washington dc vs philadelphia to visit

• Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Philadelphia for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

• Pros & Cons
• Attractions
• Backpackers
• Public Transit
• Walkability
• More time in Washington or Philadelphia?
• Which is Cheaper, Washington or Philadelphia? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, Washington or Philadelphia?

• When to Visit Washington or Philadelphia?

Should you visit Washington or Philadelphia?

Which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Philadelphia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington is a diverse, active, and monument-filled city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Washington and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

• Popular museums and historical sights
• Numerous theater shows
• Active nightlife
• Good music scene
• Good for hiking
• Family-friendly
• Good for couples and romance
• Big city activities
• Impressive beauty
• Home to the Washington Monument and the White House
• Less popular with backpackers
• Scenic old town
• Known for Christmas markets
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers

Is there more to do in Washington or Philadelphia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia than Washington. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is very popular for its music, historical sights, and christmas markets, while Washington attracts visitors for its food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Washington is more touristy than Philadelphia and is known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. Philadelphia is famous for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also well known for The Liberty Bell.

How is Washington different from Philadelphia?

Which is better for a holiday.

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Philadelphia and Washington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Washington or Philadelphia?

Spend time exploring the terrific sights and museums in either Washington or Philadelphia.

Travelers visit Washington from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Philadelphia are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

Is Washington or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

There are excellent theater venues available in both Washington and Philadelphia.

Washington has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Philadelphia. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Is the Food Better in Washington or Philadelphia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Washington is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Washington is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

Dining out in Philadelphia is an experience not to be missed. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

Is Washington or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Washington and Philadelphia.

Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Philadelphia has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

Is Washington or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is great for live music. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its live music scene.

The music scene in Philadelphia draws a good crowd. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

The music scene helps keep Washington active and fun. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Is Washington or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is very good for its historic old town. However, Washington does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Washington does not have a historic old town.

Is Washington or Philadelphia Better for Hiking?

Washington is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington . Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Philadelphia?

If you're looking to go shopping, Washington and Philadelphia both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Philadelphia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Is Washington or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Washington is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Washington draws large crowds. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Is Washington or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Washington does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia offers some nice Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Washington does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Washington or Philadelphia Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Washington or Philadelphia.

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Philadelphia is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Is Washington or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Washington is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Washington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Philadelphia is a good city for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Is Washington or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Philadelphia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Washington or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Washington is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Washington is a great destination for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Students come from all over to stay in Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Is Washington or Philadelphia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Washington is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Washington has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Is Washington or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Washington and Philadelphia are terrific when it comes to walkability.

Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

It is easy to get around Philadelphia on foot. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

For even more information, also check out Is Washington Worth Visiting? and Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting? .

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Washington?

How long in washington or philadelphia.

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Washington and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Philadelphia . Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

Couples should spend more time in Washington than Philadelphia. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Washington that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia than Washington if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Philadelphia.

• How many days in Washington or Philadelphia? Ideal Length of Stay Washington 3-7   Philadelphia   2-3

One day in Washington or Philadelphia?

Each neighborhood in Washington has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With theater and nightlife around the diverse city of Philadelphia, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or Philadelphia?

Washington is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

With nightlife and live music around the big city destination of Philadelphia, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Washington or Philadelphia?

Each neighborhood in Washington has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Philadelphia, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or Philadelphia?

Washington is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Philadelphia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America , The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America , and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America .

Which place is cheaper, Philadelphia or Washington?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Washington Prices USA Prices Philadelphia Prices USA Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Washington $ 198 Philadelphia $ 188

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, while the average daily cost in Philadelphia is $188. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Philadelphia in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Washington $ 113 Philadelphia $ 119
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Washington $ 226 Philadelphia $ 238

Compare Hotels in Washington and Philadelphia

Looking for a hotel in Washington or Philadelphia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Washington

Hotels in Philadelphia

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Washington $ 47 Philadelphia $ 28

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:

• Metro Day Pass $ 9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

• private Ronald Reagan, Washington National Airport transfer: $150
• Washington, DC Airport Transfer Service DCA: $350
• Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $67
• Washington to Washington Airport (DCA) Departure Private Transfer: $60
• Washington to Baltimore Airport (BWI) Departure Private Transfer: $78
• Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA): Transfer to Washington: $180
• Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
• Washington DC: Private Transfer to Airports or Baltimore: $160
• Washington DC: One Way Airport Transfer Service: $80
• Washington DC: DCA Private Transfer from/to Downtown: $110
• Washington DC Metro Area :Airport Transfers: $75
• Washington City to LaGuardia Airport Departure Private Transfer: $206

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia

Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

• Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Private Transfer to Philadelphia: $366
• Philadelphia to New York Airport (JFK) Departure Transfer : $197
• Philadelphia City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $195
• Philadelphia to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport(JFK) - Departure Private Transfer : $179
• Philadelphia to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer : $168
• Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car: $98
• One Way Private Airport Transfer: $80
• Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport (PHL) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
• Philadelphia int Airport Private Transfer to Philadelphia: $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Philadelphia?

Prices for flights to both Philadelphia and Washington change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

• Food Meals for one day Washington $ 38 Philadelphia $ 49

Typical Food Prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:

• Water $ 2.00
• Snacks on Monuments Tour $ 6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

• DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $60
• Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $67
• Eastern Market Small-Group Food Tour with 5 Food Stop and Dessert: $69
• Eastern Market Eats Food Tour (5 Food Stops + Dessert): $69
• Adams Morgan Food Tour: $74
• DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
• Washington D.C: Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
• Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $102
• Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
• Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
• Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
• Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144

Typical Food Prices in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

• Casual Lunch (for 3) $ 27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

• Locals' Favorites Food Tour: $52
• Best of Philly Food Tour: $55
• Center City Philadelphia Food Tour with Reading Market : $59
• 9th Street Italian Market Walking Food Tour: $61
• Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
• Chef-Led Italian Market Food Tour: $75
• Secret Food Tour: $79
• Chef-Led Italian Market Food Tour: $80
• Secret Food Tours Philadelphia w/ Private Tour Option: $85
• Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $95
• Food Writer & Chef-led Food Tour of Italian Market & More: $95
• Chinatown Guided Food Tour: $99

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Washington $ 24 Philadelphia $ 28

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

• See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour : $99
• "Drunk Shakespeare" Live Show Ticket at DC's Sage Theatre: $49
• "Women of the Cold War" Guided Walking Tour in Georgetown: $25
• 1.5 Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour with Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: $40
• 2 For 1! DC Highlights & Arlington Cemetery Tour Bundle: $84
• 2-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour : $75
• 2-Hour Arlington Cemetery Morning Guided Walking Tour: $50
• 2.5-Hour Sunset Cruise on Chesapeake Bay: $116
• 3 Hour Washington DC Guided Sightseeing Tour : $144
• African American History Private Tour w/ Museum Entry: $450
• African American History Tour with Museum Admission: $89
• African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket: $90

Typical Entertainment Prices in Philadelphia

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:

• Big Bus Tour (family of 3) $ 99

Tours and Activities in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

• "No Reservations" Northern Liberties Food/Culture Tour : $49
• A Magical Christmas Tour in Philadelphia: $574
• Alexander Hamilton Private Group Walking Tour in Philadelphia: $250
• BYOB Historically Hilarious Trolley Tour of Philadelphia: $49
• Beyond the [Liberty] Bell History Walking Tour: $59
• City Sightseeing Philadelphia HOHO Bus Tour + Bookable Extras: $36
• City Sightseeing Walking Tour – Founding Fathers and Mothers: $32
• Classic Philadelphia City Bike Tour: $79
• Cocktail Caravan: FishTown Walking Bar Tour: $35
• Dark Philly Adult Night Tour: $38
• Discovering Colonial Philadelphia Private Walking Tour: $250
• Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Philadelphia (1, 2, or 3-Day): $36
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Washington $ 19 Philadelphia $ 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

• DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $35
• Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
• Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
• DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
• DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
• Cyber Wine Tours: $125
• From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
• Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255

Sample the Local Flavors in Philadelphia

Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

• Philly Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
• Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
• Guided Tour with Pub Crawl: $45
• Philadelphia Prohibition Pub Crawl: $50
• Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $120

When comparing the travel costs between Washington and Philadelphia, we can see that Washington is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Washington Expensive? and Is Philadelphia Expensive? .

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Washington and Philadelphia, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Washington or Philadelphia?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Washington or Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Philadelphia. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Washington is around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Washington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Washington usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

• Summer Average Temperatures July Washington 79°F (26°C)   Philadelphia   77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Washington or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Washington as well as Philadelphia. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Washington is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 60°F (15°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. In the autumn, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphia. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

• Autumn Average Temperatures October Washington 60°F (15°C)   Philadelphia   56°F (14°C)

Should I visit Washington or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. Washington can get quite cold in the winter. Washington is much warmer than Philadelphia in the winter. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Washington usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

• Winter Average Temperatures January Washington 35°F (1°C)   Philadelphia   30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Washington or Philadelphia in the Spring?

Both Philadelphia and Washington during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Washington is a little warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Washington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the spring, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Philadelphia. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

• Spring Average Temperatures April Washington 56°F (14°C)   Philadelphia   52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Washington

Related articles for washington, related articles for philadelphia.

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Philadelphia Itinerary

Last Updated on September 5, 2024

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

As one of the most historically important cities in the country, spending a few days in Philadelphia is a highlight of an East Coast city tour.

However, Philadelphia has way more to offer than just museums and monuments – there is a thriving food scene, a hopping sports culture and a lively and exciting energy that makes it a joy to explore.

Whether you’re visiting as a stop on a longer itinerary or as a standalone city break, Philadelphia is a city that is incredibly fun to spend some time in – no matter how long you have!

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Philadelphia?

With 2 days – or if you’re planning a weekend trip – you have enough time to see the highlights and historical landmarks before departing.

If you have 3 days in Philly, you’ll have plenty of time to see the best landmarks, eat some iconic local dishes and visit some of the top museums.

Spending even more time is best for those who want a chance to venture beyond the city while still catching the highlights inside it. You can take a day trip via train or bus to a nearby natural site and get a break from the city.

Getting To & Around Philadelphia

Due to its close proximity to New York City , Washington DC , Baltimore, Boston , and other large cities, it’s easy to reach Philadelphia by bus or train.

The shortest of these options takes only one hour (coming from New York City by train) with the longest taking a few hours.

Buses are the more affordable option but both buses and trains will deliver their passengers to the city center. You can view schedules here.

If you’re flying directly into Philadelphia, you’ll arrive through Philadelphia International Airport. It’s located about 7 miles from the city.

You can call a rideshare, organise a transfer or taxi to drive into the city. Taxis charge a flat rate of $32 (with a $1 surcharge per additional passenger) to get to and from the airport from the city center.

You can also reserve a seat on an airport shuttle—some even take you directly to your accommodation. You can also take the underground train from the airport.

The city of Philadelphia is considered one of the most walkable in the country as it is an old city designed before the wide use of cars.

Many of the most popular landmarks are located near each other. The layout of the city is simple—the north/south streets are numbered whereas the east/west streets are named after trees.

There are signs throughout downtown that guide visitors to walk around the city, catching all the main historical sites.

Philadelphia also has an underground public transit system that works well for quickly getting across the city if you don’t want to walk.  It’s also easy to call a Lyft or Uber, or hail a taxi.

Otherwise, it can also be very worthwhile to purchase a GoCity Pass for Philadelphia. This includes a hop-on/hop-off bus tour along with entry into a vast array of museums and historic sites – including the majority of those listed on this itinerary.

2 or 3-Day Philadelphia Itinerary

This route allows you to see the highlights of Philadelphia in just a short amount of time. It offers a great mix of historic sites, museums, food and culture and it’s sure to leave you really falling for the City of Brotherly Love.

Day 1 – Old City & Center City Highlights

The first day of this itinerary explores some of the highlights of the Old City and Center City of Philadephia.

If you want to learn more about the history of the city, consider taking this historic walking tour or this cultural tour that explores another of the attractions listed below with a tour guide.

Independence Hall

Along with many of the historic buildings in Washington DC, Independence Hall is probably one of the most famous structures in American history. Here is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed.

In fact, Philadelphia once acted as the capital of the USA after the Constitution was ratified and was where presidents George Washington and John Adams had official residences.

From March to December, you can only enter Independence Hall with a timed, ticketed tour. In January and February, the Independence Hall entrance is first-come, first-served, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting during this time.

The tour lasts around 20 minutes. Guides take visitors through the Assembly Room and ground floor of the Hall, providing important context to the rich history of this building. 

Liberty Bell

The State House Bell, also known as the Liberty Bell, is an iconic part of Philadelphia’s history. This bell was actually a replica.

The first cracked the first time someone attempted to ring it and a second was promptly made. The bell seen today was originally housed in Independence Hall and intended to call lawmakers and townspeople to gather.

No one knows for certain how the infamous crack occurred. During your visit to the Liberty Bell Center, you’ll learn about the history and lore surrounding the bell. There is a great exhibit and you’ll also find helpful National Park Rangers who give historic talks to give you more context.

You don’t need a ticket to visit and it is free to enter, but make sure you check the center’s hours prior to visiting.

Philadelphia City Hall

After taking in these historic sites, walk about 20 minutes to reach the city hall. However, if you need a little pick-me-up, we recommend stopping for a coffee en route at Passero’s Coffee Roasters.

The Philadelphia City Hall is the largest municipal building in the United States, with over 14.5 acres of floor space, and is an architectural wonder to see both inside and out. Inside, you can take a tour that details the history and creation of the city.

You can also climb to the top of the tower for excellent views of the city.

City Hall is home to the office of the city mayor and the chambers of the Philadelphia City Council. Entrance to the museum, tower, and building itself is free, but make sure you check the opening times for when you’re there.

Before you leave the area, head to the iconic LOVE statue that sits just northwest of City Hall in JFK Plaza (also known as Love Park). It was installed in 1976 and has since become an icon for the City of Brotherly Love.

Reading Terminal Market

After a morning of sightseeing, it’s likely you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite. And if you’re hungry, go no further than Reading Terminal Market.

As one of the oldest public markets in America, Reading Terminal is chock-full of local vendors and food stalls.

There are over 80 merchants that specialize in preparing food from all over the world – we were surprised to find a Georgian restaurant ( Saami Somi ) here that serves an array of modern Georgian Dishes that would be at home at a hip restaurant in Tbilisi.

We can also recommend grabbing a sandwich from Hershel’s , a Jewish deli that serves up all the classics – from pastrami to whitefish salad!

If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir, this might be the place. Along with food, there are artisans selling handmade crafts to American quilts. 

Winding your way back to the Old City, make a detour to explore Philadelphia’s Chinatown. This is a vibrant neighborhood that really celebrates the diversity of Philadelphia and particularly it’s East & Southeast Asian populations.

Spanning a few city blocks, there are lots of bakeries, tea shops, dumpling houses and more to take in. Hopefully, you still have a bit of an appetite while wandering through this area because there are a number of incredible foods to sample here.

If you do want to have a meal in Chinatown – either for dinner later or as part of this little exploration, we can highly recommend Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House . They pull their own noodles in-house and the soups are absolutely incredible. It’s cash only, but there is an ATM on site.

Museum of the American Revolution 

Continue your exploration of the history of the American Revolution with a visit to the Museum of the American Revolution. This huge collection of art and artefacts from the country’s path to achieving independence is a perfect crash course of the time period.

The galleries of the museum are organized in chronological order, so you’ll walk through history during your visit. You’ll be able to enjoy excellent storytelling and fascinating artefacts from a pivotal time in American history. You can pre-book tickets here . Plan to spend about an hour going through the museum.

And if you want to dive even deeper into this era of history, make sure to visit the nearby Betsy Ross House – home to the woman who sewed the first American flag. You can also see Benjamin Franklin’s Grave just around the corner from the museum.

Elfreth’s Alley

Philadelphia is a city filled with many landmarks that are the oldest of their kind. Elfreth’s Alley is no exception. Here is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the country. It’s a narrow stone street with brick buildings on either side.

Greenery and colorful window shutters bring the street to life. In its earliest years, Elfreth’s Alley was the home of 18th-century artisans and tradespeople who helped build Philadelphia from the ground up. 300 years later, the stretch of untouched homes was named a National Historic Landmark.

Franklin Fountain & Liberty Beer Garden

Especially if you’re visiting in the hot summer months, it’s likely that you’re exhausted and overheated after a long day of sightseeing! If this is the case, make sure to head over to the Franklin Fountain.

This is an old-school soda fountain that has a great vintage feel. They make an array of homemade sodas, milkshakes and sundaes and also sell ice cream by the scoop. They even have a variety of vegan flavours and seasonal specialities!

Something for the adults, consider wandering over to the Liberty Garden which overlooks the park near the Liberty Bell. They have several beers and drinks available along with some good happy hour deals if you make it there in time!

Day 2 – Museums, Society Hill & South Street

Spend your second day exploring vibrant South Philly, visiting some more interesting museums and eating some fantastic local favorites!

Weitzman National Museum of Jewish American History

Begin your day at another museum – this one being the Weitzman Jewish American History Museum. Even if you are not Jewish, you are sure to find this museum incredibly informative and very well-done. It’s also free to enter, which is another bonus!

Set over a number of floors, this museum outlines Jewish history in America from the country’s founding to the present day. It’s an excellent way to learn about Jewish-American history, immigration and about American Jewish contributions to arts, culture, politics, science and more.

Because of how much there is to see, plan to spend 2-3 hours here to get the full experience. We visited one hour before closing and it wasn’t enough time, so we returned the following morning to finish going through the museum.

If this museum doesn’t interest you, then you should also consider heading to the African American Museum of Philadelphia, which exhibits a lot of history and culture about African Americans.

Explore Society Hill

Head south toward South Street from the Old City and you will find yourself in the Society Hill neighborhood, a historic district that is one of the most upscale in the city.

Set along cobbled streets, you can take in beautiful townhouses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries along with lots of other historic sites.

Take the time to zig-zag through the pleasant streets here and see where your feet take you. One thing that is great about this neighborhood – and all of Philadelphia – is that there are plaques all over the city in front of important buildings and monuments with their historic significance explained. It is really like spending time in an open-air museum.

South Street & Italian Market

After a foray through Society Hill, you will have arrived on South Street, a vibrant thoroughfare in South Philly. This leads into the Italian Market area of Philadelphia, which is – unsurprisingly – home to a large portion of the city’s Italian community.

South Street is also packed with interesting bars, restaurants and filled with murals and street art. It’s a great place to stroll along.

The Italian Market neighborhood is home to countless different fresh produce stands, butcher shops, cheesemongers and more. Though it is less chaotic, it has the feel of wandering through street markets in Sicily.

Cheesesteaks, Tomato Pie & Water Ice

No visit to Philadelphia is complete without eating a Philly cheesesteak. The most authentic cheesesteaks have thinly sliced ribeye steak, cheese (American, provolone or Cheez Whiz), fried onion, mushrooms, or bell peppers all tucked into a hoagie roll.

While you can get a cheesesteak all over the city, one of the best areas to get a great one is in the Italian Market area – we particularly recommend Angelo’s Pizzeria.

The sandwiches are huge – we recommend splitting one between two people – but they’re absolutely delicious with high-quality ingredients and great bread. Though you have your choice of cheese, we really think they’re best with the classic Cheez Whiz.

While in this area, take your time to indulge in some other local culinary specialities. For instance, while you’re waiting for your sandwich at Angelo’s, consider heading to Sarcone’s Bakery to get a tomato pie. This is simply a piece of focaccia covered with a flavourful tomato sauce – and it’s super delicious!

And if you’re looking for a refreshing dessert, then make sure to head over to John’s Water Ice . Water Ice is similar to granita and it is super delicious. John’s is a historic spot for this local treat and they have a lot of fresh, natural flavors – and seasonal specials. We particularly loved the mango and pineapple flavors!

If you want to take in more of Philly’s unique cuisine, you can take a food tour to learn more about the city’s food scene.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

You might’ve seen photos of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens online. These intricate indoor and outdoor mosaics make for beautiful photo ops.

The gardens began when a local artist, Isaiah Zagar, started hanging tiles on South Street in the 1960s. Today, the mosaics are constructed out of tiles, bottles, ceramic shards, bicycle spokes, and other pieces of art supplies.

Over the years, the garden has gained public support that preserved the windy corridors of art. It’s worth adding to your itinerary, especially if you’re looking for something that is uniquely Philly and isn’t another historical landmark.

Attend a Sporting Event

What better way to round out your day than by enjoying another of Philadephia’s institutions? And by that, we mean heading to a sporting event. Philadelphia is a sports-mad city and you’re going to find something on no matter what season you’re visiting.

From football (Eagles) to basketball (’76ers) to hockey (flyers) to baseball (Phillies), attending a sporting match is a quintessentially Philadelphia experience.

All of the stadiums are conveniently located in the south of the city and are easily reached onthe metro. Otherwise, it’s just as easy to take an Uber or Lyft to the area.

One thing to note is that when we purchased tickets to a Phillies game is that we did have to call to get our seats, as online ticket sales were reserved for PA, DE or NJ residents. It was not an issue to book tickets over the phone.

If you’re not interested in heading to a sporting event, then wind out your day enjoying the nightlife on South Street, instead!

Day 3 – Philly’s Top Museums

If you’re fortunate enough to have three days to spend exploring Philadelphia, spend the third day enjoying some more of the city’s top museums. It’s tough to visit all of them listed below, but pick a couple and you’ve got a day well spent.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Nearly every major city has an art museum for its visitors and locals to enjoy. Philadelphia boasts one of the largest in the country, making it a must-see for guests.

The building towers at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on the banks of the Schuylkill River and houses a huge collection of work. More than 240,000 pieces of art from 2,000 years of history live here. You’ll find suits of armor, a complete 14th-century Buddhist temple, and works from Picasso all under one roof.

The building was expanded as recently as 2021, allowing the museum to open new exhibits and extend its permanent collection. Of course, the stairs leading to the museum are also famous and known as the “Rocky Steps” – so-called after the 1976 film.

Those wanting even more art can also visit the nearby Rodin Museum – or add it to the itinerary if they’re spending more than 2 days in Philadelphia. Alternatively, begin your day at the Eastern State Penitentiary Museum where you can learn about some famous inmates (including Al Capone) and go through a haunted house.

Barnes Foundation

Lovers of art should make time for the Barnes Foundation – it’s one of the best things to do in Philadelphia.

Here is one of the world’s most respected collections of French impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. Here, visitors will find 181 pieces of art by Renoir, 69 pieces of Cezanne, and an exquisite collection of African Art.

Along with the permanent exhibit, the Barnes Foundation has a rotating series of temporary exhibits that include works from major artists throughout history. It was established in 1922 and is a charming way to spend an afternoon. 

The Franklin Institute

Named after the highly revered inventor and founding father Benjamin Franklin, the Franklin Institute is one of the most treasured science museums in the country. The museum specializes in interactive displays that walk visitors through several areas of science.

The earliest iteration of the Franklin Institute opened in Independence Hall in 1824 to showcase the inventions of Benjamin Franklin. Today, it’s one of Philadelphia’s most-visited landmarks.

During your visit, don’t forget to stop by the museum’s trademark: a 20-foot tall marble statue of the museum’s namesake, Benjamin Franklin. After the museum, you could opt to take a stroll to Rittenhouse Square, a nearby lovely park, or simply make your way to the next stop on this itinerary.

Fairmount Park

If you’re keen to spend some time outside, then head away from these museums and visit the lovely Fairmount Park. This is a vast green space along the Schuylkill River and it’s the perfect area to wile away your time.

The park actually spans both sides of the river, so you can go across the bridge and explore the other side, if that’s something you’re up for!

Have More Time?

If you happen to have a bit more time to devote to your trip to Philadelphia, these are some great suggestions for how to spend your days:

Longwood Gardens

If you’re short on time in Philadelphia and want a taste of nature during your visit, head to the Longwood Gardens. Located just about an hour outside the city, the gardens are a great way to spend a quiet morning or afternoon during your last day in the area.

The garden houses over 9,000 species of plants across 1,000 acres. There are walking paths to enjoy the area as well as a botanic garden with fountain shows and stunning landscapes.

Make sure you see the Italian Water Garden, Flower Garden Walk, and Pierce’s Woods. While exploring, don’t be surprised if you come across a variety of wildlife. A visit here is a relaxing way to conclude your visit to Philadelphia. 

The quickest way to reach Longwood Gardens is by Amtrak. From there, you can reserve a shuttle service 24 hours in advance to reach the gardens or call a rideshare. There are also four bus lines that run from Philadelphia to Longwood.

If you have a car during your visit, it will take you around 45 minutes, depending on traffic, to reach the gardens. You can also take an organised tour . You should plan to spend 3 to 4 hours there.  

Philadelphia Zoo

Before you leave Philadelphia, pay a visit to America’s first zoo: the Philadelphia Zoo.

As one of the best-designed zoos in the country, exploring these exhibits is simultaneously relaxing and engaging.

Over 1,300 animals, many rare or engaged, call this zoo home. Make sure you visit some highlights like Big Cat Falls, the McNeil Avian Center, the PECO Primate Reserve, and the interactive wildlife exhibits aimed at kids.

The zoo opened in 1874 and has since rehabilitated countless animals. Here is a great stop if you’re traveling with kids or if you just love spending an afternoon learning more about wild animals. You can book tickets here. 

Where to Stay in Philadelphia

Alexander Inn – This quaint, boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option for mid-range visitors. They have several great rooms to choose from, a central location for exploring the city and breakfast available each morning.

The Notary Hotel – This luxury hotel has a range of plush rooms to choose from, an excellent location for exploring all the highlights of the city and plenty of great amenities for guests to enjoy.

The Windsor Suites – If you’re looking for a luxurious stay while also having some self-catering facilities, then these suites are a great option. All suites are fully furnished and equipped with a kitchenette, along with an on-site restaurant/bar and other fantastic amenities.

Apple Hostels – They have a range of both dorms and private rooms to choose from along with good common areas and self-catering facilities for guests to use.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Philadelphia hotels!

Philadelphia is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a seamless blend of old and new – if you like to spend mornings in incredible museums and your afternoons taking in street murals and eating iconic sandwiches. Whether you only have 2 days or can spare 3 full days in Philadelphia, you’re sure to enjoy your time exploring this lively city.

Are you planning to visit Philly? Have any questions about this 3-day itinerary? Let us know in the commen ts!

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About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

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Why Philly Is One of the Easiest (and Most Awesome) U.S. Cities to Visit

Philly exudes effortlessness, laid back-ness and cool — and is a logistical breeze, too....

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We get it: Traveling can be a hassle. You’ve got to whittle all your items down to the bare essentials, lug them to some faraway location and hope you can relax enough to truly enjoy yourself.

Philadelphia , however, isn’t like other travel destinations.

Just like its residents, the city exudes effortlessness, laid back-ness and cool. Not only is getting to and traveling around Philly a logistical breeze, but immersing yourself in the city’s culture is also beyond simple.

After a few days, you’ll start to feel like a local. Seriously.

But if you need a little more convincing, allow us to give you 12 reasons why a trip to Philly is beyond simple.

1. Getting here is a cinch

It’s settled. You’re coming. Need help getting here ? You’ve got lots of options.

Smack dab in the middle of other East Coast metropolitan areas like New York and Washington D.C., getting to Philly means only a short car ride. If you’d prefer public transit, Amtrak , NJ Transit, Greyhound and Megabus all make stops in Philly from destinations near and far.

William H. Gray III 30th Street Station   — Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Plus, for visitors from both the Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey suburbs, a quick ride on SEPTA regional rail or PATCO is all it takes to trade the ‘burbs for big city environs.

2. It’s easy on the wallet

You don’t need to spend a ton of money to have a good time here.

Visitors can find free attractions citywide, including $0 admission to attractions in Independence National Historical Park and Spruce Street Harbor Park . Philadelphia’s Historic Philadelphia is particularly rife with no-cost fun , like the Liberty Bell Center and Elfreth’s Alley.

Bladens Court off of Elfreth's Alley   — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

For everything else — think: hotels , food and drink , and museums — prices are low compared to nearby cities (even with inflation!), so a stay in Philly won’t break the bank. Even better? The city’s most famous food delicacy, the cheesesteak , remains one of the best bangs for your few bucks.

3. You can see one of the world’s most iconic attractions 24/7

A few images come to mind when thinking about the nation and its founding: George Washington crossing the Delaware River , the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell . (Hey, all of those took place in Philadelphia and the Countryside!)

A pro tip: The Liberty Bell is conveniently housed in a center with glass walls, offering after-hours passersby a look at the iconic gong.

Liberty Bell Center   — Photo by A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia

But you really should head inside the Liberty Bell Center to get a 360-degree look at the Bell, glorious crack and all. Even better? No tickets required .

4. You can eat like a food critic any night of the week

With dozens of James Beard Foundation-honored restaurants , Philly is a diner’s delight. While some top establishments (see: Zahav, Vernick Food & Drink) aren’t the easiest to get reservations for (tip: try to grab a seat at the bar), there are plenty of top-notch restaurants (of the fancy and casual variety) where you can grab an impromptu meal.

Parc   — Photo by Oskar Kalinowski for Palette Group

Crowd into Hardena and enjoy beef rendang , cozy up to the bar at Monk’s Cafe for craft beer and mussels, or nosh on escargot for lunch at Parc . The possibilities (and the deliciousness) are endless.

5. You can satisfy every food preference at key culinary hotspots

The issue: You want a veggie-heavy meal and your travel partner could go for a meaty sandwich. No need to settle: Philly’s full of food halls and dining destinations that are home to dozens of vendors offering a variety of cuisines.

At Reading Terminal Market , one of the country’s oldest and largest public markets, visitors can chow on anything from roast pork sandwiches to vegetarian Middle Eastern fare. The Bourse Food Hall is conveniently located near Historic Philadelphia for hungry tourists.

Reading Terminal Market   — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Nestled within neighborhoods — or encompassing entire neighborhoods — throughout the city, the Italian Market , East Passyunk Avenue and Chinatown are can’t-miss locations for dining.

6. You can entertain kids of all ages

Bring the kids!

Philly is perfect for families . Young ones can have tons of fun at the Please Touch Museum (a hands-on kid-friendly museum) and Smith Memorial Playground (including a massive slide!).

Have a wide variety of ages in tow? The Franklin Institute (walk through a giant heart) and Philadelphia Zoo (lions, tigers, and bears — oh my!) are sure to please the whole crew.

Please Touch Museum   — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Hop on PHLASH , a bus service shuttling visitors to many of these major attractions such as Penn’s Landing , the Barnes Foundation , the Philadelphia Museum of Art , Reading Terminal Market and more — so no more coordinating complicated cross-city trips with cranky tots or teens.

7. You can support diverse businesses in every neighborhood

Home to hundreds of Black-owned shops and boutiques , Black-owned restaurants , Asian-owned restaurants , Latino-owned restaurants and women-led kitchens , Philly is full of diverse businesses (some of which are also featured in our Shop Philly initiative ).

Shop for unique home goods at Queen Village’s YOWIE , cool off with a popsicle at West Philly’s Lil Pop Shop and fill up on delicious tapas at Old City’s Amada .

8. Getting around is as easy as putting on comfortable shoes

While most people travel to Philly via car, once you’re here, you absolutely don’t need that ride of yours. That’s because the city is so thoroughly walkable.

According to Redfin’s Walk Score, Philly is the eighth most walkable large city in the U.S. , meaning you can cover a lot of ground on foot. Center City (i.e. downtown Philadelphia) spans 26 blocks from river to river to give you some perspective.

A family walking in front of the Merchants' Exchange building in Old City   — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

And thanks to Center City Philadelphia’s grid street structure (shout out to you, William Penn!), there’s only four directions you could be heading — north, south, east or west — so finding your way is less of a hassle than, say, some European cities, where every road goes askew.

9. You can bake a getaway into your getaway

Why visit just one place? Take an excursion to the nearby c ountryside to explore quaint and charming towns in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties — all incredibly accessible by car and public transit.

Longwood Gardens   — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Take in the works of art at the Brandywine River Museum of Art , marvel at the beauty that is Longwood Gardens or give Big Bird a hug at Sesame Place (or all of the above).

10. Independence Visitor Center is your one-stop shop for need-to-know info

Let’s be honest: Visiting a new city can be overwhelming. Luckily, the Independence Visitor Center ’s got your back.

With maps, brochures, tickets, tour information and expert guidance (available in multiple languages), you can feel equipped for your stay, knowing where to go and how to get there.

The exterior of the Independence Visitor Center, with Independence Hall in the background   — Photo by J. Fusco for Independence Visitor Center Corporation

Plus, it’s located on the edge of Philadelphia’s Historic District , so you won’t be far from many must-see sites (we’re lookin’ at you, Liberty Bell and Independence Hall ).

11. Hotel parking is easy, breezy

Speaking of parking , most hotels in Philadelphia have parking lots or offer valet parking — take that, NYC! — giving motorists peace of mind.

  — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

If you’re driving into town, unload your car at the hotel and don’t think about it again until you’re ready to leave. You won’t need it while you’re here. Why? See below.

12. Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package perks simplify your stay

Sleepover! Philly is best experienced over multiple days, and the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package helps you do just that.

The Logan, Philadelphia's Hotel   — Photo courtesy The Logan, Philadelphia's Hotel

Not only do you get your pick from dozens of participating hotels , but the package also includes free hotel parking (which could run you up to $100 for two days) and perks that vary by season. Previous iterations of the package have included free exhibition tickets, free dining gift cards and more.

While perks change seasonally, the free parking is a constant. Score!

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The Perfect Hotel Package for an Easy Philly Escape

The  Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.

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• Apr 10, 2021

East Coast USA 10 Day Full Itinerary - New York City, Philadelphia and Washington DC

Updated: Oct 5, 2021

My brother and I visited the East Coast of the US back in the summer of 2019 - before the terms coronavirus, social distancing and lockdown were a thing. It was our first trip together without our parents and we managed to navigate three of the US' biggest cities with only a few arguments! During our ten day trip we visited: New York City, Philadelphia and Washington. New York City will forever be one of my all-time favourite travel destinations in the world. It truly has everything you could want in a city - excitement, diversity, culture and above all, a great energy. I always feel so energised when I visit NYC. After spending a couple of days in NYC, we took the Greyhound Bus to Philadelphia. I'd never been to Philadelphia before so I didn't know what to expect. It's safe to say I was very pleasantly surprised! Philadelphia was such a cool place and I wish we got to spend more time there. After another couple of days in Pennsylvania's capital, we headed for the US capital - Washington DC. Luckily our cousin lives in Washington DC so we stayed at his apartment for the duration of our time there. You know what you're getting with DC and even though I'd visited once before, there was so much I hadn't seen or done yet. DC is the heart of America's culture and history and this is encapsulated by its many museums, exhibitions and memorials. Right - introduction over, here is all the important information that can help you plan your own trip to the East Coast of the US - accommodation, food, activities.

Day 1 - New York City

Accommodation - The Pod Times Square - $547 for two nights (I know, absolutely ridiculous!). That roughly equates to £395. The reason it was so expensive was due to its location (five minute walk from Times Square) and the dates we went (NYC is always more expensive in the summer).

On our first full day in NYC we went on a day-long walking tour of Manhattan and Brooklyn - full on tourist mode! We walked from Times Square to Brooklyn Bridge, taking in everything NYC had to offer. The best part about NYC - you can get so much for free! Every block you walk past has something on offer, whether that be a skyscraper, a local food truck or a street performance, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The walk from Times Square to Brooklyn Bridge was long and it was a very hot day in NYC. The view from Brooklyn Bridge was breathtaking and the walk across it was even better. The bridge is a tourist hotspot in itself and its a thriving part of NYC. There are opportunities to buy paintings, take photos and even hold a snake! I managed to capture some fantastic photos of the bridge as I walked across - navigating the hundreds of people doing the same as well as cyclists swerving in and out of the waiting tourists. As we made our way over the bridge to Brooklyn I was instantly amazed by Brooklyn's character and uniqueness. We didn't spend too much time in Brooklyn as time was getting on but we did stop by the Hudson River to admire the view of Manhattan across the bridge. To finish the day we stopped off at Subway for some food and then went to Times Square which comes alive at night. It makes me so sad to think about how Times Square has been affected by the pandemic - it thrives off having thousands of people fill its streets day after day.

Day 2 - New York City

Day two in NYC was just as busy as day one, if not even busier. After breakfast at Dunkin Donuts in which I had my favourite NYC breakfast (a cream cheese bagel), we decided to venture to one of NYC's most famous bakeries in Harlem - the Levain bakery. To get to the Levain bakery we walked from one end of Central Park to the other. It was a very long walk but I absolutely love Central Park - so it was all worth it! We tried one of the famous chocolate chip cookies and it's safe to say it didn't disappoint. After a day of walking we decided to get the metro back to Times Square and then went back to our hotel to prepare for our departure to Philadelphia the next day.

Day 3 - Philadelphia - Apple Hostel (Twin private room) - Approximately £120 for two nights

Greyhound Bus - NYC to Philadelphia. After arriving to Philadelphia in the afternoon, we didn't do too much on the first day after from try the famous Philly Cheese Steak! We couldn't visit Philadelphia without trying the local delicacy - it did not disappoint!

Day 4 - Philadelphia

Our first stop on our first full day in Philadelphia was the Museum of the American Revolution. I had never studied about the American Revolution so I was really interested in finding out more about America's past and how it has shaped the America we see today. We then went to the Eastern State Penitentiary which was one the most famous and expensive prison in the world. Today it stands in ruin - crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Admission for adults costs $19 which is a very reasonable price given how long we spent walking around. There was also lots of information about the current judicial system in the US - such as the issues with the system as well as what needs to be done to improve it. After exploring the Eastern State Penitentiary we took an Uber back into the centre of Philadelphia and visited the famous Liberty Bell. It was free to visit with no tickets required but there was a queue so bare that in mind when visiting at popular times. For dinner we went to an Indian restaurant and I had a delicious chicken korma - I'd highly recommend!

Day 5 - Washington DC

Day 5 took us to our third and final destination of our East Coast US trip. Instead of explaining everywhere we went and what we did in DC, I'll create a list below of it all including opening and closing times, prices etc.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Admission: Free

Opening and closing hours: 10am-5:30pm

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Opening and closing hours: 11am-4pm

The Capitol Visitor Centre - guided tour and Senate Gallery

All tours, programmes and activities are free of charge.

Opening and closing hours: 8:30am-4:30pm

To access the Senate Gallery you'll need to show your passport as proof of ID if you're not an American citizen - I'd highly recommend visiting the Senate Gallery if you get the opportunity. The process of obtaining the required pass was a lot quicker and straight forward than I initially imagined.

Lincoln Memorial

Location: Western end of the National Mall, across from the Washington Monument.

National Air and Space Museum

I'd highly recommend paying to do the Flight Simulator Experience. This cost $10 per person which was great value for money and a lot of fun! Make sure to avoid the busy times though as we did unfortunately have to queue.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Location: Near Constitution Gardens on the National Mall. The closest Metro stops are Foggy Bottom or Federal Triangle on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines.

Martin Luther King Memorial

Location: West Potomac Park at 1964 Independence Avenue.

D.C. United vs Real Betis - football match

Location: Buzzard Point, Washington.

Washington Nationals baseball match

Location: Along the Anacostia River in the Navy Yard neighbourhood of Washington DC.

During our time in Washington we also met up with my friend Ellie who I met whilst travelling in Thailand. We drove to Shenandoah National Park and explored the area as well as going on a hike. My brother and I had been to a few National Park's in America before but I'd have to say that Shenandoah National Park was one of my favourites!

Overall, my brother and I had a fantastic time on our East Coast US trip! We both love visiting the US and what always excites me is the diversity within the country and amongst all the different cities. Each city offers something unique and I can't wait to return to the US soon - hopefully within the next year or so.

So, who's thinking of booking a trip to the East Coast of the US? I hope you find this itinerary useful!

All information provided is from our personal experience and OneGlobe360 cannot take any responsibility for any changes in prices or details of the information discussed.

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Family | Travel | Adventures

Washington, DC Itinerary: 2, 3, and 5 Day Guides

• November 7, 2023
• Updated December 12, 2023
• In Itineraries and Things to Do , National Park Sites , Washington DC , Weekend Getaways

Are you looking for a Washington, DC itinerary for 2, 3, or 5, days? We’ve got you covered!

We love Washington, DC! Living in Philadelphia means we are a short drive to our nation’s capital, giving us plenty of opportunities to visit the town.

Over our multiple visits, we’ve explored most of the National Mall memorials and museums and have found some other gems that you don’t want to miss.

However, many people don’t have the option to visit Washington, DC, several times, so they want to know the best things to see and do over their short visit. And this guide has it!

Whether you’re looking for the best DC weekend itinerary or have a longer stay, the guide below shares the best things to do in Washington, DC, over 2, 3, or 5 days. So, let’s start planning!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Let’s Plan Your Washington, DC Trip!

Tickets/Tours:

• Get around town in a fun way with a Washington, DC Hop On / Hop Off Bus Tour .
• Try a guided bus tour of the memorials and monuments at night.
• Although you can visit Arlington Cemetery for free, we think the Tram Tour is worth the price.
• Hyatt Place Washington Dc/White House:  Complimentary hot breakfast with larger rooms and walking distance to the White House.
• Hampton Inn Washington, D.C./White House : Complimentary hot breakfast and a 15-minute walk to National Mall.
• Embassy Suites Alexandria Old Town:  Complimentary made-to-order hot breakfast and a 20-minute Metro ride into Washington, DC.

If you are visiting Washington, DC with kids, you’ll want to check out our tips to plan the best trip !

Getting Around Washington, DC

Before you visit Washington, DC, for a weekend or longer, you’ll need to know the best ways to get around the city. We love parking our car and using the Metro. But there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

Visitor Tip: If you’re flying into DC, book a flight to Reagan National Airport . The Blue and Yellow Metro lines stop there, making it super easy to get to and from town.

The Washington, DC Metro

Our favorite way to get around Washington, DC (besides walking) is by the  Metro . We love that it is fast, convenient, and relatively inexpensive.

Of course, every public transportation system comes with a learning curve. These are some of the things you’ll want to know before you hop on.

• Metro fare is calculated  based on the time of day and distance between stops.  The fare is listed on the SmarTrip machines at each station.
• The Metro offers unlimited use of 1, 3, and 7-day passes  instead of paying for each trip individually.
• Every rider ages six years and older needs their own SmarTrip card . You can buy them at any Metro station and refill them as needed.
• Up to two children five years old and younger can ride the Metro for FREE with a paying adult.
• Each rider has to scan their card at the departing station  and  the arrival station.  This is how they determine the fare charge.
• There is only  one Metro stop on the National Mall   (the  Smithsonian  stop). The Blue, Orange, and Silver lines stop there.
• L’Enfant Plaza is only a few blocks from the National Mall . Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, and Yellow lines stop there

Driving Around Washington, DC

If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing along the National Mall, a car isn’t the best way to get around Washington, DC.

Paid street parking is usually limited to two-three hours, so you’d have to move a car around. And parking can be tricky to find, especially in the summer and over holiday weekends.

You can park at the several parking garages north of the National Mall, but then you’ll still be walking a few blocks to the museums and monuments anyway, so you might as well leave the car at your hotel (if you have one).

Overall, walking is one of the best ways to get around Washington, DC. Most of the monuments and museums on this Washington, DC, itinerary are all along the National Mall.

Keep in mind that the size of the National Mall size can be deceiving. The monuments and museums appear closer to each other than they are. Many first-time visitors to Washington, DC , don’t realize how big it is! For example, the Lincoln Memorial and the  Washington Monument  are almost one mile apart.

Electric Scooters

One thing you can miss as you walk around Washington, DC, are the electric scooters! They are on every corner and sidewalk, especially along the National Mall.

Electric scooters can be a fun way to get around the city. Riders have to use the company’s app to pay for the scooter. The rate fluctuates based on demand and is charged by the minute.

Companies that have permits for dockless scooters in DC for 2023-2024 are Lime, Lyft, Spin, and VeoRide.

🚌 A Hop On/ Hop Off Bus Tour is a Fun Way to Get Around DC!

The Best Weekend in Washington, DC Itinerary

We did this exact itinerary when we visited Washington, DC, for a weekend, and it worked out perfectly. You hit many of the big items without feeling like you crammed in too much. It’s also relatively inexpensive, as many of the  museums in Washington, DC, are FREE to visit .

Day One: Arlington Cemetery, Museums, and Memorials

Start your day off at  Arlington National Cemetery . You can either drive or take the Metro. Paid parking is available on-site.

It is FREE to visit  Arlington Cemetery , but we recommend paying for the  tram tour . The tour is a hop-on/hop-off style and takes you to some of the most popular spots in the cemetery, including John F. Kennedy’s gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown.

Visitor Tip: The Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs every hour on the hour from October 1st – March 31st, and every 30 minutes on the half-hour from April 1st – September 30th.

After Arlington National Cemetery, head back into DC for lunch at one of the museums. We love the café at the National Museum of the American Indian .

Take the afternoon to enjoy the many FREE museums on the National Mall . You’ll probably only have time to enjoy two of them, but you might be able to squeeze in a third one. Everyone has their favorites, but we love the National Air & Space Museum and the National Museum of American History .

Some of the more popular museums are the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of Natural History.

Grab a bite to eat along the Wharf before enjoying the memorials at night . There is nothing like viewing them all lit up! You can either walk or enjoy this bus tour .

Day Two: Views and Zoo

Let’s hope for a clear day because we’ll be taking in the views from above in the morning.

If you’re staying near the  White House , walk by and get a photo op before heading to your first stop.

Next, head to the  Washington Monument   first thing in the morning to grab some incredible views of the  National Mall  and  Tidal Basin . You can see for miles and might even get a glimpse of the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria.

If you couldn’t  secure tickets to the Washington Monument , the next best option is the  Old Post Office Tower . From there, you can see the Washington Monument and the  Capitol Building .

The National Park Service runs both structures. The Old Post Office Tower is FREE to visit. The Washington Monument charges $1 per ticket.

After you’re done, drive or take the Metro to the  National Zoo . If you drive, you’ll need to reserve paid parking ahead of time. It’s FREE to visit the zoo, but they  require advanced reservations . The National Zoo has plenty of places to grab lunch, or you can stop somewhere along the way.

Alternate Option:  If the National Zoo doesn’t appeal to you, there are other ways you can spend your afternoon. A  Capitol Building   tour   is a great way to spend the afternoon. Afterwards, head over to the  Botanical Gardens .

Washington, DC Itinerary For 3 Days

Are you spending a long weekend in Washington, DC? We know how to spend that extra day! Follow the 2-Day Itinerary above to start, and then add on these activities for your third day.

Day Three: Capitol Building and the Capital Wheel

If you followed our Washington, DC, 2-day itinerary and went to the National Zoo, then today is your day to visit the  Capitol Building . They offer FREE tours Monday- Saturday. You’ll want to  book your tour  far in advance, as they sell out quickly.

After the Capitol Building, if you’re visiting Washington, DC, during the week, you can  tour the  Supreme Court . Otherwise, you might enjoy the  Botanical Gardens , the  Library of Congress , or one of the art museums nearby.

In the afternoon, head over to the  National Harbor  in Maryland to take a ride on the  Capital Wheel  and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants close by. Don’t forget to visit the Gaylord National Resort. They often have events, like ICE, going on.

5 Day Itinerary For Washington, DC

If you have a week to explore Washington, DC, lucky you! You’ll want to follow the above itineraries for days 1-3 and then add on these two days.

Day Four: Mount Vernon and Alexandria

It’s time to leave the city and drive 25 minutes to George Washington’s estate. You can spend a whole day at  Mount Vernon  with the many things to do, including the mansion tour, exploring the grounds, and the museum.

You can have a casual lunch at the food court in the visitor center. For something a little fancier, try the  Mount Vernon Inn .

Before you leave the area, stop by  George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill . Admission is included with your Mount Vernon  Grounds Pass .

As you drive back to Washington, DC, stop in  Old Town  Alexandria . You can park near the Metro station and take the FREE  King Street Trolley  to the waterfront and enjoy some shopping and history. While you’re there, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in town. We love the food at  Blackwall Hitch .

Day Five: Museums and Memorials Part Two

There are so many excellent  museums and memorials  in Washington, DC that it would be hard to visit them all in one day. That’s why, if you have five days in Washington, DC, you’ll want to spend another day visiting the ones you missed.

On Day One of the itinerary, we suggested visiting the museums on the National Mall. So, for Day Five, it’s time to explore the rest of the city.

Our favorite museum that is off the National Mall is  Planet Word . This unique museum all about language is fun for everyone, not just kids. And the best part? It’s FREE to visit! You need to  reserve tickets  ahead of time.

Another fantastic museum off of the mall is the  Renwick Gallery , which is a Smithsonian museum. It’s right next to the White House and not a far walk from Planet Word.

For the memorials, if you haven’t visited the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial yet on this trip, this is the day to do it. This massive memorial walks you through the four terms of his presidency and includes famous sculptures like “ Depression Bread Line .”

The  Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial  is nearby, so you can visit both easily.

Where to Stay in Washington, DC

There are several excellent  hotels in Washington, DC , and many that are within short walking distance to the National Mall and other attractions.

Your budget will also determine where you’ll stay. It’s typically more expensive to stay in Washington, DC, than in Arlington or Alexandria. But those towns are a short Metro ride away, so they are a great option if you want to save some money.

We have stayed at the following hotels and had a good experience at each one:

• Hyatt Place Washington DC/White House:  Nice hotel with FREE hot breakfast. Larger rooms make it great for families. Walking distance to the White House and a 15-minute walk to the National Mall.
• Hampton Inn Washington, D.C./White House : Nice hotel with FREE hot breakfast. Walking distance to the White House and a 15-minute walk to the National Mall.
• Embassy Suites Alexandria Old Town:  Beautiful hotel with FREE made-to-order hot breakfast. Across from the Metro and a 20-minute ride into Washington, DC.

Common Washington, DC Itinerary Questions

How many days is enough for washington, dc.

You can pack a lot into two days in Washington, DC. However, three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Washington, DC, and get to see many of the museums, memorials, and monuments.

What is the Number One Attraction in Washington, DC?

In 2022, the most-visited place in Washington, DC, was the National Museum of American History, with 3.9 million visitors!

When is the Best Time to Visit Washington, DC?

The best times to visit Washington, DC, are when the weather is milder and the crowds are low. September through November and March through May. However, the Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring will increase the crowds.

Washington, DC Itinerary Wrap Up

Even with a lot of planning, you will only be able to see some of the DC offers in one trip. However, these 2, 3, and 5-day itineraries for Washington, DC, will help you see some of the city’s best attractions.

The biggest tip about visiting Washington, DC, we can leave you with is this:  Remember to make your reservations!  Several museums, the Washington Monument, and the National Zoo require advanced reservations. You’ll want to make them ahead of time to ensure entry.

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Read It Now. Pin It For Later!

Lauren is the visionary behind Where the Wild Kids Wander. She is a travel enthusiast who lives outside of Philadelphia. For more than a decade, she's been hitting the road, exploring the nooks and crannies of the United States alongside her family. Her passions include visiting big cities and small towns and trekking through nature's trails. She loves sharing those adventures with fellow travelers.

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Washington, D.C.

Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do with this highly curated Washington, D.C. travel guide.

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Washington, D.C. is so much more than the political epicenter of the U.S. The city offers legendary museums, one of the best hotels in the country in 2022 (as voted by T+L readers), and a calendar full of fun events for the entire family. History buffs will love stepping back in time at the National Mall, and anyone with a passion for reading will swoon at the book collection in the Library of Congress. Nature lovers should opt for a springtime visit, when the cherry blossoms bloom and events start to trickle outside, including the Blossom Kite Festival. And let's not forget that the country's capital is also a college town, with universities like Georgetown, Howard, George Washington, and American all within city limits.

Whether you're headed there to learn, play, or even just as a stopover before your next destination, you should explore everything the capital city has to offer. These are the best places to stay, eat, and shop in Washington, D.C.

Riggs Washington, D.C.

Riggs Washington D.C. is the place to stay in the capital city, and it's got the accolades to prove it. The property was named the best hotel in Washington, D.C . in 2022 by T+L readers. Once a national bank headquarters, the hotel combines its past and present beautifully. You'll find small bespoke touches that pay homage to its history, including in-room minibars designed like vintage safes.

The Jefferson

The Jefferson , also voted one of the city's best hotels in 2022 by T+L readers, is an independently owned boutique that features "99 guest rooms inspired by our third president’s travels in Paris and home in Charlottesville, Virginia," T+L contributor Rebecca Ascher-Walsh previously reported. The hotel is currently offering a "Summer of Discovery" package, where guests can receive a daily itinerary curated by the hotel's in-house historian, a $50 daily dining credit, and late checkout.

Rosewood Washington, D.C.

Rosewood Washington, D.C. is a chic retreat in Georgetown set along the C&O Canal and is a favorite among T+L readers. The property features 55 rooms, 12 suites, and six town houses designed for long-term guests. Enjoy a meal on-site at Cut, a Wolfgang Puck steakhouse. The restaurant is open seven days a week and hosts brunch on the weekend. Reservations are recommended.

The Hay-Adams

This historic hotel, also loved by T+L readers, overlooks Lafayette Square and has great views of the White House and the Washington Monument. The Hay-Adams was named after its original residents — John Hay and Henry Adams. Scott Bay, a T+L contributor, reported that "the details seen throughout the Italian Renaissance-style mansion and its 145 rooms evoke a sense of timelessness that keeps visitors coming back year after year."

Pendry Washington, D.C. The Wharf

The Pendry is one of D.C.'s newest properties and was named one of the best new hotels in 2023 by T+L editors. The 131-room hotel features high-end amenities, including "a panoramic pool terrace with cabanas, sun loungers, and a swimming pool; spa facilities; and a rooftop restaurant," T+L contributor Dobrina Zhekova previously reported. Most rooms in the hotel feature floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase stunning views of the Potomac River and monuments like the Jefferson Memorial.

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, and the building itself is a work of art, with a beautiful, intricate reading room and other fine architectural details. It provides a great respite for anyone seeking knowledge or just a break from the D.C. humidity. Kevin Fanning, former D.C. tour guide and current regional sales manager at tour company WeVenture, recommends that travelers get themselves a library card. "You [might never] go into the reading rooms, but [it'll be] a souvenir that says you are a member of the Library of Congress." The library is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and all visitors must reserve a timed-entry pass before visiting. You can reserve them for free online.

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Tour George Washington's estate home and learn about the first president's life and legacy at this historic site. In addition to the mansion, which offers timed entry, Mount Vernon has a museum and education center, gardens, a slave memorial, a working farm, and Washington's tomb. There are also seasonal events here as well, including whiskey tastings, a colonial market, and fireworks. The estate is open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $28 for adults, $15 for children between six and eleven, and free for children under five.

National Mall

Often referred to as "America's front yard," the National Mall is home to iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. "The easiest way to get around the National Mall is the D.C. Circulator, " Kevin Fanning noted when asked about the two-mile-long stretch of monuments. "There's a city bus that runs around the National Mall every 10 minutes." Make sure you check its website for regular and seasonal schedules.

Washington, D.C. is home to 74 museums that cover topics ranging from history and art to science and aerospace. Notable museums include the National Museum of African American History and Culture ; the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History ; and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum , dedicated to the ongoing preservation of Holocaust history. Carolyn Crouch, founder of popular D.C. walking tour company Washington Walks, also recommends visiting the Capital Jewish Museum. "[It] includes the city's oldest synagogue building. [Check out] 'Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsberg,' its inaugural exhibition."

United States Botanic Garden

While the National Arboretum is larger in scale, don't pass up the opportunity to see this curated nature exhibition right in the heart of downtown D.C. Established in 1820, this is the oldest continuously operated public garden in the U.S. — and a great place to escape the city and learn about various plants and flowers.

Cady's Alley

This design district is home to high-end designers and local antiques, including home furnishings, fashion, and other chic shops. The 19 stores that currently occupy the alley include high-end jewelry shop Brilliant Earth; Relish, which sells clothes and accessories; and District Doughnut , which sells — you guessed it — donuts.

M Street Shops, Georgetown

M Street is a must-visit for D.C. visitors keen on shopping the city's high-end boutiques. You can also stop in at some national favorites, like Patagonia, Urban Outfitters, and Brandy Melville .

Politics and Prose

Known for their almost-nightly author talks, this independent bookstore carries thousands of books and includes an expanded children's section. Additional locations at Union Market and the Wharf make it accessible as part of any just about sightseeing day in town. For exclusive discounts and perks, become a Politics and Prose member for just $35 a year.

CityCenterDC

CityCenterDC , located in downtown D.C., is your one-stop shopping destination, with 34 retail options, nine dining venues, and even lodging at the Conrad Washington D.C . Shops include high-end brands like Gucci, Dior, and Chanel. Carolyn Crouch recommends visiting some of the gourmet food stores while you're here, too. "Stop in at Mercato Centrolina for house-made pasta and sauces, and stop at Piccolina for delectable cakes and tarts."

The Restaurant at District Winery

Inside D.C.'s first operational commercial winery is an upscale dining room with expansive windows overlooking the nearby Anacostia River. Chef de cuisine Nicholas Fulginiti created a delicious vegetable-forward menu inspired by local ingredients. Stop in for dinner on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., or hit up brunch on the weekends, when doors open at 11 a.m.

Call Your Mother

This D.C. deli is one of President Joe Biden's favorite spots — he picked up bagels at the Georgetown location shortly after he was sworn in as president. Call Your Mother's bagels are inspired by New York and Montreal-style bagels, and they sell deli favorites like tuna melts and pastrami sandwiches as well. Their seven D.C. locations are open every day, though each has its own set hours. Check the hours online before you go, and order in advance if you can.

Fiola Mare delivers high-end service, delicious seafood and beautiful waterfront views. The sophisticated, seasonally changing menu reflects the fare found along some of Italy's most famous coastlines, including the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. It makes for a great fine-dining option around Georgetown and welcomes guests seven days a week — though be aware it's only open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays. Reservations are recommended.

Award-winning chef José Andrés started his legacy here in 1993, helping to transform the Penn Quarter neighborhood into a bustling food destination. Jaleo celebrates Spanish culture through delicious signature tapas, paellas, and cured meats. "No one should travel to Washington, D.C. without dining at one of José Andrés restaurants," Carolyn Crouch remarked when asked about Jaleo. "Why not start with the original? It's where countless Washingtonians have fallen in love with Spanish tapas." Stop by during the weekday for "sangria hour," where sangria, wine, and certain tapas are reduced in price from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Note that the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Union Market

Currently home to 41 vendors, this artisanal hub boasts an array of delicious restaurants, from smaller names like TaKorean , which only operates in the D.C. and Maryland areas, to French pastry giant Ladurée. There's something here that'll suit everyone's taste buds, including Argentinian empanadas, avocado toast, and Southern comfort food. The hall is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The best time to go to Washington, D.C. is between April and June, when temperatures are moderately warm and events abundant.

The spring brings D.C.'s famous cherry blossom season, arguably the most beautiful time of year in the capital city. "Few cities undergo [a] seasonal transformation more beautifully and dramatically than Washington, D.C.," T+L contributor Katie Chang previously reported . "Its 3,000-plus cherry blossom trees remain a visually striking symbol of renewal, hope, and friendship." The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from late March to early April, and guests can enjoy a kite festival, parade, and cherry blossom-themed eats.

May brings graduation season, and the city's hotels start to book up with proud family members. Reserve a room well in advance — especially at the city's top hotels — if you plan to travel during this time.

Washington, D.C.'s high season is July and August, which are also the hottest months of the year here. The Fourth of July is a big draw for the nation's capital. When the weather is nice, Carolyn Crouch urges tourists to "get out on the water. Take a water taxi from the Southwest waterfront to Georgetown or Old Town Alexandria. You'll see iconic sites along the way."

Read More: The Best Times to Visit Washington, D.C. to See the Cherry Blossoms, Tour the National Mall, and More

You can get to Washington, D.C. by plane, train, and bus. Washington Dulles International Airport is the largest airport in the area and is serviced by all major U.S. airlines. However, it is located about 26 miles outside of D.C. in Chantilly, Virginia. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is only about five miles from D.C., but has significantly less flight options, as it is only served by eight airlines.

Amtrak trains have daily routes from major cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago that run directly to Union Station, which is within walking distance of some of D.C.'s most popular landmarks.

If you prefer the bus, companies like MegaBus offer several different routes to the capital city. MegaBus currently offers trips to D.C. from most major cities, including New York, Pittsburgh, and Boston.

Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure

Downtown: Downtown is home to the most important address in America: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. In addition to the White House, you'll find a number of D.C.'s most famous museums downtown, including the National Geographic Museum, which is currently being renovated to include amazing new experiences for visitors. (Keep an eye on its website to see when it will be open to the public.) And if you're looking for stunning views but don't want to deal with the crowds at the Washington Monument, Kevin Fanning recommends you head to the old post office and clock tower, located on the corner of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. "The clock tower goes up 257 feet, giving you unparalleled views of Pennsylvania Avenue. You don't need tickets to go to the top, as it is owned and operated by the National Park Service."

Georgetown: The neighborhood around Georgetown University is more than just your classic college enclave. You'll find upscale restaurants and hotels along the C&O Canal, luxury shopping on M Street, and historic homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Capitol Hill: Home to the U.S. Capitol building, the Supreme Court building, and the U.S. House and Senate, this neighborhood is the political epicenter of our country. You'll find plenty of tourists and the political working crowd here, some of whom reside in the lovely 19th-century Capitol Hill row houses.

The Wharf: This trendy neighborhood is helping to reestablish D.C. as a waterfront destination. Crouch says you can have the ultimate D.C. experience in this neighborhood. "Start with a bit of shopping at Shop Made in D.C., where everything is made by local makers. Next door is a branch of Politics & Prose, one of Washington's favorite independent bookstores. Across the way is Surfside, a locally owned taco stand with an island vibe. For dessert, head over to the family-owned and -operated Southwest Soda Pop Shop for homemade ice cream and vegan soft serve."

Trains: The city's Metrorail , run by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), operates across Washington, D.C. and into parts of Virginia and Maryland. It has six lines — yellow, orange, red, blue, green, and silver. Metrorail rides cost anywhere between $2 and $6, depending on where you're traveling and when. You can also buy a one-day pass for $13, a three-day pass for $28, and a seven-day pass for $58. Download the WMATA SmartTrip App to plan your metro and bus trips, and pay in advance.

Buses: The city's Metrobus system, also run by WMATA, will change drastically in the coming years for the very first time since the network's creation in 1973. WMATA has created Better Bus , an initiative meant to completely revitalize the bus system. Changes will include the integration of new bus lanes, new transit signals, and better service times and locations that reflect the needs of D.C. residents. The project is still in its planning stage, but changes are set to roll out in 2024.

Taxis and Car Service: Uber and Lyft are available in the greater Washington, D.C. area, and there are taxi stands spread out across the city. To schedule a cab in advance, book through a local company like D.C. Yellow Cab . You can also schedule a local black car through services like ExecuCar.

Cars: Driving in the capital city isn't necessary because the public transportation system is so comprehensive, but you can download apps like SpotHero to find and reserve parking spaces all across the city if necessary.

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Road Trip from Washington DC to Philadelphia

The road trip from Washington DC to Philadelphia is exciting, whether you're up for beach vibes with beautiful nature reserves, or a historical journey through the rust belt while driving past pretty parks and great landmarks. Either way, you'll be spoilt for activities en route to Philly.

The 250-mile road trip from Washington DC to Philadelphia takes 5 hours to drive. Head via the coast to see Terrapin Nature Park, Chincoteague, Ocean City and Atlantic City, or stay inland for Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Hershey and Michaux State Forest.

There's so much to see on this trip, whether you're a history buff looking to learn more about Maryland and Pennsylvania's past, or love the great outdoors, nature and scenic coastal views. We've set out the best routes, places to stop overnight and the best time of year to enjoy it.

How far is Philadelphia from Washington DC, and how long will the road trip take?

There are two really interesting and quite different route options you can take from Washington DC to Philadelphia. If you wanted to complete it quickly without many stops along the way, the most direct route will only take 140 miles and just under 4 hours.

A much better idea would be to travel south along the coast; spanning a distance of 390 miles, this will take 9 hours and 30 minutes to drive without stopping or to stay inland and go further north through Hersey. This route is quicker and covers just 250 miles, taking about 4 hours.

Although you could drive from DC to Philly in a single day if you're in a hurry, we would recommend taking a slower and more scenic approach. Stopping along the way and spending two to three days, will not only make the drive comfortable, but you'll get to enjoy more activities too.

Best road trip route from Washington DC to Philadelphia

Our two recommended routes are quite different and offer a range of different sights as well as activities along the way. Therefore the 'best' route will most likely depend on your own preference for views and road trip vibes.

If you enjoy beach vibes, then you'll definitely want to consider our Coastal Route. Offering a scenic drive with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, this option also takes you through some exciting and lively cities such as Atlantic City, plus quaint towns such as Cape May.

Although a fair bit longer than our Hershey Route, this option is a good choice if you love the great outdoors. Highlights include a stop at the relaxed beachside town of Rehoboth Beach plus a visit to Terrapin Nature Park where you can spot wildlife or enjoy a hike.

For a quicker trip with no fewer interesting attractions, our Hershey Route is another good option. A little shorter than the coastal route and offering a completely different vibe, instead of the ocean, this route brings you through a blue-collar, rust belt part of the country which is full of history.

A key area fought over in the US Civil War, you'll drive through central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland which offers a wide array of historical attractions and landmarks, like Gettysburg, as well as beautiful parks and nature, including Cunningham Falls State Park.

The Coastal Route

Leave Washington DC and head east towards the coast. If you had longer, you could include a quick visit to Baltimore, before crossing over to Queenstown and heading towards Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Continue on US-50 before switching and heading south towards Chincoteague passing Pocomoke State Forest and visiting Assateague Island National Seashore where you could spot wild horses.

Follow the coast as you head north through Fenwick Island to Rehoboth Beach, close to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Cross Delaware Bay from Cape May (which you can do either via a bridge or ferry, depending on how much time you have).

After arriving at Cape May, follow the parkway to Ocean City, a great resort town for families as its packed full of beaches and amusement parks, before following the coast to Atlantic City where you can spend the afternoon in one of its many casinos.

Your final stretch will take you west near Bass River State Forest and Wharton State Forest towards Philadelphia, enjoying a final river crossing before you arrive.

The Hershey Route

Head west from Washington DC away from the coast and towards Gettysburg, passing several pretty towns plus South Mountain State Park where you can enjoy several great outdoor activities including hiking.

When you reach Gettysburg there are plenty of museums and monuments to visit. Back on the highway, head north alongside Michaux State Forest and through the quaint town of Boiling Springs before landing in Harrisburg.

Head east to Hershey, where you'll have amusement parks and chocolate factories to entertain, before joining the interstate and following signs for Philadelphia.

Best places to stop between Washington DC and Philadelphia

We'd recommend making at least one overnight stop on this great trip to Philly. There are some fascinating and lesser-known towns you could stop at, as well as bigger cities and resorts. Of all the great hotels you'll pass, here are a couple of our favorites to consider.

Beach vibes at Atlantic City

One of the biggest resorts you'll pass on our Coastal Route is Atlantic City. Although it is fairly close to the destination, at under 2 hours, the sheer volume and quality of dining, gaming, and lodging Atlantic city offers make it the ideal overnight stop.

Atlantic City is known for its glitzy hotels, and wide beaches, located only 60 miles from Philadelphia, it makes a great place to rest before reaching your destination. Be sure to hit the Atlantic City Boardwalk, a beautiful spot ideal for walking and hiking or enjoy a visit to Steel Pier.

If you're looking to enjoy a spit of gambling while here, then a visit to Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino is the perfect base . Enjoy gorgeous Neo-Classical architecture or just kick back your feet in a luxurious room, head down to the in-house restaurant for a bite, or unwind with a stiff drink!

Located directly on the Atlantic Ocean for stunning views and beach access, the hotel itself offers a stunning rooftop pool (adults only) and an onsite casino where you can enjoy playing games from the comfort of your own resort.

If relaxing is your thing, the hotel comes with spa services and private parking. You're also right in the heart of the action with the Boardwalk Hall Convention Center within walking distance, as well as Park Island Wildlife Management Area just a short drive away.

A sweet stay in Hershey

Located halfway on our alternative route to Philadelphia, Hershey is an ideal stop for several reasons. Not only is this historic city packed full of charm, but it's also famous for being home to The Hershey's Company and its Chocolate World.

As well as having a sweet history, this town is a great place to stop if you're traveling with children as not have you got the chocolate draw, but there's also the famous amusement and water park to entertain big and little kids alike.

Spend an afternoon around Hershey Park or tour the Hersheys chocolate factory and taste a variety of their delicious products - be sure to pick up a souvenir at the store to enjoy on the rest of your drive! There's also a great museum to explore and ZooAmerica if you've overdosed on chocolate.

Located just minutes away from the famous Hershey Chocolate World attraction, Hampton Inn & Suites Hershey is a charming resort which features an indoor swimming pool, and modern and comfortable rooms . There's also a great outdoor courtyard area to enjoy.

With easy access to the main attraction of Hershey, beautiful rooms and lots of dining options nearby, The Hampton Inn is a great, family-friendly option which is within easy reach of the main attractions including the Hershey Factory Works, Theatre and zoo.

Luxury accommodation in Philadelphia

After an exciting drive to Philly, you're likely to be ready for a rest before you enjoy exploring this great city. One of the best accommodations around is The Rittenhouse Hotel , it's luxurious, modern and yet also classic, while offering incredible views of the Philadelphia skyline.

Combined with its excellent location, this 5-star hotel offers comfort, relaxation and more. Expect marble bathrooms, a spa and restaurants onsite, there's also a gorgeous indoor pool, beautiful gardens surrounding the hotel and a cozy living room where you can enjoy cocktails.

The Rittenhouse is also within walking distance to all the major museums in Philadelphia, plus the main shopping area and close to Rittenhouse Square. It's the ultimate spot to have a truly memorable stay in the city.

Things to see on a road trip from Washington DC to Philadelphia

Both route options offer an array of interesting and exciting points of interest between Washington DC and Philadelphia. To help you plan your stops, we've set out some of the highlights you'll pass along the way.

• Terrapin Nature Park - This award-winning 300-acre wildlife park includes beaches, walking trails and stunning wildlife viewing opportunities. You can even swim in the park or simply enjoy a scenic waterside sunset.
• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - An ideal spot if you love outdoor pursuits, here you can explore hiking or biking trails, spot some local wildlife or just enjoy the views of the countryside around Maryland.
• Salisbury Zoological Park - This great zoo in Salisbury Maryland focuses on education and research. It's a place to visit with the family as entrance is free and there are plenty of animals to see to keep all ages occupied.
• Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - 14,000-acre wildlife preserve located on a barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean. Native marshes and beaches offer stunning beauty and hiking opportunities.
• Captain Timothy Hill House - Historic Museum located within the house of settler Timothy Hill. Built around the year 1800. Get a glimpse of early seaside life.
• Cape Henlopen State Park - This large state park is found in Delaware and features a lighthouse, beautiful beaches and beautiful coastal views. Whether you're looking to swim or relax on a sandy beach, this state park is a great place to visit.
• Ocean City - Just before you reach Atlantic City, Ocean City is worth a stop. Offering stunning beaches, restaurants, shops and casinos, it also features a boardwalk. It's known as being a great family resort thanks to its array of amusement parks.
• Atlantic City - Located on the Jersey Shore, this resort city is just 60 miles from Philadelphia. A destination, however, in its own right, Atlantic City is famous for its casinos, great hotels and stunning beaches.
• Atlantic City Boardwalk - Cruise the beach while enjoying shopping, cuisine, and libations along the boardwalk. This historic boardwalk was first opened in 1870 and was once a major draw for tourists.

• Gettysburg National Military Park - Museum and monuments located at the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, probably the most well-known battle of the US Civil War.
• Michaux State Forest - Escape the roadside with a stroll through this state forest which encompasses more than 85,500 acres. There are great trails to enjoy here, including the Appalachian Trail of which 39 miles are in Michaux State Forest.
• State Museum of Pennsylvania - This large museum is in Harrisburg and focuses on the history of the State of Pennsylvania. There are nearly 5 million artifacts to enjoy here.
• National Civil War Museum - Aptly named, a museum with a large number of exhibits and artifacts from the US civil war, a large part of which was fought within the state of Pennsylvania.
• Boiling Springs - This picturesque town is just off the Appalachian Trail and features a bubbling lake (though not a hot spring), beautiful hiking trails, and some of the best fly-fishing around.
• City Island Harrisburg - City Island is a mile-long scenic park in the middle of the Susquehanna River. The island is a great place to visit and is especially popular with tourists, thanks to its stadium, beach club and several cafes, parks and playgrounds.
• Harrisburg - The capital of Pennsylvania is a great place to stop. Explore it's many museums, enjoy a walk around its riverside or admire the dome that dominates its skyline.
• Hershey - Made famous thanks to chocolate, Hershey is an ideal stop if you're with family, love chocolate or amusement parks. There's also fascinating history to explore in this town.
• ZooAmerica - You'll find ZooAmerica in Hershey. This zoo focuses on conservation and ecological research on native North American species in particular and is a great attraction for any age.
• Valley Forge National Historical Park - Site of the infamous winter camp of George Washington's army during the American Revolution. Explore the 3,500 acres of meadows, monuments and woodlands here.

Best time to go on a road trip from Washington DC to Philadelphia

The best time to visit Philadelphia typically is between March and May as winters here are considered too cold for most road trippers, plus there's also the risk of heavy snowfall which can make driving difficult at times.

Philadelphia is hot, humid and often wet in summer; expect temperatures to average around 87 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite this, you'll still find the city is busy with tourists in the summer.

In contrast, winter in Philadelphia experiences highs of 46 and lows of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the cold weather, most of the seaside and outdoor attractions will close during this season.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit the city. Spring in Philadelphia is best between March and May when you'll avoid the cold of winter and the crowds of the summer months. Enjoy spring blossoms, warm weather and temperatures of between 58 and 69 degrees.

Similarly, fall is a good option, you'll start to feel temperatures cooling but will get to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and fewer crowds, meaning you're more likely to get a great hotel rate.

For a fun end to your trip, you could time your visit with one of Philadelphia's great events or festivals. Highlights include the St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Wawa Welcome America, a week-long Independence Day celebration the week of July 4th.

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25 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Washington, D.C.

Written by Lana Law , Becca Blond , and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jun 7, 2024

Whether you are marveling at its white marble monuments and memorials, learning about history in one of its free Smithsonian museums, or getting a feel for how locals live in one of its vibrant neighborhoods, Washington, D.C. emits a pulsating energy not found anywhere else in the U.S. The District of Colombia is a city you can explore dozens of times and have a completely different experience with each visit.

Designed by Pierre-Charles L'Enfant at the request of George Washington, America's capital city sits on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. It is located on land specifically set aside after the Revolutionary War to keep the federal government from being in a single state.

L'Enfant planned for D.C. to feel larger than life with its wide avenues, inspirational marble buildings, public squares, and a magnificent "public walk," the National Mall. The city is split into four quadrants: NW, NE, SW, and SE and its layout is a street grid intersected by avenues.

First-time visitors flock to its list of must-see attractions like the White House, Capitol Building, and museums, monuments, and memorials, perfectly spaced along its park-style National Mall. But beyond these famed attractions, you will find another DC. One ruled by locals and influenced by the host of long-term international residents, and filled with eclectic neighborhoods including U Street, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and Georgetown.

This is a city where you can eat your way across the world's food scene in the space of a few miles. It is also a city that boasts a world-class arts scene and outdoor experiences from paddleboarding on the Potomac River to walking or biking along the C&O Canal towpath.

If you can avoid visiting D.C. in the summer, do so. Besides being unpleasantly hot and humid, summers are when you'll see the biggest crowds. The best times to visit Washington are spring and autumn.

Plan your trip to the nation's capital with our list of the top attractions in Washington, D.C.

United States Capitol and Capitol Hill

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Recognized around the world as a symbol of the United States, the Capitol is the seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The huge dome, based on the dome of St. Peter's in Rome, stands out above all other Washington buildings.

Like Washington itself, the building has grown over the years since the central portion was built between 1793 and 1812. The last addition, in 1958-62, enlarged the main façade where presidents take the oath. On the other side, a marble terrace offers beautiful views over the mall and the city.

The interior is resplendent with frescoes, reliefs, and paintings, especially the rotunda under the great cast-iron dome with a ceiling painting by Constantino Brumidi and huge paintings of scenes from American history on the walls. Beside it is the former Chamber of the House of Representatives , with statues of leading historical figures. The small Senate Rotunda leads into the beautifully restored Old Senate Chamber , where the Senate met until 1859, and the Supreme Court until 1935.

Tours can be reserved online and begin at the visitor center on the lower floor, where there is an interesting exhibition on the building's history. Free tours on weekday afternoons explore the ornate paintings on the walls and ceilings of the corridors in the Senate wing, designed by Brumidi between 1857 and 1859. To visit the Senate or House in session, you need to contact your Senator or Representative for a pass; foreign visitors can arrange visits through the visitor center.

East of the Capitol are the Supreme Court Building; the Library of Congress; and Folger Shakespeare Library, home of the world's largest collection of the printed works of William Shakespeare .

The Capitol Hill neighborhood extends southeast, with the lively Eastern Market, a farmers market with craft vendors, as well.

The Capitol is located at the east end of the National Mall. While on this side, you can combine it with a visit to the nearby United States Botanic Garden.

The best-loved of all Washington's memorials, the Lincoln Memorial stands at the far west end of the mall, separated from the Washington Monument by the Reflecting Pool. At its center is a 19-foot marble statue of a seated and pensive President Abraham Lincoln surrounded by 36 columns, one for each of the states that existed at the time of Lincoln's death.

This is the most famous work designed by noted sculptor Daniel Chester French. Jules Guerin painted the murals on the inside walls, showing important events in Lincoln's life.

Since its completion in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial has been the scene of several historic events . In 1939, when the all-white Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) refused to let celebrated African American singer Marian Anderson perform at a concert in nearby Constitution Hall, President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt arranged for her to give an open-air concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, attended by 75,000 people and broadcast to millions of radio listeners.

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I have a dream..." speech from the memorial steps in 1963, again making history here.

Visiting this and other Mall monuments is one of the favorite things to do in Washington, D.C. at night. The monuments are all lighted , and many, like the Lincoln Memorial, are open 24 hours. The statue of Lincoln is especially powerful lighted at night inside the darkened interior of the temple and framed by the floodlit white columns.

Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, NW, Washington, D.C.

The National Mall is a spacious swath of lawns and pools that form a wide greenbelt from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial , and it is the site of many of Washington's landmark buildings, monuments, memorials, and museums. Most prominent at its center point is the Washington Monument . This is the best place to get an overview of the entire area. It's a high point and allows you to see from one end of the Mall to the other.

War Memorials

On the north side of the Lincoln Memorial is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial . This poignant wall inscribed with the names of all American servicemen and women who lost their lives or are missing, is one of Washington's most visited memorials. Nearby are the Vietnam Women's Memorial , a bronze sculpture of three servicewomen helping a wounded soldier, and the Three Servicemen statue.

On the south side of the Lincoln Memorial is the Korean War Veterans Memorial , which contains 19 steel sculptures of soldiers.

At the east end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is the World War II Memorial , a beautiful oval plaza with sculptures and water features.

The newest is the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial , dedicated in 2014, but this is located near the United States Botanic Garden, closer to the Capitol.

Not on the Mall, but also significant is the WWI Memorial , located in the 1400 block of Pennsylvania Ave NW.

Museums on the National Mall

At the center of the National Mall is the huge Washington Monument. Continuing east from the Washinton Monument, you'll find many of Washington's most important museums. This includes the National Museum of African American History and Culture, The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, The National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Asian Art, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and others. These museums are all free of charge but a couple require a reservation, which gives you a timed admission.

Events and Festivals

Along with providing a park for walking, running, and picnicking, the Mall is a place for celebrations and festivals. Best known of these is the annual Independence Day celebration with fireworks around the Washington Monument.

Also in July, the Smithsonian American Folk Life Festival fills the Mall with music, crafts, performances, storytelling, cultural programs, and food from various regions around the country. The Smithsonian Kite Festival is held here in late March or early April.

On summer evenings, you can often find military bands performing at venues along the Mall. The US Navy Band has concerts at the Capitol steps overlooking the Mall on Mondays and on Tuesdays at Navy Memorial. The US Air Force Band performs on the capitol steps on Tuesdays and at the Air Force Memorial on Fridays.

Location: Between Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue, Washington, D.C.

The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States . The home of every president except George Washington, it was originally built by James Hoban in 1792, and after being burned down by British forces in 1814 was rebuilt in 1818.

Although tours of the interior that include the East, Blue, Green, and Red Rooms; the Ballroom; and the State Dining Room must be reserved well in advance through your Congressional office or embassy, every tourist to Washington will want to see this iconic building, at least from the outside.

The free White House Visitor Center , a short distance away, off 15th St. NW on Pennsylvania Avenue, has excellent interactive exhibits related to the White House and the presidential families. It includes furniture of past presidents, a model of the residence, historical changes, and videos with insights from presidents about their time living there.

The Ellipse , a 54-acre stretch of lawn stretching to Constitution Avenue, hosts summer concerts by the US Army Band. Next door to the White House is the elaborate 1833 Greek Revival Treasury Building and the 1871 Executive Office Building , one of the most striking old government buildings in Washington.

From Lafayette Square , one of the city's best-known, statues of Lafayette and others look over the White House.

If you're looking to grab lunch or dinner near the White House, the Old Ebbitt Grill is a wonderful and historic option. Established in 1856, this is a bit of a Washington institution and the city's oldest saloon. It's been frequented by politicians and famous entertainers, contributing to its colorful history. Although it's an upscale restaurant, tourists will feel comfortable here in street clothes, and the menu features plenty of casual fare.

Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/whho/index.htm

The 555-foot white shaft of the Washington Monument is a familiar icon of the National Mall, and a beautiful sight, especially when mirrored in the long Reflecting Pool at its foot. Construction of the obelisk to honor the nation's first president did not proceed smoothly. The plan was approved by Congress in 1783, but ground wasn't broken until 1848.

When the tower reached 156 feet in height in 1854, political wrangling and lack of funds stopped the project for several years, and the Civil War caused further interruption so that the tower was not capped until 1885, when it was finally completed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

You can still see the separate stages of its building through three changes in the color of its facing stones; inside are engraved stones from states, cities, foreign countries, individuals, and civic groups, many of them donors who helped in its private funding stages. You can take an elevator to the very top for aerial views over the mall and much of Washington. The base of the monument is surrounded by a circle of 50 American Flags.

Address: 15th & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

The National Air and Space Museum is one of the world's most popular museums, with a collection of history-making air and spacecraft that includes the original 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer and Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis , the first plane to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

More recent flight history is represented here by the Apollo 11 command module , part of the first manned lunar landing mission. Permanent and changing exhibitions illustrate the science, history, and technology of aviation and space flight, covering topics like the use of air power in both world wars, the space race, flight pioneers, and up-to-the-minute flight and space technology.

Many of the exhibits are interactive, and all contain actual historical objects, such as a moon rock you can touch. Not only do permanent exhibits illustrate the history, they also show the how and why of flight and space science, explaining how things fly, how jet engines work, and what keeps the International Space Station in orbit.

In addition to the exhibits, there is the Albert Einstein Planetarium , an IMAX theater, and the Public Observatory on the east terrace, where you can examine lunar craters and see planets and other astronomical features through telescopes. Flight simulators (fee charged) allow kids and adults to fly combat missions with aerial maneuvers like 360-degree barrel rolls or experience naval aviation in an F-18 Super Hornet.

The museum is also the home of the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, adjacent to Dulles Airport, and has even more historic aircraft and space exploration artifacts, including a Concorde and the space shuttle Discovery . You can watch from observation walkways through the hangars where experts are restoring historic aircraft.

The Air and Space Museum is undergoing an extensive makeover that will transform not only the arrangement of 23 galleries but also the way it interprets the history and science of flight. Some areas of the museum are currently closed.

Address: 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.nasm.si.edu

One of the most popular things to do with children in Washington, the Museum of Natural History explores the natural world with permanent and changing exhibits to interest all ages. From the minute you walk in, you're greeted with enormous, eye-catching displays, beginning with the huge African elephant in the rotunda.

Favorite exhibits include the renowned Hope Diamond and the dazzling collection of gems and minerals around it, and Ocean Hall with its stunning underwater photography and replica of a 45-foot North Atlantic Right Whale.

Also popular is the National Fossil Hall with numerous skeletons, including a T. rex and other giants towering over you.

The Hall of Human Origins follows human evolution over six million years in response to a changing world. Children will especially like the interactive Discovery Room where they can touch and play with various artifacts.

Like most museums in Washington, the Museum of Natural History is free and does not require reservations . You can pop in at any time. This is a busy, fun, and loud museum, where families will feel right at home.

If you're hungry, you can grab a bite from one of the food trucks right outside.

Address: Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://www.si.edu/Museums/natural-history-museum

Housed in two separate buildings connected by a tunnel , the National Gallery of Art is one of the world's premier art museums and one of the most popular in the U.S. Based on the sizable collection of financier and later Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, its large and diverse collection includes masterpieces of European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts.

Frequent temporary exhibitions add to this outstanding permanent collection to highlight arts from cultures around the world. Among the highlights is Ginevra de Benci, the only Da Vinci painting in any American museum. Others include works by major French Impressionists - Monet, Degas, and Renoir -- and other masterpieces by Rembrandt, El Greco, and Vermeer.

The newer East Wing features sculptures by Henry Moore, a mobile by Alexander Calder, and other modern works.

Between the East and West buildings is the Sculpture Garden , along with the lovely Pavilion Cafe. You can enjoy a meal while looking out over the garden, or wander through the artwork.

Free concerts are held at the National Gallery on Sunday evenings from fall through spring.

Address: 600 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.nga.gov

An underground passage with historical exhibits leads from the Capitol Building to one of Washington's little-known places to visit, the Library of Congress. It's the world's largest library , modeled on the Opera House in Paris. You can visit portions on your own, but free tours disclose even more of its beautiful interior.

Displayed here are one of the three surviving complete Gutenberg Bibles, an earlier hand-printed Bible, Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson's personal library, and galleries filled with exhibits focusing on topics as varied as the musical careers of the Gershwin brothers and the work of editorial cartoonists and graphic artists.

Address: Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://www.aoc.gov/

Focusing on themes of history, culture, and community, the newest of the Smithsonian museums explores changing definitions of American citizenship and equality, at the same time highlighting African American culture and that of the entire African diaspora.

Various themes are covered in changing exhibits, which center on themes such as African American food traditions and chefs, the influence of African American sports stars on the breakdown of segregation, and African craftsmanship.

Historic artifacts on display include a section of the original Woolworth lunch counter that was the scene of the Greensboro, N.C. sit-in in 1960, and the aircraft known as the "Spirit of Tuskegee." In World War II, it was used to train African American airmen in the Army Air Forces, men whose work helped trigger the desegregation of the military.

Address: National Mall at Constitution Avenue, N.W., between 12th and 14th Streets

Official site: https://nmaahc.si.edu/

Near the Smithsonian museums, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum documents, studies, and interprets the history of the Holocaust with the dual purpose of memorializing the victims and helping the world to confront hatred and prevent genocide.

Permanent exhibits examine the rise of the Nazis and the Aryan ideology, the ghettos, key events such as Kristallnacht, the concentration camps, and the Nazi atrocities. An exhibit on Americans and the Holocaust examines US reaction to Nazis, the war, and genocide, while another features personal accounts by US soldiers and citizens who witnessed the evidence of Nazi atrocities.

The presentations draw on the enormous collections of more than 12,750 artifacts, 85,000 historical photographs, 9,000 oral history testimonies, as well as archival footage and records of survivors and their families. A visit to the museum is a sobering experience.

Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://www.ushmm.org

Also part of the Smithsonian Institution and located on the mall are the two museums that comprise the National Museum of Asian Art. These are the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery .

The Freer collection includes nearly 30,000 pieces of Asian artworks, including Buddhist sculptures and Persian manuscripts, one of the most extensive collections in the world. The Cosmic Buddha Vairochana is one of the most important pieces of the collection. The Freer also features 19th-century and early 20th-century American art, most notably a large collection of work by James McNeill Whistler.

The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery , located adjacent to the National Museum of African Art, houses more than 1,000 pieces, including an extraordinary collection of Chinese jade and bronze, Chinese paintings and lacquerware, and ancient Near Eastern ceramics and metalware.

The design of the building means you enter the Sackler Gallery at ground level and descend to the lower floors to see the collections.

Right next door and definitely worth visiting, the National Museum of African Art displays thousands of objects representing diverse artistic styles throughout the African continent, including sculptures, masks, costumes, household objects, and ceramics. This museum is almost a mirror of the Sackler, with collections held in below-ground galleries.

These museums are free and do not require a timed admission reservation.

Official Site: https://asia.si.edu/

The National Museum of American History covers an extensive range of topics and is likely far more entertaining than you might expect. From treasured national historical artifacts like Thomas Jefferson's desk to rock icon Prince's guitar, you'll find a real mix of exhibits.

One of the most popular of the Smithsonian's many museums that line the mall, The National Museum of American History traces the political, cultural, scientific, and technological history of the U.S. since the Revolution. It displays important pieces of Americana, including, one of Edison's light bulbs, and the original flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words to The Star Spangled Banner .

But beyond these treasured national artifacts, exhibits also examine how people lived, what they ate, where they worked, how they played, what they wore, how they traveled, how they worshiped, and how they governed themselves.

Illustrating these multiple themes are artifacts that include everything from gowns, work by First Ladies, and Julia Child's complete kitchen to the Muppets and the actual ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in the film Wizard of Oz . With all the historical things to do in Washington D.C., you might think your family has had enough history. But this engaging museum houses some fascinating exhibits and artifacts of our collective past that will appeal to all ages.

Address: 14th Street NW at Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://americanhistory.si.edu

The design for the domed white memorial to Thomas Jefferson, the third US president, is based on the Roman Pantheon, its low dome supported by 54 Ionic columns. Inside, appearing in a dramatic silhouette through the columns is a 19-foot statue of a standing Jefferson , and around are engraved excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and other writings.

The monument stands alone at the far end of the Tidal Pool, which reflects the monument on its surface, and all around the edge of the water are cherry trees, a gift from Japan. These are one of Washington's greatest attractions when they bloom each spring, surrounding the basin with a cloud of pink flowers and celebrated with the Cherry Blossom Festival .

Along the Cherry Tree Walk around the Tidal Basin, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial reflects twelve years of American History through four outdoor rooms. Each one is devoted to one of FDR's terms of office as he guided the country through the Great Depression and World War II. Unveiled in 2011, the 30-foot-high Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is the newest along the Tidal Basin.

In the summer, you can rent a paddle boat and head out on the Tidal Basin to enjoy the water and get fantastic views of the monument. The blue boats are located at a dock across from the monument, off Maine Ave SW, at Floral Park.

Address: 900 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, D.C.

Opened in 1971 and named in memory of President John F. Kennedy, the National Cultural Center overlooks the Potomac River in a state-of-the-art building designed by architect Edward Durell Stone. It is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, which hosts some of the world's greatest guest artists each year, and the Washington National Opera , one of the nation's leading opera companies.

Its three main stages and several smaller stages present over 2,200 performing arts shows and events each year, about 400 of which are free. These represent all types of music and theater, both classical and contemporary.

Joining the Los Angeles Music Center and Lincoln Center in New York as one of the three most important venues in the United States, the Kennedy Center is a major stop for visiting overseas opera, dance, and drama companies on tour.

Address: 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.kennedy-center.org

The National Zoo is the most popular of the Smithsonian attractions. It is one of the world's best zoos, not only for the quality of the experience but for its leadership in areas of animal care and sustainability.

Nearly 2,000 different animals, birds, and reptiles live in habitats replicating their natural environments as closely as possible. Of the several hundred species represented here, about a quarter are endangered.

One of the zoo's star attractions, the giant pandas left the zoo in late 2023 but they are coming back in late 2024. Other highlights include red pandas, Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, Asian elephants, cheetahs, white-naped cranes, and North Island brown kiwis. You can also watch otters play, or walk through the aviary to enjoy birds flying overhead.

In the Amazonia exhibit, you can glimpse the colorful underwater life of the Amazon, where one of the world's largest freshwater fish swims beneath a living tropical forest.

Along with the cheetahs at the Cheetah Conservation Station, you can see Grevy's zebras, dama gazelles, vultures, and red river hogs, and at the highly popular Elephant Trails, you can see the multigenerational herd and learn about the elephants' life at the zoo and in the wild.

Check the day's schedule for feeding times, demonstrations, educational games, and talks. As you might expect, this is one of Washington's favorite places to visit for children.

Although the zoo is free, you must book a timed entrance admission. You can book an entry time up to one hour before closing.

The zoo is north of downtown, quite a distance from the main attractions but you can easily take public transit. The closest metro stop is about a four-block walk from the entrance and a bus stop is right outside the zoo. Metro cards (SmarTrip) are good for trains and buses.

Address: 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://nationalzoo.si.edu

The National Archives holds permanent records of the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, District of Columbia courts, and some federal agencies, as well as pre-World War I military service records for U.S. Army and Confederate veterans, and pre-1940 vessel and station logbooks for the U.S. Navy.

The records are open to researchers, and in the Rotunda, you can see the Declaration of Independence , Constitution , and Bill of Rights . Exhibition galleries feature a 1297 Magna Carta and a changing group of other historically significant documents. An exhibit, Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote, includes documents from the suffrage movement, and in other areas are interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages.

In front of the building is a large pond and fountains with benches around the edges for relaxing.

Address: 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://museum.archives.gov

The place for 007 wannabes, the museum covers the techniques, technology, history, and contemporary role of espionage. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and throughout the building are actual examples of real espionage equipment (including a poison dart umbrella designed by the KGB), from declassified hardware and captured equipment to movie props used in the James Bond series.

Photographs, audio-visual programs, and special effects combine to give a picture of strategies and methods behind secret espionage missions. The collections include historic spy artifacts from the Revolution and Civil War, along with a wealth of ingeniously concealed and disguised cameras and weapons, even the famous Enigma cipher machine that broke the Nazi codes in World War II.

The top floor is dedicated to real-life spies Aldrich Ames, Robert Hanson, and John Walker, detailing the actual methods and tools they used to spy on the United States, with videos describing how spies were caught. The lower floor moves from fact to fiction, filled with information and actual props used in James Bond movies.

Highlighting these is the Aston Martin DB5 that first appeared in the 1964 film Goldfinger , equipped with machine guns, oil jets, a dashboard radar screen, an ejector seat, tire slashers, a bulletproof shield, and a rotating license plate. The car actually inspired intelligence agencies to add similar features to their own vehicles.

Upon arrival, you are given your own spy mission, complete with a fake identity, cover story, and a card. As you progress through the exhibits you can use your identity card at terminals set up throughout the museum to get updates on your mission. This is completely optional but can be fun if you are looking for an interactive experience.

Address: 700 L'Enfant Plaza, SW; Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.spymuseum.org

On a hillside overlooking the city from across the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery is filled with memorials to American history and the men and women who were part of it. Its best-known landmarks are the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , President John F. Kennedy's gravesite, and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial depicting the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima in World War II. The Welcome Center has maps, information (including the locations of specific graves), and exhibits telling the story of Arlington National Cemetery and its monuments.

Among these are memorials to nurses, Iran Rescue Mission casualties, and various battles and groups, including one at the graves of Lt. Cmdr. Roger B. Chaffee and Lt. Col. Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, who were killed in a fire aboard their Apollo spacecraft. Another commemorates the seven Challenger astronauts.

In a solemn and impressive ceremony, the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed every hour on the hour from October 1 to March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30. Although the cemetery is not right in the city, both the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Metrorail system and Metrobus have stops close to the gate.

Official site: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil

The English-style, Neo-Gothic National Cathedral, one of the world's largest cathedrals, took 83 years to build, from 1907 to 1990. It follows the Gothic building style and techniques, with flying buttresses and solid masonry construction of Indiana limestone. Throughout the cathedral are artistic details to see, from its stained-glass windows to the hand-embroidered kneelers that commemorate war heroes and historic events.

Special tours, reserved in advance, explore hidden parts of the building and its art; families should ask for the brochure Explore the Cathedral with Children for a scavenger hunt to find wrought-iron animals, tiny carvings, and gargoyles. Be sure to look for the gargoyle of Darth Vader high up on the northwest tower.

The cathedral is the burial place of President Woodrow Wilson and Helen Keller , and state funerals for Presidents Eisenhower, Reagan, and Ford took place here. The top of the 300-foot central tower is the highest point in Washington.

The Bishop's Garden , on the south side of the cathedral, includes plants found in medieval gardens, plants mentioned in the Bible, and others native to the area, along with a fish pond. The 59-acre Cathedral Close, designed by the eminent landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr in the early 20th century, is an urban oasis modeled on the walled grounds of medieval cathedrals.

Carillon recitals are held each Saturday at 12:30pm, and the peal bells are rung on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9pm and after Sunday services. On Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:30pm, a cathedral organist discusses the Great Organ here, followed by a mini-recital.

Address: Massachusetts & Wisconsin Avenues NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.cathedral.org

The neighborhood from 27th to 37th Streets, between Rock Creek Park and K Street NW, is the city's oldest, with origins in the early 1700s, before Washington itself. Georgetown University , the nation's oldest Roman Catholic and Jesuit College, is located here.

Today, Georgetown's tidy streets of historic homes and its boutique shops, cafés, restaurants, and small museums make it a popular respite from lines at the mall attractions. The C&O Canal , the 184-mile waterway paralleling the Potomac River, begins here, and its towpath is a favorite place for walking and cycling.

Dumbarton Oaks is a 16-acre estate with formal gardens and a valuable Byzantine and Christian art collection. Federal period Dumbarton House features Federal-style furniture, paintings, textiles, silver, and ceramics, and is home to one of five original known copies of the Articles of Confederation.

Tudor Place is an early 19th-century mansion built by Martha Washington's granddaughter, Martha Custis Peter, and her husband. Items from George and Martha Washington's Mount Vernon home are shown here, and the Federal-period gardens contain plants and trees from the early 19th century. The Kreeger Museum displays a wide collection of art from the 1850s to the 1970s including paintings by Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Chagall, Gauguin, and Picasso.

If you're looking for places to eat in Washington or things to do at night, this is one of the places to visit. The neighborhood is filled with restaurants and cafes, along with live music venues.

The nearby Dupont Circle neighborhood is another great place to head for dining and nightlife. This area, east of Georgetown in the northwest corner of downtown Washington, is near several embassies and offers lovely outdoor spaces and a fantastic mix of restaurants.

You'll find excellent high-end dining, casual restaurants, and an assortment of different ethnic foods. Try Balos Estiatorio for something upper-end and Mediterranean, or head next door to Colada Shop for a laid-back atmosphere and tasty Cuban food. If you just want to relax, walk to Dupont Circle Fountain and kick back in a chair on the lawn.

Sharing the historic Old Patent Office Building with the National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum holds one of the world's largest and most inclusive collections of American art, representing more than 7,000 artists from the colonial era to the present.

The collections record the wonder of artists capturing the beauty of American landscapes as the nation expanded westward, and the changing face of American cities and towns. Special collections represent works by more than 200 African American artists, collections of Latinex works, an outstanding array of contemporary American craft and folk arts.

The National Portrait Gallery focuses on famous Americans, from the time of the first colonies to present-day leaders and important public figures, including the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House.

Address: 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, D.C.

Official sites:

• https://americanart.si.edu/art
• https://npg.si.edu/

At the foot of Capitol Hill, the U.S. Botanic Garden is an oasis of tropical gardens in the center of the city. Surrounded by outdoor gardens, the huge glasshouse is the hub of a museum of living plants. Permanent interior exhibits create environments for plants at home everywhere from the desert to rainforests, while outside is a showcase of plants that thrive in the Middle Atlantic states.

The greenhouse contains two courtyard gardens and 10 garden rooms, and the outside displays include a pollinator garden, rose garden, kitchen garden, and water garden. There's always something in bloom, and benches in the vast conservatory invite a stop to enjoy the fragrances and the lush green surroundings.

Address: 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://www.usbg.gov/

D.C.'s U Street Corridor is one of the city's top historic neighborhoods and served as the epicenter of Black culture in America between 1862 and 1948. Designated a historic district in 1998, this neighborhood is filled with colorful buildings housing plenty of shops, restaurants, and theaters.

It is anchored by 14 th Street on its west side and the recently renovated Howard Theatre on its east end at the edge of the Shaw neighborhood. Constructed in 1910, this was the center of Black Broadway for the first half of the 20 th Century. It fell into decline but underwent a magnificent renovation and reopened a decade ago.

Duke Ellington was born in this neighborhood and a sculpture honoring the famed jazz musician can be seen at the intersection of Florida Ave and T Street. Also check out a concert at Lincoln Theatre , built in 1922, where Ellington and other jazz greats like Billie Holiday, Nat King, Cole, and Louis Armstrong all used to play.

U Street is known for its delicious food scene. Here you'll find the acclaimed Ben's Chili Bowl , which has served everyone from Anthony Bourdain to Barack Obama. Its restaurants span the globe, however. If you are craving authentic Ethiopian fare, head to "Little Ethiopia" on the east end of U Street.

With its second phase only completed in 2002, The Wharf is D.C.'s hottest new waterfront neighborhood, home to more than 80 restaurants and shops, an iconic fish market, four hotels, and a popular live music venue. Running along the Potomac River for one mile, the neighborhood was created as part of a larger development plan for what had been a neglected portion of the SW quadrant.

Just about a 10-minute walk from the National Mall, The Wharf's waterfront location provides a totally different vibe than the memorial and museum area. The Municipal Fish Market is the country's oldest continuously operating open-air fish market, originally opened in 1805. Until the redevelopment of The Wharf, it wasn't really on the tourist map anymore. Today it is buzzing with hungry travelers and locals alike, who come here to dine al fresco on fresh fish.

If you want to get out on the Potomac River yourself, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore. There are also seasonal water taxis running from The Wharf to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, across the river. Alexandria is known for its stately 18 th - and 19th-century buildings and brick streets. It's a great place to wander around for an afternoon. Water taxis also run to Georgetown.

Come evening, book a luxe riverboat dinner cruise on Potomac. These offer a wonderful way to relax after an action-packed day, and river sunsets can be phenomenal.

Official site: https://www.wharfdc.com/

Weather wise, the best time of year to travel to Washington, D.C. is between the months of March and May and September to November . You'll hit cherry blossom season (usually from late March to early April), ogle spectacular fall foliage (especially in October through November), and enjoy a long stretch of great weather free from frigid and sweltering temps.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Places to Visit Close to Washington: If you have time to explore outside the city, there are many easy Day Trips from Washington, D.C ., and our page on Top-Rated Weekend Getaways from Washington D.C. can give you plenty of ideas for longer excursions.

Exploring Maryland : There are a number of tourist attractions in Maryland , including those in historic Annapolis and Baltimore with its lively harbor area. The state is also famous for its beaches and oceanfront resorts, many of which are within easy weekend reach from Washington. You can learn more about these on our page Top-Rated Resorts in Maryland.

Discovering Virginia : The District of Columbia lies between two states, and to its south, you can visit attractions in Virginia , including those in the capital city of Richmond . Or you could spend a weekend immersed in colonial history with the help of our page Top Tourist Attractions in Williamsburg & Easy Day Trips .

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Harris and Trump Keep Up the Pace, With Events in Washington and Utah: Sept. 14 Campaign News

Vice President Kamala Harris and President Biden spoke to the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington on Saturday night, while former President Donald J. Trump is in Salt Lake City for a fund-raiser.

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Chris Cameron

Here’s the latest on the presidential race.

Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned in Washington on Saturday, attending a fund-raiser where she told the crowd that, while former President Donald J. Trump might be an “unserious man,” the effects of his words and actions are “extraordinarily serious.” Later on Saturday, she addressed an annual awards ceremony hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, where, in a reversal of standard protocol, she spoke after her boss, President Biden.

Mr. Trump will also fund-raise on Saturday. He is scheduled to attend a donor event in Salt Lake City in the evening.

Ms. Harris had been in Pennsylvania — perhaps the most critical battleground state — for a majority of the week. She campaigned in strongly pro-Trump regions in the state on Friday, capping off a busy stretch that included a prime-time debate on Tuesday with Mr. Trump and a visit to North Carolina , another swing state, on Thursday.

For his part, Mr. Trump visited the battleground state of Nevada, giving a meandering speech in Las Vegas on Friday night that stoked fears over immigration, dwelled on unproven theories about his debate with Ms. Harris and raised familiar unsubstantiated accusations about the prevalence of fraud in U.S. elections.

There are now 52 days until Election Day. Here’s what else to know:

Trump’s news conference in California: At his golf club near Los Angeles, Mr. Trump threatened to withhold federal wildfire aid from California, if elected as president, unless Gov. Gavin Newsom agreed to divert more water to farmers rather than allowing it to flow to the ocean. He also said that if elected to a second term, he would begin his promised mass deportations of undocumented immigrants in two cities in Ohio and Colorado that have been the center of his baseless and exaggerated claims about migrants.

A campaign controversy : Mr. Trump drew attention for traveling this week with the far-right activist Laura Loomer , who has made provocative and bigoted remarks, including a recent racist comment about Ms. Harris. After defending Ms. Loomer to the press earlier in the day, Mr. Trump said on social media that she did not work for his campaign, adding, “I disagree with the statements she made,” before seemingly excusing her behavior by saying that she was “tired of watching” Democrats attacking and smearing him.

Biden slams Trump : President Biden denounced Mr. Trump on Friday for continuing to traffic in false rumors about Haitian immigrants’ eating cats and dogs, unfounded tales that have inflamed the presidential campaign. “It’s simply wrong,” Mr. Biden said, his voice rising in indignation. “There’s no place in America. This has to stop, what he’s doing.”

Nicholas Nehamas contributed reporting.

Kellen Browning

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate, told Spectrum News in Wisconsin on Saturday that he had previously exchanged messages with Senator JD Vance of Ohio, former President Donald J. Trump’s running mate, but that he had never met him in person. That will change when the two meet for the vice-presidential debate on Oct. 1. Walz told Spectrum that ahead of the matchup he had been reading up, “continuing to try to learn the issues,” but that he had not yet had a debate prep session with someone portraying Vance.

Nicholas Nehamas

The vice president also complimented the hip-hop knowledge of the House Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, who was in the audience. “Nobody knows how to quote Biggie better than Hakeem,” she said, referring to the ’90s rap legend Notorious B.I.G.

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Harris, the first Black woman to be the nominee of the Democratic Party, received a raucous welcome from this gathering of the Congressional Black Caucus. “I truly believe that America is ready to turn the page on the politics of division and hate,” she told the crowd.

Vice President Kamala Harris will speak after Biden, the second time in recent weeks that the president has addressed a crowd before his No. 2, a reversal of the normal protocol.

President Biden is addressing a dinner hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus, whose members have been his longtime allies. “You put your trust in me,” Biden told the roughly 3,500 people in attendance at the Washington Convention Center. “You’ve always had my back, and I never forget it.”

Michael Gold

Trump, in an interview with a Nevada television station, dismissed the idea of doing outreach to Republicans who were considering backing Harris. “I probably wouldn’t tell them anything because maybe it would be a personality problem,” he said to KTNV, the ABC station in Las Vegas. “Maybe they don’t like the way I was tough on China.”

Jazmine Ulloa

Reporting from Washington

Gabriel Luna, America Ferrera and other Latino celebrities join a push to mobilize Latino voters.

The Voto Latino Foundation is gearing up to begin its biggest push yet to encourage Latino voters to head to the polls in November with a star-studded cast of Latino celebrities and influencers.

Th $5 million initiative, titled “ Vota con Ganas ,” or “Vote with Enthusiasm,” is set to start on Wednesday and will feature voter-registration drives and workshops, along with a social media campaign and public service announcement-style videos from actors and online personalties that underscore the importance of casting a ballot this election. The list of stars so far includes America Ferrera, Gina Torres, Gabriel Luna, Jessica Alba, Wilmer Valderrama, DannyLux and Xochitl Gomez, among others.

Voto Latino leaders said the ads and online content would be amplified by the group’s 300 partner organizations and businesses, including the National Football League, Sony Music and Universal Music, and by Voto Latino chapters on 100 college campuses.

María Teresa Kumar, the foundation’s co-founder and president, described the push as “more than just a call to action,” saying in a statement, “It is a movement to harness the power of the Latino community.”

Mr. Valderrama, who produced and directed all of the campaign’s videos, described the campaign as critical to a Latino community that continues to grow and contribute to so many aspects of the United States.

“To ensure our safety, opportunity and future in this country, we have to be involved,” he said in an email. “Without our involvement, there will be a paraphrasing of our existence in this country.”

Latinos are a growing slice of the U.S. electorate: An estimated 36.2 million are eligible to vote this year, up from 32.3 million in 2020, according to the Pew Research Center . But in 2020, a Pew survey found that Latinos were less likely than white or Black voters to be contacted by campaigns or organizations supporting candidates.

Latino voter outreach groups have been trying to counter dampened enthusiasm and disillusionment among young voters struggling with housing, food and education costs. And in Texas , Latino voting activists and political organizers have been raided as part of election fraud inquiries, which some of those who were targeted have said appeared to stem from efforts to curb ballot-box access. Leaders with more than two dozen Black and Latino voter outreach groups recently met with Biden administration officials to discuss the challenges, according to several participants.

The “Vota con Ganas” campaign is part of the group’s nonpartisan educational arm, and celebrities are not endorsing particular candidates, though some may later do so through their own personal channels.

In a launch video, Ms. Gomez, who plays America Chavez in the movie “Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” appears with other young Latinos, citing a statistic from 2020 census data .

“Every 30 seconds,” Ms. Gomez says, “a new Latino is eligible to vote.”

In an interview, Ms. Gomez, who turned 18 this year, said she counted herself as one of those newly eligible voters.

“So many elections are won by just a few thousand votes,” she said of why she decided to participate when Mr. Valderrama invited her. “We need to vote for candidates who care about the issues we care about.”

Tim Walz’s wife, Gwen Walz, led the audience in a “turn the page” hand gesture indicating they’re ready to move ahead to a new generation of leadership. “You know what else that looks like? Buh-bye,” she said at a campaign rally in Superior, Wis. “Buh-bye, Donald Trump!”

Tim Walz also took a dig at Donald Trump when he shouted out female officeholders in Wisconsin and women in his family, and then said, “It’s really great to have all these women help us beat the smallest man in the world.”

Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a fund-raiser Saturday at the Washington Hilton, where she told attendees that while Donald J. Trump was an “unserious man,” the consequences of “what he says and does are extraordinarily serious.”

Several hundred people attended. Tickets started at $500 and went all the way up to $250,0000, according to an invite shared by one attendee. Those who gave $25,000 or more could take a photo with Harris.

Bomb threats continued for a third straight day in Springfield, Ohio, closing medical buildings in the area on Saturday, according to the city manager, Bryan Heck. The city said the affected buildings had been investigated and deemed safe. In the days since Donald J. Trump baselessly claimed in the debate on Tuesday that immigrants were eating Springfield residents’ pets, bomb threats have caused closures of the City Hall and local schools.

Andrew Duehren

Trump’s proposal to end taxes on overtime pay could cost billions.

Former President Donald J. Trump is calling for exempting overtime pay from taxes, the latest in a string of vague tax proposals that have befuddled tax experts, worried fiscal hawks and seemingly charmed voters.

Mr. Trump floated the idea this past week during a campaign rally in Tucson, Ariz., telling the crowd that it would supercharge incentives to work more and put money back in the pockets of many Americans.

“It’s time for the working man and woman to finally catch a break, and that’s what we’re doing because this is a good one,” he said.

The pitch is part of what has become Mr. Trump’s playbook during the presidential race: tossing out potentially huge tax cuts , defined in just a few words, to try and win over middle- and working-class voters. He has also vowed to exempt tips from taxes and end taxes on Social Security benefits, two ideas that have proven popular. At the same time, he has said he would further cut the corporate tax rate.

As with his promise to end taxes on tips, though, Mr. Trump left many key details about the overtime plan unaddressed, making it hard to estimate its costs. Among the open questions is whether overtime pay would be exempt from just the income tax or if the exception would also apply to the payroll taxes that fund Social Security and Medicare.

There is also the issue of how many Americans could benefit from Mr. Trump’s idea. More than 34 million Americans worked over 40 hours a week in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but only a subset of that group are owed time-and-a-half pay for overtime under federal law. The rules are complex, but in general Americans earning a salary of more than $43,888 a year may not be owed overtime, depending on their job. Americans paid by the hour, currently about 55 percent of the work force, are broadly eligible for overtime pay.

“The vast majority of hourly workers are automatically overtime eligible, regardless of how much money they make,” said Heidi Shierholz, who was the chief economist at the Department of Labor under the Obama administration.

The relative ease with which hourly employees can earn overtime could create a huge tax incentive for more Americans to reclassify themselves as hourly workers. The cost of the tax cut would depend on whether such legislation limited the ability of corporate executives or high-paid lawyers to modify their own compensation and make a chunk of it tax free.

Arthur Laffer, a father of supply-side economics who at times advises Mr. Trump on tax policy, said in an interview that any final plan would need to include guard rails. Overall, it should encourage Americans to work more, he said. Alabama earlier this year began excluding overtime pay from its state income tax.

“It should not be a serious problem to be able to devise a system that works well,” he said. “This is a good first shot.”

The Tax Foundation, a think tank that generally favors lower taxes, produced a range of estimates for the cost of Mr. Trump’s idea. Assuming the exemption only covers pay currently considered overtime, the think tank said the plan would cost roughly $227 billion over 10 years if applied to the income tax — and an additional $145 billion if Americans also did not owe payroll taxes on overtime earnings.

The cost could be far higher if all pay earned after working 40 hours a week were not taxed. The Tax Foundation analysis estimated that cost at $1.1 trillion over 10 years.

Michael Strain, the director of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, a right-leaning think tank, said the potential fiscal cost of the plan was not justified.

“The outlook for the U.S.’s fiscal situation is dire and therefore any additional tax cuts should have a very strong economic argument to support them,” Mr. Strain said, listing benchmarks for boosting economic growth.

“And I don’t see any reason to think that eliminating taxes on overtime, or eliminating taxes on tips, serve any of those goals,” he said.

Much of Mr. Trump’s tax agenda could be budget busting . He is also seeking to extend tax cuts he signed into law in 2017, a move that could cost roughly $4 trillion over a decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Ending taxes on Social Security benefits could cost roughly $1.6 trillion over a decade, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, and plans to cut the corporate tax rate and end taxes on tips would cost hundreds of billions more.

Mr. Trump’s main proposal to bring money into federal coffers is a dramatic expansion of tariffs on imports into the United States. The tariffs could raise substantial revenue, but probably not enough to plug the fiscal hole created by his proposed tax cuts, according to budget analysts.

Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign attacked Mr. Trump’s idea on overtime pay as cynical, pointing to a move by the Trump administration in 2019 to roll back an expansion of overtime eligibility .

“He is desperate and scrambling and saying whatever it takes to try to trick people into voting for him,” Joseph Costello, a Harris spokesman, said.

While the Harris campaign attacked Mr. Trump, it did not criticize the merits of the proposed tax cut. Both candidates are trying to convince working-class Americans that they will cut their taxes. Mr. Trump’s previous proposal to not tax tips, also widely criticized by economists, was eventually endorsed by Ms. Harris .

Simon J. Levien

Donald Trump Jr. piled on with racist comments about Haitians.

Amid fallout from Donald J. Trump’s debunked claim about immigrants from Haiti stealing and eating people’s pets in a small Ohio city, the former president’s oldest son weighed in with his own aspersions on Haitians.

Donald Trump Jr. suggested on Thursday that Haitian immigrants were less intelligent than people from other countries, and claimed that there was demographic evidence to back this up. He provided none.

“You look at Haiti, you look at the demographic makeup, you look at the average I.Q. — if you import the third world into your country, you’re going to become the third world,” Mr. Trump said in an interview with Charlie Kirk on Real America’s Voice, a conservative broadcasting network. “That’s just basic. It’s not racist. It’s just fact.”

Claims inherently linking race, nationality and intelligence have long played a role in scientific racism, which uses pseudoscience to try to justify false claims of racial inferiority or superiority. And intelligence quotient testing, a commonly used measure of intelligence, has long been criticized as unreliable.

Mr. Trump has emerged as a key campaign surrogate for his father. A spokeswoman for the Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Both Trumps have recently advanced the debunked claim that Haitian migrants were stealing and eating their neighbors’ pets in Springfield, Ohio. On their social media accounts, they have each posted memes of cats and dogs, nodding at the false claims and implicitly reminding people of the Trump campaign’s hard-line immigration stance.

At the presidential debate on Tuesday, the former president repeated these claims to the tens of millions watching, giving them their widest platform yet. His assertion drew an incredulous look from his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs — the people that came in,” he said, referring to Haitian migrants. “They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there.”

In the aftermath of the debate, there were a number of bomb threats in Springfield , closing its City Hall, schools and a motor vehicles office.

Mr. Trump’s fixation on Springfield drew a heated rebuke on Friday from President Biden, who noted that Haitian immigrants were “under attack in our country right now” and who appeared to denounce Mr. Trump without naming him.

“It’s simply wrong,” Mr. Biden said. “There’s no place in America. This has to stop, what he’s doing. It has to stop.”

The National Haitian American Elected Officials Network, a nonpartisan group for Haitian American politicians, rejected Mr. Trump’s comments about Haitians and intelligence.

“That is so sad,” said Mary Estimé-Irvin, the group’s chairwoman. “The campaign is desperate.”

In a statement, the group added that many Haitian Americans will “vote overwhelmingly as one bloc to send a loud message to this racist-political nonsense.”

The Haitian population of Springfield has grown significantly in recent years . During the last census, in 2020, a little more than 58,000 people lived in the city; since the pandemic, between 12,000 and 20,000 Haitian immigrants have arrived, according to estimates by city officials. Most Haitians in Springfield and elsewhere in the United States are in the country legally, many having received temporary protected status from the Biden administration under a program started by President George W. Bush for citizens of countries in turmoil.

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate, will campaign in the South early next week. On Tuesday, he will give remarks at an event in Macon, Ga., and later hold a rally in Asheville, N.C., according to the campaign.

Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for North Carolina governor , said in an interview on Friday with WSOC-TV that he would sign a six-week abortion ban if elected. He has made inflammatory remarks about women who get abortions but said he supported exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. At a campaign event a few weeks ago, Robinson said that he wanted abortion restrictions “down to zero” weeks . His Democratic opponent, Josh Stein, has seized on Robinson’s anti-abortion stance.

Simon J. Levien and Michael Gold

Simon J. Levien reported from Las Vegas.

Trump sticks to his favorite jabs at rally in Las Vegas.

Former President Donald J. Trump capped off the week of his first, and possibly only, presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris with an unfocused speech at a rally in Las Vegas on Friday night, where he baselessly accused her of cheating, repeated a number of falsehoods on a wide range of topics and continued to try to stoke fear about immigration.

Over the course of an hour and 20 minutes, Mr. Trump ranted about the moderators of Tuesday’s debate, made unfounded accusations that Democrats “cheat like hell” in elections and insisted that President Biden, whom he spent years attacking as a weak president, “would have been better than” Ms. Harris.

And even as Mr. Trump continued to insist that he had been victorious in the debate — though some of his allies have acknowledged he had a rough outing — he accused Ms. Harris of wearing an earpiece in their matchup, a baseless claim that has proliferated on right-wing social media. And he said that Ms. Harris had obtained the questions in advance, an assertion for which there has been no proof.

Mr. Trump insulted his Democratic opponents, calling Ms. Harris “Kambabla,” a mispronunciation of her given name, and he called her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, “the vice president,” as he did in a speech on Thursday.

And in a bid to characterize Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz as overly liberal, he repeated false claims that he has frequently made since Ms. Harris became the Democratic nominee. Mr. Trump said Ms. Harris supported states’ taking minors from their parents to perform gender-affirming surgeries on them. No state allows such surgeries to be performed without parental consent.

And Mr. Trump once again insisted that Democrat-led states allow babies to be executed after birth. Infanticide is illegal everywhere in the country.

Mr. Trump lost Nevada, a critical battleground state, in 2016 and 2020, and he has announced policies that would benefit the state. Nevada has the highest concentration of tipped workers, and Mr. Trump has proposed ending federal income taxes on tipped wages. He has also said that, if elected, he would open up new tracts of federal land to development, with few regulations and “ultralow taxes,” in part to build more housing. A majority of Nevada is federal land.

At an event on Thursday in Arizona, Mr. Trump pledged to eliminate taxes on overtime pay , part of an effort to win the support of working- and middle-class voters.

“What, is she going to say now ‘no tax on overtime,’ too?” Lee Ward, a Las Vegas rallygoer from New York City, said, mocking the fact that Ms. Harris announced support for cutting taxes on tips after Mr. Trump had.

Many recent polls have shown Mr. Trump and Ms. Harris in a tight race in Nevada, with Democrats gaining ground since Mr. Biden exited the race and Ms. Harris became her party’s nominee. A survey conducted last month by The New York Times and Siena College found Mr. Trump up 48 percent to 47 percent over Ms. Harris. In May, he led Mr. Biden, 50 percent to 41 percent.

At one point in his rally in Las Vegas, Mr. Trump falsely claimed that Ms. Harris wanted to bring back the military draft — a position she has not taken — and to go to war with Russia, part of an effort to style himself as a foreign policy expert who could end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza with a phone call.

Yet Mr. Trump also vowed aggressive action within the country’s borders as he insisted that the United States was “under invasion” by migrants whom he likened to “an army, except in many ways, it’s more difficult because they don’t wear a uniform.” He promised to deploy federal law enforcement officials to “liberate” Aurora, Colo., a city about which he has made exaggerated claims regarding migrant crime.

“We will deploy ICE, D.H.S. and other federal officials to go in and liberate Aurora,” Mr. Trump said, adding that he would create a law enforcement task force to dismantle transnational gangs operating in the United States. “We are going to liberate parts of our country.”

Soumya Karlamangla

Reporting from San Francisco

Trump threatens to cut wildfire aid if California doesn’t deliver more water.

Donald J. Trump on Friday threatened to withhold federal wildfire aid from California, if elected as president, unless Gov. Gavin Newsom agrees to divert more water to farmers rather than allowing it to flow to the ocean.

Mr. Trump, during a news conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., claimed that the state’s devastating wildfires could be prevented by shifts in how California manages its limited water supply.

“If he doesn’t sign those papers, we won’t give him money to put out all his fires,” Mr. Trump said, referring to Mr. Newsom authorizing water diversions to farmers. “And if we don’t give him all the money to put out the fires, he’s got problems.”

In his remarks, Mr. Trump, the former Republican president, repeatedly called the Democratic governor “Newscum.”

Soon after, Governor Newsom posted a clip of Trump’s comments on X and said that every American voter should pay attention.

Mr. Trump “just admitted he will block emergency disaster funds to settle political vendettas,” Governor Newsom said. “Today it’s California’s wildfires. Tomorrow it could be hurricane funding for North Carolina or flooding assistance for homeowners in Pennsylvania. Donald Trump doesn’t care about America — he only cares about himself.”

Most of California’s water is contained in Northern California, thanks to runoff from the Sierra Nevada and heavier precipitation each winter. The state ships much of that water to the Central Valley and Southern California through massive canals. But California also has been required by court decisions to send water through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which eventually heads to San Francisco Bay, to preserve wildlife — most notably a small fish known as the Delta smelt but also salmon and other species.

In 2019, Mr. Trump as president battled with California leaders over how much water should go to farmers rather than through the Delta. Five years later, he seems intent on reviving that fight and using federal aid as leverage should he become president.

California has had a tough fire year, with nearly a million acres torched across the state so far. Three major fires are burning in Southern California that have destroyed dozens of houses and displaced tens of thousands of people from their homes.

Many of the state’s worst fires this year have been in rural and mountainous parts of California that are heavily Republican. Kern, Tehama and Tulare counties have all suffered massive blazes this year, and in the 2020 election all went for Mr. Trump.

Fire experts say that the state’s fire seasons are generally becoming worse because of a century of fire suppression that allowed thick and unchecked growth of vegetation. Those forests and shrubs are especially ready to burn as climate change makes the weather warmer and hotter.

But Mr. Trump erroneously blamed California’s fires on forests becoming desiccated because the state’s water supply has been allowed to flow into the Pacific Ocean. He said that diverting the water to farmers would dampen the land while helping the agricultural industry. Most of California’s fires occur on forest land, on hillsides and in canyons that are not used for farming.

“You’d stop many of these horrible fires that are costing billions and billions of dollars,” Mr. Trump said on Friday. “One thing I’m going to do for California — vote for me, California — I’m going to give you safety. I’m going to give you a great border. I’m going to give you more water than almost anybody has, and the farmers up north are going to be able to use 100 percent of their land, not 1 percent of their land.”

Biden briefly put on a Trump hat, and the conservative internet flipped its lid.

Biden’s moment wearing a trump hat, during a visit to the shanksville volunteer fire department in pennsylvania, the president joked with the crowd as he placed the hat over his own..

“There you go, man. I I need that hat.” “You want my autograph?” “Hell, no.” “Put it on.” “Come on.” “I ain’t going that far.” “There you go. Hey, I’m proud of you now.”

No, it wasn’t A.I. But it was no endorsement, either.

A smiling President Biden really did wear a Trump hat — for about five seconds — while visiting firefighters for an event commemorating the Sept. 11 attacks.

The unlikely moment, which played out on Wednesday at the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department in a Republican-leaning area of rural western Pennsylvania, soon turned into another example of America’s split-screen political culture.

It started as Mr. Biden exchanged friendly banter with a man wearing a red “Trump 2024” hat, offering him a blue cap with the presidential seal to put on instead. The man asked if the president would autograph the blue hat.

“Sure, I’ll autograph it,” Mr. Biden said. The man replied, “You remember your name?”

“I don’t remember my name,” the president joked. “I’m slow.”

The man teased, “You’re an old fart,” and Mr. Biden immediately agreed: “Yeah, I know, man, I’m an old guy.”

Then, after signing the blue hat, Mr. Biden told him, “I need that hat.”

The man took off his red Trump cap and handed it over, and Mr. Biden, at the urging of the crowd, put it on his head, over a baseball hat he was already wearing. The crowd — including the smiling and clapping Trump supporter — let out a cheer as the president grinned, displayed the hat to the firehouse and then took it off and shook the man’s hand.

Mr. Biden couldn’t resist one political jab, though: “Just remember, no eating dogs and cats,” he said to the crowd, referring to former President Donald J. Trump’s debunked debate claim that immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, have been eating residents’ pets.

To those in the firehouse, and many who watched videos of the full exchange online, the moment was one of unity and levity by Mr. Biden, who has long prided himself on his ability to reach across the aisle.

But the still images of the Democratic president wearing the hat of his chief Republican antagonist quickly took on a life of their own in online conservative circles. Political attacks and conspiracy theories abounded, with some Republicans casting Mr. Biden’s move as a statement of real support, or painting him as a doddering fool who did not know what he was doing.

Perhaps trolling or perhaps not, Mr. Trump’s campaign joined in, saying on social media that Vice President Kamala Harris had done “so bad” in Tuesday night’s debate that “Joe Biden just put on a Trump hat.”

Trish Regan, a conservative television host who left Fox Business in March 2020 after calling concerns about the coronavirus an anti-Trump “scam,” declared in a post that the video offered evidence that Mr. Biden “doesn’t like” Ms. Harris, repeating a claim Mr. Trump had made on Tuesday at the debate. (Mr. Biden, whose full-throated endorsement of his vice president cleared her path to the Democratic nomination, told her he loved her at an event after she took over his teetering campaign in July.)

And Tim Young, a conservative commentator, wrote that Mr. Biden seemed “totally lost” during the encounter at the firehouse in Shanksville, near where Flight 93 crashed on Sept. 11, 2001, after its passengers fought back against hijackers.

A day after the fire station visit, Mr. Biden’s White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said his message had been one of bipartisanship — not, of course, one of support for Mr. Trump.

She told reporters that at the event, Mr. Biden had been recalling that the “country did come together” after the Sept. 11 attacks and had been trying to show that the United States should revive the spirit of that era.

“It didn’t matter what political party you were a part of,” Ms. Jean-Pierre said.

Brad Shober, the president of the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department, said in an interview on Friday that he was not so sure Mr. Biden had been trying to make a point about unity when he donned the cap.

But Mr. Shober, a Republican, scoffed at efforts to portray the president as having offered support to Mr. Trump, saying such characterizations were predictable but ridiculous. The exchange between Mr. Biden and the Trump supporter was “all in good fun,” Mr. Shober said.

“Anybody that’s trying to say different isn’t real smart, because they know darn well he isn’t going to endorse Trump,” he said, adding, “The dude put a hat on to make fun with the guy.”

Still, in a campaign awash with A.I. imagery and misleadingly edited or presented photos and videos, a sliver of voters might be confused by the pictures and not understand that it was a playful moment, said Nina Jankowicz, a researcher who briefly led an agency at the Department of Homeland Security created to fight disinformation.

Without watching the video in full or reading more about the exchange, she said, “there’s a possibility that some people will take it at face value.”

Mattathias Schwartz

A Pennsylvania court threw out a ruling requiring misdated ballots to be counted.

Pennsylvania’s highest court on Friday threw out a lower-court ruling that would have required election officials in the state’s two most-populous counties to count otherwise valid mail-in ballots that had the incorrect date or no date at all on the outer envelope.

In a brief, two-page order , the Pennsylvania Supreme Court declined to rule on the merits of the case, which was brought by a coalition of voters’ rights groups. Instead, it found that the lower court, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, lacked jurisdiction in its order last month because the lawsuit named only Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties, and not all of the state’s 67 counties, as defendants.

Friday’s ruling means that state election officials will not be counting misdated or undated ballots in the general election unless the courts decide to intervene again between now and Nov. 5. The plaintiffs could file a new lawsuit that tries to address the jurisdiction issue, but whether they will do so is unclear.

Three of the court’s seven justices dissented, writing that the State Supreme Court should have exercised its special jurisdiction as Pennsylvania’s highest court to decide the case because “a prompt and definitive ruling” on the date question “is of paramount public importance.”

In a statement, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of State called the ruling “disappointing,” saying that it “leaves unanswered the important question of whether the dating requirement violates the Pennsylvania Constitution, as the Commonwealth Court found.”

The ruling could have a substantial impact on the presidential race in the battleground state. With about seven weeks to go until the election, most polls show Pennsylvania to be a tossup between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump. President Biden won the state by just over 81,000 votes in 2020.

State election officials disqualified nearly 16,000 mail-in ballots for irregularities in April’s primary election. Almost half were disqualified because of issues like missing signatures and wrong dates on outer envelopes. In July, Al Schmidt, Pennsylvania’s secretary of state, directed counties to print ballot-return envelopes with the full year so that voters would have to fill in only the month and day.

The state Republican Party, which had appealed the case to the State Supreme Court and argued that enforcement of the date requirement was legal, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.

The fight over the date rule stems from Act 77, a 2019 state law that allows all Pennsylvanians to cast their votes by mail. The law requires voters to “date and sign” the back of the outer envelope that holds the “secrecy envelope” containing their ballot. While the statute doesn’t specify what to do about ballots with missing or incorrect dates, courts have ruled in the past that misdated ballots should not be counted.

The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania had ruled last month that using an undated or incorrectly dated envelope as the basis for throwing out otherwise timely and eligible ballots would violate a State Constitution clause guaranteeing “free and equal elections” and pose a “substantial threat of disenfranchisement.” Friday’s ruling vacated that decision.

“Thousands of voters are at risk of having their ballots rejected in November for making a meaningless mistake,” said Mimi McKenzie of the Public Interest Law Center, one of the firms representing the plaintiffs.

Reporting from Trump National Golf Club, Los Angeles, in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.

Trump, who spent the Sept. 11 anniversary with Laura Loomer, said he had not seen her previous claim that the attacks were an ‘inside job.’

Former President Donald J. Trump, whose recent travel with the far-right activist Laura Loomer has alarmed some of his Republican allies in Congress, defended her on Friday as a “free spirit.”

Mr. Trump said that he did not know she had spread conspiracy theories about the Sept. 11 attacks when he commemorated their anniversary with her earlier in the week. And he defended Ms. Loomer, who has a history of making racist, anti-Muslim, homophobic and transphobic comments, as an outspoken supporter.

“Laura has been a supporter of mine, just like a lot of people are supporters,” Mr. Trump said at a news conference at his golf club near Los Angeles. He added that Ms. Loomer praised his campaign before saying, “I don’t control Laura. Laura has to say what she wants. She’s a free spirit.”

Reporter: “What do you say to your Republican colleagues or your allies who are concerned about your close relationship with Laura Loomer?” “Well, I don’t know what they would say. Laura’s been a supporter of mine, just like a lot of people are supporters, and she’s been a supporter of mine. She speaks very positively of the campaign. I’m not sure why you asked that question, but Laura is a supporter. I don’t control Laura. Laura has to say what she wants. She’s a free spirit. Well, I don’t know. I mean, look, I can’t tell Laura what to do. Laura is a supporter. I have a lot of supporters, but so I don’t know what exactly you’re referring to.”

Hours later, Mr. Trump distanced himself from Ms. Loomer in a post on his social media site, Truth Social, where he noted that she did not work for his campaign and then pivoted to criticizing his political opponents.

“She’s a private citizen and longtime supporter,” Mr. Trump wrote. “I disagree with the statements she made but, like the many millions of people who support me, she is tired of watching the Radical Left Marxists and Fascists violently attack and smear me.”

Mr. Trump drew criticism from Democrats and concern from some close Republican allies after he traveled with Ms. Loomer to Tuesday’s debate in Philadelphia, and she then accompanied him on Wednesday to Sept. 11 memorial events in New York City and Shanksville, Pa. Ms. Loomer had previously called Sept. 11 “an inside job.”

Before Mr. Trump’s debate against Ms. Harris, Ms. Loomer posted a racist joke on social media, saying that if Ms. Harris, who is Black and Indian American, won in November, the White House would “smell like curry.”

Mr. Trump’s travel with Ms. Loomer drew criticism this week from several of Mr. Trump’s Republican allies. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina told a reporter for HuffPost on Thursday that she was “really toxic.” Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia told reporters that she did not think that Loomer “had the experience or the right mentality” to advise the campaign.

And in a post on social media on Friday , Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina wrote: “Laura Loomer is a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans. A DNC plant couldn’t do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trump’s chances of winning re-election. Enough.”

Asked about Ms. Loomer flying on his plane this week, Mr. Trump said only, “A lot of people do. It’s a very big plane.”

Ms. Loomer declined to comment about the controversy on Thursday , saying in a text message that she was “not interested in speaking to the media so they can further their conspiracies about me.” But on social media, she took on her critics.

She addressed it again in a post on social media on Friday . “The media continues to make this more than it is,” she wrote. “I’m simply a ride or die supporter of President Trump.”

When Mr. Trump was asked directly about Ms. Loomer’s curry comment, he waved off the question and said, “that’s OK.” It was not clear whether he was referring to the comment or dismissing the question. Seconds later, he added, “I just don’t know. Laura’s a supporter, I don’t know.” But he went on to praise Ms. Loomer as “a strong person,” saying “she’s got strong opinions, and I don’t know what she said.”

When a reporter asked Mr. Trump whether he disavowed the racist remarks that Ms. Loomer had made about his opponent or her conspiracy theories about Sept. 11, Mr. Trump said: “Well, I have to see what the remarks are,” adding that he did not know what the reporter was talking about.

“I do know that she may have said something based on what you’re telling me, but I don’t know what she said,” he said. “But I’ll go take a look and I’ll put out a statement later on.”

A few hours later, he issued the statement on Truth Social. It was not immediately clear from Mr. Trump’s statement which of Ms. Loomer’s comments he disagreed with. In the past, Mr. Trump has sometimes reposted some of Ms. Loomer’s posts.

Taylor Robinson

Early voting is beginning in these states. Here’s what to know.

Election Day is still about two months away, but many voters have options to cast their ballots before Nov. 5. Some have already started receiving mail-in ballots.

Early voting became widespread in the 2020 election, when over 100 million voters cast their ballots by mail or in person before Election Day. With the coronavirus pandemic in full swing that fall, early voting let people avoid crowding into polling stations — and many states have kept those voting options in place.

Here’s a rundown of key dates, deadlines and ways to vote early.

What is early voting, and how does it work?

Early voting lets people cast their ballots in advance of Election Day. Most states offer in-person and mail voting, though options vary by state.

With mail-in voting, people can request a ballot be sent to them or, in some cases, automatically receive one. Eight states, including California and Nevada, send mail-in ballots to all registered voters, and so does the District of Columbia.

Historically, voters who were unable to make it to the polls on Election Day had to request an absentee ballot. But mail-in and absentee ballots now function effectively the same in many states, and the terminology used varies. But in 14 states — including Texas, South Carolina and Indiana — voters must still provide a valid excuse to cast an absentee ballot.

There’s also in-person early voting. In some states, this can take the form of in-person absentee voting — voters can visit their polling places, fill out a mail-in ballot and submit it, all in the same visit. In others, the process mirrors Election Day procedures, with votes cast on polling machines.

Which states offer early voting?

All states offer mail voting in some form, and all but three states offer in-person early voting; the District of Columbia as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands offer in-person early voting, too. The three that do not offer it are Alabama, Mississippi and New Hampshire, but they provide options for absentee voters in certain cases.

Here’s a timeline for September:

Sept. 11 — Alabama became the first state to begin early voting, sending absentee ballots to eligible voters who provided a justification to receive one. North Carolina would have been the first to send out mail ballots, but was delayed by legal wrangling over the removal of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name after he dropped out of the race.

Sept. 19 — Wisconsin starts mailing ballots to voters who requested them.

Sept. 20 — Minnesota and South Dakota start mail and in-person early voting; Virginia begins in-person early voting.

Sept. 21 — The federal deadline for all absentee ballots to be mailed to military and overseas voters. Eleven states will send out their mail-in ballots by this day, and North Carolina is expected to as well.

Sept. 23 — Mississippi will send absentee ballots to voters who applied for them.

Sept. 26 — Mail-in voting begins in Michigan (voters have to request mail ballots).

Sept. 30 — Nebraska will send mail ballots to eligible voters who requested them.

The rest of the swing states start in-person early voting in October:

Oct. 7 — Georgia begins sending mail ballots to eligible voters.

Oct. 9 — Arizona starts both in-person and mail-in voting. To receive a ballot by mail, voters must request to be placed on the state’s Active Early Voter List.

Oct. 15 — In-person early voting begins in Georgia.

Oct. 16 — Nevada sends mail-in ballots to all registered voters.

Oct. 17 — North Carolina starts in-person early voting.

Oct. 19 — Nevada starts in-person early voting.

Oct. 21 — The in-person early voting period begins in Texas.

Oct. 22 — Wisconsin starts in-person early voting. Counties in Pennsylvania must begin sending mail ballots to voters who applied for them, if they have not already done so.

Oct. 26 — Michigan opens in-person early voting, the last battleground state to do so.

Where can I find more information about early voting?

States take different approaches to early voting. To read about the options available to you, go to your state or local election office’s website; you can search for that here .

When do I need to register? Where can I check my voter registration?

Most states allow registration until October, and some offer same-day registration at polling places. Check the status of your voter registration on vote.org . To find out when you need to register by, go to vote.gov and select your state or territory.

How can I update my voter registration?

There’s a portal on vote.gov that will show you how to do that. Enter your state or territory to get started.

Where can I check my state’s voting deadline?

Most states require mail-in ballots to be postmarked or dropped off in person on or before Election Day. Check your state’s policy on vote.org by selecting your state or territory. You can also find this information on the website of your state’s election or secretary of state’s office.

An earlier version of this article misstated Pennsylvania’s mail voting timeline. Counties must begin mailing ballots by Oct. 22 and because of legal challenges, it is unclear when in-person early voting will begin; counties are not required to begin both efforts on Sept. 16.

How we handle corrections

Washington, D.C.   Travel Guide

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Best Times To Visit Washington, D.C.

The best times to visit Washington, D.C., are from September to November and March to May. In the autumn, the sweltering summer is gone, taking with it most of the high season tourists. All that's left are crisp breezes and changing leaves, which, by the way, look great against all those marble monuments. Second to fall is spring, which is also a mini high season thanks to the National Cherry Blossom Festival in late March and early April. Summer in D.C. is hot and sticky, making less than ideal conditions for exploring the great outdoors. That said, many museums blast air conditioning, so if you can stand the heat, you'll find plenty of free attractions to keep you entertained. Winter is definitely low season. Although the chance to find lower hotel rates is high and the weather is mild compared to other destinations along the East Coast, the city is prone to freezing cold temperatures and snowstorms. For this reason, travel insurance is recommended for anyone planning a winter visit to D.C.

Weather in Washington, D.C.

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Philadelphia

Washington, D.C.

© Smallbones

© USCapitol

96 facts in comparison

Philadelphia vs Washington, D.C.

How does philadelphia compare to washington, d.c..

• Has public health care ?
• 8.00$ cheaper monthly public transport ticket ? $96.00 vs $104.00
• 0.95million more inhabitants ? 1.57 million vs 0.62 million
• 569.19$ cheaper rent for a one-bedroom apartment ? $1 679.71 vs $2 248.90
• Has lake/s ?
• 0.50$ lower cost of one single transportation ticket ? $2.50 vs $3.00
• 1.2 °C lower average minimum temperature ? 9.3 °C vs 10.5 °C
• 4% lower VAT ? 6% vs 10%

How does Washington, D.C. compare to Philadelphia?

• 1.4 °C higher average maximum temperature ? 20.1 °C vs 18.7 °C
• 11.68% lower population density ? 3886 people/km² vs 4400 people/km²
• 1.3 °C higher average temperature ? 15.3 °C vs 14 °C
• 1% lower unemployment rate ? 6.1% vs 7.1%
• 1 389.97$ higher average salary ? $5 837.76 vs $4 447.79
• 8 more universities ? 24 vs 16
• Has mountains nearby ?
• 41 more museums ? 73 vs 32

Which are the most popular comparisons?

Indianapolis

User reviews

Overall rating.

Walkability

Job opportunities

Public transport

Food and drink

2 years ago

The city is always vibrant and alive. There are always things to do in the city. You will be able to find whatever you like and meet people with the same passion. It’s a younger city and definitely loves it’s sports teams. There are many good bars, restaurants, breweries, and wineries.

• Philadelphia is a cocktail mecca
• Big beer city, many good breweries
• Everything you could want is within walking distance
• Cheap rent/low cost of living
• Always festivals and things to do
• Big sports city, especially football
• Many museums/big history center
• Diverse/multicultural
• Young persons city
• Transportation system sucks
• People aren't the friendliest
• North Philadelphia
• Road condition is deplorable
• Heavy traffic

Philadelphia is charming with lots of culture.

easy to leave

used to ve a nice city but no more. entrenched dems run herd over the masses, the natives are out of control. there are neighborhoods that are dangerous in broad daylight, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. move on. enough gas stations to fuel up and get out, the only plus. just don't get shot.

Demographics

1.57 million

0.62 million

4400 people/km²

3886 people/km²

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Philadelphia)

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Washington, D.C.)

Quality of living

$103.3 billion

Environment

Transportation.

33.9 minutes

General info

Miscellaneous, which are the best cities.

Panama City

Mexico City

San Jose, CA, United States