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Washington DC's Top National Monuments

From the White House to Capitol Hill, these spots are iconic.

Inside a Washington DC monument
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From the [White House](https://www.viator.com/en-CA/Washington-DC-attractions/White-House/d657-a1102 to the [Lincoln Memorial]](https://www.viator.com/en-CA/Washington-DC-attractions/Lincoln-Memorial/d657-a1087), DC's monuments are the city's major calling card, attracting millions of annual visitors from the US and abroad. With a long list of can't-miss sites, here's how to see it all in the nation's capital.

The White House

Flowers and fountains at the White House, the most iconic building of all.
Flowers and fountains at the White House.Photo Credit: Luca Perra / Shutterstock

Home to all the presidents since 1800 and a can’t-miss photo op for most visitorshome to all the presidents since 1800 and a can’t-miss photo op for most visitors.

Admire the White House from the outside on a city walking tour, or plan in advance and arrange a self-guided tour through your member of Congress.

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill at twilight.
Golden lights at Capitol Hill.Photo Credit: Diego Grandi / Shutterstock

A historic district surrounding its crown jewel: the domed Capitol Building where Congress sits.

Choose your preferred way to see the mall and Tidal Basin: on foot, bike, bus, Segway, or electric cart.

The National Mall

Looking out to the National Mall in DC.
Looking out to the National Mall.Photo Credit: AevanStock / Shuttertock

A 1,000-acre park in the heart of the city, dotted with more than a dozen monuments and memorials.

Opt for an evening bus tour to see the monuments and memorials lit up against the night sky without the usual daytime crowds.

Tidal Basin

Cherry blossoms in the city of Washington.
Cherry blossoms in the city.Photo Credit: Steve Heap / Shutterstock

A manmade reservoir where you’ll find most of the monuments that aren’t on the Mall, including one of the newest: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

Opt for an evening bus tour to see the monuments and memorials lit up against the night sky without the usual daytime crowds.

The National Archives

Outside the National Archives in Washington.
Outside the National Archives.Photo Credit: ThreeWiseMen1998 / Tripadvisor

A history-lover’s paradise and home to important documents like the original Constitution.

If you want an inside look at DC past and present, book a VIP tour with priority access to the Capitol Building and National Archives.

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