Tours

Washington is a manageable city that is easy to get around and there are lots of attractions to see. Whether you decide to embark on an unguided tour or a guided one, you'll never run out of places to visit.

National Mall

Certainly the best place to start is the National Mall, where the symbol of the city, the Washington Monument, stands. Have lunch at the nearby Mitsitam Cafe before exploring the other landmarks here. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, FDR Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial are all within walking distance.

White House

Another location that that tourists should visit while in the city is the White House. Once you have toured the Executive Mansion, take a short walk through Freedom Plaza to the Federal Bureau of Investigation where tours include a history of the agency, a look into the sophisticated crime lab and a firearms demonstration. Dine at the nearby Thunder Grill. It's another short walk to the National Archives.

U.S. Capitol

The U.S. Capitol offers tours, or visitors may choose to wander around on their own. On the east side of the Capitol, visit the Supreme Court. Dine at the White Tiger Restaurant, then go to the Library of Congress. From there, walk up 1st Street to Union Station.

Georgetown & the Waterfront

The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to the 35th president. From the terrace overlooking the Potomac river, there is a nice view of Theodore Roosevelt Island and Memorial. Stop for a drink or a tasty bite at Sequoia Restaurant. Georgetown is just a short walk away. Stroll the main streets or Montrose Park.

Virginia

Directly across the river from the Lincoln Memorial lies the Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery has many landmarks, including the Arlington House/Custis-Lee Mansion, once the home of Robert E. Lee. Have lunch at the Village Bistro. A scenic drive down George Washington Memorial Parkway leads right into Old Town Alexandria. Stop at Christ Church and see George Washington's personal pew.

There is definitely no reason to be bored in Washington DC! If you want to learn more about Washington's museums and landmarks there are several guided tours you can go on.

Bus Tours
Gray Line Tours ( +1 800 862 1400/ http://www.graylinedc.com/ )
Old Town Trolley Tours ( +1 202 832 9800/ http://www.trolleytours.com/Washington-DC/ )
Tourmobile Sightseeing ( +1 202 554 5100/ http://www.tourmobile.com/ )

Walking Tours
DC Tours ( +1 888 878 9870/ http://www.dctours.us/tours/tourType.cfm?ttid2=5317 )
Washington Walks ( +1 202 484 1565/ http://www.washingtonwalks.com/ )

Boat Tours
DC Ducks ( +1 800 213 2474/ http://www.dcducks.com/ )
Potomac Riverboat Company ( +1 877 511 2628/ http://www.potomacriverboatco.com/ )
Shore Shot ( +1 800 240 2324 )

Bike Tours
Bike the Sites ( +1 202 842 2453/ http://www.bikethesites.com/ )
Washington DC Capital Bike Tour ( http://www.trustedtours.com/store/Washington-DC-Capital-Bike-Tour-C293.aspx )