarkable historic landscape.
This self-guided audio walking tour explores the National Mall’s great memorial landscape in Washington, D.C. It is ideal for first-time visitors, history lovers, and travelers interested in American presidents, war remembrance, and the symbols of the nation’s capital. The route begins at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial near the U.S. Capitol, then follows the length of the National Mall toward some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Along the way, you will stand before the soaring Washington Monument, circle the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial, and continue through the expansive Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. From there, the tour moves into quieter and more reflective spaces, including the D.C. War Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. The walk ends at the Lincoln Memorial, one of Washington’s most powerful and best-loved monuments. Most memorable moments include seeing the Washington Monument rise above the lawns of the Mall, reading names etched into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, walking among the lifelike soldiers of the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and reaching the Lincoln Memorial with its sweeping view back across the Reflecting Pool.
Discover the symbolic architecture of the historical memorials on the National Mall in Washington with the help of this comprehensive self-guided audio tour. You will find yourself right in the heart of America's democracy and learn about the meaning of the National Mall, which embodies the country's rich heritage and principal ideals. You will reflect on the past, present, and future of the United States, starting your journey at the foot of the Capitol Building by the Monument of Ulysses S. Grant — the 18th president of the United States. You will proceed to the Lincoln Memorial, a pivotal moment in American history that pays tribute to some of its heroes. This architectural tour will help you get insights into the emblematic landmarks' design and understand the messages they communicate. Uncover how architects tell stories and convey emotions and discover the United States reflects on its past on a journey along the National Mall.
Walk through the cemetery where the stories of the famous come to life with this in-app audio tour! This tour will introduce you to the colorful characters for whom the Congressional Cemetery became a final resting place. From the Prince of Bummers to the designer of the U.S. Capitol, each stop on the tour offers a unique perspective on Washington's history. You'll start at the Accordion headstone, one of the cemetery's quirkiest features, before paying your respects at the grave of John Philip Sousa, the King of the March. From there, you'll "meet" the charming 19th-century grifter and learn about the mechanics of grave robbing. You'll also hear the story of a pioneer in photojournalism whose work you may carry in your pocket every day. As you wander through the cemetery, you'll hear Dr. William Thornton, the designer of the U.S. Capitol, "speaking" about his attempt to resurrect George Washington. You'll also "meet" John Edgar Hoover, the legendary FBI director who took down some of the most notorious gangsters of the 20th century. The tour ends at the grave of Leonard Matlovich, the "face of homosexuality in America" in the 1970s. Matlovich's bravery and activism for gay rights made him a symbol of hope for a generation.
Noah's ark, the burning bush, Passover... we all know bits from the Bible, but if you want the full story behind it, get yourself a ticket to The Museum of the Bible! With virtual reality journeys, interactive exhibits, seven floors of awesome artifacts, and state-of-the-art exhibitions, this is the Bible made fun! Experience the Bible like never before and unravel the nearly 3,000-year history of the world's all-time bestseller. Just three blocks from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and mere steps from The National Mall; The Museum of the Bible is in a convenient location, too!
Obtaining a White House tour can be very difficult. Explore the White House through its Visitor Center Museum and walk along the President's Park guided by this in-app audio tour. It will make your experience easy and exciting! NOTE! This is not a tour of the White House but of its museum only! The museum has a free admission. By buying this audio tour, you don’t pay for your entry—you get an opportunity to explore it at your own pace with audio commentary along the carefully planned route. The tour starts at the White House Visitor Center, which offers a window into the president's iconic home and the oldest public building in the District of Columbia. You will hear about presidents' daily life and see historical artifacts, such as the miniature White House, the 1898 Eagle Flag Pole, Monroe's soup tureen, the French Red Armchair, and many more. The tour will continue along the North Trail of the President's Park, where you will see the statues of American heroes, such as General Jackson and General Lafayette, and hear the stories behind notable historical events. Get a glimpse of the White House while walking along this 1.5-mile trail. NOTE! The White House Visitor Center is open from Tuesday to Friday from 7.30 am to 4 pm, and is closed on Sunday and Monday. Reserve 15 minutes for security screening. This tour is not affiliated with the White House Visitor Center but is provided by an independent creator. Admission is free, and no reservation is needed.
Welcome to picture-perfect Georgetown in Washington D.C.! This audio tour will walk you along the cobbled streets and distinguished houses to introduce notables who lived or worked there and give a glimpse of the neighborhood's history. The tour begins near the Old Stone House, the oldest one in Georgetown, and the whole city. Next, you will cross the iconic tranquil Chesapeake & Ohio canal that evokes Venice. From there, you will get to Washington Harbor, the popular leisure area with a vista of the Potomac River and the site of the city's biggest ice rink. Take pictures in front of Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the U.S. founded in 1789 that boasts world-famous alumni like Bill Clinton and Bradley Cooper. Passing by the beautiful Volta Bureau building, where famous Alexander Bell researched into deafness, you will discover his accomplishments apart from inventing the telephone. Walking up and down the streets, you will meet the Kennedy family and see the Federal-style houses they lived in before and after the White House. Near one of them, you will admire the imposing Dumbarton House where the United Nations charter was mapped out to be signed in San Francisco in 1945. Finally, you will spot the tiny Old Wooden House built before the Civil War, which is one of the oldest in the city. Join the tour and experience the storied past and present of this charming historic district in the United States' capital!
This sizzling hop-on hop-off trolley tour is stuffed with history! Departing every 30 minutes, ride the Old Town Trolley Washington and see the Smithsonian, the Capitol, the Supreme Court and more.
Discover rich American history guided through the museum's captivating exhibits by your own audio tour. Note! This museum has a free (!) admission. By buying this audio tour, you don’t pay for your entry. However, you get an opportunity to explore the beauty of the museum at your own pace, following the carefully planned route, seeing the best the museum has to offer, and listening to amazing stories. The tour may be used anytime during the opening hours: from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Start the tour from the first floor to see the American technology and engineering wonders, such as the magnificent John Bull locomotive. Then visit the Food Exhibition to learn how the new technologies transformed what we eat today and see Julia Child's recreated kitchen. Explore America on the Water and America on the Move exhibits to marvel at the early American Navy and all the types of vintage vehicles from the United States. On the second floor, you will hear the story of the original Star-Spangled Banner Flag. The third floor will take you to the military and political history of the United States. You will see the Gunboat Philadelphia and the famous exhibit of the First Ladies of America outfits. Finish the tour in the museum's courtyard, where you can see the famous abstract Infinity Sculpture. This tour is not affiliated with the NMAH but is provided by an independent creator. Entrance is free and requires no reservation.
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About Washington, D.C.
The best tours in Washington, D.C. are:
The best indoor tours in Washington, D.C. for rainy days are:
The must-see attractions in Washington, D.C. for a first visit are:
The best tours to do in Washington, D.C. with kids are:
The best walking tours to do in Washington, D.C. are:
Insider tips for visiting Washington, D.C.
Alexandra Sam is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2022 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Washington, D.C. on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Washington, D.C..
For a first trip, I recommend starting early on the Mall, when Washington, D.C. feels quiet and the memorials are at their best. One of my favorite things to do in Washington, D.C. is walk from the Lincoln Memorial to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at sunrise, then duck into the free National Gallery’s West Building before the crowds. When friends ask me what to see in Washington, D.C., I also send them to Eastern Market for coffee and a crab cake, then up to Capitol Hill’s side streets for row houses and gardens locals actually notice. For deeper context, I like smaller tours in Washington, D.C. focused on neighborhoods, not just the headline attractions in Washington, D.C.
When I visit Washington, D.C., I usually eat by neighborhood, because each one has its own rhythm. For a first meal, I recommend Shaw for Ethiopian spots along 9th Street and late-night cocktails nearby. I go to Adams Morgan when I want cozy international places and good weekend energy, but locals know Mount Pleasant is better for low-key Salvadoran food. Around Union Market, Washington, D.C. feels more chef-driven; I stop there for oysters, then wander to nearby NoMa breweries. If you’re planning to visit Washington, D.C., food is one of the best things to do in Washington, D.C., and any solid travel guide Washington, D.C. should tell you to leave room for neighborhoods beyond downtown.
When I want quieter attractions in Washington, D.C., I head to the Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral, especially in the morning when it feels almost hidden in plain sight. I also love Meridian Hill Park on a Sunday afternoon for the drum circle and its cascading fountain. If friends ask me what to see in Washington, D.C. beyond the obvious, I mention the Bonsai Museum at the National Arboretum and the tucked-away Spanish Steps in Kalorama. In Washington, D.C., locals also slip into Dumbarton Oaks for its garden terraces and Byzantine collection. I prefer neighborhood-focused tours in Washington, D.C. because they connect these spots with the city’s real texture.
In my travel guide Washington, D.C., I usually tell first-timers to stay in Dupont Circle or Capitol Hill. When I visit Washington, D.C., Dupont works well if you want easy Metro access, indie bookstores, wine bars, and a quick walk to Embassy Row. Capitol Hill feels more local to me; I like being near Eastern Market for breakfast and having leafy streets to wander before the museums fill up. If you visit Washington, D.C. for a weekend, Penn Quarter is convenient, but it can feel busier and less personal. For me, the best base balances charm with access to the main things to do in Washington, D.C.
When I’m showing someone around Washington, D.C. for the first time, I usually center the day on the Mall because many of the classic things to do in Washington, D.C. are there. I like starting at the Lincoln Memorial, walking past the Reflecting Pool, then timing a Smithsonian stop for midday heat or rain. The most visited attractions in Washington, D.C. are still the Capitol, the memorials, and the Air and Space Museum, but I always suggest seeing them early or after 5 p.m. If you’re deciding what to see in Washington, D.C., neighborhoods matter too; I often pair the monuments with food in Shaw or Capitol Hill. Some tours in Washington, D.C. follow that same rhythm, but I prefer exploring on foot.
If you plan to visit Washington, D.C. around a big local moment, I’d aim for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, but I always go on weekday mornings to avoid the peak crowds by the Tidal Basin. In summer, Smithsonian Folklife Festival is one of my favorite things to do in Washington, D.C. because it feels more like the city gathering than just sightseeing. I also love Passport DC in May; embassies open their doors, and Washington, D.C. feels especially international. In my travel guide Washington, D.C., I always add DC JazzFest in late summer and the H Street Festival in fall for a more neighborhood-driven side of the city.
In my travel guide Washington, D.C., I usually recommend late March to early May or late September through October. When I visit Washington, D.C. in spring, the city is beautiful, but I try to avoid peak cherry blossom weekends because hotel prices jump and the Tidal Basin gets packed. Fall is my personal favorite in Washington, D.C.; the air is crisp, patios are lively, and it’s easier to enjoy the main things to do in Washington, D.C. without summer humidity. Winter can be surprisingly good too if you want museum-heavy days and lower rates. I’d skip July and August unless you don’t mind heat and thick afternoon storms.