One of the top reasons tourists visit Washington DC is to see all the historical and political landmarks. From the White House to the Washington Monument, there are many sights that you’ll want to pack into your visit. So that you don’t miss any of them, here is a summary of 7 of the most iconic monuments and where (and when) to see them.
The White House
Let’s start with the most well-known attraction: The White House. Since its completion in 1800, this magnificent neoclassical building has been the official residence and primary workplace of every US president. It’s located in the heart of downtown DC at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. You can take tours of the inside – but you’ll have to book your tour well in advance and pass security checks.
The US Capitol
The home of the US congress is located on the far east side of the National Mall on Capitol Hill. Via free guided tours of this stunning domed building, you can learn all about the legislative history of the US, while also learning about the architecture of the building and its artwork. You can find many hotels and apartment-style stays by the Capitol in DC.
The Library of Congress
Close to the US capitol, you’ll find the Library of Congress. This breathtaking Italian-Renaissance-style building is home to 170 million items including rare books like the Gutenberg Bible. It’s become a hotspot for book lovers and researchers. You’ll need to reserve an entry time in advance – it is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm.
The Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is located on the far west side of the National Mall and contains a large seated statue of Abraham Lincoln. It was built as a monument to his role in preserving the nation during the Civil War and his efforts to end slavery. Most people visit this monument during the day, but it can also look very striking at night.
The Jefferson Memorial
Towards the south of the National Mall, you will find the Jefferson Memorial – dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence. It overlooks the Tidal Basin and consists of a circular open-air monument containing a bronze statue of Jefferson. The statue is surrounded by Japanese cherry blossom trees – it looks particularly beautiful in Spring when the trees are blooming.
The Washington Monument
This 555-ft tall marble obelisk sits in the middle of the National Mall. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in the world. Many visitors do not realize that there is an observation deck at the top and an elevator inside – you will need to book advance tickets to go up the Washington Monument. It is worth it for the incredible views of the National Mall.
The Martin Luther King Jr Memorial
This powerful memorial to Martin Luther King Jr overlooks the Tidal Basin and is easy to miss while exploring the grounds of the National Mall. It is one of the more recent additions to the National Mall – completed in 2011.
It’s worth noting that these are just a handful of the monuments that you can visit in DC. Most are located in and around the National Mall. Seeing them early in the morning or late at night can be a way to avoid the crowds. Make sure to also pay a visit to the Smithsonian Museums, which are all free to enter and full of fascinating artefacts.