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The Rest is History @ Capital Turnaround

Latest Episodes

• 451. Custer's Last Stand: The Charge of the 7th Cavalry (Part 6)
• 450. Custer's Last Stand: Death in the Black Hills (Part 5)

449. Custer vs. Crazy Horse: Rise of Sitting Bull (Part 4)

448. custer vs. crazy horse: horse-lords of the plains (part 3), 447. custer vs. crazy horse: the winning of the west (part 2), 446. custer vs. crazy horse: civil war (part 1), 445. the habsburgs: secrets of a dynasty, 444. the first emperor of china, 443. lord byron: death of a vampire (part 4), 442. lord byron: dangerous liaisons (part 3), 441. lord byron: scandal, sex and celebrity (part 2), 440. lord byron: mad, bad and dangerous to know (part 1), 439. disco: sex and race in seventies america, 438. the moonwalkers, with tom hanks, 437. luther: a world torn apart (part 5), 436. luther: showdown with the emperor (part 4), 435. luther: the battle against satan (part 3), 434. luther: the revolution begins (part 2).

• 433. Luther: The Man Who Changed the World (Part 1)
• 432. Titanic: The Survivors (Part 6)
• 431. Titanic: Nightmare at Midnight (Part 5)
• 430. Titanic: The Iceberg Strikes (Part 4)
• 429. Titanic: Countdown to Disaster (Part 3)
• 428. Titanic: Kings of the World (Part 2)
• 427. Titanic: The Tragedy Begins (Part 1)
• 426. History's Greatest Monkeys
• 425. The History Of Chocolate: Explained
• 424. Carthage vs. Rome: Total War (Part 4)
• 423. Carthage vs. Rome: The Wolf at the Gates (Part 3)
• 422. Ancient Carthage: Rise of a Superpower (Part 2)
• 421. Ancient Carthage: Lords of the Sea (Part 1)
• 420. Britain in 1974: Thatcher Enters the Ring (Part 4)
• 419. Britain in 1974: Countdown to a Coup (Part 3)
• 418. Britain in 1974: The Crisis Election (Part 2)
• 417. Britain in 1974: State of Emergency (Part 1)
• 416. The Canterbury Tales (Part 4)
• 415. The Murder of Richard II (Part 3)
• 414. The Peasants’ Revolt: London’s Burning (Part 2)
• 413. The Peasants' Revolt: England Erupts (Part 1)
• 412. Romans in Space: Star Wars, Dune, and Beyond...
• 411. The Man in the Iron Mask
• 410. The Nazis in Power: The Night of Broken Glass
• 409. The Nazis in Power: Hitler's War on the Jews
• 408. The Nazis in Power: Hitler's Dream
• 407. The Nazis in Power: The Conquest of Austria
• 406. The Nazis in Power: Hitler’s Road to War
• 405. The Nazis in Power: The Nuremberg Rallies
• 404. The Nazis in Power: The Night of the Long Knives
• 403. The Mystery of the Pregnant Pope
• 402. Christmas: Pagan or Christian?
• 401. Windrush: The Story of Black Britain
• 400. Victorian Britain's Maddest Mystery
• Introducing... The Rest Is Entertainment
• 399. The Savage Storm: World War II and The Battle for Italy
• 398. JFK: The Mystery is Solved (Part 7)
• 397. JFK: A Conspiracy Unmasked (Part 6)
• 396. JFK: The Second Assassin Strikes (Part 5)
• 395. JFK: Hunt for a Killer (Part 4)
• 394. JFK: Death in Dallas (Part 3)
• 393. JFK: Cuba, Camelot and the Cold War (Part 2)
• 392. JFK: The Road to the White House (Part 1)
• Introducing.... Legacy
• 391. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Last Emperor (Part 8)
• 390. The Fall of the Aztecs: War to the Death (Part 7)
• 389. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Night of Tears (Part 6)
• 388. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Festival of Blood (Part 5)
• 387. The Fall of the Aztecs: Prisoners of Montezuma (Part 4)
• 386. The Fall of the Aztecs: The City of Gold (Part 3)
• 385. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Woman Who Changed The World (Part 2)
• 384. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Adventure Begins (Part 1)
• 383. Young Napoleon: The Shadow of the Guillotine
• 382. Young Napoleon: Teenage Revolutionary
• 381. Captain Cook: To the Ends of the Earth
• 380. Captain Cook: History’s Greatest Explorer
• 379. Baghdad: The Arabian Nights
• 378. Baghdad: The Golden Age
• 377. Baghdad: Crossroads of the Universe
• 376. Baghdad: The Forging of Islam
• 375. Hitler and the Mitford Sisters
• 374. The Battle of Cable Street: Fascism Defeated
• 373. Oswald Mosley: Fascist Leader
• 372. The Birth of British Fascism
• 371. The 1973 Chilean Coup: General Pinochet Seizes Power
• 370. The 1973 Chilean Coup: Allende, Nixon and the CIA
• PAX: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age (Extract)
• 369. The Colosseum: Rome's Arena of Death
• 368. The History Behind Hogwarts: Ancient Schools and Revolting Students
• 367. The Real Harry Potter: Magic, Empire and Beastly Bullies
• 366. The Architect of Modern China
• 365. Le Marquis de Sade: Sex and Violence
• Introducing... The Rest Is Money
• 364. Sixties Fashion: Swinging London
• 363. Sixties Fashion: The Teenage Revolution
• 362. The Taj Mahal: Love and Death
• 361. The Lost Library of Alexandria
• 360. Fear City: New York in the 1970s
• 359: Martin Luther King's Dream
• Martin Luther King's Dream
• 358: Viking Sorcery
• 358. Viking Sorcery
• NEW PODCAST: THE REST IS FOOTBALL
• 357: Historical Love Island: The Sequel
• 357. Historical Love Island: The Sequel
• 356: The Blood-Drinking Bride of Christ
• 356. The Blood-Drinking Bride of Christ
• 355: Roman Apocalypse: Pompeii 79 AD
• 355. Roman Apocalypse: Pompeii 79 AD
• 354: Paris 1968: The Return of De Gaulle
• 354. Paris 1968: The Return of De Gaulle
• 353: Paris 1968: The Students' Revolt
• 353. Paris 1968: The Students' Revolt
• 352: Amsterdam: Kings, Canals, and Coffee Houses
• 352. Amsterdam: Kings, Canals, and Coffee Houses
• Amsterdam: Miracles, Money, and Mud
• 351: Amsterdam: Miracles, Money, and Mud
• 351. Amsterdam: Miracles, Money and Mud
• 350. The Triumph of George Washington (Part 4)
• 350: The Triumph of George Washington (Part 4)
• 349. The Birth of the United States (Part 3)
• 349: The Birth of the United States (Part 3)
• 348. The Boston Tea Party (Part 2)
• 348: The Boston Tea Party (Part 2)
• 347. The American Revolution (Part 1)
• 347: The American Revolution (Part 1)
• 346. The Mystery of the Holy Grail
• 346: The Mystery of the Holy Grail
• 345. Raiders of the Lost Ark
• 345: Raiders of the Lost Ark
• 344. Oppenheimer: The Witch Hunt
• 344: Oppenheimer: The Witch Hunt
• 343. Oppenheimer: The Father of the Atom Bomb
• 343: Oppenheimer: The Father of the Atom Bomb
• 342. The Trials of Oscar Wilde: Downfall and Prison
• 342: The Trials of Oscar Wilde: Downfall and Prison
• 341. The Trials of Oscar Wilde: Sex and Scandal
• 341: The Trials of Oscar Wilde: Sex and Scandal
• 340. Hadrian and Antinous
• 340: Hadrian and Antinous
• 339. Ireland: The Easter Rising, 1916
• 339: Ireland: The Easter Rising, 1916
• 338. Ireland: Home Rule, Mutiny - and Civil War?
• 338: Ireland: Home Rule, Mutiny - and Civil War?
• 337. Ireland: Union, Famine and Parnell
• 337. Ireland: Union, Famine, and Parnell
• 337: Ireland: Union, Famine and Parnell
• 336: Ireland: Celts, Conquest and Cromwell
• 336. Ireland: Celts, Conquest and Cromwell
• 335. The Freemasons: History's Greatest Conspiracy Theory
• 335: The Freemasons: History's Greatest Conspiracy Theory
• 334. Athens and the Birth of Democracy
• 334: Athens and the Birth of Democracy
• 333. The Republic of Britain: Life under Cromwell
• 333: The Republic of Britain: Life under Cromwell
• 332. King Solomon's Mines
• 332: King Solomon's Mines
• 331. American Witches
• 331: American Witches
• 330. Herodotus: The Birth of History
• 330: Herodotus: The Birth of History
• 329. Coronations: Chaos, Ceremony and Empire
• 329. Coronations: Pomp and Shambles
• 329: Coronations: Chaos, Ceremony and Empire
• 328. Coronations: Sex, Holy Oil and Civil War
• 328: Coronations: Sex, Holy Oil and Civil War
• 327: Coronations: The Deep History
• 327. Coronations: The Deep History
• 326. The Year of Revolutions: 1848
• 326: The Year of Revolutions: 1848
• 325. Fall of Saigon: Apocalypse Now
• 325: Fall of Saigon: Apocalypse Now
• 324. Fall of Saigon: The Nightmare Begins
• 324: Fall of Saigon: The Nightmare Begins
• 323. History's Greatest Dogs
• 323: History's Greatest Dogs
• 322. East Germany: Life Behind the Iron Curtain
• 322: East Germany: Life Behind the Iron Curtain
• 321. Hundred Years' War: A Storm of Swords
• 321: Hundred Years' War: A Storm of Swords
• 320. Hundred Years' War: The Black Prince
• 320: Hundred Years' War: The Black Prince
• 319. Hundred Years' War: Triumph of the Longbow
• 319: Hundred Years' War: Triumph of the Longbow
• 318. Hundred Years' War: A Game of Thrones
• 318: Hundred Years' War: A Game of Thrones
• 317. African Amazons
• 317: African Amazons
• 316. The First Abolitionist
• 316: The First Abolitionist
• 315. Atlantis: Legacy of the Lost Empire
• 315: Atlantis: Legacy of the Lost Empire
• 314. Atlantis: The Legend
• 314: Atlantis: The Legend
• 313. Climate Apocalypse
• 313: Climate Apocalypse
• 312. Reagan, Iran-Contra and the Cold War
• 312: Reagan, Iran-Contra and the Cold War
• 311. Reagan: The Road to the White House
• 311: Reagan: The Road to the White House
• 310. Ronald Reagan and the American Dream
• 310: Ronald Reagan and the American Dream
• 309. Columbus: Villain or Hero?
• 309: Columbus: Villain or Hero?
• 308. Columbus: Death in the Caribbean
• 308: Columbus: Death in the Caribbean
• 307. Columbus: A New World?
• 307: Columbus: A New World?
• 306. Columbus: The Adventure Begins
• 306: Columbus: The Adventure Begins
• 305. The Fall of the Roman Republic
• 305: The Fall of the Roman Republic
• 304. The Murder of Julius Caesar
• 304: The Murder of Julius Caesar
• 303. The Bloodiest Crusade
• 303: The Bloodiest Crusade
• 302. The Mystery of the Cathars
• 302: The Mystery of the Cathars
• 301. The Real Da Vinci Code
• 301: The Real Da Vinci Code
• 300. The Real Downton Abbey
• 300: The Real Downton Abbey
• 299. The Greatest Female Pharaoh
• 299: The Greatest Female Pharaoh
• 298. The Nazis: Total Power
• 298: The Nazis: Total Power
• 297. The Nazis: Hitler's Triumph
• 297: The Nazis: Hitler's Triumph
• 296. The Nazis: The Beer Hall Putsch
• 296: The Nazis: The Beer Hall Putsch
• The Rise of the Nazis
• 295. The Rise of the Nazis
• 295: The Rise of the Nazis
• 294. Lady Jane Grey: The Axe Falls
• 294: Lady Jane Grey: The Axe Falls
• 293. Lady Jane Grey: The Nine Days' Queen
• 293: Lady Jane Grey: The Nine Days' Queen
• 292. The Shadow of the Holocaust
• 292: The Shadow of the Holocaust
• 291. The Man Who Escaped Auschwitz
• 291: The Man Who Escaped Auschwitz
• 290. 2022: A History
• 290: 2022: A History
• 288. Jesus Christ: The History
• 288: Jesus Christ: The History
• Jesus Christ: The Mystery
• 287. Jesus Christ: The Mystery
• 287: Jesus Christ: The Mystery
• 286. England: Beef and Liberty
• 286: England: Beef and Liberty
• 285. Canada: Beaver Wars
• 285: Canada: Beaver Wars
• 284. Denmark: The Great Escape
• 284: Denmark: The Great Escape
• 283. Ecuador: Darwin's Adventure to the Galapagos
• 283: Ecuador: Darwin's Adventure to the Galapagos
• 282. Morocco: The Rif War
• 282: Morocco: The Rif War
• 281. Spain: The Caliphate of Córdoba
• 281: Spain: The Caliphate of Córdoba
• 280. Serbia: The Birthplace of Civilisation
• 280: Serbia: The Birthplace of Civilisation
• 279. Cameroon: The Slave General of Peter the Great
• 279: Cameroon: The Slave General of Peter the Great
• 278. France: The Mystery of Le Prince
• 278: France: The Mystery of Le Prince
• 277. Japan: Samurai and Shoguns
• 277: Japan: Samurai and Shoguns
• 276. Netherlands: The Maid of Holland
• 276: Netherlands: The Maid of Holland
• 275. Argentina: The Welsh Colony
• 275: Argentina: The Welsh Colony
• 274. Switzerland: Calvin's Cancel Culture
• 274: Switzerland: Calvin's Cancel Culture
• 273. Portugal: The Carnation Revolution
• 273: Portugal: The Carnation Revolution
• 272. Senegal: The Door of No Return
• 272: Senegal: The Door of No Return
• 271. Belgium: History's Greatest Artist
• 271: Belgium: History's Greatest Artist
• 270. Poland: Copernicus, the Dragon and the Salt Mine
• 270: Poland: Copernicus, the Dragon and the Salt Mine
• 269. Ghana: The Ashanti Empire
• 269: Ghana: The Ashanti Empire
• 268. Brazil: The Last Emperor
• 268: Brazil: The Last Emperor
• 267. Wales: The Roar of the Red Dragon
• 267: Wales: The Roar of the Red Dragon
• 266. South Korea: The Riddle of Hwang Jini
• 266: South Korea: The Riddle of Hwang Jini
• 265. Saudi Arabia: The Mystery of the Kaaba
• 265: Saudi Arabia: The Mystery of the Kaaba
• 264. Mexico: Day of the Dead
• 264: Mexico: Day of the Dead
• 263. USA vs England: The 200-Year Rivalry
• 263: USA vs England: The 200-Year Rivalry
• 262. Tunisia: Dido of Carthage
• 262: Tunisia: Dido of Carthage
• 261. Uruguay: The Tupamaros
• 261: Uruguay: The Tupamaros
• 260. Croatia: The Man Who Saved The Roman Empire
• 260: Croatia: The Man Who Saved The Roman Empire
• 259. Iran: England - 'The Little Satan'
• 258. Costa Rica: Civil War
• 257. Australia: The Mystery of the Somerton Man
• 256. Germany: The White Rose
• 255. Qatar: A History
• 254. The World Cup: The Falklands, despots, and corruption
• 253. The World Cup: Post-war reconciliation, Brazilian dictatorship, and North Koreans in Middlesbrough
• 252. The World Cup: British Imperialism, South American rivalries, and Mussolini
• History's coming home... (preview)
• 251. Alfred the Great: Return of the King
• 250. Alfred the Great: Fury of the Vikings
• 249. Treason in Modern Britain
• 248. Medieval Treason
• 247. Monty & Patton vs. the Nazis
• 246. The Fall of Liz Truss
• 245. Trafalgar: Victory
• 244. Trafalgar: Countdown to Annihilation
• 243. Trafalgar: A World at War
• 242. French History on Film
• 241. Young Churchill: Prisoner and Fugitive
• 240. Young Churchill: Soldier of Empire
• Young Churchill: Born to Lead
• 239. Young Churchill: Born to Lead
• 239: Young Churchill: Born to Lead
• 238. The Regency Revolution
• 237. Marilyn Monroe
• 236. China and World War II - Part 2
• 235. China and World War II - Part 1
• 234. Germans Behaving Badly
• 233. The Loch Ness Monster
• 232. Queen Elizabeth II - part 2
• 231. Queen Elizabeth II - part 1
• 230. Portugal: Football, Fado, and Fascism?
• 229. Portugal: Gold, Earthquakes, and Brazil
• 228. Portugal: The Golden Age of Discovery
• 227. Portugal: On the Edge of the World
• ARCHIVE: Gorbachev, the fall of the Soviet Union, and the rise of Putin
• 226. The Lord of the Rings
• 225. J.R.R. Tolkien
• 224. Roman Holidays
• 223. Sun, Sea, and Sex
• 222. Victorian Holidays
• Introducing Empire with William Dalrymple
• 221. Holidays: Byron's Grand Tour
• 220. Justinian & Theodora: The Secret History
• 219. Justinian: Making Rome Great Again
• 218. Theodora: Empress of Byzantium
• 217. Plague and the decline of the Roman Empire
• 216. Pigeons
• 215. Stalingrad and the Red Army
• 214. The Battle of Stalingrad
• 213. London: Moments
• 212. Haunted London
• 211. London: People
• 210. London: Places
• 209. Londinium
• From Revisionist History: Margaret Mitchell and A Star is Born
• 208. George Orwell
• 207. Historical Love Island: THE WINNER
• 206. Historical Love Island
• 205. The Last Days of Boris Johnson
• 204. Gone with the Wind
• 203. American Civil War: Aftermath & Legacy
• 202. American Civil War: Gettysburg
• 201. American Civil War: Outbreak
• American Civil War: The Causes
• 200. American Civil War: The Causes
• 200: American Civil War: The Causes
• 199. Stonehenge
• 198. Cleopatra's Downfall
• ARCHIVE: Watergate (Part 2)
• ARCHIVE: Watergate (Part 1)
• 197. Antony & Cleopatra
• 196. Julius Caesar & Cleopatra
• 195. Young Cleopatra
• 194. The First Fascist
• 193. How Prime Ministers Fall
• 192. Robin Hood
• 191. Childbirth
• 190. Jubilees
• 189. Australian Prime Ministers: Bob Hawke - Scott Morrison
• 188. Australian Prime Ministers: Harold Holt - Malcolm Fraser
• 187. Australian Prime Ministers: Edmund Barton - Robert Menzies
• 186. The New Elizabethan Age
• 185. Agatha Christie
• 184. History's Biggest Questions with Dan Carlin (Part 2)
• History's Biggest Questions with Dan Carlin (Part 1)
• 183. History's Biggest Questions with Dan Carlin (Part 1)
• 182. Operation Barbarossa
• 181. The Birth of Babylon
• 180. England & Englishness
• 179. French Presidents: 1981-2022
• 178. French Presidents: 1958-1981
• 177. The Jewish Revolt
• 176. The Jews Against Rome
• 175. Crucifixion
• 174. Merlin, Magic and the British
• 173. Chairman Mao & the Cultural Revolution
• 172. The Falklands War: Afterlife
• 171. The Falklands War: Battle for the Islands
• 170. The Falklands War: The Task Force Sails
• 169. The Falklands War: Countdown to Invasion
• 168. Oil: Conflict, Chaos and Climate Change
• 167. Oil: The Making of the Modern World
• 166. Genghis Khan: Lord of the Mongols
• 165. The Rise of Genghis Khan
• 164. Saint Patrick
• 163. The Last Emperor of Mexico
• 162. Putin's Russia
• 161. Yeltsin, Economic Chaos and President Putin
• 160. The Fall of the Soviet Union
• Young Putin, the KGB and the Soviet Union
• 159. Young Putin, the KGB and the Soviet Union
• 158. Killer Fashion
• The Rest Is Politics: Putin in person, Russian influence, and Blair vs Bono
• 157. Byzantium and the Ghosts of Rome
• 156. When did the Roman Empire fall?
• 155. Ukraine and Russia
• ARCHIVE: The Vikings and the birth of Kyiv
• ARCHIVE: Ukraine and the United Kingdom
• 154. The Most Disastrous Party in History
• 153. God and the American Empire
• 152. American Crusades
• 151. Valentine's Day
• Real Dictators: Adolf Hitler's Day In Court
• 150. Smuggling
• 149. The Birth of Russia
• 148. The Vikings Go East
• 147. Disease, the New World and modern pandemics
• 146. Disease vs. the rise of civilisation
• 145. Babylon
• 144. The Trial of Charles I Part 2
• 143. The Trial of Charles I Part 1
• 142. General Gordon and the Siege of Khartoum
• 141. General Gordon: The Ultimate Victorian Hero
• 140. The Birth of the Railways
• 139. The Princes in the Tower Part 2
• 138. The Princes in the Tower Part 1
• 137. 1922: The Birth of the Modern World Part 2
• 136. 1922: The Birth of the Modern World Part 1
• 135. Crossing the Rubicon: The die is cast
• Crossing the Rubicon: The rise of Julius Caesar
• 134. Crossing the Rubicon: The rise of Julius Caesar
• 12 Days: Alfred the Great and Pepys' 'Fanatiques'
• 12 Days: Death of Edward the Confessor and the Dreyfus Affair
• 12 Days: Solomon Northup and Albert Camus
• 12 Days: Martin Luther and J.R.R. Tolkien
• 12 Days: Reconquest of Spain and the Old Queen of Hawaii
• 12 Days: Nero's succession and the fall of the Byzantine Empire
• 12 Days: Jean-Bédel Bokassa and the memory of pandemics
• 12 Days: The Battle of Wakefield and Emperor Karl I
• 12 Days: The Murder of Thomas Becket and the Wounded Knee Massacre
• 12 Days: Massacre of the Innocents and the Tay Bridge disaster
• 12 Days: Port wine and Darwin sets sail
• 12 Days: Good King Wenceslas and the first Gilbert & Sullivan
• 12 Days: Coronation of Charlemagne and the collapse of the Soviet Union
• 133. Christmas churches
• 132. A Christmas Carol
• The 1960s (preview)
• 131. Burgundy: Europe's forgotten superpower
• 130. Superheroes
• 129. Cricket
• History's greatest clubs (preview)
• 128. Rasputin
• 127. Neanderthals
• 126. Napoleon in Egypt
• 125. The CIA
• 124. World Cup of Kings and Queens part 2
• 123. World Cup of Kings and Queens part 1
• 122. Æthelstan: OFFICIALLY England's greatest monarch
• 121. Australia Before Cook
• 120. The Oil Weapon
• 119. World Cup of Kings & Queens preview
• 118. End of the First World War & Remembrance
• 117. Alexander the Great part 2
• Alexander the Great Part 1
• 116. Alexander the Great part 1
• 116. Alexander the Great Part 1
• 115. The Gunpowder Plot
• 114. Stonehenge, ancient ritual and the origins of paganism
• 113. Hallowe'en and modern paganism
• 112. Medieval Science
• 111. Golden Ages
• 110. History of India in 10 Buildings
• 109. Dinosaurs
• 108. The Industrial Revolution
• 107. Watergate: Part 2
• 107. Watergate: part 2
• Watergate: Part 1
• 106. Watergate: part 1
• 106. Watergate: Part 1
• 105. Classics
• Bonus Episode: No Time to Die
• 104. Macbeth
• 103. The Norse Sagas
• 102. Germany from Adenauer to Angela
• 101. James Bond
• Decolonising Africa
• 100. Decolonising Africa
• 99. Thermopylae & Salamis Episode 2
• 98. Thermopylae & Salamis Episode 1
• 97. Top Ten Mistresses
• 96. The UK’s Best Churches
• 94. Silicon Valley Part 2
• 93. Silicon Valley Part 1
• 92. Nuclear Weapons
• 91. The Beatles
• 90. The Western Front
• 89. Climate & Weather
• 88. The First Anglo-Afghan War
• 87. Afghanistan - Part 1
• 86. The Enlightenment
• 85. Sherlock Holmes
• 83. The Berlin Wall
• 81. Modern Olympics - Part 2
• 80. Modern Olympics - Part 1
• 79. Ancient Olympics
• 78. Statues: Parliament Square
• 77. Statues: Whitehall
• 76. Statues: Trafalgar Square
• 75. The East India Company
• 74. The Six Wives of Henry VIII
• 72. England v Italy
• 73. England v Italy
• 72. The Vietnam War
• 71. England v Denmark
• 70. Children’s History
• 69. Children’s History
• 69. England v Ukraine
• 68. The British Empire
• 67. Anglo-German Relations
• 65. A Very British Scandal
• 64. Hitler, with Ian Kershaw - part 2
• 63. Hitler, with Ian Kershaw - part 1
• 62. Magna Carta
• 61. California
• 60. Muhammad
• 59. The World Cup of Gods - Part 2
• 58. The World Cup of Gods - Part 1
• 55. The World Cup of Gods - Preview
• 54. Cromwell and the Protectorate
• 53. Game of Thrones
• 50. Teenagers
• 49. Food Glorious Food
• 48. The French Revolution
• 47. The Seven Years' War
• 46. Culture Wars
• 45. Top Ten Eunuchs
• 42. The Wild West
• 40. History as Entertainment
• 39. Elizabeth I
• 38. Communism
• 37. Spies, with Ben MacIntyre
• 36. Our Greatest Prime Minister
• 35. The Prime Ministers’ World Cup
• 34. St Cuthbert’s Day
• 33. The Beautiful Game
• 32. What if?
• 31. The Second Reich
• 30. A Royal Row
• 29. Americanisation
• 28. The Kings of Comedy
• 27. Tutankhamun
• 26. Witches
• 25. Empires
• 24. Sex in the City
• 23. The 90s
• 22. Weird Wars
• 21. The History of the Future
• 19. King Arthur
• 18. The North South Divide
• 17. Fascism
• 16. Pompeii
• 15. Walls and Borders
• 14. Historical Fiction
• Stephen Fry and Troy
• 13. Stephen Fry and Troy
• Conspiracy Theories
• 12. Conspiracy Theories
• 10. Christmas
• Causes of the First World War
• 9. Causes of the First World War
• The Echo of a Coffee House
• 8. The Echo of a Coffee House
• The Lessons of History
• 7. The Lessons of History
• We’re all so 17th Century
• 4. We’re all so 17th Century
• Is Trump Caesar or Nixon?
• 3. Is Trump Caesar or Nixon?
• 2. Civil War
• 1. Greatness

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10 of the Best Historic Sites in Washington D.C.

A guide to 10 of the very best historic sites in america's capital city, including the capitol, lincoln memorial and the white house..

17 Jul 2023

Washington, D.C. is a captivating destination that stands testament to the rich tapestry of American history and democracy. Nestled along the east bank of the Potomac River, this iconic city is the capital of the USA, and a vibrant hub of politics, culture, and heritage.

Founded on 16 July 1790, the city was chosen by, and indeed named after President George Washington, a Founding Father and the first president of the United States. The district is named for Columbia, the female personification of the nation.

From the grandeur of the iconic monuments and memorials that line the National Mall, to the bustling corridors of Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. is a treasure trove of iconic historical landmarks waiting to be explored.

There are an absolute abundance of historical sites to see in Washington D.C. which would take any visitor multiple trips to see. Here we explore just 10 of some of the top historical sites America’s capital has to offer.

1. The White House

The White House has been the seat of the  United States government and home of US Presidents for over 200 years. The name ‘The White House’ was actually only coined in 1901 by Theodore Roosevelt. Today, tours of what is undoubtedly the most iconic residence in the US are a precious commodity. Nonetheless, the visitors centre and surrounding area give a sense of the White House’s role within US history.

Original construction of the White House began in October 1792 after President George Washington chose what is now 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as the location for the new home of the federal government, designed by architect James Hoban.

The White House was not yet completed when, in 1800, it housed its first ‘first family’ President  John Adams and First Lady, Abigail Adams. Since then, the White House has been the home of every President and first family, each of whom renovated it to different degrees to suit their tastes and lifestyles. Famous rooms in the White House include the Blue Room and the President’s Oval Office.

2. The US Capitol

The US Capitol is the seat of the United States Congress, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and, with its famous neoclassical façade and dramatic dome, is an iconic building in its own right.

Construction of the first incarnation of The US Capitol began in 1793 and the US Congress first met there in November 1800. Now, the House of Representatives uses the south wing, whilst the Senate uses the north wing. Since 1800, the US Capitol has been the setting for many important national events such as presidential inaugurations, which still happen there today.

Following the 1814 burning of Washington, the Capitol was restored, and underwent a series of renovations and additions – primarily in the 1850s – as well as reconstructions and restorations. The dome has similarities to that of Les Invalides in Paris, which inspired the architect of the Capitol dome: made of cast iron, it’s said to weigh over 4 million kgs. A visitor centre was added in the early 2000s, and today, The US Capitol is both the home of the US legislature and a museum of American history and art.

3. Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is a Greek temple style monument in Washington DC’s West Potomac Park honouring the 16th President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln, who served during the American Civil War and was assassinated on 14 April 1865.

Whilst a committee for the establishment of a memorial to Abraham Lincoln was first incorporated in 1867, authorisation for the monument was not given until 1911 and construction only began on 12 February 1914. The build was also a lengthy process and the memorial was finally dedicated on 30 May 1922. The Lincoln Memorial was designed by the architect, Henry Bacon, who also sculpted the statue of Lincoln which visitors can see within its walls.

As the site of many important political speeches and events, the Lincoln Memorial has a history of its own, independent from its original purpose. In particular, it was the site where Martin Luther King delivered his famous “I have a dream” speech on 28 August 1963 – the spot is marked with an engraving. Today, the words of the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln’s Second Inaugural speech are carved into the wall behind the monument.

4. The Washington Monument

Standing at 555ft high, The Washington Monument is a staggeringly large monument which honours and memorialises George Washington , the first president of the USA and considered to be the ‘Father of the Country’. It was designed by architect Robert Mills, and is made out of marble, granite, and sandstone – completed on 6 December 1884, almost 30 years after Mills’ death.

The shape of the Washington Monument is that of an Egyptian obelisk to convey a sense of ancient civilisation and timeless awe which the nation felt towards its most essential Founding Father. At a height of 555 feet, 5 and 1/8 inches, it was once the tallest building in the world, and remains the tallest obelisk.

The cornerstone was laid in July 1848, with upwards of 20,000 people in attendance.

5. Ford’s Theatre

It was in Ford’s Theatre on the night of 14 April 1865 that well-known actor John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln. A Confederate sympathiser and spy, Booth had originally planned to kidnap  Lincoln , but instead shot the President in the back of the head as he watched Ford’s Theatre’s production of Our American Cousin from the state box (box seven). (Across the street is Petersen House , where Lincoln was taken after being shot, and was where he died).

Following Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, Ford briefly considered continuing to use the building as a theatre, but outcry from the American public forced him to abandon the idea. The still-unfinished building was seized in July of 1865 by order of the Secretary of War, and its interior torn-out in August of 1865.

The building was subsequently converted into a three-story office building, and rather than being recognised for its historical significance, the building was used for a variety of government purposes. Ford’s Theatre was transferred to the ownership of the National Park Service in 1931, and in 1967, the building was restored to its 1865 appearance. Currently, the building continues to stage plays and operate as a theatre, in addition to hosting a museum relating to Lincoln’s assassination.

6. Library of Congress

America’s oldest federal cultural institution, The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with over 164 million items on more than 500 miles of bookshelves, including around 37 million books, 69 million manuscripts, and an extensive collection of music, video and audio recordings, films, photographs, newspapers and maps in its collections. The Library is the main research facility for the US Congress and the home of the US Copyright Office.

Housed across three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (the Thomas Jefferson Building, the James Madison Memorial Building and the John Adams Building) as well as the Packard Campus in Culpepper, Virginia, the Library also serves as a museum, with numerous exhibits inside the Thomas Jefferson Building.

A bill transferring the seat of government from Philadelphia to the new capital of Washington mentioned the creation of a reference library for use by Congress. This became The Library of Congress, founded on 24 April 1800. After British troops burned the Capitol building (housing the original Library), retired President Thomas Jefferson offered his personal collection as a replacement. Congress paid $23,950 for the 6,487 books, forming the foundation of the Library today.

7. The Smithsonian Institution

Collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, this renowned museum and research complex (the world’s largest) consists of 17 museums and galleries in Washington D.C. including America’s National Zoo. Its aim is to preserve heritage, discover new knowledge, and share their resources with the world.

The Institution was founded in 1846 through a financial bequest by British Scientist James Smithson (1765–1829), and The Smithsonian Institution was officially created by an act of Congress in 1846. Its first building was the Smithsonian Castle, completed in 1855, which initially held the entire institution. Although initially focused on scientific research, the Smithsonian expanded to encompass a vast range of disciplines, including history, art, and anthropology.

Today the Smithsonian collections contain over 155 million objects, works of art and specimens – from the origins of man at The Natural History Museum, to the future of space travel at the Air and Space Museum. Which museums you visit clearly depends on your interests. Highlights include the American History Museum, America’s National Zoo, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, America’s National Portrait Gallery, and the American Indian Museum.

8. Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral is the sixth-largest cathedral in the world, and an architectural masterpiece. It is a listed monument on America’s National Register of Historic Places, and is also the designated House of Prayer of the USA, serving as the “spiritual home for the nation”, welcoming people of all faiths from around the world.

Throughout the years the cathedral has hosted many national memorial services, celebrations and funerals, including services such as those for the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the funerals of two presidents – Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan, as well as many historic moments, including the final Sunday sermon delivered by Martin Luther King.

Construction began on 29 September 1907, when President Theodore Roosevelt helped lay the foundation stone, and the cathedral was finally completed 83 years later when President George H.W. Bush oversaw the laying of the final stone (the ‘final finial’), in 1990. The cathedral features Neo-Gothic architecture, closely modelled on the English Gothic style of the late 14th century, complemented by ornate wooden carvings, gargoyles, mosaics and more than 200 stained glass windows.

9. Arlington National Cemetery

Whilst not technically located in Washington D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is just a short trip across the Potomac River in Virginia, and is America’s iconic burial site. The site began as a house built in memory of President George Washington , which later became a Union army base during the  American Civil War . In January 1864, the government purchased Arlington House and, later that year, desperately in need of space to bury the increasing number of war casualties, it was designated a national cemetery.

Over the years, Arlington National Cemetery has come to represent a memorial to all US soldiers who have died for their country and is still an active cemetery. There are approximately 400,000 graves at Arlington National Cemetery, neatly aligned and each with a white headstone, along with numerous monuments.

Arlington National Cemetery is also the home of The Tomb of the Unknowns, a burial place for one unidentified soldier from each of  World War One ,  World War Two  and the  Korean War . Many famous Americans are also buried at Arlington National Cemetery, from military heroes to astronauts such as John Glenn and leaders such as President John F. Kennedy .

10. Jefferson Memorial

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C.’s West Potomac Park was built in 1939 to honour President Thomas Jefferson, one of the Founding Fathers of the USA and its third president. With its white facade, imposing columns and circular silhouette crowned by a dome, the Jefferson Memorial is reminiscent of the Roman  Pantheon , as intended by its architect John Russell Pope.

The concept of building a memorial to Thomas Jefferson was first encouraged by President  Franklin Roosevelt – an admirer of Jefferson – and construction of the memorial began on 15 December 1938. The Memorial was dedicated by President Roosevelt on 13 April 1943, the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s birth. The bronze sculpture of Jefferson inside the memorial, made by Rudulph Evans, was added in 1947 and stands next to inscribed excerpts from the Declaration of Independence , which Jefferson co-authored in 1776. The inscription even used Jefferson’s phrasing in his draft, saying ‘inalienable’ rather than ‘unalienable’.

Understandably by Bill Murphy Jr.

The rest is history

A walking tour of dc, a big box store that started in a bar—frankly, i just like this stuff. also, 7 other things worth your time..

There’s a pizza place at 1335 Wisconsin Avenue NW in Washington D.C. that used to be a French restaurant.

A plaque on the wall will tell you that in 1985, height of the Cold War, a KGB spy who had defected to the West was eating dinner there with his handlers.

He left to use the bathroom, snuck out a window, and ran off to return to the Soviets—leaving …

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Old Town Trolley Tours Washington DC 4.2

Best Washington DC Tours For Every Type Of Vacation Itinerary

Our local experts surveyed guests, canvassed review sites, and researched hundreds of different Washington DC tours to select our annual best of the best list.

Best Night Tour – Monuments by Moonlight Tour

Best Sightseeing Tour – Old Town Trolley Tours

On this tour expect to see the White House, the Holocaust Memorial Museum , the Lincoln Memorial, the National Archives, the Smithsonian, the Jefferson Memorial and so much more! Also, the fact that this is the only tour operator authorized to enter Arlington National Cemetery, it’s like having two DC tours in one! The attractive hop-on-hop-off option on these tours allows you to disembark and re-board at any time during their hours of operation so you can enjoy the city at your own pace.

Best Museum Tour – Smithsonian Museum Tours

The incredible breadth of detail, information and exhibits are all explored across all 16 museums located in the district. For an unequaled museum experience at some of the finest institutions of its kind in the world, make sure the Smithsonian gets on your to-see list!

Best Segway Tour – DC Sites

The DC Sites by Segway tour provides great introductions to Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA. It is a fun and interactive way to sightsee and get familiar with these cities. This tour goes to popular sites as well as some that you may not be as familiar with. Your tour guide will provide you with fun facts about the local history and provide insider tips that will be helpful to you as you plan the rest of your visit to Washington , DC. The Segway tours have a maximum of eight people at a time and are completed at a relaxing pace. You do not need to be an avid ‘glider’ to Segway the sites! All Segway tours include a 30 minute training period to make sure you are comfortable and safe.

Best Government Building Tour – White House Tour

Best Food Tour – U Street and Shaw Neighborhood Food Tour

Develop your tastes for the city on the Potomac with this cultural and culinary walking tour through the U Street & Shaw neighborhoods. Enjoy delicious tastings from four locally owned restaurants and eateries while taking in the ambiance of these iconic neighborhoods. You’ll learn about the interesting culture and history of the area that makes each of them so distinct, from classic chili dogs that have stood the test of time, to trendy DC favorites and grub for the on-the-go gourmet. There will be local beers on tap you’ll be encouraged to sample on an adventure that will satisfy your stomach and leave you excited to explore even more!

Best Military Tour – Arlington National Cemetery Tours

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The Triumph of George Washington (Part 4‪)‬ The Rest Is History

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With the French and Spanish siding with George Washington’s revolutionaries, the game is up for the British, and it seems time for them to cut their losses. Following the surrender of General Cornwallis at Yorktown, the war is effectively over, but what are the short and long term consequences of this? In our final episode on the American revolution, Tom, Dominic and Professor Adam Smith look at the end of the war, the subsequent Treaty of Paris, and the broader question of how the revolution shaped the United States and the future of its people. The Rest Is History Club members can listen to the full series now. Join The Rest Is History Club on Apple podcasts or at www.restishistorypod.com for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows, and access to an exclusive chatroom community. *The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*: Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See them live in London, New Zealand, and Australia! Buy your tickets here: restishistorypod.com Twitter:  @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Washington, DC Itinerary 4 Days: 2023 Guide From A Local

Washington, DC is my home – I have lived here over 12 years and I absolutely love it. There is just so much to explore here – from its rich history and world-renowned monuments to its thriving food and arts scene. 

In this guide, I will share my perfect 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary. This will help you experience DC like a true local. This isn’t your typical tourist guide; instead, you’ll get to discover hidden gems and beloved local spots that truly make Washington, DC unique. 

So whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone who simply enjoys the vibrancy of city life, this guide has something for you. Let’s immerse ourselves in the charm and culture of DC, shall we?

Table of Contents

The History of Washington, DC

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States , has a history that extends far beyond the arrival of the first Europeans. The area now known as the District of Columbia was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Nacotchtank, also known as the Anacostan. These tribes lived along the banks of the Anacostia River, engaging in farming, hunting, and fishing, leaving a cultural footprint that continues to influence the city.

European exploration in the late 15th century introduced drastic changes to the region. In 1790, the Residence Act approved the creation of a capital district as specified in the U.S. Constitution. The states of Maryland and Virginia donated land to form the federal district, and President George Washington chose the exact location of the city, which was named in his honor.

In the 19th century, Washington, D.C., began its transformation into an iconic symbol of the American identity. The city was designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, a French-born architect and civil engineer. His design presented a city of wide boulevards, public squares, and grand buildings, embodying the ideals of the new nation.

Despite the turbulent periods of the Civil War and segregation in the 20th century, Washington, D.C., has continued to evolve, preserving its historic essence while embracing diversity and progress. Today, the city stands as a testament to the nation’s history, combining the past with the present in a distinctive blend that makes it one of America’s most visited cities.

Washington, DC Old Town Trolley City Tour

Travel through DC on a trolley with a live guide and visit all the top 25 tourist sites in the city at your own pace. Opt between a 1 or 2 day ticket so that you can make the most of your experience.

During this tour you can visit sites such as:

• The White House
• The U.S. Capitol Building
• The Smithsonian Museums
• Upgrade to get a tram tour of the Arlington National Cemetery as well.

This is the top rated bus tour in DC, and will serve as your transportation throughout the city!

Washington, DC Itinerary 4 Days of History & Culture

Day 1 | get to know the city, morning / early afternoon.

On your first day I recommend getting to know the city. DC is a highly walkable city, but it is spread out quite a bit. In my experience, this is a great way to efficiently cover the most ground is by taking a hop-on-hop-off bus . The top rated bus tour in DC is the Old Town Trolley Tour. I have taken this tour many times myself and always enjoy it. 

The best part about this bus is that all the tour guides are live and have a lot of good tidbits to share about the historical sites you’ll see along the journey. As you ride the bus, I recommend selecting 3-4 places to stop along the way (as that is all you will likely be able to do reasonably). I’ve but an asterisks by those locations I think are best for visiting on your first day below. 

On this bus tour, you will see the following places:

Washington Welcome Center

The first stop on your journey, the Washington Welcome Center, serves as an ideal starting point for visitors to the city, whether or not you take the bus. As the hub of the Old Town Trolley Tour, this center provides guests with valuable information, maps, and resources about Washington D.C.’s numerous attractions, monuments, and museums. Additionally, the friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to offer recommendations or answer any questions. Aside from being an information center, the venue also houses a gift shop, where you can pick up memorable souvenirs. 

If you do take the bus, you can start your tour  here . 

The White House*

The White House, an iconic symbol of the United States, serves as the official residence and workplace of the president. Its construction began in 1792 and was completed in 1800. It served as the second presidential home, following the first presidential house in Philadelphia. 

The structure was burned down by British forces during the War of 1812, but it was rebuilt and occupied again by 1817. Since then, it has hosted the country’s leaders and has become a symbol of the American presidency around the world. The White House is renowned for its neoclassical architecture, with its gleaming white façade and intricately detailed columns. It’s expanded over the years, with additions like the West Wing, which houses the famous Oval Office. 

Know that visiting the White House can be difficult to do / plan for. If you really want to visit, you will need to contact your Congressman. Learn more about the process  here .

The National Archives

The National Archives, is a treasure trove of US history. This monumental building serves as the custodian of the country’s most important official documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, collectively known as the Charters of Freedom. These invaluable documents are displayed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. 

Besides the Charters, the National Archives houses billions of records, letters, photographs, maps, and films that trace the narrative of American history. The research rooms available to the public allow visitors to delve further into specific historical topics. 

One exhibit that I found interesting and entertaining is one dedicated to the letters sent to the government on behalf of Elvis by star-struck girls who didn’t want him to be drafted into the war back in the 40s. 

The building itself, made with Indiana limestone, is a beacon of the neoclassical style, featuring a grand pediment with sculptures representing the guardianship of the nation’s records. 

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The National Japanese American Memorial

The National Japanese American Memorial is a poignant tribute to the trials and triumphs of the Japanese American community during World War II. Situated in Washington, D.C., this memorial commemorates the internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during the war. Showcasing a beautiful sculpture of two cranes entangled in barbed wire, the memorial serves as a symbol of resilience and hope. 

The names of the internment camps, along with quotes from internees, are inscribed on the memorial’s walls, providing a moving testament to their experiences. The site also honors the valor of Japanese American soldiers who fought for the United States during the war. A visit to this memorial offers an introspective exploration of an often overlooked chapter of American history, reminding us of the enduring strength of human spirit amidst adversity.

Union Station

Union Stati on , located in Washington, D.C., is an architectural marvel and one of the busiest transportation hubs in the United States. Built in 1907, it was designed by Daniel Burnham, a prominent figure in the Chicago School of architecture. The Beaux-Arts style building, characterized by its grand facades and lavish decorative elements, is a testament to America’s architectural prowess during the early 20th century. 

Not just a transportation hub, Union Station served as a critical part of the city’s infrastructure during both World Wars. It also houses an array of shopping and dining outlets, offering visitors more than just a travel experience. 

A walk through Union Station will let you soak it its beautiful architectural detail, from the intricate ceiling design to the statuesque figures adorning the main hall.

This is the 2nd option for st arting your tour .  

U.S. Capitol Building

The U.S. Capitol Building, an emblem of the American people and their government, is recognized worldwide as a symbol of the United States. Located at the eastern end of the National Mall atop of Capitol Hill, this iconic edifice is the meeting place of the United States Congress. 

The Neoclassical style building was completed in 1800 and has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored several times since, reflecting the growth and evolution of the nation. Its distinctive cast-iron dome, completed in 1866, is one of its most notable features. The Capitol Building is home to an important collection of American art, including historic portraits, murals, and sculptures. 

If you are able to snag a guided tour , you can get a glimpse into the legislative process, as well as the architectural and artistic treasures within. 

Smithsonian Air & Space Museum

The Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, located in Washington D.C., is a treasure trove for aviation and space enthusiasts. As one of the most visited museums worldwide, it showcases the marvels of human achievement in air and space exploration. The museum is home to thousands of artifacts including the 1903 Wright Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia – the spacecraft that took humans to the moon. 

The museum also features fascinating exhibits on space travel, astronomy, and planetary science. Interactive displays, including flight simulators and a planetarium, offer an immersive experience, making the vastness of space more accessible to the public. 

I’ll note, while this museum is great – there is an even  bigger and better version  out by the Dulles Airport. If you have time to visit it while in the area, I highly recommend it! 

The Wharf is an energetic and upscale neighborhood located along the Potomac River in Washington D.C. Known for its waterfront living, vibrant nightlife, and diverse dining options, The Wharf is a top destination for locals and tourists alike. The area boasts several luxury hotels, high-end shops, and a lively concert venue, The Anthem. 

Its bustling marina hosts everything from yachts to paddleboards, while the scenic riverwalk invites leisurely strolls and picnics. A visit to The Wharf isn’t complete without exploring the historic Municipal Fish Market, the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the United States. 

International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. provides an intriguing insight into the shadowy world of espionage. This unique museum features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display, offering a rare glimpse into the covert operations and intelligence techniques used throughout history. 

The museum’s interactive exhibits allow visitors to step into the shoes of a spy, learning about the tools, technologies, and tactics used in covert operations. I’ve visited this museum a few times, and have found the artifacts fascinating. Let’s just say, some of what you see in the spy movies is true!

The museum also explores the role of espionage in shaping world history, from the Revolutionary War to the Cold War and beyond. 

Washington Monument*

The Washington Monument stands as a symbol of the country and proudly pays tribute to the United States’ first president. Located on the National Mall, this iconic obelisk is one of D.C.’s most visited attractions, offering stunning views of the capital from its observation deck. 

Constructed from marble, granite, and sandstone, it is the world’s tallest obelisk and stands at a height of 555 feet. Visitors can explore the monument’s interior, which features exhibits detailing its construction as well as information on George Washington’s life. 

For those interested in catching a beautiful view of D.C.’s skyline, the Washington Monument is an ideal spot to take that perfect photo. 

Smithsonian National Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoo, is a world-class attraction that welcomes millions of visitors each year. Housing over 2,700 animals across 390 different species, the zoo’s commitment to conservation, science, and education is evident in its vast range of exhibits. 

Notable inhabitants include giant pandas, African lions, and Asian elephants. The star attraction is undoubtedly the Giant Panda Habitat, where visitors can observe these beloved creatures in a setting designed to mimic their natural environment. 

The zoo also features a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages. And like the rest of the Smithsonian locations, entrance is completely free! 

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial, dedicated to the third U.S. President, Thomas Jefferson, is another prominent landmark on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Designed in a style reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture, the memorial features a bronze statue of Jefferson, accompanied by inscriptions of passages from the Declaration of Independence and other notable speeches. 

Interestingly enough, there is also a small museum located at the bottom of the memorial that gives more context on his life and accomplishments.

The monument is located along the Tidal Basin, which includes a beautiful park, adorned with cherry blossom trees, that offers a serene ambiance, making it a popular spot among locals and tourists for contemplation and relaxation. 

FDR Memorial

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, is a tribute to America’s 32nd President and his legacy of courage, resilience, and hope. It tells the story of FDR’s life from his childhood through his presidency and features four outdoor galleries that represent each of FDR’s terms in office. 

The memorial features sculptures depicting key historical events, quotes from FDR’s speeches, and a contemplative waterfall that flows through the memorial. With its unique combination of artistry and history, the FDR Memorial allows you to reflect on President Roosevelt’s impact on society during his presidency, and also provides an opportunity to reflect on his legacy today.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is a monument to the civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate located on the National Mall in Washington D.C. The memorial features a 30-foot granite statue of Dr. King surrounded by quotes from his most famous speeches, such as: 

“I have a dream.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”

 “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” 

In addition to the statue, visitors will find an inscription wall with more of his quotes and a reflecting pool with a circular stone wall etched with words from Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech. 

The memorial is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on a nation, and serves as a reminder of the need to continue the fight for justice today. 

Lincoln Memorial*

Located on the western end of the National Mall in Washington D.C., the Lincoln Memorial is one of America’s most iconic monuments. The memorial was built to honor President Abraham Lincoln and features a 19-foot tall marble statue of the 16th president surrounded by 36 columns representing each state at the time of his death. 

There are inscriptions throughout the memorial, including the Gettysburg Address, and words of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural address. In front of the monument is the reflecting pool, where visitors can take a moment to reflect on how far America has come in achieving freedom and equality for all since Lincoln’s time, as well as consider the work that still needs to be done. 

National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History is one of the Smithsonian Institution’s most visited museums, located on the National Mall in Washington D.C. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from U.S. history including a full-size replica of the Star-Spangled Banner, clothing worn by first ladies throughout history, and memorabilia from historical events such as the Apollo 11 moon landing. 

Personally, the First Ladies Exhibit is one of my favorites! 

Visitors to the museum can experience what life was like in America throughout its history, and gain a greater appreciation for our country’s culture and heritage. 

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. is a Smithsonian Institution museum that collects and displays portraits of influential Americans from all eras. From presidents to actors, the museum is home to hundreds of portraits that tell stories about U.S. history and culture. 

The gallery also includes contemporary works, such as a commissioned portrait of Barack Obama taken by artist Kehinde Wiley. 

Visitors to the gallery can take in the inspiring stories of past leaders and innovators, while also gaining insight into how America has changed throughout its history. 

African Art Museum

The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is dedicated to the collection, conservation and exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art. The museum houses a variety of artifacts ranging from sculptures to textiles, with pieces from countries such as Ethiopia, Nigeria and Ghana on display. 

Here you can explore the vibrant culture and history of Africa through the museum’s diverse collections, while also gaining a greater understanding of the continent’s influence on the world. Additionally, special programs and events are held throughout the year that provide unique learning opportunities for all ages. 

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After heading back to your hotel to recover after an active day exploring the city, I recommend going to a centrally-located restaurant. If you like Mexican, Oyamel is my top recommendation. 

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana   is an acclaimed dining spot that is located centrally and offers a gastronomic exploration of Mexico’s diverse regional cuisines. Helmed by Chef José Andrés, Oyamel delivers a culinary experience that beautifully blends traditional recipes with contemporary techniques. 

The menu features a broad range of dishes, from antojitos (small bites) to hearty main courses, all of which showcase vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, adorned with colorful butterfly decor that pays homage to the annual migration of monarch butterflies in Michoacán. 

Alongside the delectable food, Oyamel’s bar serves a variety of tequilas, mezcals, and meticulously crafted cocktails, ensuring a flavorful and memorable dining experience.

If you eat nothing else here – I highly, highly suggest you try the fish tacos. There are absolutely PERFECT! 

Day 2 | A Day at the Smithsonian

The Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846, is a renowned group of museums and research centers based in Washington D.C. Its origins can be traced back to James Smithson, a British scientist who left his estate to the United States with the intent to create an establishment for the “increase and diffusion of knowledge”. Despite never having visited the U.S, his generous bequest laid the foundation for what would become a world-class institution. 

Over the years, the Smithsonian expanded to include 19 museums, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities, covering diverse fields such as natural history, art, space exploration, and American history and culture. 

Each museum has its unique origin story, tied to various historical events and initiatives. Today, the Smithsonian Museums continue to grow, documenting and disseminating knowledge, and educating millions of visitors each year.

On your second day in DC, I recommend choosing two of the below museums to pass the day at. Note, each has a good cafeteria, so you will be able to grab lunch while there.

MORNING/ AFTERNOON

National Museum of African American History

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), located on the National Mall in Washington D.C., opened in September 2016 and has since become a significant monument in the American landscape. 

The museum is devoted to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. With a collection of over 36,000 artifacts, the NMAAHC offers a comprehensive exploration of the African American experience, touching upon themes of slavery, segregation, civil rights, and the contemporary era. 

In addition to its expansive exhibits, the museum holds educational workshops and community events, furthering its mission to help all Americans see how their stories, histories, and cultures are shaped and informed by global influences. 

In my opinion, this is the BEST museum in the city. It is honestly the first place I have visited that provides the true and honest story of black people in America. If you’d like to learn something that is not taught in history books or elsewhere, this is the place that you should go.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Situated on the National Mall, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s largest natural history museums. Established in 1910, it has since become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. 

The museum houses collections from all over the world, containing specimens from every type of environment – terrestrial, aquatic, and even outer space. From its iconic dinosaur skeletons to the Hope Diamond, there is something for everyone at the National Museum of Natural History. 

You can explore permanent exhibitions such as Oceans and Animals, or take advantage of one-of-a-kind experiences like a live butterfly pavilion. By creating an atmosphere that is both educational and entertaining, the museum seeks to promote knowledge in natural history, inspiring visitors to explore and care for our planet. 

​National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian is a museum dedicated to the preservation and promotion of indigenous cultures from across the Americas. This Smithsonian Institute museum showcases exhibitions that explore Native American history, culture, and contemporary life. 

Here you can explore art galleries, take part in educational films and lectures, or participate in traditional Native activities such as pottery-making. With its expansive collections of artifacts and art, the museum strives to document and share the stories of Native Americans with all who visit.  

O Street Museum

I’ll caveat – this is not a Smithsonian Museum, but it offers a unique experience. The O Street Museum in Washington, DC is a hidden gem and a must-visit for art and exploration enthusiasts alike. This unique museum is known for its eclectic mix of art, architectural styles, and winding secret passages. With over 100 rooms and 70 secret doors spread across five interconnected townhouses, it offers a truly distinctive experience. And in addition, it is a fully functional hotel as well!

The museum’s collections span various forms of artistic expression, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and music. Additionally, the O Street Museum is deeply committed to promoting creativity, innovation, and the preservation of artists’ rights. Whether you’re an art connoisseur, a treasure hunt enthusiast, or simply curious about the unusual, the O Street Museum provides an immersive, unforgettable experience.

Day 3 | Explore Iconic DC Neighborhoods

On your third day in DC, I recommend going for a neighborhood walk in one of the city’s many unique neighborhoods. I recommend trying one or two of the following neighborhoods. Each neighborhood presents a distinctive slice of what makes Washington D.C. such an engaging and diverse city to explore.

Georgetown, Washington D.C.’s oldest neighborhood, is a charming and historic area known for its cobblestone streets, federalist architecture, and bustling waterfront. Its roots stretch back to the 18th century, well before the establishment of the District of Columbia. Today, Georgetown is a vibrant community with a rich history, boasting a wide array of shopping districts, eateries, and scenic views.

Locations to visit: 

• Georgetown Waterfront Park:  This beautifully designed park, stretching along the Potomac River, offers stunning views, picnic spots, and a well-paved path for walking, jogging, or cycling. It is a perfect place to relax, enjoy outdoor activities, or witness the sunset over the river.
• Georgetown University:  A visit to Georgetown would be incomplete without touring its namesake university, renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and beautifully manicured grounds. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the Healy tower for a panoramic view of the city.
• Dumbarton Oaks:  This historic estate in the heart of Georgetown houses an impressive collection of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art, as well as an extensive library. The beautifully landscaped gardens, designed by Beatrix Farrand, are a haven of tranquility, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Hidden Gem:  The Exorcist Stairs : These stairs are best known for being featured in the infamous movie.  

Navy Yard, primarily known for being home to the Washington Nationals Stadium, is a lively and burgeoning neighborhood in Southeast Washington, D.C. With a rich naval history dating back to the 19th century, it is now a hotspot for modern living, dining, and recreational activities.

Sites to check out: 

• Nationals Park : This baseball park is the beating heart of the neighborhood, home to Washington D.C.’s Major League Baseball team, the Nationals. It offers a fantastic sporting atmosphere and is surrounded by a myriad of eateries and bars. If you are visiting during baseball season, I recommend checking out a game stadium is pretty new and the games are a lot of fun – even if baseball really isn’t your thing (like me).
• Yards Park:  Situated by the Anacostia River, this beautifully designed park includes a waterfront boardwalk, a breezy green space for picnics, and a dancing fountain, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. In the warmer months you can catch a variety of activities such as local festivals and summer movies. 
• The Yards Marina : A modern and well-equipped marina with a community boathouse, offering boating opportunities to residents and tourists alike. Its vicinity to several dining and shopping outlets make it a must-visit location in Navy Yard. I love just going for a walk down the marina and in front of the actual Naval Yard itself. It’s a beautiful place for a stroll when the weather outside is nice. 

Hidden Gem:  This is a restaurant, but  La Famosa  in Navy Yard is one of my all-time favorites. It is a locally-based Puerto Rican restaurant that is pretty casual in style. I recommend trying the Canoa de Platano if you visit. It’s delicious! 

The Wharf is a vibrant and thriving neighborhood, located on the Southwest Waterfront of Washington, D.C. It’s one of the city’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods and has an upscale vibe to it. Its stunning views, waterfront dining, and diverse entertainment options make it a popular destination for residents and tourists alike.

While there you should check out: 

• The Anthem : A centerpiece of The Wharf, The Anthem is a state-of-the-art music venue that hosts performances from world-renowned artists. Its intimate setting and top-notch acoustics provide a concert experience like no other.
• District Wharf:  Stretching along the Potomac River, District Wharf boasts a variety of stores, restaurants, and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, enjoying a meal with a view, or simply taking a scenic stroll, there’s something for everyone here.
• The Municipal Fish Market:  As the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the United States, the Municipal Fish Market offers a truly unique culinary experience. Visitors can purchase a variety of fresh seafood, or enjoy prepared dishes at one of the market’s food stalls.

Hidden Gem – 7th Street Park : This park comes complete with walking trails and picnic-friendly plots. It also has interactive fountains with multi-color lighting. 

Day 4 | Excursion to Mount Vernon

Morning / afternoon.

On your fourth day in DC, I recommend taking a short excursion outside of the city to Mt. Vernon. ​Home of George Washington, America’s first president, it is a must-see destination for any DC visitor. Located on the banks of the Potomac River, the estate offers an exciting and educational experience for all ages.

On the site you can expect to see the following sites: 

• The Mansion : A tour of George Washington’s iconic mansion provides an in-depth look into his life as a statesman, soldier, and planter. Visitors can explore the interior of the house, gardens, and grounds.
• The Pioneer Farm:  Take a step back in time with a visit to Mount Vernon’s Pioneer Farm. Interact with costumed interpreters as they demonstrate 18th century farm work such as blacksmithing, carpentry, and spinning wool. This farm was completely run by Washington’s slaves, and was honestly the site where I truly understood what slavery meant to the wealthy. It’s a sobering look on what it took to make the rich live in luxury while the on site slaves suffered on a daily basis. 
• Distillery & Gristmill:  Tour the fully functioning, award-winning distillery and gristmill that George Washington founded in 1797. This educational experience highlights the importance of whiskey and flour production during his time. 
• The Tombs : In this unique exhibit, you can explore the final resting place for George and Martha Washington as well as other family members. The tombs offer an enlightening look into the reverence and respect George Washington received after his death. 
• The Museum & Education Center : The museum features interactive displays and unique artifacts to explore Washington’s life before, during, and after the American Revolution. Plus, visitors can learn more about his legacy through the center’s educational programs. 

Spend your final evening eating at a nice restaurant. If you are open to a true international experience, I recommend eating at El Secreto de Rosita . Tucked away near U. Street, El Secreto de Rosita offers an authentic culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Latin American cuisine. This cozy, intimate restaurant embodies the warm hospitality of Latin culture, providing an atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. 

The menu showcases a range of traditional dishes, each bursting with rich and robust flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From the perfectly seasoned ceviche to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth carnitas, every dish is a testament to the culinary traditions of Latin America. As the perfect finale to your day of sightseeing, El Secreto de Rosita promises a dining experience that is as memorable as it is delectable.

Washington, DC City Map

All of the locations mentioned above can be found in the map below:

The Best Tours of Washington, DC

Here are some of the best tours you may want to check out in DC:

• DC Monuments and Memorials at Night : See all of DC’s most popular monuments at night and learn why the nation’s capital is considered one of the world’s most beautiful to see at night.
• Best of DC Plus US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Entry : See famous landmarks like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and more. Enjoy reserved and priority entry into the both the US Capitol building and the National Archives, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are on display.
• African American History Tour with Museum Admission : Add to your experience of visiting the National Museum of African American History & Culture by learning more about the first Afro-Americans in the country. Visit sites like the Frederick Douglass National Historic site, the U Street corridor, the MLK Memorial, and more.

Day Trips from Washington, DC

There are many options for day trips from Washington, DC. Some of these include:

• Baltimore, Maryland:  Just an hour north of DC, Baltimore offers a rich maritime history. Explore the Inner Harbor, visit the National Aquarium, or tour the historic USS Constellation.
• Gettysburg, Pennsylvania:  A 90-minute drive will take you to the site of one of the most significant battles in American history. Tour the battlefield, visit the National Military Park, and explore the charming town of Gettysburg.
• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia:  Located just 75 miles from the capital, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike, camp, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Annapolis, Maryland:  This quaint city is the capital of Maryland and home to the U.S. Naval Academy. Stroll around the historic downtown and enjoy seafood on the waterfront.
• Harpers Ferry, West Virginia:  This historic town, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, offers a wealth of American history and beautiful scenery. You can hike, visit historic sites, and explore the charming town center.

If you are open to being on the road for a bit more time, a day trip to NY C is also a possibility, if you are a true road warrior.

Getting to Washington, DC

Getting to dc via plane.

Reaching Washington, DC is a smooth and efficient process, thanks to its well-connected transportation network. For travelers journeying from far-off locations, the city is serviced by three major airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). All these airports offer numerous domestic and international flights. 

Getting to DC via Train

Alternatively, if you prefer a scenic route, Amtrak provides convenient train services to Union Station, a historic and architectural landmark. The station is centrally located, providing easy access to various sights and attractions. 

Driving to DC

Lastly, if you’re considering a road trip, Washington, DC is well-connected by the interstate highway system, which includes I-95, I-66, I-395, and I-495, among others. These highways provide extensive coverage and easy accessibility to the city for motorists.

Getting Around Washington, DC

Navigating around Washington, DC, is remarkably straightforward, thanks to the city’s diverse range of public and private transportation options.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates the Metrorail and Metrobus networks, providing extensive coverage across the city and surrounding suburbs. Additionally, the DC Circulator bus offers a convenient and affordable way to reach the city’s most popular monuments and museums

For a more personal mode of transport, taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and bike-sharing programs are plentiful.

If you prefer to explore on foot, the city’s grid layout and numerous pedestrian-friendly pathways make walking an appealing choice. Lastly, for those who wish to drive, car rentals are widely available, though be mindful of the city’s often busy traffic and parking limitations.

Where to Stay in Washington, DC

Washington, DC offers a variety of accommodations perfect for any traveler. For those who prefer hotels, there are plenty of options right in the city center, ranging from budget-friendly to luxuriously upscale. Plus, many offer views of iconic monuments and landmarks like the Capitol Building and Lincoln Memorial. 

Downtown DC Hotel recommendation

Citizenm hotel.

This hotel bills itself as “luxury without the capital prices”. It is located just a short walk from downtown and the Smithsonian museums. It features a colorful motif and a cozy environment. There is a hot and cold breakfast buffet and everything in the room is controlled by in-room iPad or the citizenM app.

navy yard Hotel recommendation

Thompson hotel dc.

If you are into sports, this hotel is just a short 8 minute walk from the Nationals Park and about a 20 minute walk from Audi Stadium, where the local soccer team plays. As this hotel is located in the trendy Navy Yard neighborhood, there are plenty of options for delicious restaurants and local festivals as well.

dupont circle Hotel recommendation

This boutique hotel in Dupont circle presents a classic and clean style. All the rooms are decorated in neutral colors with a touch of Art Deco-style decor. As this hotel is located in Dupont Circle, you will get a chance to spend time among DC’s most historic homes and buildings. This neighborhood also has plenty of unique shops and excellent restaurants and bars.

Where to Eat in Washington, DC

The restaurant scene in Washington, DC is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. Whether you’re searching for traditional American comfort food, international cuisines, or gourmet dining experiences, the city has you covered.

Foodies will appreciate the range of eateries, from Michelin-starred establishments and innovative fusion restaurants to food trucks and vibrant farmers’ markets. While the local food scene is not as distinct as cities like New Orleans , DC’s food culture is a testament to its multicultural heritage, boasting a variety of flavors from around the world.

I have SO many go-to spots, but below are a few of my favorites. You won’t be able to get to all of these with just 4 days in Washington, DC, but try to see how many you can check out!

Quick (Local) Bites

Ben’s Chili Bowl

Ben’s Chili Bowl is an iconic food institution located in the heart of Washington, DC. For more than six decades, this family-run restaurant has been serving up its famous chili and half-smoke sausages to locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, filled with the tantalizing aroma of its signature dishes. Stepping into Ben’s Chili Bowl is like taking a journey into the city’s rich history, as the restaurant has remained a consistent symbol of community and resilience through times of change. 

Good Stuff Eatery

Good Stuff Eatery, located in the heart of Capitol Hill, is a favorite among Washington, DC locals for its gourmet burgers and shakes. Founded by Spike Mendelsohn, a former contestant on Top Chef, this eatery is known for its farm-fresh ingredients and creative twist on American classics. The menu features a variety of mouthwatering burgers, from the classic ‘Prez Obama’ Burger to the vegetarian ‘Shroom Burger’ (my personal fave!).

 The hand-cut fries and hand-spun shakes are not to be missed either (the s’more shake is what brought me here!). Good Stuff Eatery not only offers delicious food but also a vibrant and friendly atmosphere.

Good Stuff has a location in both Georgetown and Capitol Hill.

Cava Mezze Grill 

Cava Mezze Grill is a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant. This bright and airy spot serves up delicious, healthful fare with a modern twist. From their famous hummus to the grilled chicken pita wraps and falafel bowls, Cava’s fresh ingredients provide an explosion of flavor in every bite. For those looking to indulge, try the tzatziki fries – a unique take on classic french fries. Cava offers an array of sides, salads, and spreads that can be enjoyed alone or shared in addition to your meal. 

Union Market

Stroll the aisles of this bustling indoor market, where you’ll find a variety of locally-sourced produce, meats, cheese, artisanal products, and more. This vibrant venue also hosts over 35 vendors offering an array of international cuisines – from Korean barbecue to fresh Italian pastas. With all of the options, you can easily spend an entire day exploring this amazing marketplace. Enjoy some shopping and sit down for a bite to eat at one of the many eateries in Union Market – it’s an experience not to be missed while in DC!

Formal Restaurants

Founding Farmers

Founding Farmers in DC is a renowned dining destination, embodying the spirit of farm-to-table philosophy. As the name suggests, this restaurant takes immense pride in sourcing its ingredients from a network of family farms across the country, ensuring fresh and high-quality produce in every dish. With a menu that celebrates the diversity of American cuisine, Founding Farmers offers a culinary experience that is both delicious and sustainable. 

This restaurant is located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. 

dLeña

This restaurant has billed itself as providing a “modern approach on classic Mexican fare”. The food here is exceptional and the vibes are just right. If you visit this restaurant, I recommend eating in the basement, which is just so cozy. Also, on Wednesday nights, you can catch live music here too!

This modern Middle Eastern restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to add some cultural flavor to their trip. The menu offers traditional dishes, like mezze platters and pita sandwiches, as well as inventive creations sure to tantalize the taste buds. 

The restaurant is located in the Navy Yard neighborhood.

This Mediterranean mezze restaurant is a favorite of DC locals. It serves up an array of Greek, Middle Eastern, and Turkish dishes made with fresh ingredients. From small plates like dolmades and falafel to larger entrees like signature meats or wood-grilled fish, Zaytinya offers something for everyone. 

The restaurant is located in the Gallery Place / Chinatown neighborhood.

For a classic tapas experience, look no further than Jaleo. The restaurant features traditional Spanish dishes like paellas and patatas bravas, as well as more innovative creations such as the signature crispy potato “bomba” with alioli.No visit to DC is complete without experiencing the city’s renowned food culture.

Chloe 

Chloe, located in the Navy Yard neighborhood of Washington DC, epitomizes culinary craftsmanship and innovation. This contemporary eatery brings together flavors from around the world, creating a unique fusion that is both exciting and palate-pleasing. Chef Haidar Karoum’s extensive travels are reflected in the diverse menu which features seasonal ingredients, ensuring that every dish is fresh and flavorful. 

Rasika  

This modern Indian restaurant offers a unique take on traditional flavors. The menu includes favorites like tandoori chicken and curries, as well as innovative dishes such as the lobster korma or black cod served with tamarind glaze. 

When to Go to Washington, DC

Washington, DC is a great place to visit year-round. The city’s mild climate makes it easy to explore in any season. But if you are looking for the best time to go, October and April usually offer the most pleasant temperatures, with highs in the mid 70s Fahrenheit. Spring and fall bring some of Washington’s most beautiful blooms. This is the time I typically spend the most times outdoors, myself.

Summer is hot and humid in the city, so it’s best avoided. Winter months are cold but not too extreme and ideal for outdoor activities like skiing or snowshoeing. No matter when you decide to visit, DC offers plenty of exciting attractions and events throughout the year. 

For those looking to experience some of the city’s most iconic sights, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-see. Held from late March to mid-April, the festival celebrates the blooming of DC’s world-famous cherry trees with a range of events and activities for all ages. 

Also, the annual DC Jazz Fest takes place over two weekends in late June, offering music fans an opportunity to enjoy jazz performances by local and international artists. 

FAQs on Visiting Washington, DC

Yes, Washington, DC is a highly walkable city with a layout that is easy to navigate. Many of the major landmarks, museums, and attractions are located near each other, making it possible to explore the city on foot. Additionally, the city has numerous parks and trails, providing a pleasant walking experience.

Definitely, Washington DC tours are worth it, especially for first-time visitors. They provide a structured and informative way to explore the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks. Besides, many tours offer unique perspectives or access to areas that you might miss if you were exploring on your own.

Typically, a three to four-day trip is sufficient to visit Washington, DC. This allows enough time to explore major attractions such as the National Mall, the Smithsonian Museums, and the U.S. Capitol. However, if you want to visit more museums or take day trips to nearby areas, you might want to plan for a longer stay.

The best area to stay in Washington, DC depends on your interests. Downtown DC is a great choice if you want to be near major attractions like the National Mall. Dupont Circle is known for its vibrant nightlife and dining scene, while Georgetown offers historic charm and upscale shopping.

The best time to visit Washington, DC is during the spring (March to June) or the fall (September to November). These seasons offer mild weather and beautiful natural scenery. Particularly, late March to mid-April is a fantastic time to witness the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

In Summary | Washington DC Itinerary 4 Days

That wraps this 4 day Itinerary of Washington, DC. As I hope you can tell, a trip to Washington, DC promises an enriching blend of history, culture, and nature. 

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a foodie, the city has something to offer everyone. With its multitude of iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and diverse culinary scene, Washington, DC stands as a city not just to visit, but to experience. 

Remember, the best times to visit are spring and fall, and staying in areas that align with your interests will greatly enhance your trip. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to the heart of the United States.

Looking for More US City Guides?

• 4 Days in New York City
• 2 Days in New Orleans
• The Best US Cities to Visit
• Historical Sites in New Orleans
• Virtual Washington, DC Travel Guide

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Christen Thomas is the founder of TravelWanderGrow, established in 2018. She has lived abroad and traveled extensively to over 30 countries. In addition, she is a certified Travel Advisor and is an expert in planning trips focused on city history and culture. As a frequent traveler, she also shares tips on how to prepare to travel well and how to save money while doing so.

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Washington DC Legend Tours

Special Tours

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Washington DC Legend Tours bookings are now available!

Our dc tours.

Meet Dr. Yohannes

Welcome to Washington DC Legend Tours!  We are committed to providing top-quality sightseeing tours of Washington DC, with guides who are passionate about the history of the Nation's Capitol. We provide sightseeing and specialized, private, and school tours. Our tours are in English. In addition, private tours can be provided in English, Hebrew, Japanese, Russian, Amharic, and Spanish languages. 

Please call for private tour bookings. We look forward to welcoming you to DC!

Jane Unger ( Thursday, May 30 19 03:48 pm EDT )

We had a great time on our all day tour. Yohannes was so knowledgeable and was really nice. Unfortunately, with it being Memorial Day weekend, and Rolling Thunder running through town, most of the downtown streets were closed so we were unable to complete the tour in 1 day. But Yohannes was nice enough to make arrangements for us to finish a few days later. We missed Arlington tour due to the conflict but everything else was wonderful. I would highly recommend this tour to others.

Jennifer Sommer ( Wednesday, May 08 19 02:23 pm EDT )

I ended up on a 6-hour DC tour with Dr. Yohannes after my original tour was canceled due to an emergency. I rode with 3 other visitors on a smaller bus. Water was provided on the bus. I ended up walking about 6 miles on this tour, so plan for that. Also, no official lunch stop is planned, but there are refreshment stands available on some of the stops, and plenty of time to take advantage of them, or bring your own bag lunch. I packed a snack. Also restrooms are available at every stop. Yohannes was extremely knowledgeable and explained concepts in a very accessible manner. He does have an accent in case you are one that has difficulty understanding accents. But a microphone is used on the bus, so there is no trouble hearing. We had 20 minutes or more at each stop, so there was plenty of time to take photos and see everything you wanted to see. I collect the cancellation stamps in the National Park Passport program, and I easily found all the visitor centers to get all the stamps. The only one that required a lot of walking was at the White House. That stamp is on the bottom floor of the White House Visitor Center on Pennsylvania Ave. Yohannes wasn't sure where it was at the time, but he does now. I think he would have stopped for me to run inside since we passed right by it, but we just didn't know at the time. Also, he dropped me close to the metro I needed to return to my hotel. He was very accommodating. The tour included all the major monuments and memorials. We also went to Arlington Cemetery where Yohannes walked us to see JFKs burial site. I was quite tired by the time it ended but it was well worth it.

Carolyn Elizabeth Walchak ( Thursday, March 28 19 03:39 pm EDT )

We had an excellent tour with Yohanes. He is well educated and completely knowledgeable about the history and area and personable. He designed the tour around our wishes and agenda. We highly recommend Legend Tours.

David and Yi ( Thursday, April 06 17 10:58 pm EDT )

Yohannes was a fantastic guide! We did his tour on the first day we were in DC and he provided a great overview of the city and helped us to plan the rest of our time in Washington. He was very knowledgeable and personable. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a comprehensive and unique tour of the city.

Beth Quinn ( Monday, November 07 16 09:33 am EST )

My niece and I were the only occupants of the van on our tour, and we had such a pleasant time! Yohannes is indeed extremely knowledgable, and I learned quite a lot. We covered a lot of ground on our night tour, and it was so wonderful to have the schedule be basically whatever we wanted it to be. I felt comfortable and content with learning an enormous amount about our nation's history in one night.

Georgina ( Friday, July 08 16 07:27 am EDT )

I was only in Washington for 2 days so wanted to see as much as I could, I booked the legends tour as I had read good reviews about the tour guide Yohannes, I wasn’t disappointed. There ended up only being 2 of us on the tour that day, so it was great, felt like we had a completely private tour, Yohannes is very friendly, witty and extremely knowledgeable, every question we could think of he knew the answer to. We started on a tour of the embassies, then on to Washington Cathedral, we were told we could personalise the tour as there were only two of us, so we could see whatever we wanted to. We took a trip out to Arlington (a must see), JFK’s grave then on to the monuments, Lincoln memorial, Washington monument, Vietnam, Iwo Jima, Korea and Air Force memorials, finishing up at Capitol Hill and The White House, we were out for nearly six hours but the time flew by, cannot rate this tour highly enough – definitely book if you are in Washington.

Lisa S. ( Sunday, June 12 16 10:10 am EDT )

We had a fantastic tour by Dr. Yohannes! He is a wealth of knowledge and so personable!! It was almost a private tour with only 2 others with us. We couldn't have had a better time and we felt like we saw so much of the DC area! Thank you for the extra attention to detail. We give the tour an A++.

Brenda Graves ( Saturday, May 07 16 01:50 pm EDT )

The night time tour was one of the best parts of our vacation. Yohannes was very personable and knowledgeable. We had toured the sights during the day on our own, but seeing them at night and having Yohannes telling us the history behind the city and monuments was such a treat. Thank You again Yohannes!

Amanda ( Friday, March 25 16 04:42 pm EDT )

We had a great tour and it was the highlight of our trip. Yohannes was beyond knowledgable and most importantly he was kind and interacted with our children. We could of never seen and done everything we wanted if it wasn't for Yohannes.

Kevin ( Saturday, February 27 16 08:41 am EST )

Thank-you Johannes for another great tour. I enjoy meeting you my friend each trip to DC, and learn something new each time! my colleagues first visit would not have been the same without a night tour of DC area and monuments. The new bus, personalized tour, and insightful topics are the best DC tourism can offer.

Thomas Jenrette ( Wednesday, September 09 15 02:14 pm EDT )

On my recent visit to Washington, D.C., I had the pleasure of having Yohannes Zeleke as my tour guide. Dr. Zeleke's wealth of knowledge of the history and philosophy behind all of the landmarks we visited made this experience the most fascinating and enjoyable of any of the many visits I have made to DC. Additionally, Dr. Zeleke is very personable and entertaining and seems to truly care about sharing the importance of the history of the nation's capitol. I cannot imagine a more excellent guide. Thomas Jenrette, DMA

Barb Taylor ( Wednesday, September 09 15 08:21 am EDT )

Dr. Yohannes Zeleke is a wonderfully informative DC area tour guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable and VERY warm and personable. On our recent trip to Mt. Vernon, Yohannes proved to know as much as the employees! He is a joy to be around and I HIGHLY recommend him and his company as your DC tour guide. He will not disappoint. Thanks Yohannes!

Fred Murai ( Sunday, March 29 15 03:52 pm EDT )

Hey Yohannes!! Thank you for giving us a very informative tour of DC. I loved every single minute of it, its amazing how much you know about the city. I had seen some of the buildings before, but I didn't know and expect that much history from them. You know what?, I would love to do this tour again/I will recommend this tour to anyone and everyone who is touring DC. Yohannes!! I salute you big time..........thanks see you next time I am in DC. Fred from Kenya..

Sandy and Bob Winzenread ( Friday, March 20 15 05:24 pm EDT )

Yohannes you are one of the best memories of our visit to Washington DC. Your knowledge and insight are remarkable. We took your tour our first full day in DC and your introduction helped us plan the rest of our stay. We will not hesitate to recommend your tour to all going to our Nation's Capitol. It is truly a history class with personality!

Rebecca ( Monday, March 16 15 12:05 pm EDT )

Such a great way to discover all of the monuments in Washington, D.C. Yohannes is a wonderful tour guide and full of so much knowledge! Our students greatly appreciate Yohannes and we will return again next year.

Dagmar Dohmen ( Tuesday, February 17 15 01:02 pm EST )

Hello Yohannes, We had a GREAT and UNFORGETTABLE private sightseeing tour in Washington, D.C. You are a walking library and fun to listen to. Not only did we get to know the history of this great city and its famous residents but also historical data and facts which are eye opening in many ways. Thank you for driving us close to all sights so that my parents did not need to walk so much. They loved the tour of D.C. and still talk about it as if it was yesterday. Best regards from Charlotte, NC The Dohmen Family

COMMENTS ABOUT WASHINGTON LEGEND TOURS

• Mike Gottesman ( Wednesday, July 09 14 03:00 am EDT )

Good morning Yohannes: Hopefully you remember me. My family, along with our exchange student from Austria, took your nighttime Washington DC tour back in April of this year. You and I discovered our common interest in archaeology and you told me about your involvement in some of the major archaeological digs. First, I want to apologize for not getting back to you for such a long time. Unfortunately, there were a series of illnesses in our family shortly after our trip to Washington and things are just now getting back to normal. I do want to thank you for what was a truly wonderful experience. Your insight and historical knowledge and perspective went above and beyond our greatest expectations. The tour was quite an educational experience. We have told many of our friends that if they want to take a tour of Washington, you are the only person they should contact. Just so you know, we have another exchange student coming to live with us this year and when we visit Washington DC with her, we will definitely be contacting you to schedule another tour. I hope you will recall that you had its mentioned to me that you run tours of archaeological sites because I had expressed an interest. You were going to send me some photographs or contact me the next time you were up here in the New York City area. Please do so as I would most definitely like to pursue the possibility. Thank you once again for a most informative and enjoyable evening. Very truly yours, Mike Gottesman

• John Connor ( Friday, April 25 14 07:46 am EDT )

Thank you Dr. Zeleke for the amazing night tour of DC. The knowledge and warmth you bring as a tour guide are unparalleled in our experience. This tour was something our family will never forget, and was the highlight of our DC trip. Our groupon number was 2405-BN-185993, and we cannot recommend this tour enough. -John, Julie, Colin, Jack & Charlie Connor

• Neil Ettinger ( Monday, April 07 14 11:23 am EDT )

Just a quick note to thank you for the wonderful Night tour. My family, wife and daughter all enjoyed every aspect of tour. Your tour and info was conveyed that kept all of our attention while keeping the 10yr old thoroughly interested in Washington Dc, and all it has to offer. Would recommend your tour to young or old, novice or advanced visitor to DC....thank you. Perfect getting to know DC for my child's 1st Visit!!!

• Timothy ( Thursday, January 09 14 04:01 pm EST )

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Yohannes and the tour. If you want not only to see the monuments but to know what you are looking at, then Dr. Zeleke is who you want. Very knowledgeable and informative. Gives you plenty of time to walk around and ask questions at the sites and never reads from a script. If you go to D.C., a tour with Dr. Zeleke is a must. Thanks for the great experience!

• Martha and Ken ( Sunday, January 05 14 06:14 pm EST )

What a wonderful adventure with Yohannes, he is the best informed tour guide that we have ever had. His knowledge of the area and the history is amazing. He kept us entertained with some comical asides as well. His educational background and personal inputs makes the tour more informative and creative. I will tell everyone that I know who is visiting in the area to be sure to include a tour with Dr. Zeleke. His tour was the highlight of our trip and an important lesson in history told through the eyes of a gentleman guide. Excellent adventure. Thank you Yohannes.

• Steve ( Thursday, December 05 13 11:40 pm EST )

This guy rocks! Do you want to learn some stuff? This guy will teach you! He was a history professor for crying out loud! He wants you to be engaged and ask questions. He's funny, knowledgable, and aware of all the landmarks around DC. He not the average tour guide that repeats the same stuff over and over. Ask him about what he thought when Lincoln did that thing on that day and I bet he gives your better answer than a guy driving a run of the mill trolley anyday!

• Barbara Waiters ( Tuesday, November 26 13 09:47 am EST )

I want to thank you so very much for the tour on 11/09/2013. It was the very best tour that I had, and I travel all over the world. The many places you took us to, I had seen them before, but you told us thing which other guides did not tell us. Your knowledge of D C was awesome You also took us to places that were not on other tours. We really did enjoy the tour and wanted to let you know WHAT A GREAT TIME WE HAD. Again thank you so very much.

• Mark McClain ( Tuesday, September 03 13 10:10 am EDT )

Yohannes, The evening trip we took with you on 8/31 rates AAA+. We've taken many private tours - in Hawaii, Chicago, New York, Boston. Your tour ranks at the top. We visited DC to learn a bit more about our country's history, and to visit the places where that history was made. You went above and beyond our expectations. The knowledge you passed on to us was priceless. We learned more in the 3-1/2 hours we spent with you than we did during the rest of our 72 hour trip over Labor Day weekend. It was a very pleasurable evening - from the time we were picked up in our hotel lobby, until we were returned to the hotel later in the evening. Thank you so much. Donna, Mark & Family

Mitch ( Sunday, July 28 13 11:01 pm EDT )

Awesome tour!! Learned so much! Yohannes was great

LORI DUGAY-FRISBIE ( Wednesday, July 24 13 08:19 pm EDT )

LET ME SAY THIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST INFORMED TOURS I WAS EVER ON!GREAT TOUR GUY YOHANNES SO INFORMATIVE,TAUGHT OUR GRANDDAUGHTERS ALOT,AND KEEP THEM SO INTERESTED IN THE CITY OF DC,THANK YOU SO MUCH,LORI

Michael ( Saturday, July 20 13 08:06 pm EDT )

WOW!!!! That's all that needs to be said to describe this tour and our wonderfully pleasant and most excellent tour guide, Dr. Yohannes Zeleke. The knowledge he has of this country's history, both publicly recognized and discretely concealed, is nothing less than astounding! The time (and money) spent falls into the "one of my best investment ever" category! I was VERY impressed with the fact that Dr. Zeleke believes in the goodness of people so much to the point of not requiring any deposits for his tours. That being said, you do NOT want to miss out on a scheduled tour with him! I have already planned to schedule more tours with him for other out of town guests and some in town friends that have never experienced the depth of culture and history available about our nation and her capitol. Well done Dr. Zeleke and I look forward to experiencing your historical tome! If it is anything like your tour, it will be nothing less than epic! Again, thank you, from our group to you, from the bottom of our hearts and souls.

Jennifer Parris-Jaime ( Tuesday, July 16 13 09:13 am EDT )

My family took a trip to DC this past weekend and had the pleasure of having Yohannes give us a tour of the area. He was very knowledgeable and accommodating. The vehicle was clean,spacious and comfortable. Yohannes showed great passion in teaching and strived to make the tour educational and enjoyable. Thank you!

Rob Dinkel ( Wednesday, June 19 13 08:22 am EDT )

We wanted to take a moment to write a review for the two outstanding tours and service we received. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the tours great fun, while being educational. My family and I took the DC by Night tour, which showed all of the great DC monuments lit up at night. We also took an equally fantastic day tour to see all of the sites DC has to offer. Johannes and his team took great care of us. It was fantastic to see all of the sites, while hearing the history, and not having to worry about anything but taking it all in. We would not hesitate to book more tours with Jerusalem DC Tour Company! It was an excellent experience and one my family and I will cherish for many years to come.

Norman Hatter ( Saturday, June 01 13 02:10 pm EDT )

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Washington DC with Yohannes as our guide. Although there were only two couples in the van, the others having canceled at the last minute, Yohannes gave a deeply knowledgeable explanation of the many landmarks. He indeed was a "gentleman and scholar." I would definitely recommend him to others.

Ryan McCall ( Sunday, May 19 13 01:00 pm EDT )

Hello Yohannes, Thank you so very much for taking us on the night tour of the DC monuments. We feel very fortunate that we luckily had you as our guide. Your knowledge, professionalism and personality made this the highlight of our trip. We will highly recommend you to all our friends and look forward to seeing you next year. Best wishes, Mary, Ryan and Connor McCall

Rob, Maureen and Sean ( Sunday, May 12 13 03:32 pm EDT )

What a great tour! My family just completed the half-day tour of DC and had a wonderful time with Yohannes. He is extremely knowledgeable, engaging and considerate. He encourages questions and shares little known facts. This tour is perfect both for folks who live in the area and want to learn more about D.C., as well as visitors to the area. We plan to take the tour again when we have out-of-town guests. Thank you Yohannes for our memorable tour.

​ Rice N.Ireland ( Sunday, May 05 13 12:19 pm EDT )

The night tour was both interesting and extremely informative. The guide (Yohannes) had a tremendous grasp of Washington DC and it's history. It was a revelation to the family and enhanced our enjoyment of Washington DC as a city, even for our Grandchildren. Yohannes picked us up at our hotel and gave us a private tour for our family of 11 people.

Anna Baca ( Friday, April 26 13 03:59 pm EDT )

Hello Yohannes! My husband and I would like to say a great big thank you! The tour was entertaining and informative at the same time. I would highly recommend (and in fact I have) to anyone interested in the evening tour. Thank you again for providing such a wonderful experience!

Al Mamaril ( Wednesday, April 17 13 11:23 pm EDT )

I had a wonderful night tour with Dr. Zeleke on April 8, 2013. The tour was very informative and educational; he was a walking encyclopedia of American History which included many interesting and fun facts about the various monuments and locations we stopped at, or drove by. Great tour! Thank you!

Karen Neubauer ( Saturday, April 13 13 11:57 am EDT )

Great tour. Knowledgeable and flexible guide. Amazing history and architecture narrative. Easy to arrange pick up and drop off. Got us on tour the next day.

Priya B Bajaj ( Friday, April 12 13 05:41 pm EDT )

I had a wonderful trip to Washington DC along with my husband and grand daughter Anisha during March 2013. Yohannes was excellent in his services and we look forward to another trip in the near future. I would recommend Yohannes as the best as a tour guide.

Amanda Dockum ( Monday, April 08 13 01:48 pm EDT )

a group of 10 from our company went to DC for the weekend, and I booked Yohannes for our tour. It was our first visit to the city, and we could not have had a better tour guide. He was informative, funny, and it was all around a great experience. The details he knew about the city and our history was astounding. He worked with our schedule and customized our experience according to our interests. I HIGHLY recommend his tours to anyone who wants to learn while touring the sights of DC and Georgetown. For me, taking this tour should be considered a worthy attraction when visiting DC.

Christy Keyes ( Friday, March 29 13 02:13 pm EDT )

I was lucky enough to be a participant on a tour of Washington DC guided by Dr. Yohannes Zeleke. First, he went out of his way to arrange our small group pick up at different hotel locales. Second, from the moment we were in the vehicle he provided commentary, history, humor and gentle guidance to our group. The size of the group was intimate, making it seem so much more personal and offered us the ability to ask questions, take pictures, walk around at locations of our choosing and have probably the best experience of our tourist portion of our trip. I cannot recommend this tour enough! Fabulous from start to finish!

Kelly Baran ( Sunday, March 10 13 06:11 pm EDT )

Great tour :)

​ Diane Kelly-Abrams ( Thursday, February 21 13 12:51 pm EST )

Johannes, long time no see. Glad to see you are well. D

Calvin Martin ( Saturday, December 29 12 03:43 pm EST )

We took the DC by Night Tour with Dr. Yohannes Zeleke as our guide. It was an absolutely phenomenal experience. Dr. Zeleke provided such in depth knowledge of each location that we felt we were experiencing the history as it occurred. Highly recommend the experience and Dr. Zeleke.

Joan Lee ( Friday, December 07 12 10:33 pm EST )

I thoroughly enjoyed our tour today. The most informative and interesting tour I have ever been on. Yohannes was extremely knowledgeable and informed us about the people rather than just seeing the sites. Without question, the best tour I have ever been on.

Judy Emmett ( Friday, December 07 12 10:27 pm EST )

Yohannes and the Jerusalem Tour company is hands down the best tour I have ever been on. I have been on several tours both inside and outside of the US and I have never been so impressed! Yohannes knowledge is better than anything I have ever seen. If you are looking for a one stop tour this is the one!

LtCol D'Anne Spence ( Friday, December 07 12 09:31 pm EST )

Yohannes, Thank you so much for the phenomenal tour of Washington DC today. We had heard great things about your tours but you far exceeded our expectations! Your attention to detail, ability to answer questions was amazing. We learned so much more about the people and the history of the the US and Washington DC rather than just pointing out the sites. I will recommend you to all our friends when they want to do tours. Thank you forrrr making our trip great! D'Anne Spence

Mick & Judy Orsburn ( Monday, November 26 12 02:26 pm EST )

Yohannes, Just a note to let you know how much we appreciated our tour of DC over the Labor Day weekend. Normally we would have expected a personal tour of the caliber we received to have been much more expensive. The four of us in our group are still talking about it to our friends and recommending without hesitation that they contact you if they are ever in the DC area and are looking for the best guided tour available. We gave the concierge in our hotel in Tysons Corner rave reviews of Jeusalem DC Tour and even left him with the brochures we had with us. There were several items of note that we appreciated. You made an extra effort to pick us up where it was convenient for us. With limited parking in DC this was a nice touch. We also appreciated the small size of the group. It was more like a family outing with friends than a city tour on a crowded, noisy bus. Additionally, we were astounded with your knowledge of our nation's capital and your patient, humorous presentation style. Your tact in dealing with a troublesome passenger was a lesson in diplomacy. It may be a small thing, but we also enjoyed the bottled water you provided. Not everything of note in DC is easily accessible, so that was a refreshing touch after some of the walks we took in the heat of the day. All in all, we had such a good time that it was hard to believe that our "4-hour tour" actually lasted closer to 6 hours. What a pleasant surprise! Thank you again for the personal touch. It was time and money well spent and we will continue to recommend Jerusalem DC Tour (and Yohannes Zeleke) to anyone and everyone we know. We would not hesitate to book a tour with you again. (On a personal note, you even made me look good, since I was the one that found your website and we would have missed a great time in DC if I hadn't. Thank you.) With kind regards, Mick & Judy Orsburn

Nicholas Damanakis ( Monday, November 26 12 04:27 am EST )

In July 2012 I arrived in Washington DC with my family. Johannes was waiting for us at the hotel. We had an amazing time together. We visited all interesting places. Johannes was very friendly and much explanatory at every monument or place we visited. Thanks a lot Johannes

Terri ( Sunday, November 04 12 02:43 pm EST )

One of the best things we did in DC! Yohannes is amazing and the tour is as well. We learned so much and saw all the monuments! Thank you so so much for everything! Meeting us at the metro, making sure my daughter could see over the fence an showing us an amazing city.

Michael Carlson ( Monday, October 08 12 05:12 pm EDT )

My wife and I were extremely lucky to have scheduled a tour with Yohannes Zeleke. I am the type of person that likes to find the gems that are a little 'off the beaten path'. Dr. Zeleke's tour was outstanding with his tremendous knowledge and stories to go along with the amazing sights. He made Washington DC come alive! My only regret is we didn't spend days with him instead of hours.

Stan G. ( Monday, October 08 12 02:31 pm EDT )

My family and I came to DC in September. we didn't know anyone there. We Googled DC tours and Jerusalem tours came up with amazing reviews. We called Yohannes and he was very helpful and answered all of our questions. We decided to do the day tour. We are soo glad that we did. He picked up from the hotel and showed us all the sights of DC along with the historical significance attached to it. This is a great tour and Yohannes is a great tour guide, very professional and a true gentleman!

​ Shari Lautenbach ( Tuesday, September 25 12 02:20 pm EDT )

In August I went to Wash. D.C. with friends. Upon arriving I had a tear to my retina in my left eye. My concierge highly recommended Johannes to us and we ended up with him taking us to all my medical appointments. Along the way he instructed us on all the historic sights. On our last night in town we scheduled the Wash, D.C. tour in the dark. It was awesome! Johannes went over the top to help me in my medical emergency. I not only consider him to be a superb tour guide I consider him my friend! Shari Lautenbach Milwaukee, WI

Bridget & Amber Hinchman ( Monday, September 24 12 10:56 pm EDT )

We came upon Jerusalem Tours via a Groupon just before our trip to DC to get married. We came shortly after the Labor Day holiday and Yohannes emailed and called to confirm a few times before our night tour, which made booking the tour online much more comforting (since we were coming from out of state). As it turned out, the others in our group cancelled, but Yohannes quite honorably kept our reservation even though we were the only couple in a 15 passenger van. We ended up with a private tour of many of the sights listed on the night tour. We were fortunate in the sense that we had walked the sights during the day so Yohannes expanded our tour to include the National Cathedral, Embassy Row, historic Georgetown homes, Arlington Cemetery, and briefly through Chinatown. If I could offer that suggestion to anyone, I would recommend it as the lesser known and visited sights were really quite impressive. He was amazingly well versed in the history of DC well beyond any other tour company that we observed during our week stay in DC. It was a wonderful night during our honeymoon week and it was the most memorable part of the sight seeing for us. We will absolutely be using this service on our anniversary.

Thomas Dorsi ( Thursday, September 20 12 09:29 pm EDT )

We will be in Washington 9/28/12 until 9/30/12. 2 Adults, 1 child 14 yo. How do we book a daytime tour and what are the prices

Jamie Glenn ( Tuesday, September 11 12 01:21 pm EDT )

Thank you so much for the wonderful tour last night. It was so refreshing to do more than just see the memorials. Hearing about the history of each street we drove down really made me appreciate Washington more as a historical site and less as a city of monuments. My only regret was not having you guide us through the FDR memorial. I will save that for next time.

Megan Pashkevich ( Sunday, September 09 12 11:15 pm EDT )

We had a Sunday morning tour with just six people total. I can't imagine seeing the sites any other way; we had such personal attention and got to relax in the van as we saw the entire city and explore some key sites on foot during the many stops along the way. Yohannes' knowledge of the city and its history is really impressive and I agree with previous comments that these tours provide the unique opportunity to interact with the tour guide, take pictures together, etc. We were really pleased to be able to talk about the history of the city with someone who knows it like the back of his hand. I highly recommend this tour!

Terri ( Sunday, August 19 12 11:56 am EDT )

Just booked my tour with my eight year old daughter! We are so excited to see DC!

RDD57 ( Sunday, July 29 12 11:23 am EDT )

“Don't miss this tour” While in Washington DC over Easter weekend, my husband and I asked the hotel activities director for a bus tour of DC at night. Three tours were suggested and we picked Jerusalem as it had more stops, limited to 10 people and would pick us up and drop off off at the hotel. Not only did we luck out and have a PRIVATE tour we were honored to be driven around by Dr. Yohannes Zeleke (archaeologist and anthropologist). His wealth of knowledge about the sites of DC and our country's history were quite impressive. His pleasant and affable manner were refreshing and enjoyable. Dr. Yohannes went so far as to take our pictures with his cell phone when our camera batteries ran out. He e-mailed them to us the next day. The company does all day tours, half day tours as well as airport transfers. We had a fabulous time. Make sure to have him walk with you through the FDR Memorial--his insights are phenomenal. I highly recommend it.

Yvonne Z ( Sunday, July 29 12 11:21 am EDT )

“Hidden gem” This is the best tour we have taken in the USA. Yohannes provides a personalized tour to suit your interests and has an amazing knowledge of the local area and history. We did the night tour after a great deal of walking around the renowned sights. His ability to filter our previous experience with our intended goals (tourist attractions and other worthy sites) was outstanding. I will always consider this a highlight of my trip because we were able to interact with our guide in a way that is impossible on larger tours. This small company also provides transport to and from airports and other deals. I only wish I had heard of them much sooner. This is a must do!

anne4JC ( Sunday, July 29 12 11:20 am EDT )

“DC Crash Course—Have It Your Way” Wow! No other tour even advertised this level of comfort, personalization, and expertise at such a reasonable price. We were picked up and returned to our hotel doorstep and brought right to the entrance of every other attraction we visited. Our tour guide, Yohannes Zeleker PhD., made advance contacts with us (via phone and email) to ensure that our all day tour was exactly what we wanted. He also obtained our passes for the Capitol building. He managed to get us to everything from the monuments, memorials, historical / government buildings to the National Cathedral to sites in Virginia. Drive time was peppered with his extensive knowledge of history and trivia. (He named dozens of unmarked embassies as we traversed Massachusetts Avenue!) Dr. Zeleker even managed to provide assistance to one member of our party who felt ill without interrupting the tour for the rest of our group. Bravo! This perfectly customized and thoroughly professional tour is highly recommended.

onwardho2gether ( Sunday, July 29 12 11:19 am EDT )

“The only way to see DC” We just completed our 6 hour tour with Yohannes and all I can say is FABULOUS. Dr. Zeleker's knowledge of all the major memorials and DC sites was amazing. He gave us facts and trivia I feel certain we never would have received on one of those "cookie cutter" tours. At each stop, our party of four chose to explore, we were dropped off at the entrance and meandered around while Johannes parked. We were then accompanied my him throughout the site while he shared his wealth of knowledge. We were able to see everything we wanted to see and more. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Lisa ( Tuesday, June 26 12 11:43 am EDT )

My group had planned to take an open-bus tour of DC, but due to a mix-up at our hotel, we received a tour with Yoannes. The hotel's mistake was our fortune! I highly recommend this tour. We had adults, a teenager, and an elementary-aged boy on our tour and we all learned something. When in DC, take this tour!

Cheryl Pauley ( Wednesday, May 30 12 01:49 pm EDT )

Dear Yohannes, Thank you so much for the wonderful service you provided for the American Bible Society personnel on May 7-9. I have heard very positive reports from individuals on the care taken to ensure that everything went smoothly. Thank you so much!

Susan Ferguson ( Tuesday, May 29 12 01:47 pm EDT )

Yohannnes Zeleke was recommended to us by The Liaison at Capital Hill Hotel. We were limited on time but wanted to see as much of Washington, DC as we could see. Dr Zeleke took us on a 4 hour tour. It was beyond our expectations. Not only did he take us on the tour, his commentary of the history of each monument, memorials, historic buildings and church was so informative and interesting. He is a kind gentleman and I highly recommend him for a private tour guide...We would use him again next time we go to Washington, DC.

Janice & Kristie Hartmann ( Sunday, May 13 12 08:56 pm EDT )

Yohannes Zeleke was recommended to us by the Hilton Hotel. They promised us an outstanding private tour that we would be happy with 110%, and this tour and his guidance lived up to that expectation. We travelled in comfort in his SUV and he was courteous and friendly. As both of us were women, he was extremely gentlemanly towards us. He always opened the car doors for us and helped us in and out of the car and the train at Arlington every time we hopped on and off. He was extremely well versed in the history of Washington DC and we were impressed that no matter what question we asked, he was ready with an answer. We many more sights than we anticipated and found that we had ample time at each to have a good look around. We recommend this tour to anyone who wishes to see the sights in a more personal and private manner; you will not be disappointed!

Yussuf Mursal ( Thursday, May 10 12 12:47 am EDT )

I booked Jerusalem dc tour through Hilton hotel and fortunately went with Zeleke (phD) and did an outstanding job, the way the professor presented to us about the city and the American History is unbelievable and delivered the excellent job I have never seen before. The hours I was with him was an educational tool that will for ever stay in my heart and recommend people I know to go with him. This tip was an excellent one and Go Bless him for his dedicated work

Rita Dumain, Esq. ( Wednesday, April 11 12 08:08 pm EDT )

Booked with Jerusalem Tours through Washington Hilton. Unbelievable experience!! Dr. Yohannes Zeleke has a wealth of knowledge about our country's rich history. He was very accommodating right down to taking our pictures with his cell phone when our camera battery ran out. The 3 hours we spent with him on the DC by Night tour were fun, educational and pleasant. We lucked out and had a private tour, no less. But he keeps his tours to 10 people or less which maintains a personal touch lost on the "hop on, hop off" tours. If you're in DC, I strongly recommend you taking a tour with Jerusalem DC Tours!!

Jackie Walther ( Wednesday, April 04 12 09:27 am EDT )

This tour is fantastic! Dr Yohannes is extremely knowledgable and very accommodating. If you should make a request to see something, he is more than happy to show you and give details that you would have never known. I would highly recommend this tour!!!

Hugh Barton ( Friday, March 30 12 12:46 pm EDT )

March 27, 2012 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: As a long time member of the international tourism industry it is my sincere pleasure to introduce and recommend Mr. Yohannes Zeleke, President of Jerusalem DC Tour & Transportation LLC, as a professional in the business who would be a valued member of the tour guide association. I have been involved in the hospitality industry since 1965, beginning in the Hong Kong Tourist Association, and subsequently with the Guam Visitors Bureau, the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau and finally, the Arlington (VA) Convention and Visitors Bureau 1994-2002. My wife and I currently represent a British firm, marketing villas in Tuscany, as well as properties in Ireland. Mr Zeleke has a profound and deep knowledge of the Washington area, which he recently exhibited on a tour he gave a few of his colleagues, some of whom know the D.C. area well and were amazed to learn new facts about the city. Again, it is my pleasure to recommend Mr Zeleke for membership. You may contact me at any time for further comments. Sincerely, Hugh Barton

Pamela Akins ( Thursday, March 29 12 11:24 am EDT )

To Whom It May Concern: It is my pleasure to recommend Yohannes Zeleke. He was our private Washington D.C. tour guide for several days in June, 2011. Yohanness is extremely knowledgeable and professional and did everything he could to cheerfully accommodate our many requests. My husband’s parents were traveling with us. Both of them are in their 80’s, and Yohannes was exceptionally kind and receptive to their needs, as well. Yohannes’s kind personality and expertise made our trip very special and memorable. Very truly yours, Pamela Akins

Jerald Brantley ( Thursday, March 29 12 11:23 am EDT )

December 23, 2011 To Whom It May Concern: My name is Jerald Brantley, I am the C.E.O. of Spectrum Resources located in Des Moines , Iowa. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Zeleke for the first time two years ago. During a business trip to Washington DC, my staff and I had five hours to kill before our flight home, so I asked the concierge if he had any good tour guides or services I could hire and treat my staff and myself for successful trip. He said he had just the person, and it was Dr. Yohannes Zeleke. He was the most knowledgeable guide I have ever had on a tour. Extremely fluent in the history of the area, the different exhibits and not just the sites but he had the deep inside of the city information. He had information on the lesser known sites. It was truly a great experience. Since I frequent the DC area for business and I use his services exclusively and have recommended his services to all of my colleagues who travel to DC. Jerald Brantley, MBA

Irene McDermott ( Tuesday,

“Excellent tour of Washington!”

Reviewed May 1, 2014

We had only a couple days in the Capitol and I checked on Groupon for a tour or something to do in Washington and found this company offer a tour at 45% discount. We purchased the Groupon, called the company and made arrangement where to be picked up ( we were staying outside the DC area otherwise they would have picked us up at our Washington Hotel) We arrived at pick up point to find out there was only one other couple on the tour with us, our tour guide was great! He said seeing how there were only the four of us, we would get a very personable tour with lots of times to get out and walk around. It was great to be in a 9 passenger bus and NOT a 40-50 passenger bus. We actually felt sorry for all the BIG bus tour passengers, they spent their whole tie climbing o and off the bus and no time to see the attraction. Our guide was SO informative and put me to shame with the history he knows of our great country, he has only lived here 8 years and I have never heard a more proud citizen speak of the US as his passion. I wish I could remember all the history I learned from the 3 , 4 and 5th grade that he knew. He was very clear to understand, very informative, did not rush us at all, had a great sense of humor. I can not recommend this company enough. Skip the big bus tours, you won't see nearly 1/4th of all that we saw and learned about.

Visited April 2014

“Can you show me the cherry trees?” I asked Dr. Yohannes Zeleke at the start of our tour into the heart of Washington, D.C. My plane was leaving back to Los Angeles that afternoon; I had this final morning after my conference to see the town. Dr. Zeleke, archeologist, dug into the past of Washington D.C. as he escorted me first to all the city’s monuments I hadn’t seen and then finally to the glorious cherry trees that line the Tidal Basin. A breeze stirred the trees; the pink petals swirled around us like snow.

Dr. Zeleke framed United States history in a framework that I had never heard before. His commentary was fascinating! I recommend his personalized tours not only for seeing the sights but for understanding the story of our country in a new way. His tours are history revealed! --Irene McDermott Librarian

“Highlight of our DC trip - Don't Miss”

Reviewed April 25, 2014

My wife and three sons (6, 8 & 13) had a fantastic and entertaining tour with Dr. Yohannes Zeleke for four hours. We wish we could have spent four days with him. We arranged the tour through Groupon and had no problem coordinating with him to get started. The depth and breadth of his knowledge, coupled with his humor and warmth, made the tour unique and remarkable compared to the other tours we took in DC during this trip. I wish that more tour guides had the education and passion of Dr. Zeleke. If you only can take one tour of DC, this should be the one.

Visited April 2014 “An Archaeologist's Perspective on DC”

Reviewed September 7, 2013

We connected with the Jerusalem DC Tour through Abe (Concierge at the Hilton in Washington). We were very impressed with our guide who had a PhD in Archaeology and a wonderful narrative of the area that brought it to life for a group of Australian tourists. There would be no way that we could have seen and learned so much in four hours without the tour. It was highly informative and really enjoyable. In my opinion it was far superior than just taking a hop-on bus route.

Visited September 2013 “Amazing Time”

Reviewed July 26, 2013

Just this past Monday I went on the Night Tour of DC. Our guide was Yohannes Zeleke and he was amazing! He was so knowledgeable and entertaining. There were 9 of us in tour group and were chauffeured around town via a motor coach. It was a great way to see all the sites in an air-conditioned ride! I highly recommend this tour!

Visited July 2013

“A great evening tour”

Reviewed July 22, 2013

The tour was a perfect overview for our first evening in the Capitol. Our guide was knowledgeable and helpful and even the history aficionados in the group said they learned a few new details. The evening was hot and muggy... we appreciated the air conditioned van as we passed other tour groups in open trolleys. The itinerary was timed well so we got oriented to the city by daylight and visited the lighted monuments by dusk and dark. Four of us... all relatives from different states, return visitors to Washington and world travelers... were positively impressed. I'd recommend this to friends.

Reviewed July 20, 2013

That's all that needs to be said to describe this tour and our wonderfully pleasant and most excellent tour guide, Dr. Yohannes Zeleke. The knowledge he has of this country's history, both publicly recognized and discretely concealed, is nothing less than astounding! The time (and money) spent falls into the "one of my best investment ever" category! I was VERY impressed with the fact that Dr. Zeleke believes in the goodness of people so much to the point of not requiring any deposits for his tours. That being said, you do NOT want to miss out on a scheduled tour with him! I have already planned to schedule more tours with him for other out of town guests and some in town friends that have never experienced the depth of culture and history available about our nation and her capitol. Well done Dr. Zeleke and I look forward to experiencing your historical tome! If it is anything like your tour, it will be nothing less than epic! Again, thank you, from our group to you, from the bottom of our hearts and souls.

“Fascinating information!”

Reviewed May 24, 2013

I have been living in DC for eight months and have seen most of the highlights. Yohannes' tour was extremely educational. He seems to know everything there is to know about every building, monument, statue and embassy in the District. His knowledge of American history amazed me. I didn't want the tour to end. I get the feeling I could take a tour with him again and he would have a full days' worth of completely different sights and information to share with me.

Visited April 2013

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Los Angeles, California

2 helpful votes

“Super fascinating!”

Reviewed May 7, 2013

Yohannes is a great tour guide--he knows everything! There is so much history to this city, so much more than I ever imagined. So many important people to American history were here. And taking the tour gave me a new feel and a new respect for America and the dream this country was laid upon. Add to that the city... More

Yohannes is a great tour guide--he knows everything! There is so much history to this city, so much more than I ever imagined. So many important people to American history were here. And taking the tour gave me a new feel and a new respect for America and the dream this country was laid upon. Add to that the city is really pretty, incredible architecture--and trees and flowers everywhere! You can see that people living here are proud. Yohannes himself is a great tour guide--and a great humor! I loved every ounce of the tour.

“Excellent night tour”

Reviewed May 5, 2013

The tour was both interesting and extremely informative. The guide (Yohannes) had a tremendous grasp of Washington DC and it's history. It was a revelation to the family and enhanced our enjoyment of Washington DC as a city, even for our Grandchildren. Yohannes picked us up at our hotel and gave us a private tour for our family of 11 people.

“Fantastic tour”

Reviewed April 29, 2013

What an educational twilight tour of all the highlights of DC. Our guide was full of relevant and excellent US history. A great experience for those of all ages. Delightful.

Redlands, California

“Unexpected Gems”

Reviewed April 26, 2013

I learned so much I didn't know that I didn't know about D.C. The history is fascinating from the smallest trivia, such as why D.C. residential neighborhoods have adjacent buildings with totally differing architecture and colors, to the grandiose, as in how we came to build a National Cathedral welcoming all religions. I won't ever see D.C. the same after...

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

I learned so much I didn't know that I didn't know about D.C. The history is fascinating from the smallest trivia, such as why D.C. residential neighborhoods have adjacent buildings with totally differing architecture and colors, to the grandiose, as in how we came to build a National Cathedral welcoming all religions. I won't ever see D.C. the same after this tour.

“What a fascinating introduction to DC!”

Yohannes is a phenomenal tour guide who answered all of our questions patiently and knew a tremendous amount about the history of DC and even the international institutions in it. He is like a vessel of fascinating DC trivia! He is also, personally, an incredibly kind, warm and honest individual. I would highly encourage you to take his tour. It will make you look at DC through an entirely new and educated set of eyes.

Ask Bari B about Legends Tour Washington DC

“A Treasure Not To Miss”

I took this tour with my wife and a portion of our extended family - ten of us in all - on 24 Apr 2013. I should mention that this is my 10th tour of DC, so I speak with a humble portion of experience. With the exception of one other gentleman (Hi to Dennis!), we monopolized the tour van.... 

I took this tour with my wife and a portion of our extended family - ten of us in all - on 24 Apr 2013. I should mention that this is my 10th tour of DC, so I speak with a humble portion of experience. With the exception of one other gentleman (Hi to Dennis!), we monopolized the tour van. (Which meant the normal default to quiet "sit and listen" social behaviour was abandoned in favor of more raucus natural-to-us behaviour. The odds against him, Dr. Yohannes Zeleke (!) nonetheless captured everyone's attention and held it for the entire four hour odyssey. Dr. Zeleke's conversational and oration skills have this magic ability to allow the listener to soak up what he says and not feel overwhelmed by it at all. He is Extremely knowledgeable and thorough, while at once approachable and warm. I also want to point out that it seems Dr. Zeleke has some sort of magical way to circumvent the big crowds, to drive as close as possible to the hot spots, and to do so while maintaining a very cozy, meandering pace that somehow kept my wife's hair-trigger motion sickness as a memory from a bygone era. I hate hyperbole, so when I say "this is the best possible tour of DC, no matter what, and there can be no better guide for it than the amazing Dr. Zeleke," I mean exactly that. You would be foolish to read these words and then choose any other tour operator.

Ask Andrew W about Legends Tour Washington DC

“Marvelous Tour”

Reviewed March 21, 2013

We were lucky to book a tour of the city "after dark." Yohannes was a delightful and engaging guide, full of stories, interesting history and fun facts about the city. The pace was very comfortable and he encouraged questions (as any professor would)! He was not simply reciting the facts, but doing it in an engaging manner that was filled... 

Senior Contributor

We were lucky to book a tour of the city "after dark." Yohannes was a delightful and engaging guide, full of stories, interesting history and fun facts about the city. The pace was very comfortable and he encouraged questions (as any professor would)! He was not simply reciting the facts, but doing it in an engaging manner that was filled with fascinating stories. I highly recommend Jerusalem DC Tours to anyone who wants to experience an out-of-the-ordinary sightseeing trip.

See all 6 reviews by OverTheFLRainbow for Washington DC

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“Informative, Knowledgeable, and FUN!”

Reviewed March 14, 2013

There we were -- 10 of us from WA State -- all prepared to pay $70/person for a "night light tour of DC." Then Abe, the concierge @ the WA Hilton, suggested Yohannes with Jerusalem DC Tours -- for 35% less. Abe spoke very highly of Yohannes and enthusiastically suggested we would have a great time and nearly guaranteed we'd... 

There we were -- 10 of us from WA State -- all prepared to pay $70/person for a "night light tour of DC." Then Abe, the concierge @ the WA Hilton, suggested Yohannes with Jerusalem DC Tours -- for 35% less. Abe spoke very highly of Yohannes and enthusiastically suggested we would have a great time and nearly guaranteed we'd get more for our money. We met about this decision for about three minutes ... from that moment to the end, 3+ hours later, Yohannes kept us engaged w/interesting stories and little know facts of the sites. We had a truly enjoyable time and I highly recommend Yohannes and Jerusalem DC Tours!

Ask JeffreyG77 about Legends Tour Washington DC

OldRoyalGirl

Beckley, West Virginia

“Best part of our trip!”

Reviewed December 30, 2012

My mother, husband, and I were honored to get to tour with Yohannes. His expertise in DC and US history was fascinating. I kept wanting to interrupt to ask questions that his facts brought up in my mind; although I didn't want to miss out on any of his informative tour. I have to say it was his kindness, charm,... More

My mother, husband, and I were honored to get to tour with Yohannes. His expertise in DC and US history was fascinating. I kept wanting to interrupt to ask questions that his facts brought up in my mind; although I didn't want to miss out on any of his informative tour. I have to say it was his kindness, charm, and lovely Ethiopian accent that really elevated the day! By the end, he felt like family and I was disappointed that we would be without him for the remainder of our trip. The tour was so affordable and since no one else had scheduled that day, it became a private tour. Also, it was wonderful to be dropped at all the sites (I had been a little worried about how well my mother would get around). Some we just drove up to. At some, Yohannes parked and walked with us to discuss what we were seeing, which was extremely valuable. And at some, he would drop us as closely as possible, give us plenty of time, and then pick us up on the opposite side, which was extremely convenient. Can't thank him enough for the perfect day.

See all 8 reviews by OldRoyalGirl for Washington DC

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Oxford, Ohio

8 attraction reviews

13 helpful votes

“DC After Dark”

Reviewed November 13, 2012

Maddy was our tour guide for the DC After Dark tour, he was EXTREMELY knowledgeable and fun. Thanks!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1

Reviews in 10 cities

Visited November 2012

Ask Tricia C about Legends Tour Washington DC

Washington DC, District of Columbia

“Great Half-Day DC Tour!”

Reviewed October 28, 2012

We live in DC, but my husband's parents were in town for the weekend and we thought it would be nice to go on an organized tour. We scheduled a morning half-day city tour with Jerusalem DC Tours, and it greatly exceeded our expectations. It is a small operation, so it took a little longer to book than one of... More

We live in DC, but my husband's parents were in town for the weekend and we thought it would be nice to go on an organized tour. We scheduled a morning half-day city tour with Jerusalem DC Tours, and it greatly exceeded our expectations. It is a small operation, so it took a little longer to book than one of the big tours, but it was well worth the extra few minutes on the phone. Yohannes Zeleke's knowledge of the city and historical context of all its monuments and major buildings made him an excellent guide. We saw many of the embassies, monuments, Georgetown, Arlington, and Chinatown all in 4 hours, which is practically impossible with any other tour. We also had a many opportunities to get out of the van and take pictures. My husband’s parents had a great time, and my husband and I learned a lot of new things about the city even after taking another tour recently. I would definitely recommend this tour for anyone looking to learn more about the history of the sites. We would certainly book with him again next time we have family in town.

Visited October 2012

Ask Kristin T about Legends Tour Washington DC

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Senior Reviewer

“A Grand Tour of DC”

Reviewed October 26, 2012

My sister in law and I were fortunate enough to take a 4 hour tour of DC with Yohannes Zeleke this past Monday. We saw everything we wanted to see, spending quality time at our favorite memorials. Johannes also took us to Georgetown, and he showed us lots of foreign embassies as well as historical homes. We really enjoyed all... More

Reviews in 5 cities

My sister in law and I were fortunate enough to take a 4 hour tour of DC with Yohannes Zeleke this past Monday. We saw everything we wanted to see, spending quality time at our favorite memorials. Johannes also took us to Georgetown, and he showed us lots of foreign embassies as well as historical homes. We really enjoyed all the historical facts that he shared with us about each site. We both would recommend Jerusalem DC Tour to everyone.

Ask Kathleen C about Legends Tour Washington DC

Mesa, Arizona

Contributor

6 attraction reviews

“Night tour was a great way to start our visit.”

Reviewed October 25, 2012

Our family of four (two teens) were just in DC for a week over fall break. This first thing we did was this tour. It was a great way to start our vacation as we had four hours of getting to see all the monuments (truly fabulous to see them at night). We were please that he allowed time at... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3

Our family of four (two teens) were just in DC for a week over fall break. This first thing we did was this tour. It was a great way to start our vacation as we had four hours of getting to see all the monuments (truly fabulous to see them at night). We were please that he allowed time at each site for us to get out and enjoy them for any where from 10-20 mins each. From this we were about to decide which ones we wanted to go back and see again during the day! Beleive me they look way better in the evening with the lighting and the reflection of the Washington Monument in the reflecting pool was just spectular as there was no wind and the water was so still. Mr Zeleke was super friendly and made the tour fun for everyone. Because the tour was in a van he was able to manouver through the back streets of Georgetown (something that would not have been possible to do in a large bus tour!) We had a Groupon special - well worth the deal. (Good to know: Half way through the tour he stops at a monument that has very nice rest room facilities)

See all 4 reviews by KiwiTania for Washington DC

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Vista, California

3 helpful votes

“Jerusalem DC Tour = Excellence in Service”

Reviewed October 9, 2012

My wife and I were extremely lucky to have scheduled a tour with Yohannes Zeleke. I am the type of person that likes to find the gems that are a little 'off the beaten path'. Dr. Zeleke's tour was outstanding with his tremendous knowledge and stories to go along with the amazing sights. He made Washington DC come alive! My... More

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• Lisa and Steve Welch ( Thursday, December 05 13 09:58 pm EST )

shari Lautenbach ( Tuesday, September 25 12 02:20 pm EDT )

Ann Petrone ( Monday, September 03 12 02:59 pm EDT )

there are four of us visiting washington on 12/13 to 12/15. Please forward information on your tour. Pricing, times, etc. thank you, Ann Petrone

​ “Excellent tour of Washington!”

Visited March 2013

Ask RiceNI about Legends Tour Washington DC

Ask aehlaw about Legends Tour Washington DC

I learned so much I didn't know that I didn't know about D.C. The history is fascinating from the smallest trivia, such as why D.C. residential neighborhoods have adjacent buildings with totally differing architecture and colors, to the grandiose, as in how we came to build a National Cathedral welcoming all religions. I won't ever see D.C. the same after... More

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I took this tour with my wife and a portion of our extended family - ten of us in all - on 24 Apr 2013. I should mention that this is my 10th tour of DC, so I speak with a humble portion of experience. With the exception of one other gentleman (Hi to Dennis!), we monopolized the tour van.... More

OverTheFLRainbow

North Central Florida

10 attraction reviews

42 helpful votes

We were lucky to book a tour of the city "after dark." Yohannes was a delightful and engaging guide, full of stories, interesting history and fun facts about the city. The pace was very comfortable and he encouraged questions (as any professor would)! He was not simply reciting the facts, but doing it in an engaging manner that was filled... More

Reviews in 16 cities

Vancouver, WA

There we were -- 10 of us from WA State -- all prepared to pay $70/person for a "night light tour of DC." Then Abe, the concierge @ the WA Hilton, suggested Yohannes with Jerusalem DC Tours -- for 35% less. Abe spoke very highly of Yohannes and enthusiastically suggested we would have a great time and nearly guaranteed we'd... More

5 attraction reviews

5 helpful votes

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10 Hidden Historical Spots to Visit in Washington, D.C.

March 22, 2017

My kid loves the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum as much as the next guy. But when you feel like you’ve done everything there is to do on the National Mall , it’s time to branch out. From lesser-known museums to houses with secret passageways, here are some secret(ish) places to explore in the D.C. area.

1. Old Stone House

The Old Stone House 3051 M Street Northwest Washington, DC Nestled among Georgetown’s high-end shops is the oldest building in the District of Columbia. Tour this National Park Service property to learn how people lived in the 18th century. The home isn’t big, so your tour won’t tax little ones’ short attention spans. Once you’ve had your fill of life in the 1700s, let your kids run around the home’s beautiful gardens to burn off some steam.

2. Capitol Grotto

United States Capitol Capitol Driveway Northwest Washington, DC On a hot summer day in D.C., there’s one place that’s always cool: the Summerhouse on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Designed by famed landscape architect (and designer of Central Park) Frederick Law Olmsted, the small brick structure was built in the 1870s. It provided travelers to the Capitol with a place to refresh themselves after a long journey with a cool drink of water and a pleasant place to rest. For your kids, this hidden shady spot, with gently burbling water running through it, is the perfect place to cool off after too much time in the sun touring the National Mall. 

3. Gadsby’s Tavern

Gadsby's Tavern Museum 134 N Royal St Alexandria, VA Would your kids enjoy eating in the same restaurant as George Washington? Gadsby’s Tavern in Old Town Alexandria has been serving meals since the 1700s, and has counted not only our first president, but John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe and the Marquis de Lafayette among its patrons. Check out their museum, then enjoy a festive candlelit meal in the restaurant—still serving cock-a-leekie pie and Virginia peanut soup after all these centuries. And when you’re done with your meal, your family can enjoy a stroll along the Old Town waterfront.

4. Frederick Douglass House  

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site 1411 W St SE Washington, DC High on a hill in Anacostia is the home where Frederick Douglass lived for the last 17 years of his life. In addition to offering tours of the historic house and grounds, the National Park Service hosts special celebratory events each February in honor of Frederick Douglass’s birthday . This year’s celebration included art activities for kids, community parties with live music, historic photography demonstrations, and an urban gardening workshop, among other fun family-friendly events. Bonus: If your kids have a National Parks Passport, don’t forget to get a stamp during your visit!

5. Crispus Attucks Park

Crispus Attucks Park 23 U St NW Washington, DC This tiny but gorgeous sanctuary in the middle of Bloomingdale is full of blossoming flowers and grassy spots to spread out your picnic blanket. Named for the first person to lose his life in the Revolutionary War, the “secret” park was created on the site of an old industrial complex. The park is also the home of Bloomindale Community Day (this year, May 16), featuring live music, a giant yard sale and food from local restaurants. Let your kids soak up the sunshine in this urban oasis.

6. Marine Barracks

Marine Barracks 8th & I Streets SE Washington, DC Every Friday evening in the summer, the Marine Corps showcases their musical and ceremonial traditions with a Sunset Parade at the Marine Barracks in Eastern Market. Enjoy music by the United States Marine Band and other prestigious ensembles, and experience a parade “offered solely to express the dignity and pride that represents more than two centuries of heritage for all Americans.” Reservations are required, but are free. Eastern Market is full of restaurants to grab a bite at before the parade—including kid-friendly options like Matchbox , Ted’s Bulletin  and Seventh Hill Pizza . 

7. Torpedo Factory

Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N Union St Alexandria, VA Built to supply the U.S. military with torpedoes during the First and Second World Wars, Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory is now home to paintings and sculptures instead of deadly weapons. This art center is filled with bright studios inhabited by all manner of artists—weavers, sculptors, clothing designers and metalworkers. Come watch them at work and chat with them about what inspires their creativity, or take your kids to an art class of their own . 

8. Capitol Columns

United States National Arboretum 3501 New York Ave NE Washington, DC It’s a bit disorienting to be walking through the Arcadian setting of the National Arboretum , and suddenly spot 22 huge Corinthian columns rising into the air. The columns once graced the U.S. Capitol, but were replaced when the iconic dome was built. They found a permanent home in a grassy meadow at the Arboretum, where today they make great fodder for family photos. While you’re at the Arboretum, stop by the Washington Youth Garden to explore—and taste—what they have growing.

9. The Brewmaster’s Castle

Heurich House Museum 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC Did you know that Dupont Circle is home to a “castle?” Built at the turn of the 20th century by a family of brewers, Heurich House is a mansion like nothing else in D.C. The historic home hosts tours and special events nowadays. Two activities your kids would enjoy? Their traditional German Christmas market is perfect for a family holiday shopping outing—complete with tasty treats. And in the warmer months, the home’s lush hidden garden is an outstanding spot for a picnic.

10.  Mansion on O Street

The Mansion on O Street 2020 O St NW Washington, DC What kid wouldn’t love a house full of secret rooms to explore! The Mansion on O Street is a series of five interconnected townhouses designed in 1892 by the architect for the U.S. Capitol. This labyrinth of a building includes more than 100 rooms and—get this—over 70 secret doors. Take a self-guided tour, or sign up for a special event—like one of their O’Kids Playdates , featuring a treasure hunt with milk and cookies. 

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Washington DC: National Mall Walking Tour

Washington DC’s National Mall is home to over 24 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited national parks in the United States.

As travelers wander through this historic expanse, they are greeted by a tapestry of monuments and memorials that encapsulate the essence of American identity. From the towering Washington Monument to the poignant Korean War Veterans Memorial, each structure holds a unique story waiting to be uncovered.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the nation’s past, this walking tour promises a captivating journey through the heart of America’s capital.

• Immerse in American history with a guided tour of the National Mall.
• Explore monuments from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial .
• Learn about the significance and design of each memorial.
• Stand where MLK delivered his iconic ‘I Have A Dream’ speech.

Tour Overview

Set out on an engaging and informative guided walking tour of the National Mall in Washington DC to explore the rich history and significance of its iconic monuments and memorials. The tour provides a deep dive into the historical context of each structure, offering insights into their design and purpose.

Highlights include visits to key sights such as the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial , where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous speech, and poignant memorials like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial , and WWII Memorial. Participants will have the opportunity to admire landmarks like the Washington Monument while paying tribute to historical figures who’ve shaped American history.

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the National Mall’s most significant landmarks.

Historical Significance

Delving into the historical significance of the National Mall’s iconic monuments and memorials reveals a tapestry of American history woven into the very fabric of these structures.

Impactful Landmarks : Each monument on the National Mall tells a story, from the solemnity of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the inspiring words etched at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

Cultural Insights : Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of American history by exploring the symbolism and design choices of each memorial, offering cultural insights into the nation’s past.

Symbolism and Representation: The memorials not only honor historical figures and events but also serve as symbols of unity, remembrance , and progress for future generations.

Historical Context : By examining these monuments, visitors can appreciate the historical context that shaped the United States and its values.

More Great Things To Do Nearby

Key Sights Covered

Visitors on the National Mall walking tour in Washington DC will encounter iconic sights ranging from the majestic U.S. Capitol to the solemn Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The tour offers a deep dive into memorial exploration , providing insights into the significance of each monument.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the historical context and design of these structures, including the moving Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the poignant Korean War Memorial , and the grand WWII Memorial. As they walk through history, visitors can pay tribute to influential figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln.

This guided experience promises a comprehensive look at the key sights that define the National Mall, offering a profound understanding of their importance in American history.

Monument Stories Shared

As participants explore the National Mall on the guided walking tour, they’ll be enveloped in the captivating narratives behind each monumental structure, gaining a deeper appreciation for their historical significance. Here is what they can expect during the monument stories shared segment:

Interactive Discussions : Engage in lively conversations with the tour guide and fellow participants, sharing insights and perspectives on the historical significance of each monument.

Group Engagement: Connect with others in the group as you collectively explore the symbolism and interpretation of the monuments, fostering a sense of shared discovery.

Symbolism Interpretation: Uncover the hidden meanings and symbolism embedded within the design and architecture of the monuments, revealing layers of historical context.

Historical Context: Gain a deeper understanding of the events and figures that shaped the history of the United States, as reflected in the monuments along the National Mall.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Enjoy the rich history of the National Mall walking tour with included guidance from a licensed tour guide. The tour highlights key sites from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, allowing you to stand where MLK delivered his ‘I Have A Dream’ speech and visit memorials like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and WWII Memorial.

While the tour provides insightful commentary and tips, it doesn’t include food options . Exploring the monuments with a knowledgeable guide adds depth to the experience, offering stories behind each structure and the history they represent.

For those looking to explore American history and pay tribute to iconic figures, this guided tour through the National Mall is an enriching and informative adventure.

Pricing Details

The pricing for the National Mall walking tour starts from €23.46 per person, providing an affordable option to explore the iconic monuments of Washington DC.

Here are some details regarding the pricing options and tour highlights :

Affordable Pricing: Starting from €23.46 per person, the tour offers a budget-friendly way to experience the National Mall.

Inclusions: The tour includes a guided walking experience with a licensed tour guide, ensuring an informative exploration of key sights.

Tour Highlights: Participants will visit significant landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, MLK’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech location, and war memorials.

Flexibility: With the reserve now & pay later option, travelers can secure their spot without immediate payment, keeping their travel plans flexible.

Meeting Point Information

For those joining the National Mall walking tour, the meeting point is located at the Northeast corner of Independence Avenue SW and 3rd Street SW. Nearby landmarks include the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

The meeting point is easily accessible by public transportation, with the Smithsonian Metro station just a short walk away. Visitors can also opt for rideshare services or taxis for convenience. The location provides a central starting point for exploring the iconic sites along the National Mall.

Participants are advised to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour time to ensure a prompt departure and make the most of their experience.

Customer Reviews

Customer feedback reflects the overall rating of 4.3/5 for the National Mall walking tour, highlighting positive experiences with knowledgeable guides and varied customer perspectives. Some visitors praised the insightful historical narratives provided by the guides, while others appreciated the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks at a leisurely pace. However, a few reviews mentioned minor organizational issues that slightly affected the overall experience. The tour seems to cater to a diverse range of interests, drawing in history buffs, architecture enthusiasts , and those seeking a deeper understanding of American heritage. The majority of customers seemed satisfied with the tour’s content and the expertise of the guides, making it a recommended choice for a memorable exploration of Washington DC’s National Mall.

• Knowledgeable guides enhance the tour experience .
• Varied customer perspectives contribute to a well-rounded visit.
• Minor organizational aspects may require improvement.
• Suitable for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Common questions

Are there restroom facilities available along the walking tour route.

Restroom locations along the walking tour route are sparse, so visitors should plan ahead. While water availability may vary, it’s advisable to carry a refillable bottle. Being prepared ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience exploring the National Mall.

Is There a Recommended Dress Code or Attire for the Walking Tour?

When exploring the National Mall, visitors are advised to wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes . A recommended attire includes casual, layered clothing for varying temperatures. Comfortable shoes are essential for the 2-hour walking tour to enjoy the experience fully.

Are There Any Specific Safety Guidelines or Precautions to Be Aware of During the Tour?

Safety precautions on the tour include maintaining a moderate group size for a personalized experience. In case of emergencies, an emergency contact will be provided. Be aware of weather conditions and wear comfortable shoes.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks for the Duration of the Tour?

Participants may bring snacks and drinks during the tour. It’s advisable to pack light and ensure waste is properly disposed of. Enjoying refreshments while exploring the National Mall can enhance the overall experience, just remember to clean up after.

Is There a Recommended Level of Physical Fitness or Walking Endurance Required for the Tour?

For the tour, a moderate level of physical fitness and walking endurance is recommended. Participants should be able to comfortably walk for the duration of the 2-hour activity while exploring the National Mall and its various monuments.

Experience the heart of American history on the National Mall Walking Tour in Washington DC.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, visitors will uncover the stories behind iconic landmarks and monuments that symbolize the nation’s heritage.

From the U.S. Capitol to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, each stop offers a glimpse into pivotal moments in history.

This immersive tour provides a profound tribute to the figures and events that have shaped the United States, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.

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Tenleytown, DC

— country village to city neighborhood —.

 8 Great Historic Restaurants in Washington, DC

by David Farley

Last Updated: April 22, 2024

Washington DC is full of history—and we’re not just talking about the monuments. There’s history in every corner, and today’s topic is historic restaurants in DC.

This city of 700,000 denizens has seen some major historic events. And it’s also brimming with excellent historical restaurants , places where politicians have struck some serious backroom deals while tucking into a steak. 

If you like your restaurant fare served with a generous side of history, here are eight historic restaurants in DC that you’ll love.

Table of Contents

Our favorite historic restaurants in DC

Located in Georgetown, 1789 is not a French restaurant named for the year of the French Revolution. It’s an elegant American restaurant named for the year nearby Georgetown University was founded. The antique-strewn dining room is the perfect place to dig into some wagyu tartare, sauteed scallops (wading in a coconut-lime sauce), a Berkshire pork chop or a luscious rack of lamb. In 2011, President Obama dined here with German chancellor Angela Merkel.

Ben’s Chili Bowl

There is a tradition among American presidents: that they have to come to eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl at least once during their tenure in the White House. Barack Obama broke that tradition. He couldn’t wait to come so he ate at Ben’s when he was still president-elect. Donald Trump also broke the tradition by not coming at all to the U Street Corridor. 

But if you’re in DC, you don’t have to be president of any country to love Ben’s half smokes—a taut and tasty sausage that is an iconic DC food. Speaking of iconic, come just for the famous mural on the side of the building where some legendary Black celebrities are featured: The Obamas, Dave Chappelle, Prince, and Muhamed Ali, among others. It’s one of the most famous and historic restaurants in DC that you don’t want to miss.

Florida Avenue Grill

Billing itself as the “oldest soul food restaurant in the world,” Florida Avenue Grill has been flipping pancakes and double-frying chicken since 1944. Known to regulars and northwestern DC locals simply as “The Grill,” this no-frills edible institution is the place to go when you have a hankering for breakfast for dinner. Or you can chomp into some fried pork chops smothered in rich gravy, steamed pigs’ feet, or cajun-fried catfish.

Supposedly DC’s oldest continually operating restaurant , Iron Gate has been cooking up delicious fare for nearly a century. The Dupont Circle spot melds ingredients from the nearby coast with the flavors of the Mediterranean. Start with some mushroom arancini and then move on to Atlantic swordfish steak or bison flank steak.

Martin’s Tavern

A Georgetown drinking institution, Martin’s Tavern is run by the fourth generation of Martins, currently under the helm of Billy Martin, Jr. Since the Great Depression, Martin’s has been shaking up classic cocktails and serving a menu of hearty American classics like colonial Brunswick stew, Chesapeake fried oysters, Maryland crab cakes, fish and chips, and slow-roasted pot roast. Nearly every president since Harry Truman has sipped a beer here and it’s reportedly the place where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie in 1953.

Old Ebbitt Grill

Located a block from the White House, people go to Old Ebbitt Grill just to sit at the bar and hear the political gossip. Since 1856, this tavern has been slinging beers and martinis and Wasington’s elite have been coming here to feast on Maryland crabcakes, raw oysters, and hearty steaks. The 19th-century Beaux Arts building is a stunner. The interior is clad in moody dark wood and bedecked with taxidermy and old paintings.

This German restaurant near Observatory Circle has been breading schnitzel and pouring beer since the Truman Administration. Old Europe ( 2434 Wisconsin Ave ) is so old even its website looks like it hasn’t been updated since 1998. So order a large German beer and stick a fork in some hearty Teutonic fare. Naturally, there are all manner of sausages on offer—even curry wurst, the Berlin street snack that marries sausages, curry powder, and ketchup. The beer selection is excellent, including the four types of smoked beer from the beer-mecca town of Bamberg.

If you want to break bread with senators or your favorite congressman or woman—or at least in the same room with them—point yourself to The Monocle . Since 1960, this elegant spot has been hosting hungry diners and politicians , thanks to its location on Capitol Hill. The menu—no surprise here—focuses on all-American fare, including variations of the theme of steak, as well as calf’s liver, burgers, jumbo crab cakes,and fried chicken.

Hungry for more history? Join us on a tour of Washington DC and get to know this city with the help of our expert guides.

_______________________

Looking for more great DC recommendations?

The 8 Absolute Best Bookstores in Washington, DC

13 of the Coolest Art Galleries in Washington DC

About the author

David Farley is a West Village-based food and travel writer whose work appears regularly in the New York Times, National Geographic, BBC, and Food & Wine, among other publications. He’s the author of three books, including “An Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church’s Strangest Relic in Italy’s Oddest Town,” which was made into a documentary by the National Geographic Channel. You can find Farley’s online homes at https://www.tripout.online/ and https://dfarley.com/index.html

More by David Farley

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• Washington Dc
• Restaurants

9 Classic Old-School Restaurants That Define DC

Capitol hill steakhouses, half-smoke joints favored by former presidents, and the restaurant where jfk proposed to jackie o..

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DC is a city steeped in history—from the monuments on the National Mall to the artifacts tucked away inside the Smithsonian museums—so it’s no wonder that its restaurant scene is also home to some long-standing restaurants with legacy status.

In the District, you can dine at the book where JFK proposed to Jackie O, visit an old-school steakhouse where politicos convene for power lunches , or snag a seat at a bar where locals and tourists alike convene for $1 oyster happy hour. So whether you’re a tourist looking to eat your way through history in the nation’s capital or a local looking for an old-school dining experience, here are 9 historic DC restaurants serving up classic dishes with a side of history.

Ben's Chili Bowl

While the origin of DC’s iconic half-smoke is murky, Ben’s Chili Bowl is the de facto home of this city’s signature dish. This spot is known for serving up a half beef, half pork sausage that comes slathered in chili, cheese, and onions, but it also boasts a reputation for having an essence that mirrors the energy and vibrancy of its founder, 88-year-old Virginia Ali, the wife of this spot’s namesake. Over the years as the epicenter of U Street, Ben’s Chili Bowl has hosted former presidents, celebrities, comedians, and served as a meeting place for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other Civil Rights Movement leaders—and the restaurant commemorates those visits with a prominent mural on the building’s facade.

Cafe Milano

One does not simply dine at Cafe Milano. DC’s top political figure heads and tourists alike visit the restaurant to put on a show, and hopefully get a mention in tomorrow’s Playbook . Over the years politicians and celebrities have gravitated to this Italian-style restaurant known for its housemade pasta and pizzas, plus an extensive wine list and espresso martinis. Since day one, it’s been an inside-the-Beltway fixture. Maybe that’s because one of the restaurant’s regulars, Bill Clinton, took office the same day Cafe Milano opened its doors.

Florida Avenue Grill

Located at the corner of 11th and Florida Avenue, the Florida Avenue Grill, or “The Grill,” is a time-tested diner that opened in 1944. It’s the longest-operating soul food eatery in the city, with quintessential dishes, including an iconic DC half-smoke and Fried Catfish and Grits. Aim to grab a seat by the grill top and watch the line cooks master juggling multiple orders for hungry patrons that typically line up on weekends to snatch a table or barstool inside.

Iron Gate takes the prize as DC’s longest operating restaurant—it’s been open for more than nine decades. Over time, the space has been a women’s tea room, a Middle Eastern restaurant, and even the place where novelist Tom Wolfe would hang out when he was a staff writer at The Washington Post . Beyond the menu created by chef Anthony Chittum over the past decade, part of this restaurant’s allure is the interior. Most diners secure a seat underneath the wisteria vines which have been there as long as historians have been documenting Iron Gate’s history. However, what most also don’t realize is that the dining room is said to be haunted by ghosts known to play pranks like flickering lights or knocking over chairs.

Martin's Tavern

Many restaurants in the District can boast about hosting former presidents and other politicians, but none can make quite the same claim as Martin’s Tavern. This unassuming neighborhood bar is where JFK and Jackie O’s Camelot was born. It’s said that the former president proposed in booth three, and it remained a beloved spot for the couple to visit during their tenure living in Georgetown. Beyond the Kennedys, Martin’s has hosted notable people from former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to baseball legend Yogi Berra for more than nine decades. Today, DC residents continue to flock to the laid-back tavern for familiar favorites like Traditional Oyster stew with housemade garlic crostini and Grandma Martin’s Meatloaf.

Mangialardo’s

Across three generations, Mangialardo’s remains a family-owned and -operated sandwich shop with a loyal base of customers who come here for super stuffed hoagies. If you’re new here, order a G Man. It’s a mouth-watering cold cut sandwich stuffed with ham, salami, mortadella, pepperoni, fontina cheese, provolone cheese, and oregano, with the option to add hot peppers, oil, and vinegar, or mayo on a soft or hard roll. But you really can’t go wrong with anything on this simple menu—the beloved shop keeps a spot in the hearts of DC residents because of it’s reliable service and honest prices.

The Monocle

This quaint, bright yellow townhouse stands out from the grand marble surroundings of Capitol Hill—but it fits right in as a go-to lunch or dinner spot for local politicians. Since the restaurant opened in 1960, it's been host to senators, representatives, and lobbyists looking to escape the Capitol complex’s cafeteria food in favor of old-school steakhouse fare. Today, the authentic restaurant still offers a straightforward menu with a selection of steaks and burgers and seafood dishes like Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and Littleneck Clam Linguine.

Old Ebbitt Grill

Whether you’re a tourist or local, Old Ebbitt Grill calls your name for its reliable service, oyster happy hour, and Chesapeake seafood dishes like Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and seasonal Soft Shell Crab Sandwiches. Securing the spot as Washington's oldest saloon, it was founded in 1856. While no one can pinpoint the original location, Old Ebbitt Grill’s current spot just outside the White House has transformed into an around-the-clock buzzy bar and restaurant, where the bartenders can and will quiz you on presidential history. Take in the beauty of this Beaux-Arts building that was once the old B. F. Keith's Theater, and time your visit accordingly to align with oyster happy hour. A dozen oysters on the half-shell are just $24 from 4 to 5 pm daily, perfect for capping off a day exploring the National Mall .

Taberna Del Alabardero

Before the District ever heard of Jose Andrés, there was Taberna del Alabardero, a stunning Spanish-style restaurant that immediately transports you to the grandeur of Madrid with its decor and dishes. Since opening in 1989, this Spanish-style eatery has been serving croquetas and tapas to World Bank workers and diplomat crowds near this downtown location. It’s also a popular spot for private and intimate dinners with a formal dining room, adorned in silk red wallpaper. The restaurant may also be the standard-setter for DC’s beloved bottomless brunch on a budget, because for $35, diners can select a starter, main, and beverage pairing with the option to go bottomless for an added $15.

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Podcast Ep.13: Tips for Washington DC Restaurants

Every visitor wants to know: what are the very best Washington, DC restaurants? It’s a tough question, not because there aren’t good places to eat, but because there are so many! Even if you ate at a new restaurant every single day, it would take years to sample all of the DC dining options. Rob is joined by Jessica Sidman to talk all about food and restaurants in Washington, DC.

Jessica is the food editor for Washingtonian Magazine . She covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper . 

Listen online now:

Or listen and subscribe in your favorite podcast app:

Show notes:

There are a lot of resources for finding the best restaurants. In some cases it’s an almost overwhelming number of resources. A great place to start is Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best Restaurants issue. That said, a hundred restaurants is far more than a visitor can ever expect to sample during a trip. A good place to start might be with some of Jessica’s favorites.

Dabney is the Shaw neighborhood and they serve Mid-Atlantic cuisine.  Chef Jeremiah Langhorne is trying to forge a new identity for this region and its foods by looking back at historical recipes from the area. He works with local farmers to find ingredients that are native to this area that maybe aren’t as well known and showcase them on his menu. You really do get a unique taste of what this region is all about.

They have a wood-fired hearth and a Michelin Star. It’s high level but also very homey and comfortable and welcoming. It can be a little hard to get in sometimes. You probably need a reservation. Sometimes if you go right away when it opens, you can find a seat.

Another of Jessica’s favorites is Bad Saint. This is a modern Filipino restaurant that has received all kinds of accolades. It is a hole in the wall. It is so tiny might walk right by. It’s in the Columbia Heights neighborhood and it’s so popular that people line up outside in the hour or so before it opens, just to get a spot because it’s a very limited seating. It is a better place to go if you’re just two people. They only have two tables that connect and accommodate up to four people. Get there early!

The Michelin Guide to Washington, DC Restaurants

If you’re interested in restaurants, you’ve probably heard of the Michelin Guide . It’s the little red book that has a very prestigious reputation around the world for highlighting the very best restaurants. Michelin Guide expanded to the DC area in 2016.

The way it works is they have a group of anonymous inspectors who go to many restaurants. We do not know how many inspectors there are, what their backgrounds are, their names, or much of anything about them. So, the process is very opaque. It’s hard to know whether you should trust them. At least with local critics, you can follow them, you know, what their tastes are, you know who they are. You can decide for yourself whether you or disagree with them based on their track records. If you are curious about the Michelin inspectors, check out the article Lunch with M. from the New Yorker .

Michelin Guide does highlight some good DC restaurants. However, we recommend looking at your local regional magazine like Washingtonian or a newspaper like the Washington Post instead. One thing that is noticeable about the Michelin Guide is that the award winning restaurants don’t change much from year to year.

Washington, DC Restaurants Neighborhoods

Everyone asks about Georgetown. A pro tip is that Georgetown is one of the least exciting dining neighborhoods in DC. It’s fun to walk around. It’s fun to shop, check out the waterfront, and spend a day. But, if you’re really into food, there are only a couple of great restaurants.

Shaw is one of the hottest neighborhoods for Washington, DC restaurants. It is conveniently located just north of downtown. It is very easy to get to if you’re staying somewhere around the White House or the National Mall. A lot of the up and coming chefs and bar owners are opening up here. Restaurants in this area tend to have a little more personality than elsewhere.

H Street NE

This is a neighborhood that has a lot of great cheaper dining and more nightlife. There is not as much do during the day here, but if you go at night and you want to bar hop, that is a fun place to go for cheaper Washington, DC restaurants.   

The Wharf is the new waterfront of DC. It is a big, shiny, expensive development. There are lots of  restaurants and shops with beautiful waterfront views. It has a nice boardwalk and is very clean. Some of the restaurants are on the expensive end, but what is nice about the neighborhood is that the developers brought in local talent to run the restaurants. So you’re not going to find a lot of big chains that you can find somewhere else. You’re going to find some of DC’s best known chefs.

The seafood portion of the Wharf is historic and definitely worth a visit right on its own. Del Mar is very expensive, but extremely good. If you’re looking for seafood or a little bit on the cheaper end of things, there’s Hank’s oyster bar, which is a local institution. Another seafood choice is  Rappahannock Oyster Bar . They have oysters and a great crab cake. One of the best cheap eats in DC is Falafel Inc .

Washington, DC’s Local Foods

Washington, DC doesn’t have the same local foods the way that other cities do. In New York you can get a dollar slice of pizza and bagel. Philadelphia has cheese steak. In Boston you’ll eat clam chowder. Washington, DC doesn’t have that rich culinary history but does have a few unique quirks.

The food most commonly cited as a “DC food” is the half smoke, which was made famous by Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street NW. Ben’s is a local institution. A lot of chefs have riffed off it and done their own half smoke. A half smoke is simply a sausage on a bun. The origin of the name is still debated to this day.

Washington, DC is a very international city. We have immigrants from all over the world. All the embassies are here. We have an enormous diversity of food, whether it’s Korean, Ethiopian, Vietnamese, or something else. You should go to eat at an Ethiopian restaurant when you’re visiting because DC has a bigger Ethiopian and Eritrean population density than any other city.

Best Fast Casual Restaurants

One of the things that stands out about Washington, DC restaurants is that we have a ton of fast casual places to eat. Fast casual is a term for slightly nicer fast food.

One of our favorite fast casual restaurants is Sweetgreen , which was founded in DC by Georgetown University students. They serve salad, and they have a lot of really delicious seasonal combinations. So, if you are trying to eat healthy check it out.  Cava is another favorite if you’re looking for Mediterranean. There is a restaurant called Little Sesame that serves hummus bowls. You can also get hummus wraps as well with various ingredients and it’s a very fun place.

Another favorite is Chiko. The name is a combination for Chinese and Korean. It comes from really well known chefs here in DC. One of the chefs who used to run a fine dining Chinese restaurant. The other chef used to run a popular Korean restaurant. So, they bring a really high caliber of food and homemade noodles. But, they do it in a really casual way. So you still order at the counter, you get your food on a metal tray. But, the quality is something that you would get at a nicer sit down restaurants.

Washington, DC Food Halls

Food halls are the hottest food trend in 2019. Unlike food courts they focus on higher-end food and a better customer experience.

The most popular food hall in DC right now is Union Market . They have an oyster bar, sandwiches, cheese steaks, Indian food, barbecue, and everything in between. It’s all in one place so you can go with a group of people and try different things and have a perfectly awesome time.

There are at least six more food halls that are planned to open in the near future. La Cosecha is a Latin American food hall that is probably opening in late 2019. They are going to have many restaurants and casual places all focused on Latin and South American cuisine. 

A lot of chefs like food halls because it’s a better business model for them. You can find a lot of up-and-coming chefs at food halls. Food halls are their way in the door a lot of times. So you get to try some new, more experimental types of foods sometimes.

Washington, DC Food Trucks

Another place where restaurateurs might get started is with the food truck. About 10 years ago it seemed like these were all the rage. There was like reality shows TV about food trucks. There were daily articles about where to find the best food trucks. Now it feels like this trend is over. Maybe it’s not over because there’s still plenty of trucks, but people are a lot less into them.

Some of the first food trucks launched with Obama’s first inauguration back in 2009. Back then it was kind of the wild west. There weren’t a lot of regulations at the time for food trucks, so a lot of people would buy a truck as a way to kind of get into this business and start selling food. Today the scene and the city has matured and now there are specific regulations and a lottery system where people can park. There are probably more food trucks now than there have ever been.

If you want to find good food truck, skip the National Mall. That’s not where the good food trucks set up. Since there aren’t many dining options on the Mall, a food truck may be perfectly fine for lunch. However, a lot of times it’s frozen and reheated food. Elsewhere in the city there are still some really great food trucks and the best way to find them is follow them on Twitter or their websites.

Two of Jessica’s favorite food trucks are Swizzler and Abunai . Swizzler serves really cool kind of curly hot dogs with gourmet nontraditional toppings. They also just launched a new truck that just focuses on hamburgers and veggieburgers. Abunai is a Hawaiian food truck. So, if you want a little bit of Hawaiian Comfort food, look it up.

A trip hack that people might want to use this to look up an event called Truckeroo . It’s only once per month, so you have to get lucky with the timing. However, you can look up the participating trucks, then go follow them on social media and see if you can find them elsewhere during your visit.

Chinese Food in Chinatown?

Chinatown in DC is mostly a Chinatown in name at this point. It has become a very expensive neighborhood. So, a lot of chains and other restaurants have moved in. They are actually very few Chinese restaurants here in 2019. There are some great restaurants in Chinatown. They’re just not Chinese. There is a ramen shop called Daikaya which is very popular. They import their noodles from Japan and they make a beautiful porky broth.

If you do want good authentic Chinese food, you can head out to Rockville, Maryland. You do need a car to get there but there are some great Chinese restaurants. The suburbs have a much bigger Chinese immigrant population, so that’s where you’ll find some of the better restaurants. This is also true of Vietnamese and Korean – the best restaurants are in the suburbs, not the city.

What’s the Deal with Founding Farmers?

Founding Farmers is close to the White House and is perhaps the most famous of the Washington, DC restaurants. It earned the distinction of first DC restaurant to earn 10,000 reviews on Yelp . It also is the most booked restaurant on OpenTable . And it’s one of the few restaurants that Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema awarded zero stars in his 30-plus year career. The food is “perfectly fine” but not in Washingtonian’s 100 very best list.

Jessica’s Sidman’s Favorites

To wrap up the episode we asked Jessica to name her favorite Washington, DC restaurants based on a fictional scenario.

Where would you pick to eat if you only had $10 to spend?

Union market and get a Bagel with lox and cream cheese from Neopol Savory Smokery . They smoke their own fish and it is delicious.

Where would you go if you only had $5 to spend?

There is a little sidewalk stand called Bôn Matcha . They serve all sorts of matcha drinks, but they also have matcha soft serve ice cream. It is so good and the most refreshing thing on a hot day.

Where would you go if you had your boss’s credit card and you didn’t plan on showing up to work on Monday morning? 

Sushi Taro in Dupont Circle. It is extremely popular and has a Michelin Star, but it’s not too fancy. You can go during the week for lunch and get a bento box for less than $15 or you can have a fancy omakase meal for a few hundred.

They also have a great happy hour, maybe the best is the city. If you go between 5:00 and 6:00, at the bar, they sell all their sushi half off. The bar is very small and it’s very limited time so people will actually line up in advance. It’s a great option for a solo traveler.

Where would you go if you’re with a family or you’re in a group where nobody can agree on anything? 

Unconventional Diner near the Convention Center. Whatever you think of a “diner”, don’t think about that. It’s an unconventional diner. They have a wide range of foods, mostly nicer comfort foods, a little bit healthier. It’s a place where you can take the pickiest eaters and they will find something they like.

Where would you go if you want to eat something unique that you cannot find in any other city?

Little Serrow is a great place for unique food. It is a northeastern Thai restaurant and is currently priced at $49 a person. You get seven courses, served family style. It’s a lot of food and it’s super interesting. It’s spicy, it’s funky, it’s sour. However, they do not do substitutions. So if you can’t eat pork or nuts or have other allergies, it’s probably not the place for you. But if you like more adventurous food and want something really special, that is a really special place. The couple that owns it also run a fine dining restaurant that’s considered one of the best in DC called Komi. So this a more affordable way to try their cooking.

Where would you go if you want an experience that you will never forget?

Bar Mini , which is connected to Minibar from Jose Andres, one of the best known restaurants in DC. Unlike Minibar , which is an expensive tasting menu experience, Bar Mini has really avant-garde well-executed cocktails.  They do have some food but it’s more like snacky food. Still delicious nonetheless.

Where would you eat if you only have 15 minutes to get in and out?

Chiko , the Chinese, Korean fast casual restaurant. you can get in and out pretty fast. If possible, give yourself more than 15 minutes though.

Where would you go if you have vegans in your group?

Fancy Radish on H Street. They don’t like to call themselves a vegan restaurant, but rather a restaurant focused on vegetables. Regardless, both meat-lovers and veggie fans will find something they like here.

What about if you’re traveling with small kids?

Unconventional Diner is a good place for all ages. It is casual. It’s the place where the adults can feel like adults, but the kids can be kids and there’s a little something for everyone.

Where would you go if you want your best chance of sitting next to a politician?

If you want to find a current administration official, the Trump Hotel is where you will most likely to spot one. Otherwise Cafe Milano has a long history as a “DC power spot”. It’s an Italian restaurant. The food is not that great. The reason you go is to see and be seen and rub shoulders with “Washington’s elite”. It is in Georgetown and many past presidents have eaten there.

Coming to town and interested in a Washington, DC tour? Trip Hacks DC was founded by Rob, a veteran tour guide in the Nation’s Capital. Trip Hacks DC provides tips, tricks and travel hacks for planning your trip; and guided tours to show you around once you get here. Our tours are family and school group friendly and our guides specialize in the major Washington, DC sites.  Click here to check out the upcoming tour options  and to book your tour here today!  Feel free to contact us if you have any tour questions.

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• DC Airports: a Guide to Navigating DCA, IAD and BWI
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• Podcast Ep.58 Tips for Attending Pro Sports in Washington DC
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• Podcast Ep.55 What to Expect for Washington DC Tourism in 2024
• Podcast Ep.54 Every Holiday in Washington DC
• Podcast Ep.53 Why I Don’t Recommend Airbnb in Washington DC
• Podcast Ep.52 Washington DC Experiences to DO and SKIP
• Podcast Ep.51 Rob’s Washington DC Travel Philosophy

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The Most Beautiful Art Museums in Washington, DC

W hile D.C. may be known best for holding the seat of U.S. political power, its artistic prowess is not to be underestimated. Not only was it the first American city to implement the famed City Beautiful philosophy — which brought aesthetic consideration to the forefront of urban planning — but it is also home to some of the most beautiful art museums and galleries in the country. Certainly, the famed Smithsonian museums comprise 21 institutions (including the National Zoo), but art buffs have dozens of additional galleries and museums where they can spend a few hours or even a few days. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite art galleries in Washington, D.C. where you can explore everything from ancient Assyrian works to modern mixed media.

National Gallery of Art

National Mall

Perhaps the most quintessential of D.C. (and perhaps U.S.) art museums is the National Gallery of Art — or the NGA, to D.C. residents. The West building, which is the larger of the two structures comprising the gallery, offers thousands of paintings and sculptures ranging from medieval periods to the late 19th century. The East building offers up the NGA’s modern collection. Plan on allocating plenty of time if visiting either (or both) museums, given the sheer size of the permanent collection and special exhibits. 

Constitution Ave. NW

The Kreeger Museum

The intimate Kreeger Museum is the perfect art gallery for folks looking to spend a couple hours in one of D.C.’s most coveted neighborhoods and its most coveted museums. The contemporary collection has found its home in the former residence of Carmen and David Lloyd Kreeger, major players in the D.C. cultural scene in the mid-to-late 20th century. 

2401 Foxhall Rd NW

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National portrait gallery.

Tourists absolutely must visit the National Portrait Gallery, and locals should visit regularly. The institution not only houses the portraits of U.S. presidents, but a wide range of other famous Americans and works by American artists. As a Smithsonian museum, the Portrait Gallery maintains an emphasis on education in its ever-rotating exhibits. 

8th St NW & G St NW

National Museum of Women in the Arts

The newly renovated National Museum of Women in the Arts celebrates female artists, not just of the moment, but going back to the 16th century. Since opening over 37 years ago, the museum has amassed a collection that spans over 5,500 works from more than 1,000 artists; one of its most famous pieces is the only Frida Kahlo painting in the city, Self-Portrait Dedicated to Leon Trotsky . 

1250 New York Ave NW

Hirshhorn Museum

The cylindrically-shaped Hirshhorn is a must-see museum for contemporary art lovers, where visitors will find modern masterpieces from artists like Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama and Damien Hirst. On sunny days, be sure to pay a visit to the stunning sculpture garden as well, which contains a range of monumental (and subtle) pieces. 

Independence Ave SW & 7th St SW

Renwick Gallery

Located practically at the doorstep of the White House, the Renwick is one of the smaller Smithsonian art museums celebrating contemporary American art. Beyond the pieces you’ll find inside, the building itself is worth marveling at, given that it was designed by architect James Renwick Jr. in 1858 with the intent of being the country’s first structure built specifically as an art museum. 

1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW #1

National Museum of Asian Art

In the National Museum of Asian Art, you’ll find a stunning collection of works from East, South and Southeast Asia, as well as pieces from the Islamic world and ancient Egypt. Visitors will find pieces that date all the way back to the Neolithic era, as well as more modern works, spread across two buildings. Perhaps the most famous exhibit is the Peacock Room by James McNeill Whistler, an immersive display of decorative arts in the style of East Asian interior design. 

1050 Independence Ave SW

The Phillips Collection

Dupont Circle

The impressive Phillips Collection represents some of the finest work from the 19th and 20th century in Europe and the United States, with pieces from Renoir, Klee, Matisse, Monet, Picasso, Whistler and O’Keeffe. The museum also serves as the perfect backdrop for broader cultural experiences, including their occasional concert series. 

1600 21st St NW

National Museum of African Art

The African art museum in the Smithsonian collection spans the African continent and includes not only traditional and contemporary art, but also an extensive collection of photographs and books. As the first U.S.-based museum exclusively focused on African art, it remains the country’s largest collection of the continent’s works. 

950 Independence Ave SW

Rubell Museum

Southwest 

One of the newer museums in D.C., the Rubell Museum is located in what was once a historically Black public school in the southwest D.C. neighborhood. The contemporary art collection includes representation from diverse artists across diverse media, including painting, photography, video and mixed-media installations. 

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DC News Now | Washington, DC

Frederick Garden tour adds historic new stop

by: Skyler Sales

Posted: May 17, 2024 / 06:44 PM EDT

Updated: May 17, 2024 / 06:44 PM EDT

FREDERICK, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Downtown Frederick’s annual Beyond the Garden Tour is coming up. Each year, it showcases many gardens around the city — and this year, a new garden with a rich history and big mission is being added to the tour.

“The Beyond the Garden Gates tour is Frederick’s annual garden tour, which takes private and public gardens and puts them on display and show for the rest of the community,” Executive Director of Federated Charities Elin Ross explained.

This year, Federated Charities, a non-profit center, will be showcasing both its gardens and its rich history.

“Our building was gifted to us in 1930 and it was originally a private home owned by the Williams family so these gardens in the front and the back of the property belonged to the house and so we have maintained them since we inherited the building in 1930 to be used as a nonprofit center,” Ross said.

Community volunteers such as Kathy Fay maintain the garden.

“Having us on the tour this year is [important] because it brings people to our buildings so that they are able to learn about what we do, but it also shows them this space that is open for public rental if they’re interested,” Fay said.

Both Fay and Ross hope that the garden tour will impact both the center and the people it’s made to serve.

“It really belongs to the entire community,” Ross said.

“We believe that these historic spaces deserve to be saved and utilized and see new life.”

The garden tour runs until May 19.

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Alsobrooks vs. Trone’s brutal U.S. Senate primary battle nears finale

The costliest race in Maryland ends Tuesday, with the deeply Democratic state’s highest-stakes fight with the GOP on the horizon.

Maryland voters on Tuesday will decide which Democrat they want to compete in a looming battle of national consequence, probably against former governor Larry Hogan (R) in a November election that could help determine which party controls the U.S. Senate.

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Rep. David Trone have been courting Maryland’s 2.2 million Democratic voters for more than a year in the costliest race in state history, a matchup that has offered voters more choice on style and identity than on policy differences.

The contest started as a sleepy race between a deep-pocketed sitting congressman with liberal bona fides and a local executive whose candidacy offered the barrier-breaking potential of sending the first Black person from Maryland to the Senate.

Hogan’s surprise , last-minute entrance in February upped the stakes, with the still-popular former governor putting a once reliably Democratic seat into play by jumping into the race at the request of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) and the Republican Party.

The fevered final weeks of the Democratic primary were marked with increasing acrimony and attack ads, as national interest intensified the spotlight on the race — and the wraith of Hogan’s favor with voters was prominent in the background. While the state has not elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since 1980, the specter of facing Hogan has prompted some Democrats to call for party unity as divisions deepened between the candidates’ supporters.

Alsobrooks supporters accused Trone of using his personal fortune to buy the election. They also questioned public comments he has made, including the use of the word “jigaboo, ” a racial slur he said he spoke by accident and did not know the meaning of in a March congressional hearing when he meant to say bugaboo.

He has touted his congressional effectiveness and has embraced the question of his resources — noting that a healthy war chest would ensure the campaign needs less financial support from national Democrats in the fall. He also says his record on issues of importance to voters from marginalized communities is critical to serving the electorate in Maryland, the most diverse state on the East Coast.

While he built an early lead in polls before Alsobrooks began advertising on TV in earnest, the picture became less clear in the waning weeks of the primary as many undecided voters began to tune in.

In interviews, some voters said they were already thinking ahead to November as they navigated a choice between Alsobrooks and Trone.

Judit Vadasz, 72, recently naturalized as a U.S. citizen, cast her vote for Trone at the Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center in Chevy Chase on the second day of early voting.

The retired economist, originally from Hungary, said Trone’s resources factored into the “single-minded” choice she made to prioritize which candidate would ensure that the chamber remains under Democratic control if former president Donald Trump is returned to the White House.

For Nicole Tisdale, 58, Alsobrooks was always the one.

Tisdale cast her vote at the Bowie gymnasium on the first day of early voting, saying Maryland’s congressional delegation needs perspective that is missing in current leadership. Trone dismissed his company’s political giving to Republicans — including Hogan — too quickly at a recent debate, she added. “I don’t know how you square that,” Tisdale said. “To me, that’s self-serving.”

Alsobrooks, 53, a mother of a college student, has campaigned on a record as county executive that she says proves she can get things done: championing the relocation of the FBI headquarters to Greenbelt, securing $67 million from the state for a new cancer center and pushing for a public-private funding model to build more schools in the county, among other things.

She has an enviable battalion of support from top Democrats in the state, including Gov. Wes Moore and U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, who decided last summer not to seek the seat.

While she rarely discusses race on the campaign trail, the history-making possibility of a state home to more than 2 million Black people electing its first Black senator has shaped the contest . Maryland’s congressional delegation is largely White and entirely male.

Trone, 68, a co-founder of Total Wine & More who was first elected to Congress in 2018, has poured more than $61 million of his own money into the campaign, outspending Alsobrooks 10 to 1.

He has secured the backing of influential labor unions, congressional leaders, state leaders and Prince George’s County officials, and he counts prominent Black leaders among his boosters, including Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) . Trone has a years-long record of outreach and work in marginalized communities that predates his political career and has messaged heavily Black and Latino voters with direct promises on social justice — including a commitment to combating the carceral system with a holistic approach .

He told The Washington Post that he will spend “whatever it takes to win,” and his campaign said his spending provides a larger opportunity for Democrats to compete in November. In public forums, he has said the approach ensures he is not beholden to PACs, lobbyists or corporations. He sometimes lists companies that have contributed to Alsobrooks.

She has returned fire by questioning his business’s political giving. A political action committee called Women Vote put nearly $1.5 million behind an ad airing in Baltimore that criticizes Trone’s company for political contributions to Republicans who oppose abortion . (Trone rebuts it with his high rating on his record from Planned Parenthood and his financial support of a Western Maryland abortion clinic.)

He was the first to go negative, airing ads with leaders from the county she governs who side with him — and later editing it to remove a surrogate’s comment that suggested Alsobrooks needed “training wheels.”

Whoever wins will probably face an onslaught of Republican spending as both parties grapple for control of Congress’s upper chamber in an election cycle likely to be loud and bruising.

Hogan has so far sought to build upon the brand of pragmatic populism that lifted him to office, saying he’s not running against either Democrat or for a political party but “against the broken politics and the system in Washington.” He told supporters at a fundraiser that he was getting “attacked” from the left and the right, after taking the stage to the song “Stuck in the Middle With You.”

Maryland Democrats, whose registered voters outnumber registered Republicans 2 to 1, will focus their attention on a slice of the electorate that, according to polls, likes Hogan but wants the chamber to stay in Democratic control.

Democratic turnout in early voting and mail-in voting is down from two years ago, when the governor’s race consumed the primary. Roughly 18,000 fewer Democratic ballots were cast at early voting centers compared with 2022. And as of Saturday evening, 56,205 fewer mail-in ballots had been received compared with two years ago, though more can come in before the polls close Tuesday.

Polls are scheduled to close at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Election officials can post results from early voting and canvassed mail-in ballots shortly afterward while Election Day votes cast in person are tabulated.