Arlington National Cemetery

Not many cemeteries would be listed among a city’s top 10 sights, but Arlington is an exception. Catch the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where soldiers keep a 24-hour watch in honor of the unidentified dead from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Beyond the tomb, you can visit the graves of presidents, military leaders, and other notable figures, or take a quiet walk through the grounds.

• Address:

  Arlington, VA

• Phone:

  +1 877 907 8585

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–5pm

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the U.S., with a striking interior of mosaics, chapels, and domes. Free guided tours are available and give a good sense of its history and architecture.

• Web:

  www.nationalshrine.org

• Address:

  400 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, D.C.

• Phone:

  +1 202 526 8300

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6am–6pm

• Subway:

  Nearest Metro: Brookland–CUA (Red line), then about a 10-minute walk.

Ford's Theatre

Opened in 1863, Ford’s Theatre is best known as the site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. You can tour the theatre, visit the museum, and learn about Lincoln’s life and legacy. The adjacent Petersen House, where Lincoln died, is part of the experience.

• Web:

  https://fords.org

• Address:

  511 10th Street NW, Washington, D.C.

• Phone:

  +1 202 347 4833

• Subway:

  Nearest Metro: Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) or Archives–Navy Memorial–Penn Quarter (Green, Yellow, Red lines).

Georgetown

Georgetown feels like a little world of its own in D.C., with cobblestone streets, old brick buildings, and a mix of shops and restaurants. You can wander along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue for over 450 options — from coffee shops to trendy boutiques — or grab a bite along the waterfront. It’s a popular spot for students and visitors alike, and walking through the neighbourhood gives a real sense of the city’s history.

• Web:

  www.georgetowndc.com

• Address:

  Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

• Subway:

  Nearest Metro: Foggy Bottom–GWU (Blue, Orange, Silver lines).

International Spy Museum

Step into the shoes of a spy at the International Spy Museum, which holds the largest public collection of international espionage artifacts—from gadgets to disguises—and documents the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. It’s interactive and entertaining for both adults and kids, but timed tickets are required, especially on weekends.

• Web:

  www.spymuseum.org

• E-mail:

  info@spymuseum.org

• Address:

  700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, D.C.

• Phone:

  +1 202 393 7798

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 9am–6pm

• Subway:

  Nearest Metro: Gallery Place–Chinatown (Red, Green, Yellow lines).

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Not far from the Lincoln Memorial, the Kennedy Center is D.C.’s main stage for live performance. The calendar is packed year-round with everything from ballet and opera to jazz, theatre, and touring shows. The rooftop terrace is open to the public and gives a wide view of the Potomac River.

• Web:

  www.kennedy-center.org

• Address:

  2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.

• Phone:

  +1 800 444 1324

• Subway:

  Nearest Metro: Foggy Bottom–GWU (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) plus a free Kennedy Center Shuttle just outside the station, running roughly every 15 minutes to the center.