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: 123 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 56 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 812 of 28532
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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!

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Daniel October 25, 2024

I suggest arriving right when the museum opens at 10 AM to beat the crowds. It gets super busy later in the day, and you'll have a better chance to enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed.

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Elizabeth October 10, 2024

Check out the eating options outside the museum instead of within it. The food court nearby has a variety of choices that are often cheaper and much tastier

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: 210 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 95 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 1577 of 28532
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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: 244 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 124 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 1894 of 28532
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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.

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Elizabeth October 16, 2024

I suggest downloading the museum’s app for interactive maps and cool info on the exhibits. It really added to my experience!

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: 411 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 186 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 2784 of 28532
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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

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Ronald November 20, 2024

I suggest downloading the museum app before you go. It really helps with navigation and gives you extra info that you might miss otherwise. Trust me, it made my visit so much smoother.

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: 493 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 210 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 3209 of 28532
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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: 1179 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 560 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 7980 of 28532
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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: 1141 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 552 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 7950 of 28532
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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: 1566 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 751 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 10966 of 28532
Museums
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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 5.3

Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1891 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 893 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 13191 of 28532
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 5.3

Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1908 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 886 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 13245 of 28532
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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