Top Museums in District of Columbia

7.8
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District of Columbia Region | USA - Rated 7.8
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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: 118 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 57 of 1942
Popularity Worldwide: 791 of 28980
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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!

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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.

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: 200 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 105 of 1942
Popularity Worldwide: 1610 of 28980
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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: 245 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 118 of 1942
Popularity Worldwide: 1931 of 28980
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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: 359 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 170 of 1942
Popularity Worldwide: 2802 of 28980
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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

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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: 472 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 220 of 1942
Popularity Worldwide: 3358 of 28980
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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: 1137 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 530 of 1942
Popularity Worldwide: 7714 of 28980
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: 1151 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 565 of 1942
Popularity Worldwide: 8188 of 28980
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: 1560 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 743 of 1942
Popularity Worldwide: 10587 of 28980
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 5.4

Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1866 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 896 of 1942
Popularity Worldwide: 13336 of 28980
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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: 1857 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 884 of 1942
Popularity Worldwide: 13133 of 28980
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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