Washington, D.C., is the capitol of the United States and a vibrant, culturally rich city that is historically, geographically, economically, and socially tied to the federal government that calls it home and the states of Maryland and Virginia that are its neighbors. Top things to do in D.C.: Stroll around the Tidal Basin. Visit the White House and Washington Monument. Take a Monuments by Moonlight Tour. Walk the National Mall. Explore Georgetown and more. Your trusted guide to Washington, DC. From restaurant roundups and neighborhood gems to itinerary inspiration and unforgettable events — discover why there’s Only 1 DC, all from a local point of view. There are many things to visit in Washington, D.C., but some of the city’s most well-known landmarks are the White House and the Washington Monument, which have become symbols of the U.S. Welcome to Washington, DC From services to neighborhood news, DC.gov is your official and trusted source for what's happening in the District. You can find all the best things to do right here in DC, from concerts and cultural events to American history, free attractions and so much more. It’s easy to ride the Metro or hop on a bike and explore all that the nation’s capital has to offer. In early 1791, President George Washington, in preparation for the move of the national capital from Philadelphia, appointed Pierre (Peter) Charles L'Enfant to devise a plan for the new city in an area of land at the center of the federal territory that lay between the northeast shore of the Potomac River and the northwest shore of the Potomac's Eastern Branch. [36][37] L'Enfant then designed in his Plan of the city intended for the permanent seat of the government of the United States. the city's first layout, a grid centered on the United States Capitol, which would stand at the top of a hill (Jenkins Hill) on a longitude designated as 0,0°. Whether you’re heading to Washington, DC, for a weekend getaway or a weeklong trip, or you’re a local showing around visitors, you might be wondering how to best spend your time in our nation’s capital. Here is our guide to the best things to do in Washington, DC, right now. Washington, D.C., officially the District of Columbia and commonly known as simply Washington or D.C., is the capital city and federal district [a] of the United States. The city is on the Potomac River across from Virginia and shares land borders with Maryland to its north and east. Things to Do in Washington DC, District of Columbia: See Tripadvisor's 897,143 traveler reviews and photos of Washington DC tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. We have reviews of the best places to see in Washington DC. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.