Arlington National Cemetery

Not many cemeteries would list among a city’s top 10 sights, but Arlington is an exception. Catch the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where soldiers keep a 24-hour watch in honor of the unidentified dead from World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

• Web:

  www.arlingtoncemetery.net

• Address:

  Arlington, VA

• Phone:

  +1 877 907 8585

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–7pm

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States of America. This building is a beautiful structure that offers free guided tours for visitors. Among all the churches in the world, this basilica is one of the largest.

• Web:

  www.nationalshrine.org

• Address:

  400 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, D.C.

• Phone:

  +1 202 526 8300

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6am–6pm

• More info:

  For schedules of guided tours, masses and confessions, see the official website

• Subway:

  The Basilica is accessible by Metro on the Red line at Brookland/CUA.

Georgetown

Unique Georgetown has a reputation for great shops, the trendiest restaurants, and quaint cobblestone streets. It’s the place to be in DC and is a haven for the city’s students. If you visit Georgetown, you end up in a beautiful historic place that offers over 450 shops, including dining and entertainment possibilities. A trip to this charming part of Washington is a must.

• Web:

  www.georgetowndc.com

• Address:

  Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

• Subway:

  The Circulator's Georgetown-Union Station route or Dupont Circle–Georgetown-Rosslyn route takes you into the middle of Georgetown.

Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial is located in the city's heart, just a few minutes walk from the White House. The monument has white Georgia marble steps and if you step inside, a Thomas Jefferson statue — by sculptor Rudulph Evans — unfolds in the middle.

• Web:

  www.nps.gov/thje

• Address:

  701 East Basin SW, Washington, D.C.

• Opening hours:

  24/7

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is located close to the Lincoln Memorial in the capital of the United States. The arts center brings the world closer to those who visit. There is a lot to see here; there are different performances, such as ballet, jazz, contemporary dance, festivals, and a lot more!

• Web:

  www.kennedy-center.org

• Address:

  2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.

• Phone:

  +1 202 467 4600

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–midnight (subject to change)

• Subway:

  The closest station is the Foggy Bottom/George Washington University Station.

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress, with its collection, is the largest library in the world. The three buildings — Thomas Jefferson Building, James Madison Memorial Building, and the John Adams Building — are beautiful historical buildings that even offer a free tour. Exhibitions, gallery talks, guided tours, concerts, lectures, and other events are offered for the visitors in the library.

• Web:

  www.loc.gov

• Address:

  101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D.C.

• Phone:

  +1 202 707 5000

• Opening hours:

  Mon 8:30am–9:30pm, Tue 9:30am–4pm, Wed & Thu 8:30am–9:30pm, Sat 9:30am–4pm

• Subway:

  Closest Metro stop: Capitol South.