1. International Spy Museum – I’d go as far to say this museum was the highlight of my trip. It is the coolest museum ever! Here, you learn so many spy stories and the museum is packed with mind-blowing gadgets. You also get set challenges as you go through the museum and at the end, you find out how successful you’d be as a spy. This museum had me crawling through tunnels and feeling like James Bond. If you find yourself in DC, this is a must for all ages!
2. The White House – I’m sure this one goes without saying. If you’re heading to DC, I can almost guarantee this is on the to-do list. I will say, if you have been lucky enough to see Buckingham Palace, the White House is much smaller, but it was such a surreal moment to see the building that holds so much American history. Although smaller in person, I wouldn’t say it was disappointing. It felt like a movie set!
3. Georgetown – A friend recommended Georgetown to me for a shopping day. I was honestly slightly reluctant as it was slightly out of the way of the big city but I couldn’t have been more impressed. Georgetown is so charismatic and has such a range of shops. There is definitely something for everyone there from high-end fashion to cat cafes!
4. Lincoln Memorial – Although located on the National Mall which is listed below at number nine, the Lincoln Memorial had to get a special shoutout. I was truly mesmerised when I saw this memorial. It is incredible. Martin Luther King delivered the ‘I have a dream’ speech at this memorial back in 1963 and I felt so honoured to be standing in the same place where so much history is held. It left me speechless. I’d go as far as to say, the Lincoln Memorial impressed me more than The White House.
5. National Air and Space Museum – I have got to say, I have always been fascinated by space, so this one is perfect for any space nerds! This museum is super informative and interactive, with each area having child-friendly aspects meaning it is a perfect day out for all ages! The museum is super hands-on, so you can get involved with moon landing simulations, try on an astronauts glove or even touch a piece of the moon. I had so much fun exploring here and the best part was, it was completely free to enter.
6. The United States Capitol – One that has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently, but a beautiful building nonetheless. The capitol building is architecturally incredible, and is one of the most influential buildings in the world, with very important conversations taking place inside. It is a must-see if you’re in DC.
7. Washington Monument – The Washington Monument is an obelisk within the National Mall (listed at nine). It was built in the 1800s as a tribute to George Washington, for his work throughout the American Revolution. The marble structure is 555 feet tall, making it even more breath-taking. Surrounded by American flags, this monument embodies a lot of American cultures. From the monument, you can see far and wide across DC, capturing the history of the city.
8. Washington Wizards – Now, I had never been to a basketball game before, and I know the Wizards aren’t the most famous team, but it was a fantastic experience and super affordable! If you have a free evening and want to see a show, pay a visit to a Wizards game. The Capitol One Arena is right in the centre of DC, and I definitely got my money’s worth with all the additional performances throughout the match. After the game, there was a free concert also as if the whole evening wasn’t enough! I would really recommend it!
9. National Mall – The National Mall, as mentioned above is a long piece of land running through DC which holds so many monuments and museums from a Martin Luther King statue to tributes to war veterans. The entire National Mall is 2.5 miles long, and you could spend a whole day exploring the joys it has. It has a lot of hidden gems and fun museums so there is definitely something for everyone. This is a MUST DO if you go to DC!
10. Le Diplomate – Le Diplomate is definitely a treat, but it was one of the most wonderful restaurants I visited. It’s the type of restaurant where you get to wear your best clothes and get wined and dined! The French-inspired restaurant is perfect for any occasions, with top quality food and the best waiters in DC. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, making it a true hidden gem. Very classy. A must-visit for a memorable or celebratory meal.