Top Museums in Washington D.C.

I recommend downloading the museum's app before your visit. It has helpful maps and information about the exhibits, so you won't waste time wandering around trying to find things.

Bring a refillable water bottle! The museum has water fountains, so you can stay hydrated without spending a fortune on snacks and drinks.

If you're a fan of the Hope Diamond, try to visit that exhibit first. It's one of the most popular things, and going at the start of your visit saves you from a long wait later.

Consider spending a little extra for the IMAX tickets if you're into cool visuals. It was a great way to break up the museum experience and really worth the money!

I suggest getting there right when they open, around 10 AM, to avoid the crowds and get the best experience. Trust me, it gets packed fast!

My advice is to book timed entry tickets online in advance. I almost forgot and the line was super long! It saved me a ton of waiting time.

I think you should take advantage of the free audio guides if they’re available! They give you so much insight about each exhibit that totally enhances the experience.

Try to explore the museum's café for lunch. It’s a bit pricey, but the food is great and a nice break from all the walking around.

Take breaks! After a few hours, it was hard to absorb info. There are nice seating areas to recharge and get back to exploring.

I really enjoyed the First Ladies exhibit, but it gets super crowded. Try to hit that one right when the museum opens, around 10 AM.

Check out the museum’s website for free timed passes, it can save you a lot of time waiting in line. I wish I had done that!

If you plan to spend a lot of time there, consider packing a small snack to save on costs and avoid the cafeteria rush during lunch hours.

Remember to bring some water, but also keep in mind that there's a café inside. I was surprised by the reasonable prices – just like regular cafes, plus the coffee was pretty good!

My advice is to take the time for the short films they have in some of the exhibits. I initially thought I'd skip them, but they really enhanced my understanding of everything and only took a few minutes.

Don't skip the small exhibits on the upper floors. I honestly almost did, thinking they wouldn’t be worth my time, but they were some of the most impactful parts of my visit.

If you can, try going on a weekday morning like 10 AM. It was way less crowded then, and I could take my time reading everything without feeling rushed

Take advantage of the free audio guides available! They really enhanced my experience and provided cool insights I wouldn't have caught just walking around. You can download them right on your phone!

Don't miss the East Building! The modern art is amazing and often overlooked by first-timers. It's totally worth the extra time and it's less crowded than the West Building.

If you're on a budget, grab lunch at a nearby deli instead of the café inside... You'll save a ton and still get some great food without missing any art time

Grab a bite at the nearby food trucks before or after your visit. I think it’s a fun way to mix in local flavors, and it’s usually cheaper than the museum’s cafe.

if you can, try to visit on a weekday. i went on a saturday, and it was super crowded. a weekday felt way more relaxed, and i could enjoy the exhibits better without feeling rushed.

Don't skip the outdoor area! I almost overlooked it, but it was a peaceful escape from the crowds and worth the stroll.

Definitely check out the museum's website beforehand for current exhibitions! I missed a couple of amazing ones because I didn't plan ahead.

If you can, take advantage of the free guided tours. They really enhance the experience and give you insights that you might miss otherwise.

I recommend starting your visit on the second floor. The exhibits there tend to be less crowded in the mornings.

If you can visit on a weekday and aim for around 10 AM. It’s way less crowded then and you'll get a better chance to really take in the artwork without feeling rushed.

My advice is to spend extra time in the main gallery where the large installations are. They’re really stunning, and I almost rushed through them because I was on a time crunch

i sugggest getting the free audio guide. it adds a cool layer of info that you might not get just from looking at the art. plus, it’s super easy to use!

Don’t forget to check out the gift shop. I found some unique souvenirs that I didn’t see in other places. Prices are pretty decent too, so it’s worth a peek.

Take your time in the sculpture garden. I rushed through it initially but realized later that it had some hidden gems. A 15-minute stroll really adds to the experience

Don't skip the gift shop at the end. I stumbled upon some unique art books and souvenirs that were actually reasonably priced. Much better than typical tourist shops!

Pack a light snack and enjoy it at one of the benches outside. The café can be pricey and crowded during lunch hours.

i suggest checking out the museum's outdoor sculpture garden first; it’s a peaceful spot and a great way to start your visit!

My advice is to start with the rotating exhibits before the permanent collection – they often have unique installations that might surprise you!