Top Museums in Washington D.C.

7.4
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Washington D.C. | District of Columbia Region, USA - Rated 7.4
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1

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History rating icon 9.7

10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 133 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 59 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 844 of 29088
Museums
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Richard April 7, 2025

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.

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Anthony February 3, 2025

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

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Karen January 25, 2025

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.

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Justin January 17, 2025

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!

2

National Museum of African American History and Culture rating icon 9.3

National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400, Constitution Avenue Northwest, Ward 2, Washington, District of Columbia, 20560, United States copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 211 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 97 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 1540 of 29088
Museums
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Barbara February 14, 2025

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!

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Matthew February 10, 2025

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.

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Elizabeth January 20, 2025

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.

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Mark October 26, 2024

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.

3

Smithsonian National Museum of American History rating icon 9.2

1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 260 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 108 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 1865 of 29088
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Matthew April 10, 2025

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

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Anthony March 14, 2025

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.

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Mark January 18, 2025

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!

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Jack November 28, 2024

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.

4

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum rating icon 9

100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 363 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 173 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 2950 of 29088
Museums
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Adam March 29, 2025

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!

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Margaret February 19, 2025

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.

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Joshua January 5, 2025

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.

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Matthew November 30, 2024

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

5

National Gallery of Art rating icon 8.8

Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 484 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 223 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 3237 of 29088
Museums
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Richard March 22, 2025

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!

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Justin March 6, 2025

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.

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Ryan December 26, 2024

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

6

International Spy Museum rating icon 7.2

700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1113 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 543 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 7926 of 29088
Museums
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Nathan February 11, 2025

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.

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Benjamin December 11, 2024

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.

7

National Museum of the American Indian rating icon 7.1

4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1169 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 573 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 8240 of 29088
Museums
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Tyler February 14, 2025

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

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John February 4, 2025

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

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Jack December 17, 2024

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

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Donald October 31, 2024

My advice is to bring a refillable water bottle. There's a nice café inside, but the prices can add up if you're thirsty!

8

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum rating icon 6.2

1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW #1, Washington, DC 20006, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1517 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 722 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 10746 of 29088
Museums
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George March 18, 2025

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.

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Betty February 27, 2025

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

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Nathan January 1, 2025

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!

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Justin October 15, 2024

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.

9

Hirshhorn Museum rating icon 5.4

Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1887 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 904 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 13265 of 29088
Museums
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Richard November 29, 2024

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

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Mark October 12, 2024

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!

10

Hirschhorn Museum rating icon 5.4

Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1881 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 902 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 13193 of 29088
Museums
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Jill January 15, 2025

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

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Dorothy January 6, 2025

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

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Lucas January 4, 2025

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

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