Best Attractions in Washington, D.C.

Eastern Market

A beloved 1873 public market on Capitol Hill where the South Hall's butchers, bakers, and produce stalls anchor a lively neighborhood scene. On Saturdays and Sundays the surrounding blocks fill with a flea market and farmers vendors selling antiques, crafts, and local food. Weekend flea and farmers markets run roughly 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; take Metro, as parking is scarce.

Attractions

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

The world's most-visited aviation and space museum, home to the original Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and an Apollo lunar module. A renovation is wrapping up through 2026, with new galleries opening July 1 (the museum's 50th anniversary) and more in the fall, so some halls may still be closed. Admission is free but a free timed-entry pass is required for everyone.

Attractions

Smithsonian's National Zoo

A free 163-acre Smithsonian zoo set in leafy Rock Creek Park, best known as the only place in the U.S. where you can see giant pandas (Bao Li and Qing Bao) at no charge. Visit in the morning when animals are most active and the pandas tend to play. Open daily except Christmas; admission is free but timed-entry passes are required and best reserved in advance.

Attractions

The Wharf

A mile-long Southwest Waterfront district along the Potomac packed with restaurants, bars, piers, and live-music venues like The Anthem, plus the historic Municipal Fish Market, the oldest continuously operating fish market in the U.S. Stroll the boardwalk, grab oysters, or rent a kayak, and catch free outdoor concerts in warm months. It's fully open year-round and easy to reach via the Waterfront Metro or a short water taxi.

Attractions

Tidal Basin & Paddle Boats

A scenic waterfront ringed by the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and famous for its springtime cherry blossoms. Rent a pedal or swan boat from the dock for a relaxed loop with memorial views, or simply walk the 2-mile path. Paddle boats run daily (roughly 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, opening at 9 a.m. weekends); the memorials themselves are free and open around the clock.

Attractions

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

The gateway for touring the U.S. Capitol, with an exhibition hall on the history of Congress and access to free guided tours of the Rotunda, Crypt, and National Statuary Hall. Tours run Monday through Saturday and require free passes, best reserved in advance online or through your member of Congress. The center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the last tour at 3:20 p.m.