Washington D.C. is the United States nation’s capital and a popular tourist destination for people all over the globe. This city is filled with iconic landmarks, statues and museums. From the White House to the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Capitol building and the Smithsonian there are so many places to visit while you are staying in this city.
To make your travel experience easier, use this interactive map of Washington D.C. It has been designed to highlight the city’s most famous landmarks. Click on each location to learn more about nearby hotels and popular sights.
Our map is free to download, the perfect solution in any case you ever need to go offline. Print a copy to take with you the next time you are traveling around the district of Columbia.
How to find tourist attractions in Washington D.C.
Many of Washington D.C.’s most popular and famous landmarks can be found in close proximity to the National Mall. This large, open-air national park stretches from the Potomac River on the east side to the U.S. Capitol building on the west.
On the east side of the National Mall is the site of the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Looking to the south and across the Tidal Basin, you can also see the Jefferson Memorial from this point.
Heading west from the Lincoln Memorial, you will come to the iconic Washington Monument statue. Heading straight north from here will take you directly to the White House, the office and residence of the sitting U.S. President and Head of State.
If you continue to head west past the Washington Monument, you will pass directly in front of several famous museums including the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian is actually more accurately described as a collection of museums that includes the National Museum of African History of Culture, the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History, along with several others. Beyond this area, at the very end of the National Mall to the west side, is the location of the U.S. Capitol building, and immediately behind it, the Library of Congress.
Meanwhile, opposite from the National Mall and across the street from the National Gallery of Art you can also find the National Archives Museum, and further north directly up the street from the National Archives, the National Portrait Gallery.
Finding transportation in Washington D.C.
The best way for tourists to experience the city of Washington D.C. is by traveling on foot. The total length of the National Mall from the east to the west side measures 4.3 km (2.6 mi). While this may seem like a long distance, it only takes approximately 50-60 minutes to walk from one side to the other. Breaking this trip up with frequent stops at nearby attractions can make the journey feel like a breeze.
While traveling among other parts of this city, the Metrorail offers a convenient solution as the most popular way for getting around. Fares will cost between 2-6 USD depending on the time of day that you’re traveling.
There are also several bus services that run throughout the city and to its surrounding areas. Among these are the Metrobus and the DC Circulator, with fares as low as 1-2 USD.
Taxi and ridesharing services are also available in Washington D.C. Base fares start at 3.50 USD plus distance and time rates for taxis. Uber and Lyft are two of the most popular ridesharing services in the city. To provide an example, the cost to travel between the U.S. Capitol building and the National Portrait Gallery might be expected cost approximately 10-15 USD and take 10 minutes of travel time.
