Powerful monuments, rich history, and a city that blends tradition with modern culture.

Welcome to Washington DC, the heart of the United States and a capital city bursting with history, iconic sights, and modern charm. It’s the perfect destination for a post-camp adventure, offering the best mix of education, inspiration, and Insta-worthy moments. You’ve seen it in films, read about it in textbooks – now it’s time to see it for yourself.

Oh – and just a heads up – don’t confuse it with Washington State. DC is on the East Coast, and it’s a whopping 2,700 miles away from its namesake!

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Top choices on what to do

You can’t visit DC without seeing the White House. Whether you snap a photo from the gates or book a guided tour (arrange in advance!), this iconic building is a must. You’re likely to find a lively buzz around the area with food vendors, street performers and artists nearby. Why not hop on a segway tour and glide through the city in style?

Another must-see? The National Museum of Natural History. Yes, the one from Night at the Museum! Wander through halls filled with dinosaurs, dazzling gems, ocean wonders and real-life artefacts that make you feel like you’re walking through movie magic.

Also check out the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which has rockets, moon landers, and the actual Wright brothers’ first plane. Oh – and like most of DC’s museums, it’s completely free.

Get your dose of American culture

DC is like one giant outdoor museum. The best part? It’s all walkable. Most of the big sights are packed into the National Mall, a stretch of green space lined with grand buildings, monuments and memorials.

Here’s what to add to your list:

  • The Lincoln Memorial (tip: visit at night to avoid the crowds and catch it beautifully lit up)
  • The Washington Monument, towering over the city skyline
  • The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
  • The World War II and Vietnam Veterans Memorials

The city operates on a tidy grid system, with lettered streets running east-west and numbered streets going north-south – so navigating is a breeze, especially on foot.

And don’t miss a trip to Capitol Hill – home of the US Capitol and the Library of Congress. It’s like walking through the pages of American history.

Feeling peckish?

After all that walking, you’ll want something delicious (and affordable). Thankfully, DC’s food scene delivers.

  • Baja Grille (1133 20th St NW): A local favourite for fresh, made-from-scratch Mexican food. Their homemade mayo and salsas are next-level, and the burritos are packed with flavour.
  • Amsterdam Falafelshop (2425 18th Street NW): Possibly one of the best cheap eats in the city. Crispy homemade falafel stuffed into warm flatbread and loaded with toppings – tahini, yoghurt, hot sauce and crunchy pickles. All for around $6.

If you’re craving something sweet, check out Baked & Wired in Georgetown for oversized cupcakes and strong coffee.

The monuments by moonlight

In the heat of the summer, daytime sightseeing can be intense – both in temperature and crowd size. So here’s a pro tip: go monument-hopping by night. The iconic memorials like Lincoln, MLK, and World War II are stunning when lit up, and you’ll get to enjoy them in a more peaceful, almost magical setting.

Go with friends, take plenty of photos, and enjoy the cool evening air as you soak in the atmosphere.

After dark

DC’s nightlife might surprise you – it’s not all politics! You can catch live jazz in Blues Alley, visit cool rooftop bars like POV at the W Hotel, or explore the Adams Morgan district for vintage bars and buzzing energy. You’ll find plenty of college students, travellers, and locals hanging out late into the evening.

Quick extras

For a panoramic view, head to the Old Post Office Tower – it’s free, and often quieter than the Washington Monument.

Georgetown is the city’s prettiest neighbourhood – cobbled streets, cute shops, colourful townhouses and the famous canal.

Fancy a bit of retail therapy? Hit CityCenterDC or Union Market for indie finds and delicious street food.