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North America United States Washington, D.C. Do & See John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Overview

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The guide was updated: 2025-09-05

Not far from the Lincoln Memorial, the Kennedy Center is D.C.’s main stage for live performance. The calendar is packed year-round with everything from ballet and opera to jazz, theatre, and touring shows. The rooftop terrace is open to the public and gives a wide view of the Potomac River.

Useful Information

Address: 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Website: www.kennedy-center.org
Public Transport: Nearest Metro: Foggy Bottom–GWU (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) plus a free Kennedy Center Shuttle just outside the station, running roughly every 15 minutes to the center.
Phone: +1 800 444 1324

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

The White House

The White House

No trip to D.C. is complete without seeing the iconic White House. You can’t go inside without advance clearance, but the Visitor Center nearby has a virtual tour that gives a good sense of the rooms and history. From the outside, it’s interesting to watch the comings and goings, and the lawn and gardens are worth a stroll if you’re nearby.

National Mall

National Mall

The National Mall is the central strip of D.C., where most of the major sights are lined up. You can stroll past the Smithsonian museums — like the National Museum of American History — and pop into the National Gallery and its Sculpture Garden. Monuments and memorials are scattered along the way, from Lincoln and Roosevelt to the Vietnam and Korean War memorials.

United States Capitol

United States Capitol

The United States Capitol dominates the eastern end of the National Mall on Capitol Hill — its dome, completed during the Civil War, is hard to miss. The Capitol is the seat of the United States Congress, and it has been a center of American politics since 1800. Inside, the Visitor Center walks you through its history, shows off its art collection, and explains how the legislative branch works. Free guided tours are available, but booking ahead is a good idea — lines can get long, especially in peak season.

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

At the far end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial feels even more striking when you walk up the steps and stand where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his defining “I Have a Dream” speech. Inside, Lincoln’s 19-foot statue looks out over the long Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument. Go at sunrise or after dark if you want a quieter moment — the view’s completely different depending on the time of day.

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

Head out after dark to see the iconic monuments of Washington D.C. all lit up and crowd-free on this guided sightseeing night tour. Hop aboard an open-air trolley and enjoy fun anecdotes and historical information about the United States capital while traveling past each point of interest. See the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and many other landmarks.

Georgetown

Georgetown

Georgetown feels like a little world of its own in D.C., with cobblestone streets, old brick buildings, and a mix of shops and restaurants. You can wander along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue for over 450 options — from coffee shops to trendy boutiques — or grab a bite along the waterfront. It’s a popular spot for students and visitors alike, and walking through the neighbourhood gives a real sense of the city’s history.

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

This museum traces the story of the United States, from the Civil War to the 20th century, including key moments like the JFK assassination. You can see everything from the original Star-Spangled Banner to presidential artifacts. The museum also offers demonstrations, tours, lectures, and occasional live performances, so there’s always something to explore beyond the main exhibits.

Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre

Opened in 1863, Ford’s Theatre is best known as the site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. You can tour the theatre, visit the museum, and learn about Lincoln’s life and legacy. The adjacent Petersen House, where Lincoln died, is part of the experience.

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Not many cemeteries would be listed among a city’s top 10 sights, but Arlington is an exception. Catch the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where soldiers keep a 24-hour watch in honor of the unidentified dead from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Beyond the tomb, you can visit the graves of presidents, military leaders, and other notable figures, or take a quiet walk through the grounds.

National Gallery of Art

National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art has a huge collection spanning centuries. The Neo-Classical West Building houses European paintings and sculptures, while the modern East Building focuses on 20th- and 21st-century art. Outside, the Sculpture Garden features large-scale works and is a nice spot to take a break.

Library of Congress

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, and its three buildings — the Thomas Jefferson, James Madison Memorial, and John Adams — are well worth exploring. Free tours show off the architecture and highlight the rare collections, while exhibitions, gallery talks, concerts, and lectures give visitors plenty to see and do.

Supreme Court of the United States

Supreme Court of the United States

The Supreme Court building, completed in 1935, is open to the public for self-guided visits. On the ground floor, you’ll find exhibitions about the Court’s history and role in government, and on the first floor, you can see the courtroom where cases are heard. There’s also a short educational film, and at certain times, you can attend lectures or oral arguments if the Court is in session.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

A short walk from the Tidal Basin and just a bit farther from the White House, the Jefferson Memorial sits on the water’s edge. White marble steps lead up to the circular temple, and inside, a 19-foot statue of Thomas Jefferson by Rudulph Evans looks out over the basin. The memorial’s walls feature Jefferson’s own words, and the surrounding park is especially nice during cherry blossom season.

Washington Monument

Washington Monument

At nearly 555 feet, the Washington Monument is the tallest structure in the city and can be seen from all over D.C. You can take an elevator to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the National Mall, the Capitol, and the surrounding city. Tickets are timed, so it’s best to reserve in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

National Archives Research Center

National Archives Research Center

This is where the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights live. Stepping into the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, you’re literally standing in front of the documents that shaped this nation. Beyond the Rotunda, the museum has exhibits on American history and government that are easy to explore if you want to spend more time.

United States Botanic Garden

United States Botanic Garden

Right next to the Capitol, the Botanic Garden is a quiet spot with both indoor conservatories and outdoor plots. Inside, you can walk through rainforest and desert environments under glass; outside, there are seasonal displays and a rose garden. It’s not huge, so an hour or so is usually enough, but it’s a nice break from the busier sights on the Mall. Entry is free, and there are programs and exhibits for all ages.

Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral

The National Cathedral sits on Mount St. Alban and is one of the largest cathedrals in the country. The stained glass, stone carvings, and soaring ceilings are impressive, and the grounds are pleasant to wander. Guided tours, led by staff who know the history and architecture inside out, are the best way to explore.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Not far from the Lincoln Memorial, the Kennedy Center is D.C.’s main stage for live performance. The calendar is packed year-round with everything from ballet and opera to jazz, theatre, and touring shows. The rooftop terrace is open to the public and gives a wide view of the Potomac River.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a powerful and in-depth memorial and education center. Using artifacts, survivor testimonies, and films, the Permanent Exhibition traces events from the rise of the Nazis to the aftermath of the Holocaust. It’s a sobering experience that most visitors spend two to three hours exploring.

Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park has been a green space in D.C. since 1890. It’s a good spot to escape the city, walk or bike along trails, and enjoy nature without leaving the urban area. Keep an eye out for squirrels, birds, and other wildlife as you wander through the woods or along the creek.

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

At the National Air and Space Museum, you can see historic aircraft, from Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed to World War II fighters, as well as spacecraft and moon landing exhibits. There’s also a planetarium, IMAX theatre, and flight simulators, plus workshops and demonstrations that make the science behind aviation and space exploration come alive.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

The National Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals from nearly 400 species — everything from elephants and lions to smaller exhibits you can explore at your own pace. Highlights include the Giant Panda Habitat and Amazonia, an indoor rainforest with monkeys, fish, and tropical plants. The grounds are expansive, so wear good shoes and plan a few hours if you want to see more than just the main enclosures.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the U.S., with a striking interior of mosaics, chapels, and domes. Free guided tours are available and give a good sense of its history and architecture.

International Spy Museum

International Spy Museum

Step into the shoes of a spy at the International Spy Museum, which holds the largest public collection of international espionage artifacts—from gadgets to disguises—and documents the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. It’s interactive and entertaining for both adults and kids, but timed tickets are required, especially on weekends.

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