Washington DC
Capital city of the United States
Why go
Washington, D.C., officially the District of Columbia and commonly shortened to Washington, or DC, is the capital city of the United States, and its only federal district.
The city stands on the north-east bank of the Potomac River, across from the state of Virginia, surrounded by Maryland to its north, east, and south. The district was named for Columbia, the female personification of the American nation, through which human form and attributes are applied to the United States. "Washington" is a more recent addition to the city's common name, and is from the name of George Washington, the first U.S. president.
More about Washington DC
Washington, D.C., officially the District of Columbia and commonly shortened to Washington, or DC, is the capital city of the United States, and its only federal district.
The city stands on the north-east bank of the Potomac River, across from the state of Virginia, surrounded by Maryland to its north, east, and south. The district was named for Columbia, the female personification of the American nation, through which human form and attributes are applied to the United States. "Washington" is a more recent addition to the city's common name, and is from the name of George Washington, the first U.S. president.
Top things to see
More places around Washington DC
Brookings Institution
American think tank
0.2 mi awayNational Geographic Society
American scientific organization
0.1 mi awayCarnegie Endowment for International Peace
Washington-based American think tank
0.2 mi awayCenter for a New American Security
American think tank
0.2 mi awayAmerican Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
American labor union of public employees
0.2 mi awayDC Minyan
Jewish congregation in Washington D.C
0.2 mi awayCTIA (organization)
Trade association
0.1 mi awayEdlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, D.C.
Jewish community center in Washington, D.C., U.S.
0.2 mi awayResources for the Future
U.S. non-profit organization
0.2 mi awayCathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
Catholic cathedral in Washington, DC, US
0.2 mi awayPeterson Institute for International Economics
American think tank
0.2 mi awayBet Mishpachah
Notable place
0.2 mi awayWhen to go
Average highs and lows (°F) and days with rain or snow, from last year’s weather. Best months are highlighted.
Where to stay
What to eat
Restaurants & cafés in Washington DC
Finding places to eat…
What’s on in the next six weeks
Checking what’s on…
Know before you go
Traveler reviews
Ready to book?
Compare these sites when you’re ready — or plan the whole trip with your group first.
Tours & tickets in Washington DC
Rental cars
Travel insurance
We may earn a commission from some of these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Photos from Unsplash, Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA); facts from Wikipedia; maps © OpenStreetMap contributors, weather from Open-Meteo. Huginn’s tips are AI-written — check prices, hours and entry rules before you go.