Photograph by: Elisenda

Best Things to Do in Washington DC

Featured Washington DC Travel Tips
  • Plan a visit to the Lincoln Memorial
  • Experience the quaint neighbourhood of Georgetown
  • Walk along the waterfront in DC at the Tidal Basin
  • Explore Downtown Alexandria and frequent the local book shop
  • Visit the Black Lives Matter square
  • Capture memories on a Flytographer photoshoot

Since 2013, Flytographer has captured millions of vacation photos all around the globe and know our customers have the best travel tips to share! Explore their favourite things to do in Washington DC, best restaurants in Washington DC, and general travel tips to get fresh inspiration and start planning your trip to Washington DC.

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Keisha's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

“Call Your Mother Deli” (they close at 2pm) in close proximity to cute row houses. And delish bagels! M St and Wisconsin Ave is so chic and quaint for shopping. I loved Georgetown!

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

Besides Georgetown, Adams Morgan is also really cool and artsy. The Martin Luther King memorial and Lincoln Memorial were amazing to view up close! The architecture is quiet awe inspiring.

What is your best travel tip for Washington DC?

Pay attention to parking! A lot of meters. The earlier you can plan your tours and select spots to see the better. Even in a pandemic slowing things are busy in D.C. by late morning.

Visited Washington DC in March

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Kyla's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

I love the variety of ethnic foods. Can't really chose a favorite, but enjoyed food at the Navy Yards, Georgetown, Capitol Hill. You really can't go wrong, so many fantastic restaurants!

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

Of course the Capitol and the Monuments are gorgeous and make me so proud, but the Library of Congress is my favorite; it's beautiful and inspiring. And I love going to watch the Nationals!

What is your best travel tip for Washington DC?

Although it was VERY hot the week we were there, the heat made the lines shorter and we got to see everything we wanted to see. My tip is use the Lime scooters. They get kind of pricey, but I highly recommend them for the easiest way to see all the monuments and get to the museums.

Visited Washington DC in July

Photo Shoot Location: Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool

Ica in Washington DC for Flytographer

Mary's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

Kinfolk Southern Kitchen was so good! We also really enjoyed Gordon Ramsay’s Fish and Chips.

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

We loved the Old Trolley hop on hop Off tour! We were able to see most of the major sites that way with much less walking.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Washington DC?

Utilize the metro. Bring a smaller stroller. Bribe with ice cream from the hundreds of food trucks. The Library of Congress had a great scavenger hunt and Young Readers Room

Visited Washington DC in May

Photo Shoot Location: Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool

Kendall in Washington DC for Flytographer

Nicole's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

Filomena in Georgetown was a fun Italian restaurant with a kitschy vibe that reminded me of my Italian grandmother's home. Homemade pasta and sauces; enormous portions and great desserts.

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

International Spy Museum, Planet Word, Arlington Cemetery were highlights.

Visited Washington DC in April

Photo Shoot Location: Tidal Basin

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Mabel's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

Imperfecto, Old Ebitt Grill, and Founding Farmers.

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

We used the Old Trolley tour to take us by bus around the monuments and the Arlington National Cemetery. We also loved walking around the DC Wharf, so many great restaurants and pretty views.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Washington DC?

The Smithsonian National Postal Museum was my kids favorite museum to visit. Not too crowded and there were a lot of interactive exhibits and activities for them.

Visited Washington DC in March

Photo Shoot Location: Tidal Basin

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Amanda's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

So many to choose from. With so many new restaurants in the area it's hard to say but an old favorite of ours is Medium Rare. Double steak, gravy, and fries--say no more!

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

We love exploring the monuments especially Jefferson and Lincoln. When visiting them it makes it seem for a moment that you aren't in a big city. We love it in DC

Hometown Shoot in November

Photo Shoot Location: The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

Kendall in Washington DC for Flytographer

Julianna's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

Rose's Luxury - Amazing fine dinning experience! The Roost - Food Hall, perfect for families. Good drink selection

Visited Washington DC in September

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Jackie in Washington DC for Flytographer

Chelsea's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

Our shoot was in Old Town Alexandria, which is on the outskirts of DC. It’s one of my families favorite places, with tons of old charm and cobblestone streets. It feels a bit like Europe, and there’s ton to do there including the waterfront, restaurants, and shopping.

Hometown Shoot in August

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Prabodh's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

JW Marriot is where we stayed and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience at 1331 where they had live music in the evening along with some games for kids

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

We visited Washington DC during July 4th Holidays and the stay at JW Marriot was quite apt due to the location.

What is the best tip for celebrating your anniversary in Washington DC?

To watch the July 4th Fireworks up close and comfortably one of the option is to book the ambassador suite in JW Marriot with a monument view.

Visited Washington DC in July

Photo Shoot Location: The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

Elle in Washington DC for Flytographer

Beth's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

Ambar - Balkan all you can eat tasting menu (like tapas) of various traditional Balkan dishes.

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

Lincoln memorial, botanical gardens, Roosevelt island.

Visited Washington DC in March

Photo Shoot Location: The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Renjy's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

Purple Patch was hands down my favorite restaurant here here in DC. Every dish was so flavorful!

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

Visiting family, and seeing the Cherry blossoms at its peak bloom.

What is the best tip for celebrating your birthday in Washington DC?

Book a photoshoot! It’s the best souvenir of all!!

Visited Washington DC in March

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Christine's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What is your best travel tip for Washington DC?

Get outside and go for a walk / run. You’ll find so many really cool places! Especially by the Lincoln memorial.

Visited Washington DC in November

Photo Shoot Location: The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Alyssa's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

We love Reverie

Hometown Shoot in September

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Lander's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

We LOVED Founding Farmers! We went there for brunch and ended up sitting at the bar (full service) because the wait was so long. It worked out perfectly! The bartender were friendly and helpful, and it was an added bonus to get to watch all of the fun drinks being made.

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

The Holocaust Museum-- It's heavy, but SO worth it. Just be sure to get your tickets early to secure your spot and be prepared to spend several hours. I would also recommend seeing the Capitol and monuments at night, if you can. We rented electric scooters to get from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol & it was one of my favorite parts of the trip! The city is so beautiful is such a different way at night.

What is the best tip for a romantic getaway in Washington DC?

Schedule a shoot with flytographer! It's totally worth it. :)

Visited Washington DC in October

Photo Shoot Location: The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

Justin in Washington DC for Flytographer

Nathalie's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

Luke’s Lobster! Ambar! London Curry House!

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

All the museums and monuments are musts!

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Washington DC?

Bring all the snacks!

Visited Washington DC in September

Photo Shoot Location: The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Kendra's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

We decided to try the Bodega Spanish Tapas and Lounge, to commemorate an anniversary trip we made to Spain last year, and it ended up being our favorite dinner spot! We had the Marinera Paella and Croquetas De Polla - both were so delicious!

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

The National Arboretum is a must see when in the area - it has many different plant collections and is home to the National Columns.

What is the best tip for celebrating your anniversary in Washington DC?

Most of the government buildings required a timed entry ticket or nomination from your member of Congress to enter, so plan in advance if you’d like to see things like the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, etc. The U.S. Capitol was our favorite tour!

Visited Washington DC in September

Photo Shoot Location: The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Danielle's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

There were so many great restaurants that we tried but 1789 and Succotash were our favorites. At both restaurants, the food, service, and ambiance was elegant and enjoyable.

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

We loved it all! It’s impossible to choose a favorite. The Library of Congress was stunning. There’s no comparison to the view from the top of the Washington Monument. And the Lincoln Memorial was gorgeous at both sunrise and by moonlight.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Washington DC?

Our kids are 14 and 19. They enjoyed keeping busy with all of our planned activities and were impressed with the historical elements at the landmarks we visited (The Capitol, Arlington, Mount Vernon, and Ford’s Theater). Plus they loved all of the aircraft at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

Visited Washington DC in July

Photo Shoot Location: The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Brittany's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

Mount desert ice cream!!

Visited Washington DC in April

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Meivys's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

Cafe du Parc

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Washington DC?

Must-haves: snacks, rain covers and strollers

Visited Washington DC in April

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Anandi's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

Jaleo - amazing food!

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

Futures Exhibit at Smithsonian Arts & Industries building National Cathedral (amazing to see in person!)

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Washington DC?

Beauvoir Playground behind the Natl Cathedral was amazingly fun for kids of all ages.

Visited Washington DC in December

Photo Shoot Location: The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

Justin in Washington DC for Flytographer

Kaitlin's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

Old Ebbitt Grill - We booked it as a special birthday dinner and later found out it was rated the #1 restaurant in DC! Highly recommend.

Visited Washington DC in November

Photo Shoot Location: The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

Justin in Washington DC for Flytographer

Ashley's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

Nellie’s has a fun Drag Brunch We also love Succotash!

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

Downtown Alexandria at night with the lights, cobblestone streets, and gas lanterns is a great date night spot.

What is your best travel tip for Washington DC?

The Metro is the BEST way to get around!

Visited Washington DC in November

Photo Shoot Location: The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer

Michael's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

Carmine’s is a favorite of ours’. Great food and great atmosphere.

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

Arlington National Cemetery is a must. A somber reminder that freedom isn’t free.

Visited Washington DC in October

Photo Shoot Location: The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

Sarah in Washington DC for Flytographer

Jessica's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

The wharf area is such an easy place to find quick food with options for anyone. The s’mores food truck is so fun! Founding Farmers is a great spot for an early family dinner or for a date night or dinner with friends. Everything is so fresh and there are so many options!

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

The Decadence afternoon tea (really desserts!) at the St Regis is so memorable. It’s also a great spot for a drink if you’re not in the mood for anything sweet. Enjoy the garden behind the Smithsonian Castle for some quiet nature or a nice picnic spot (there are shaded tables!)

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Washington DC?

DC is such a great place to bring kids! With free museums, you can pop in and out. There’s so much to see as you walk, and green space all over for running off energy. Lightweight travel items like a GB Pockit stroller and the ride safer vest make it so easy to get around quickly with small kids.

Visited Washington DC in September

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Justin in Washington DC for Flytographer

Nola's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

The monuments! Watching the sunrise over the reflection pond or stopping by the memorials at night while they're all lit up.

Visited Washington DC in August

Photo Shoot Location: The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

Carol in Washington DC for Flytographer

Lillian's Travel Tips for Washington DC

What are the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC?

The Hay-Adams hotel not only has a fantastic restaurant with views of Lafayette Square, The White House and Black Lives Matter Plaza, it also has a fabulous basement bar well worth a visit. The atmosphere in both is so different and both have vibes of bygone days. The staff, as always, treat you like royalty.

Hometown Shoot in April

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Justin in Washington DC for Flytographer

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