{"id":451975,"date":"2026-10-16T01:18:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T23:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/washington-dc-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-10-16T01:18:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T23:18:00","slug":"washington-dc-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Washington D.C., USA: 22 Things to See and Do in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The U.S. capital has plenty to offer after its 250th birthday, and <strong>this year is ideal for a visit<\/strong>. After long months of preparation, the <strong>new museum under the Lincoln Memorial<\/strong> has finally opened, and the popular Air and Space Museum has completed the main phase of its massive renovation. If you love history, enormous monuments, and wide boulevards, this city will captivate you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps the best news for any travel budget is that <strong>most museums and monuments are completely free<\/strong>. This applies to the famous Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery, the Capitol, and the nearby Arlington Cemetery. You can invest your savings in excellent food or more comfortable accommodation, just don&#8217;t forget to <strong>reserve entries in advance with so-called timed passes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond history, Washington D.C. also boasts beautiful nature, as demonstrated by the <strong>renovated Tidal Basin waterfront<\/strong>, where hundreds of new trees were recently added. If you visit in spring, <strong>the city is flooded with thousands of blooming cherry blossoms<\/strong>, making it one of the most romantic places in the entire United States. \u263a\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da0d4fe&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da0d4fe\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/reflecting-pool-na-national-mall-s-washi-relight-f1ec6876.jpg\" alt=\"Reflecting Pool on the National Mall with Washington Monument\" class=\"wp-image-425009\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/reflecting-pool-na-national-mall-s-washi-relight-f1ec6876.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/reflecting-pool-na-national-mall-s-washi-relight-f1ec6876-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/reflecting-pool-na-national-mall-s-washi-relight-f1ec6876-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/reflecting-pool-na-national-mall-s-washi-relight-f1ec6876-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/reflecting-pool-na-national-mall-s-washi-relight-f1ec6876-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/reflecting-pool-na-national-mall-s-washi-relight-f1ec6876-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/reflecting-pool-na-national-mall-s-washi-relight-f1ec6876-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/reflecting-pool-na-national-mall-s-washi-relight-f1ec6876-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/reflecting-pool-na-national-mall-s-washi-relight-f1ec6876-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo credit: Ali Khan \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 \u00b7 color adjusted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#TLDR\" >TL;DR<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#When_to_Visit_Washington_DC\" >When to Visit Washington D.C.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#Where_to_Stay_in_Washington_DC\" >Where to Stay in Washington D.C.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#Whats_Different_in_2026\" >What&#8217;s Different in 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#22_Things_to_See_and_Do_in_Washington_DC\" >22 Things to See and Do in Washington D.C.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#1_National_Mall\" >1. National Mall<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#2_Lincoln_Memorial_and_the_New_Undercroft_Museum\" >2. Lincoln Memorial and the New Undercroft Museum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#3_Washington_Monument\" >3. Washington Monument<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#4_United_States_Capitol\" >4. United States Capitol<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#5_The_White_House_and_White_House_Visitor_Center\" >5. The White House and White House Visitor Center<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#6_Library_of_Congress_Thomas_Jefferson_Building\" >6. Library of Congress (Thomas Jefferson Building)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#7_National_Archives_Museum\" >7. National Archives Museum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#8_National_Air_and_Space_Museum\" >8. National Air and Space Museum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#9_National_Museum_of_Natural_History\" >9. National Museum of Natural History<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#10_National_Museum_of_American_History\" >10. National Museum of American History<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#11_National_Museum_of_African_American_History_and_Culture_NMAAHC\" >11. National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#12_National_Gallery_of_Art\" >12. National Gallery of Art<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#13_National_Portrait_Gallery_and_Smithsonian_American_Art_Museum\" >13. National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#14_Hirshhorn_Museum_and_Sculpture_Garden\" >14. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#15_United_States_Holocaust_Memorial_Museum\" >15. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#16_Tidal_Basin_and_the_Jefferson_MLK_and_FDR_Memorials\" >16. Tidal Basin and the Jefferson, MLK, and FDR Memorials<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#17_World_War_II_Vietnam_and_Korea_Memorials\" >17. World War II, Vietnam, and Korea Memorials<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#18_Arlington_National_Cemetery\" >18. Arlington National Cemetery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#19_Georgetown_and_C_O_Canal\" >19. Georgetown and C&#038;O Canal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#20_Capitol_Hill_and_Eastern_Market\" >20. Capitol Hill and Eastern Market<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#21_U_Street_and_Bens_Chili_Bowl\" >21. U Street and Ben&#8217;s Chili Bowl<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#22_The_Wharf\" >22. The Wharf<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#Where_to_Go_From_Washington_DC\" >Where to Go From Washington D.C.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#How_much_does_admission_to_museums_in_Washington_cost\" >How much does admission to museums in Washington cost?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#How_do_I_get_from_Dulles_Airport_to_the_center\" >How do I get from Dulles Airport to the center?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#Do_I_need_a_visa\" >Do I need a visa?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#Can_you_visit_the_White_House\" >Can you visit the White House?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#When_do_the_cherry_blossoms_bloom_and_when_should_you_go\" >When do the cherry blossoms bloom and when should you go?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#Is_Washington_safe_in_2026_and_what_about_the_National_Guard\" >Is Washington safe in 2026 and what about the National Guard?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/washington-dc-guide\/#How_many_days_for_Washington\" >How many days for Washington?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TLDR\"><\/span>TL;DR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li><strong>Most attractions are free:<\/strong> You don&#8217;t pay anything to enter the 17 Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery, or the Capitol.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reservations are essential:<\/strong> Even though entry is free, many places (including the Washington Monument and National Archives) require a timed pass for a symbolic $1 (approx. \u20ac1).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>New museum under Lincoln:<\/strong> Since June 25, 2026, the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft space has been open directly beneath the famous monument.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Airport transport:<\/strong> From Dulles Airport, you can get to the city center most comfortably via the direct Silver Line metro for $6.75 (approx. \u20ac6) during peak hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Metro payment:<\/strong> In the metro, you can simply pay by tapping your contactless payment card at the turnstile; fares have been in effect since July 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>White House warning:<\/strong> White House interior tours must be arranged through your embassy well in advance, and current availability is extremely limited.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Closed lawn:<\/strong> Expect that the famous lawn on the National Mall is fenced off until January 24, 2027, due to revitalization, but museums are operating normally.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Visit_Washington_DC\"><\/span>When to Visit Washington D.C.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The weather in Washington D.C. can be quite unpredictable, so <strong>you&#8217;ll feel most comfortable from April to June<\/strong> and then again in fall during September and October. During these months, temperatures hover around a pleasant 19 to 26 degrees Celsius, which is <strong>ideal weather for long walks<\/strong> between monuments. In autumn, the trees along the Potomac River also turn beautiful shades of orange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you visit in summer, be prepared that <strong>July and August bring tremendous humidity to the city<\/strong>, with temperatures regularly climbing above 31 \u00b0C. Heat radiates from the scorching pavement, so <strong>you&#8217;ll particularly appreciate the air-conditioned museums<\/strong> where you can escape the afternoon sun. Winter brings temperatures around freezing and occasional snow, but you&#8217;ll find charming ice rinks in return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The famous cherry blossoms deserve their own chapter, as they <strong>typically bloom at the turn of March and April<\/strong>. This year, the so-called peak bloom occurred on March 26, but predicting it more than ten days in advance is nearly impossible. If you want to catch the <strong>magnificent National Cherry Blossom Festival<\/strong>, in 2027 it will run from March 20 to April 11, but book your hotels really far in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Stay_in_Washington_DC\"><\/span>Where to Stay in Washington D.C.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When searching for accommodation, you&#8217;ll find that <strong>the Downtown district and Penn Quarter area<\/strong> are strategically closest to the National Mall, which you can reach on foot in ten minutes. However, these are also the most expensive locations, so <strong>if you&#8217;re looking for something quieter, try Foggy Bottom<\/strong> near the Lincoln Memorial. The historic Georgetown neighborhood is also very popular, though it unfortunately doesn&#8217;t have its own metro station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For caf\u00e9 and boutique lovers, Dupont Circle is an excellent choice, while <strong>the Navy Yard and The Wharf neighborhoods offer modern hotels<\/strong> right by the water with sometimes more favorable prices. If you don&#8217;t mind a short commute, <strong>the town of Arlington across the river in Virginia<\/strong> has metro stations close to the Mall and prices tend to be noticeably lower. Always keep in mind that a relatively high hotel tax of 15.95% is added to the room rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are specific recommendations for highly-rated hotels in different neighborhoods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=co-videt-ve-washingtonu&#038;hotelname=The%20Hay-Adams&#038;address=Washington%2C%20D.C.%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">The Hay-Adams<\/a><\/strong> stands right across Lafayette Square park, so from this historic building dating to 1928 you&#8217;ll look directly at the White House and Washington Monument. People rave about the exceptionally attentive staff and excellent cocktails at the local Off the Record bar. Just keep in mind that old buildings have their quirks, and guests sometimes complain about fairly cramped rooms and tiny bathrooms where you can barely set down your toiletries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=co-videt-ve-washingtonu&#038;hotelname=Hotel%20Washington&#038;address=Washington%2C%20D.C.%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Hotel Washington<\/a><\/strong> occupies a beautiful historic building, and guests particularly praise the rooftop bar, from where you have the Washington Monument and White House right at your fingertips. You can easily walk to the monuments from here, and after a demanding day you&#8217;ll certainly appreciate the comfortable beds and incredibly friendly staff. Keep in mind, though, that rooms tend to be rather small, and for breakfast you might prefer to visit the surrounding streets rather than paying excessive amounts here for ordinary fare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=co-videt-ve-washingtonu&#038;hotelname=Hotel%20Hive&#038;address=Washington%2C%20D.C.%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Hotel Hive<\/a><\/strong> in the student neighborhood of Foggy Bottom has, according to guests, an excellent price-to-location ratio close to monuments, and you&#8217;ll also enjoy complimentary morning coffee, an excellent pizzeria, and a rooftop terrace with a bar. Keep in mind, though, that this is a modern micro-hotel, so you simply won&#8217;t fit into the tiny rooms with a large suitcase. I&#8217;d definitely recommend asking the extremely helpful staff for a higher floor, because the ground level can sometimes be damp and noise from the restaurant carries in the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=co-videt-ve-washingtonu&#038;hotelname=Capitol%20Hill%20Hotel&#038;address=Washington%2C%20D.C.%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Capitol Hill Hotel<\/a><\/strong> lies just five minutes&#8217; walk from the Capitol, and guests often gush about the surrounding beautiful streets, from which it&#8217;s a short walk to the metro. People particularly praise the friendly staff, coffee available all day, for<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=co-videt-ve-washingtonu&#038;hotelname=HighRoad%20Hotel&#038;address=Washington%2C%20D.C.%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">HighRoad Hotel<\/a><\/strong> occupies a beautiful Victorian house and is an excellent refuge for travelers on a budget, offering both shared and private rooms. Guests particularly appreciate the spotless facilities with a shared kitchen, complimentary coffee all day, and extremely helpful staff. Keep in mind that it&#8217;s more of a stylish hostel in the lively Adams Morgan neighborhood full of restaurants, but thanks to the abundance of toiletries in the bathrooms, you&#8217;ll feel truly welcome.otel&#038;address=Washington%2C%20D.C.%2C%20USA&#8221; target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; rel=&#8221;noopener nofollow sponsored&#8221;>HighRoad Hotel<\/a><\/strong> represents a perfect choice for budget travelers, occupying a beautiful Victorian house and offering both shared and private rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\ud83d\udca1 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=co-videt-ve-washingtonu&#038;address=Washington%2C%20D.C.%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">On this map you can compare what&#8217;s currently available<\/a> \u2014 you&#8217;ll immediately see how much the price changes a few blocks away.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_Different_in_2026\"><\/span>What&#8217;s Different in 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Washington D.C. has undergone several major changes recently, and <strong>you&#8217;ll definitely notice the presence of the National Guard<\/strong>, which has had approximately 4,600 soldiers here since last August. You&#8217;ll find them patrolling Union Station, the National Mall, and metro stations, but <strong>this means no restrictions for tourists<\/strong>. As for safety, overall crime has decreased by 16% this year, with the number of murders dropping by as much as 30%, so you don&#8217;t need to worry in tourist areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re heading to the National Mall, keep in mind that <strong>the famous lawn between 3rd and 14th Streets is closed until January 24, 2027<\/strong> due to necessary renovation. Don&#8217;t panic, though \u2014 <strong>all gravel paths and museum entrances are normally accessible<\/strong>. However, you&#8217;d better not include the famous Kennedy Center in your itinerary, as it&#8217;s currently facing bankruptcy and its operation is very uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transportation has also been affected, as <strong>the popular DC Circulator bus has unfortunately been cancelled<\/strong>, and you also won&#8217;t be taking a historic boat ride on the Georgetown canal this year. A major obstacle is also <strong>construction of the massive new Triumphal Arch<\/strong>, which has narrowed the Arlington Memorial Bridge, so it&#8217;s better to head to Arlington Cemetery directly by metro. And if you dreamed of touring the White House interior, foreign embassies are unfortunately not currently facilitating tours, so you realistically won&#8217;t get inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"22_Things_to_See_and_Do_in_Washington_DC\"><\/span>22 Things to See and Do in Washington D.C.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We&#8217;ve prepared a detailed list of the most interesting places you <strong>absolutely shouldn&#8217;t miss during your visit to the U.S. capital<\/strong>. The route flows smoothly so you can <strong>explore the city mostly on foot or with the help of the metro<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da0dda7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da0dda7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-a-rozkvetl-sakury-na-relight-ca74e636.jpg\" alt=\"Washington Monument and blooming cherry blossoms on the National Mall\" class=\"wp-image-425010\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-a-rozkvetl-sakury-na-relight-ca74e636.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-a-rozkvetl-sakury-na-relight-ca74e636-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-a-rozkvetl-sakury-na-relight-ca74e636-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-a-rozkvetl-sakury-na-relight-ca74e636-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-a-rozkvetl-sakury-na-relight-ca74e636-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-a-rozkvetl-sakury-na-relight-ca74e636-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-a-rozkvetl-sakury-na-relight-ca74e636-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-a-rozkvetl-sakury-na-relight-ca74e636-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-a-rozkvetl-sakury-na-relight-ca74e636-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_National_Mall\"><\/span>1. National Mall<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This enormous park boulevard is <strong>the heart of all Washington D.C.<\/strong> and stretches 3.5 kilometers from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. This is where <strong>the most important moments in American history have unfolded<\/strong>, from Martin Luther King&#8217;s famous speech to massive presidential inaugurations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When walking around, <strong>make sure you have really good shoes<\/strong>, because the distances seem shorter than they actually are. You&#8217;ll have the best access <strong>from the Smithsonian or L&#8217;Enfant Plaza metro stops<\/strong>, which will take you directly to the main museums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we mentioned, the <strong>enclosed lawn between 3rd and 14th St<\/strong> won&#8217;t let you picnic in the middle until January 24, 2027, but all the monuments and gravel paths around it are functioning normally. The entire park is <strong>open 24 hours a day<\/strong> and has a great atmosphere in the evening thanks to the illuminated buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: According to the experience of many travelers, it&#8217;s ideal to devote <strong>the entire first half of the day to museums<\/strong> and save the monuments <strong>for late afternoon<\/strong>, when the worst heat subsides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da0e227&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da0e227\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lincoln-memorial-a-nov-muzeum-undercroft-relight-a2e78d87.jpg\" alt=\"Lincoln Memorial and the new Undercroft museum\" class=\"wp-image-425012\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lincoln-memorial-a-nov-muzeum-undercroft-relight-a2e78d87.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lincoln-memorial-a-nov-muzeum-undercroft-relight-a2e78d87-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lincoln-memorial-a-nov-muzeum-undercroft-relight-a2e78d87-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lincoln-memorial-a-nov-muzeum-undercroft-relight-a2e78d87-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lincoln-memorial-a-nov-muzeum-undercroft-relight-a2e78d87-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lincoln-memorial-a-nov-muzeum-undercroft-relight-a2e78d87-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lincoln-memorial-a-nov-muzeum-undercroft-relight-a2e78d87-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lincoln-memorial-a-nov-muzeum-undercroft-relight-a2e78d87-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lincoln-memorial-a-nov-muzeum-undercroft-relight-a2e78d87-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo credit: Rami Maki \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color adjusted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Lincoln_Memorial_and_the_New_Undercroft_Museum\"><\/span>2. Lincoln Memorial and the New Undercroft Museum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The statue of seated Abraham Lincoln <strong>standing nearly 6 meters tall<\/strong> is probably the most iconic sight in the entire city. The memorial opened back in 1922 and <strong>is accessible 24 hours a day completely free<\/strong>, so you can head here early in the morning for sunrise without the tourist crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The novelty is the <strong>new Undercroft museum opened on June 25, 2026<\/strong>, which is located in the enormous cavernous spaces directly beneath the memorial itself. You&#8217;ll get access to more than 1,400 square meters of exhibition space <strong>among the massive concrete columns<\/strong> that support the entire massive structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exhibition is free, but <strong>you need a reservation for $1 (about \u20ac0.85) through the recreation.gov portal<\/strong>. Tickets are released every day at 11:00 AM for 30 days in advance, or you can <strong>try your luck in the morning from 8:45 at the kiosk<\/strong> next to the Korean War Memorial for same-day tickets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you can&#8217;t snag an <strong>online Undercroft reservation<\/strong>, definitely visit the memorial anyway. The <strong>view from Lincoln&#8217;s feet<\/strong> toward the Washington Monument is simply breathtaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da0e65c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da0e65c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-relight-488ec390.jpg\" alt=\"Washington Monument\" class=\"wp-image-425014\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-relight-488ec390.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-relight-488ec390-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-relight-488ec390-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-relight-488ec390-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-relight-488ec390-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-relight-488ec390-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-relight-488ec390-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-relight-488ec390-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/washington-monument-relight-488ec390-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo credit: The Tourist \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color adjusted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Washington_Monument\"><\/span>3. Washington Monument<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This unmistakable white obelisk <strong>standing over 169 meters tall<\/strong> was the tallest structure in the world when completed in 1884. An interesting fact is that <strong>roughly a third of the way up, the marble changes color<\/strong>, a reminder of the construction hiatus between 1854 and 1876 due to lack of funds and the Civil War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can go inside <strong>completely free, but you must have a timed ticket<\/strong>, which you can secure online for a $1 reservation fee. Tickets disappear lightning-fast <strong>every day at exactly 10:00 AM local time<\/strong>, for 30 days in advance, or the remainder is released just one day before the visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The elevator ride to the observation deck <strong>at 152 meters takes only about 70 seconds<\/strong> and the views of the city from the small windows are unique. Remember that <strong>the monument has several maintenance closure days<\/strong>; this year they fall on October 5, November 4, and December 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you miss the online reservation, a limited number of <strong>walk-up tickets for that day<\/strong> are distributed from 8:45 at the nearby <strong>Washington Monument Lodge<\/strong> on 15th Street. But you&#8217;ll need to get up early; they usually run out very quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da0ea79&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da0ea79\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kapitol-united-states-capitol-relight-03cc118f.jpg\" alt=\"United States Capitol\" class=\"wp-image-425015\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kapitol-united-states-capitol-relight-03cc118f.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kapitol-united-states-capitol-relight-03cc118f-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kapitol-united-states-capitol-relight-03cc118f-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kapitol-united-states-capitol-relight-03cc118f-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kapitol-united-states-capitol-relight-03cc118f-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kapitol-united-states-capitol-relight-03cc118f-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kapitol-united-states-capitol-relight-03cc118f-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kapitol-united-states-capitol-relight-03cc118f-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kapitol-united-states-capitol-relight-03cc118f-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo credit: Darius Lorek \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color adjusted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_United_States_Capitol\"><\/span>4. United States Capitol<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The seat of the U.S. Congress with its iconic white dome is <strong>another must-see stop<\/strong>, which you can also explore from the inside. The <strong>tours themselves are free<\/strong>, but it&#8217;s highly recommended to reserve your spot in advance on the official website visitthecapitol.gov.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The basic route <strong>takes you through the Crypt, the massive Rotunda<\/strong>, and the historic National Statuary Hall. Keep in mind that <strong>the Senate and House galleries are not part of the standard tour<\/strong> and you would need to arrange them separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the entrance, you&#8217;ll face <strong>strict airport-style security screening<\/strong>, so you can&#8217;t bring any food or drinks inside. Tours run <strong>Monday through Saturday<\/strong> between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, on Sundays the building is closed, and the nearest metro station is Capitol South.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Although tours are offered in Spanish or Mandarin, <strong>you won&#8217;t find Czech here<\/strong>. However, the guides speak <strong>very clear English<\/strong> and the spaces themselves are so visually stunning that you&#8217;ll enjoy your visit anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da0ee98&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da0ee98\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/b-l-d-m-a-white-house-visitor-center-relight-54332b45.jpg\" alt=\"The White House and White House Visitor Center\" class=\"wp-image-425016\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/b-l-d-m-a-white-house-visitor-center-relight-54332b45.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/b-l-d-m-a-white-house-visitor-center-relight-54332b45-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/b-l-d-m-a-white-house-visitor-center-relight-54332b45-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/b-l-d-m-a-white-house-visitor-center-relight-54332b45-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/b-l-d-m-a-white-house-visitor-center-relight-54332b45-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/b-l-d-m-a-white-house-visitor-center-relight-54332b45-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/b-l-d-m-a-white-house-visitor-center-relight-54332b45-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/b-l-d-m-a-white-house-visitor-center-relight-54332b45-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/b-l-d-m-a-white-house-visitor-center-relight-54332b45-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo credit: Piotr Kurpiel \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color adjusted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_The_White_House_and_White_House_Visitor_Center\"><\/span>5. The White House and White House Visitor Center<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The residence of the U.S. president is probably <strong>the most famous house on the entire planet<\/strong>, but getting inside is an enormous challenge for ordinary visitors. As you know, <strong>embassies don&#8217;t typically facilitate tours for international visitors<\/strong>, so you&#8217;ll view the White House only through the fence from the neighboring Lafayette Square park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recently, <strong>the so-called East Wing was demolished<\/strong>, after which the tour routes partially changed, but that doesn&#8217;t really concern us. Instead, <strong>definitely head to the White House Visitor Center<\/strong> at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW, where you&#8217;ll learn everything essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Admission to the visitor center is <strong>free daily from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM<\/strong> and you&#8217;ll find plenty of interactive exhibits. The biggest draw is <strong>an excellent replica of the Oval Office called The People&#8217;s House<\/strong>, where you can take a commemorative photo almost like a real president.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: From <strong>Lafayette Square<\/strong> you&#8217;ll get the best photos of the White House&#8217;s north facade, while you&#8217;ll see the south side with the famous lawn best from <strong>the space called The Ellipse<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da0f30a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da0f30a\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/library-of-congress-thomas-jefferson-bui-relight-c6eae507.jpg\" alt=\"Library of Congress (Thomas Jefferson Building)\" class=\"wp-image-425017\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/library-of-congress-thomas-jefferson-bui-relight-c6eae507.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/library-of-congress-thomas-jefferson-bui-relight-c6eae507-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/library-of-congress-thomas-jefferson-bui-relight-c6eae507-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/library-of-congress-thomas-jefferson-bui-relight-c6eae507-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/library-of-congress-thomas-jefferson-bui-relight-c6eae507-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/library-of-congress-thomas-jefferson-bui-relight-c6eae507-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/library-of-congress-thomas-jefferson-bui-relight-c6eae507-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/library-of-congress-thomas-jefferson-bui-relight-c6eae507-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/library-of-congress-thomas-jefferson-bui-relight-c6eae507-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo credit: Guillermo Garc\u00eda Marsal \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color adjusted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Library_of_Congress_Thomas_Jefferson_Building\"><\/span>6. Library of Congress (Thomas Jefferson Building)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Library of Congress isn&#8217;t just an ordinary lending library, it&#8217;s <strong>the largest library in the entire world<\/strong>. In its archives it preserves <strong>over 178 million different items<\/strong>, including nearly 26 million carefully catalogued books and rare manuscripts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main Thomas Jefferson Building from 1897 <strong>is an architectural masterpiece<\/strong>, with interiors that resemble European palaces more than a library, featuring magnificent frescoes and marble staircases. <strong>Entry is again free, but complimentary timed-entry tickets are required for every<\/strong> visitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tickets are released online <strong>exactly 30 days in advance, always at 9:00 AM<\/strong> and disappear quickly. They&#8217;re open <strong>Tuesday through Saturday between 10 AM and 5 PM<\/strong>, and on Thursdays you can enjoy the spaces during extended hours until eight in the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Once you&#8217;re inside, definitely don&#8217;t miss the view into the <strong>Main Reading Room<\/strong> from the elevated balcony. The atmosphere of this reading room is magical and you&#8217;ll feel a bit <strong>like you&#8217;re at Hogwarts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da0f739&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da0f739\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-archives-museum-relight-6dbe8c94.jpg\" alt=\"National Archives Museum\" class=\"wp-image-425018\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-archives-museum-relight-6dbe8c94.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-archives-museum-relight-6dbe8c94-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-archives-museum-relight-6dbe8c94-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-archives-museum-relight-6dbe8c94-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-archives-museum-relight-6dbe8c94-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-archives-museum-relight-6dbe8c94-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-archives-museum-relight-6dbe8c94-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-archives-museum-relight-6dbe8c94-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-archives-museum-relight-6dbe8c94-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo credit: Dejv3x \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color adjusted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_National_Archives_Museum\"><\/span>7. National Archives Museum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The National Archives is the place where <strong>the most precious documents in American history<\/strong> rest under bulletproof glass. During your visit you&#8217;ll see with your own eyes the <strong>original Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights<\/strong>, which are displayed together in the beautiful Rotunda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The building is located right at the Archives-Navy Memorial metro station and <strong>is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM<\/strong>. Entry itself is free, but during peak tourist season <strong>huge lines form that stretch across the entire street<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To avoid unnecessary waiting, <strong>reserve a timed ticket for just $1 through the recreation.gov portal<\/strong>. Slots are divided into 15-minute intervals and guarantee you <strong>comfortable and quick entry right on time<\/strong>, which is incredibly useful when you have a packed schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: The <strong>documents in the Rotunda<\/strong> are kept in fairly low light for security reasons and time has taken its toll on them, so don&#8217;t expect brilliantly white paper. You can&#8217;t <strong>photograph with flash<\/strong> to prevent further damage to the ink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da0fb51&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da0fb51\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-air-and-space-museum-relight-1d7f088c.jpg\" alt=\"National Air and Space Museum\" class=\"wp-image-425019\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-air-and-space-museum-relight-1d7f088c.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-air-and-space-museum-relight-1d7f088c-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-air-and-space-museum-relight-1d7f088c-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-air-and-space-museum-relight-1d7f088c-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-air-and-space-museum-relight-1d7f088c-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-air-and-space-museum-relight-1d7f088c-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-air-and-space-museum-relight-1d7f088c-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-air-and-space-museum-relight-1d7f088c-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-air-and-space-museum-relight-1d7f088c-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo credit: Luis Linares \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color adjusted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_National_Air_and_Space_Museum\"><\/span>8. National Air and Space Museum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This aviation and space museum is a major highlight and has <strong>finally emerged from the worst years of massive reconstruction<\/strong>. For its 50th anniversary, <strong>18 out of 20 galleries reopened on July 1, 2026<\/strong>, so there&#8217;s definitely plenty to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>last two exhibitions will open later in the year<\/strong>, specifically At Home in Space at the end of October and Modern Military Aviation symbolically on November 11. To visit amazing exhibits like the <strong>original Wright Brothers&#8217; aircraft or the Apollo 11 command module<\/strong>, you need a free timed pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Besides the historical treasures, the <strong>famous giant model of the starship Enterprise from Star Trek<\/strong> is returning this autumn after spending a long time in storage. The museum is <strong>open daily except Christmas from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM<\/strong>, and remember that no selfie sticks or tripods are allowed inside the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If your trip takes you through Dulles Airport (IAD), set aside a few hours for the sister <strong>Udvar-Hazy Center<\/strong> in nearby Chantilly. <strong>Admission is free<\/strong>, you don&#8217;t need any passes, and you&#8217;ll see the actual Space Shuttle Discovery there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da0ff96&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da0ff96\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-natural-history-relight-985d14a6.jpg\" alt=\"National Museum of Natural History\" class=\"wp-image-425020\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-natural-history-relight-985d14a6.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-natural-history-relight-985d14a6-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-natural-history-relight-985d14a6-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-natural-history-relight-985d14a6-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-natural-history-relight-985d14a6-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-natural-history-relight-985d14a6-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-natural-history-relight-985d14a6-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-natural-history-relight-985d14a6-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-natural-history-relight-985d14a6-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Based on photograph by: Clelia Ceballos \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color adjusted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_National_Museum_of_Natural_History\"><\/span>9. National Museum of Natural History<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The natural history museum is a fixture of the National Mall and <strong>welcomes millions of enthusiastic visitors every year<\/strong>. A huge advantage is that you <strong>don&#8217;t need any reservation passes<\/strong>, just show up between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM and go through security screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The museum&#8217;s biggest draw is undoubtedly the <strong>famous Hope Diamond weighing 45.52 carats<\/strong>, donated to the institution in 1958 and still captivating visitors with its deep blue color. Right behind it comes the <strong>massive mammal hall with 274 realistic specimens<\/strong> and the excellent dinosaur exhibition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When entering, be extremely careful about what&#8217;s in your backpack, because <strong>security will confiscate even the smallest pocket knives and pepper sprays without mercy<\/strong>. Unfortunately, there&#8217;s no option to leave items in a locker before entering, so travel really light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: The museum has an excellent location directly opposite the <strong>Smithsonian Institution Building<\/strong> castle, so it can easily be <strong>combined with lunch<\/strong> in the surrounding parks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da103b7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da103b7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1064\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-american-history.jpg\" alt=\"National Museum of American History\" class=\"wp-image-424544\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-american-history.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-american-history-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-american-history-700x466.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-american-history-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-american-history-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-american-history-696x463.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-american-history-1392x926.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Ahmed Saeed \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_National_Museum_of_American_History\"><\/span>10. National Museum of American History<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re interested in pop culture, technology, and the development of American society, this museum will <strong>keep you entertained for hours<\/strong>. It&#8217;s a collection of objects where you&#8217;ll find <strong>chef Julia Child&#8217;s famous kitchen alongside iconic first ladies&#8217; gowns<\/strong> from inaugural balls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most significant piece, however, is the <strong>gigantic 1814 original flag known as the Star-Spangled Banner<\/strong>, which inspired the American national anthem. The flag has its own dimly lit room with a special climate control system, where you can feel genuine history breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As part of the ongoing America250 celebrations, there&#8217;s also a <strong>unique exhibition &#8220;In Pursuit of Life, Liberty, and Happiness&#8221;<\/strong> showcasing 250 of the most significant objects in American history. The exhibition will <strong>continue beyond 2026<\/strong>, and they&#8217;re open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Given the enormous size of the building, we recommend <strong>picking up a map at the entrance<\/strong> and choosing only the sections that truly interest you. Carefully going through absolutely everything could easily take you <strong>two full days<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da107e4&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da107e4\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-african-american-hist-relight-7fb84b5f.jpg\" alt=\"National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)\" class=\"wp-image-425021\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-african-american-hist-relight-7fb84b5f.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-african-american-hist-relight-7fb84b5f-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-african-american-hist-relight-7fb84b5f-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-african-american-hist-relight-7fb84b5f-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-african-american-hist-relight-7fb84b5f-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-african-american-hist-relight-7fb84b5f-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-african-american-hist-relight-7fb84b5f-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-african-american-hist-relight-7fb84b5f-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-museum-of-african-american-hist-relight-7fb84b5f-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Based on photograph by: Phil P. \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color adjusted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"lk-stays-module\">\n<style>\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESET PRO GUTENBERG \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 WRAPPER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module {\n  font-family: 'DM Sans', Georgia, sans-serif;\n  max-width: 100%;\n  margin: 2.5rem auto;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fdfaf5 0%, #fcf8f0 100%);\n  border: 1px solid #e8dfd4;\n  border-radius: 16px;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  box-shadow: 0 16px 48px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 HEADER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-header {\n  position: relative;\n  padding: 24px 36px 24px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 60%, #c39f76 100%);\n  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 18px;\n}\n.lk-stays-header::before {\n  content: '';\n  position: absolute;\n  inset: 0;\n  background: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='60' height='60' viewBox='0 0 60 60' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cg fill='none' fill-rule='evenodd'%3E%3Cg fill='%23ffffff' fill-opacity='0.05'%3E%3Cpath d='M36 34v-4h-2v4h-4v2h4v4h2v-4h4v-2h-4zm0-30V0h-2v4h-4v2h4v4h2V6h4V4h-4zM6 34v-4H4v4H0v2h4v4h2v-4h4v-2H6zM6 4V0H4v4H0v2h4v4h2V6h4V4H6z'\/%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/svg%3E\") repeat;\n  pointer-events: none;\n}\n.lk-stays-icon {\n  flex-shrink: 0;\n  width: 68px;\n  height: 68px;\n  border-radius: 14px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fff 0%, #f9f6f0 100%);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n  font-size: 26px;\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\n}\n.lk-stays-eyebrow {\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 2.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.85);\n  margin: 0 0 5px 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-title {\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 24px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: #fff;\n  line-height: 1.2;\n  text-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\n  margin: 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-subtitle {\n  font-size: 13px;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.75);\n  margin: 4px 0 0 0;\n  font-weight: 300;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 CARDS GRID \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-grid {\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n  gap: 1px;\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.12);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 SINGLE CARD \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stay-card {\n  background: #ffffff;\n  padding: 26px;\n  display: flex;\n  flex-direction: column;\n  gap: 11px;\n  transition: all 0.3s ease;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  color: inherit;\n  position: relative;\n}\n.lk-stay-card:hover {\n  background: #fffbf5;\n  transform: translateY(-2px);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.18);\n  z-index: 1;\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffdf9 0%, #fff9f0 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.1);\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured:hover {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffbf5 0%, #fff8ed 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n}\n\n.lk-stay-badge {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 5px;\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  padding: 5px 11px;\n  border-radius: 20px;\n  width: fit-content;\n}\n.badge-top     { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 100%); color: #fff; border: 1px solid #c39f76; font-weight: 600; box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(195,159,118,0.3); }\n.badge-luxury  { background: rgba(195,159,118,.12); color: #c39f76; border: 1px solid rgba(195,159,118,.25); }\n.badge-boutique{ background: rgba(54,133,252,.08); color: #3685fc; border: 1px solid rgba(54,133,252,.2); }\n.badge-nature  { background: rgba(130,190,100,.1); color: #6b9c4a; border: 1px solid rgba(130,190,100,.2); }\n.badge-remote  { background: rgba(195,159,118,.12); color: #a67e50; border: 1px solid rgba(195,159,118,.25); }\n\n.lk-stay-name {\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 18px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: #111827;\n  line-height: 1.3;\n}\n.lk-stay-desc {\n  font-size: 13.5px;\n  color: #525252;\n  line-height: 1.65;\n  font-weight: 300;\n  flex: 1;\n}\n\n.lk-stay-meta {\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 12px;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  margin-top: 4px;\n}\n.lk-stay-price {\n  font-size: 13px;\n  color: #6b7280;\n}\n.lk-stay-price strong {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  font-weight: 500;\n}\n.lk-stay-stars {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  font-size: 11px;\n  letter-spacing: 1px;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 CTA BUTTON \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stay-cta {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n  gap: 7px;\n  margin-top: 8px;\n  padding: 11px 20px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #3685fc 0%, #2a6fd9 100%);\n  color: #fff;\n  font-size: 13px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  letter-spacing: .3px;\n  transition: all .2s ease;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  border: none;\n  text-align: center;\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(54, 133, 252, 0.25);\n}\n.lk-stay-cta:hover {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #2a6fd9 0%, #1e5bc4 100%);\n  transform: translateY(-1px);\n  box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(54, 133, 252, 0.35);\n}\n.lk-stay-cta svg { flex-shrink: 0; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 FOOTER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-footer {\n  padding: 18px 36px;\n  background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #fdfaf5 0%, #f9f4ed 100%);\n  border-top: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: space-between;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  gap: 12px;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note {\n  font-size: 11.5px;\n  color: #6b7280;\n  font-weight: 300;\n  line-height: 1.5;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  font-weight: 400;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a:hover {\n  text-decoration: underline;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 6px;\n  font-size: 12.5px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.35);\n  padding: 8px 18px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  transition: all .2s ease;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn:hover {\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.08);\n  border-color: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.5);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESPONSIVE \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n@media (max-width: 600px) {\n  .lk-stays-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  .lk-stays-header { padding: 24px 20px; }\n  .lk-stays-footer { padding: 16px 20px; }\n  .lk-stay-card { padding: 22px; }\n  .lk-stays-title { font-size: 20px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n  <!-- HEADER -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-header\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lukas-a-lucka.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 75px; height: 75px; border-radius: 8px; flex-shrink: 0; object-fit: cover; display: block; margin: 4px 0;\" title=\"\">\n    <div class=\"lk-stays-header-text\">\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-eyebrow\">Luk\u00e1\u0161 and Lucie recommend<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-title\">Where to Stay in Washington D.C.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-subtitle\">6 places to stay \u2014 hotels and other accommodation options<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- CARDS -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-grid\">\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card featured\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=co-videt-ve-washingtonu&#038;hotelname=The%20Hay-Adams&#038;address=Washington%2C%20D.C.%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-top\">\u2b50 TOP CHOICE<\/span>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe8 Hotel<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">The Hay-Adams<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Historic 1928 building facing White House. Praised for attentive staff and cocktails at Off the Record bar.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=co-videt-ve-washingtonu&#038;hotelname=Hotel%20Washington&#038;address=Washington%2C%20D.C.%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe8 Hotel<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Hotel Washington<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Historic building with rooftop bar offering White House views. Comfortable beds and friendly staff. Walk to monuments.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=co-videt-ve-washingtonu&#038;hotelname=Hotel%20Hive&#038;address=Washington%2C%20D.C.%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe8 Hotel<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Hotel Hive<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Modern micro-hotel in Foggy Bottom. Great value near monuments with free coffee, pizzeria, and rooftop terrace.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=co-videt-ve-washingtonu&#038;hotelname=Capitol%20Hill%20Hotel&#038;address=Washington%2C%20D.C.%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe8 Hotel<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Capitol Hill Hotel<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Five minutes from Capitol. Guests praise friendly staff, all-day coffee, and beautiful surrounding streets near metro.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=co-videt-ve-washingtonu&#038;hotelname=HighRoad%20Hotel&#038;address=Washington%2C%20D.C.%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse\/B&#038;B<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">HighRoad Hotel<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Budget Victorian hostel in Adams Morgan. Shared and private rooms with kitchen, free coffee, and welcoming vibe.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=covidetvewashingtonu&#038;address=washington%20d.c.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83d\udd0d Search<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">View all accommodation in Washington D.C.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Explore all available accommodation options in Washington D.C. and find the best one for your preferences and budget.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Compare prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_National_Museum_of_African_American_History_and_Culture_NMAAHC\"><\/span>11. National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This museum, which opened in September 2016, has <strong>beautiful architecture from the outside<\/strong> composed of bronze panels. It focuses on African American history and culture with tremendous attention to detail, so <strong>visits are often a very emotional experience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Due to its enormous popularity, <strong>timed passes are essential<\/strong>. The system releases them 30 days in advance, or you can <strong>try your luck with same-day tickets that appear online at exactly 8:15 AM<\/strong> local time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inside, you&#8217;ll encounter <strong>very thorough bag checks<\/strong>, so factor that into your timing. The museum is <strong>open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM<\/strong>, and on Mondays it doesn&#8217;t open until noon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: The exhibition is designed so that you <strong>start on the lowest, darkest floors<\/strong> dedicated to slavery and <strong>gradually ascend<\/strong> to the brighter floors focused on culture, sports, and music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da10ca9&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da10ca9\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-gallery-of-art.jpg\" alt=\"National Gallery of Art\" class=\"wp-image-424546\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-gallery-of-art.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-gallery-of-art-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-gallery-of-art-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-gallery-of-art-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-gallery-of-art-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-gallery-of-art-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-gallery-of-art-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Satish Shikhare \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_National_Gallery_of_Art\"><\/span>12. National Gallery of Art<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The National Gallery of Art is a massive complex that <strong>consists of two completely different buildings<\/strong> connected by an underground tunnel. In the older, classical West Building you&#8217;ll find <strong>European masters from the Middle Ages through the 19th century<\/strong>, while the modern East Building offers contemporary art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A huge advantage is that <strong>admission is always completely free for everyone without any passes<\/strong>, so you can just drop by for half an hour if you like. They&#8217;re <strong>open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM<\/strong> except Christmas and New Year&#8217;s Day, when they&#8217;re closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Part of the gallery is also a <strong>beautiful outdoor Sculpture Garden<\/strong>, where you can stroll among modern sculptures under the open sky. During winter months, a <strong>romantic ice skating rink opens<\/strong> where people glide on skates surrounded by art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: The <strong>Archives metro station<\/strong> is just steps away, making this an <strong>ideal refuge<\/strong> when an unexpected summer shower catches you on the National Mall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da11144&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da11144\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-portrait-gallery-a-smithsonian-relight-078f1c0f.jpg\" alt=\"National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum\" class=\"wp-image-425022\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-portrait-gallery-a-smithsonian-relight-078f1c0f.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-portrait-gallery-a-smithsonian-relight-078f1c0f-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-portrait-gallery-a-smithsonian-relight-078f1c0f-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-portrait-gallery-a-smithsonian-relight-078f1c0f-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-portrait-gallery-a-smithsonian-relight-078f1c0f-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-portrait-gallery-a-smithsonian-relight-078f1c0f-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-portrait-gallery-a-smithsonian-relight-078f1c0f-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-portrait-gallery-a-smithsonian-relight-078f1c0f-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-portrait-gallery-a-smithsonian-relight-078f1c0f-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Based on photograph by: Larry W. Nicholson, Jr. \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color adjusted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_National_Portrait_Gallery_and_Smithsonian_American_Art_Museum\"><\/span>13. National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These two excellent museums <strong>share one massive historic building<\/strong> in the Penn Quarter neighborhood, which is the third oldest federal building in the city. While in one wing you&#8217;ll find <strong>famous portraits of all American presidents<\/strong>, in the other you&#8217;ll encounter the best of American art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The entire space is dominated by the <strong>stunning glass-roofed Kogod Courtyard<\/strong>, which is a wonderful place to rest and have coffee. The museums <strong>operate completely without passes and charge a beautiful zero dollars<\/strong>, making this another excellent budget-friendly tip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A major advantage is their opening hours, because <strong>they&#8217;re open daily from 11:30 AM until 7:00 PM<\/strong>. This makes them <strong>ideal for evening hours<\/strong>, when most other Mall museums are already closing and you&#8217;re not yet ready to head to your hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Take the metro to <strong>Gallery Place\u2013Chinatown station<\/strong>, which is right around the corner, and after exploring the museums you can go for dinner in the <strong>nearby Chinatown<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da1156d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da1156d\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1072\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hirshhorn-museum-and-sculpture-garden.jpg\" alt=\"Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden\" class=\"wp-image-424548\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hirshhorn-museum-and-sculpture-garden.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hirshhorn-museum-and-sculpture-garden-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hirshhorn-museum-and-sculpture-garden-700x469.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hirshhorn-museum-and-sculpture-garden-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hirshhorn-museum-and-sculpture-garden-1536x1029.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hirshhorn-museum-and-sculpture-garden-696x466.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hirshhorn-museum-and-sculpture-garden-1392x933.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Imanol Gallego \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Hirshhorn_Museum_and_Sculpture_Garden\"><\/span>14. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ll recognize this museum from afar thanks to its <strong>distinctive shape of a massive concrete cylinder<\/strong>, which somewhat resembles a UFO. It houses <strong>one of the finest collections of contemporary and modern art<\/strong> and is exactly the place where you&#8217;ll encounter the most provocative installations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outdoor space enthusiasts will perk up, because the <strong>local Sculpture Garden will open on October 31, 2026 after a massive $68 million revitalization<\/strong>. The design by renowned architect Hiroshi Sugimoto promises a truly unique experience connecting art with space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>museum itself operates daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM<\/strong>, only on Mondays it doesn&#8217;t open until noon, and admission is again completely free. The <strong>opening weekend of the revitalized garden<\/strong> at the end of October will be one of the biggest events of Washington&#8217;s autumn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: The museum&#8217;s inner galleries have an <strong>amazing circular layout<\/strong>, so you&#8217;ll <strong>never get lost<\/strong> and you&#8217;ll smoothly move through all exhibitions without having to retrace your steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da1197c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da1197c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/united-states-holocaust-memorial-museum-relight-e40a4d69.jpg\" alt=\"United States Holocaust Memorial Museum\" class=\"wp-image-425023\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/united-states-holocaust-memorial-museum-relight-e40a4d69.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/united-states-holocaust-memorial-museum-relight-e40a4d69-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/united-states-holocaust-memorial-museum-relight-e40a4d69-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/united-states-holocaust-memorial-museum-relight-e40a4d69-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/united-states-holocaust-memorial-museum-relight-e40a4d69-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/united-states-holocaust-memorial-museum-relight-e40a4d69-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/united-states-holocaust-memorial-museum-relight-e40a4d69-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/united-states-holocaust-memorial-museum-relight-e40a4d69-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/united-states-holocaust-memorial-museum-relight-e40a4d69-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Based on photograph by: Koichi M \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color adjusted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_United_States_Holocaust_Memorial_Museum\"><\/span>15. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A visit to the Holocaust Museum is an incredibly powerful and chilling experience that <strong>ranks among the most important institutions in the entire city<\/strong>. The tour is carefully structured and <strong>guides you through the darkest moments of human history<\/strong> with immense respect for the victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re planning to visit this year, keep one crucial thing in mind: <strong>the permanent exhibition will close from January 2027 for two years<\/strong>. In its place, there will be <strong>free access to the traveling exhibition &#8220;Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.&#8221;<\/strong>, so by the end of 2026 you have your last chance to see the original permanent exhibit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Entry to the museum is free, but <strong>you absolutely need timed tickets for the permanent exhibition<\/strong>, which you can buy online for $1 USD. Same-day tickets <strong>are released online every morning at exactly 7:00 AM<\/strong>, and the museum is open until 5:30 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: The exhibition is very graphic and <strong>psychologically demanding<\/strong>. If you&#8217;re <strong>traveling with young children<\/strong>, staff at the entrance will be happy to advise you on which parts of the exhibition to skip with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da11d90&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da11d90\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tidal-basin-a-pam-tn-ky-jeffersona-mlk-a-relight-e55f610b.jpg\" alt=\"Tidal Basin and the Jefferson, MLK, and FDR memorials\" class=\"wp-image-425024\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tidal-basin-a-pam-tn-ky-jeffersona-mlk-a-relight-e55f610b.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tidal-basin-a-pam-tn-ky-jeffersona-mlk-a-relight-e55f610b-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tidal-basin-a-pam-tn-ky-jeffersona-mlk-a-relight-e55f610b-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tidal-basin-a-pam-tn-ky-jeffersona-mlk-a-relight-e55f610b-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tidal-basin-a-pam-tn-ky-jeffersona-mlk-a-relight-e55f610b-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tidal-basin-a-pam-tn-ky-jeffersona-mlk-a-relight-e55f610b-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tidal-basin-a-pam-tn-ky-jeffersona-mlk-a-relight-e55f610b-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tidal-basin-a-pam-tn-ky-jeffersona-mlk-a-relight-e55f610b-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tidal-basin-a-pam-tn-ky-jeffersona-mlk-a-relight-e55f610b-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Based on photo: William Chen \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color edited<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"16_Tidal_Basin_and_the_Jefferson_MLK_and_FDR_Memorials\"><\/span>16. Tidal Basin and the Jefferson, MLK, and FDR Memorials<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tidal Basin is <strong>the jewel of Washington&#8217;s spring<\/strong>, when its shores turn pink with blooming cherry blossoms. These trees <strong>were a gift from Japan back in 1912<\/strong> and still today provide a beautiful backdrop for three significant memorials connected by a pleasant walking path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On one side stands the neoclassical temple of Thomas Jefferson, while a bit further you&#8217;ll come across the <strong>enormous, over 9-meter-tall statue of Martin Luther King Jr.<\/strong>, carved from the so-called Stone of Hope. Also unique is the <strong>sprawling FDR memorial divided into several water sections<\/strong> that symbolize his four presidential terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The entire area <strong>is accessible 24 hours a day with no admission fee<\/strong>, making it an ideal spot for an evening or early morning walk. From the nearest Smithsonian metro station, expect <strong>about 15 to 20 minutes of walking<\/strong> just to reach the edge of the basin itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: As we mentioned in the introduction, in 2026 there was a <strong>massive renovation of the shores<\/strong>, so the basin is now surrounded by a brand <strong>new seawall<\/strong> and over 400 freshly planted trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da121ca&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da121ca\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pam-tn-ky-2-sv-tov-v-lky-vietnamu-a-kore-relight-215ac902.jpg\" alt=\"World War II, Vietnam, and Korea memorials\" class=\"wp-image-425025\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pam-tn-ky-2-sv-tov-v-lky-vietnamu-a-kore-relight-215ac902.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pam-tn-ky-2-sv-tov-v-lky-vietnamu-a-kore-relight-215ac902-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pam-tn-ky-2-sv-tov-v-lky-vietnamu-a-kore-relight-215ac902-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pam-tn-ky-2-sv-tov-v-lky-vietnamu-a-kore-relight-215ac902-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pam-tn-ky-2-sv-tov-v-lky-vietnamu-a-kore-relight-215ac902-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pam-tn-ky-2-sv-tov-v-lky-vietnamu-a-kore-relight-215ac902-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pam-tn-ky-2-sv-tov-v-lky-vietnamu-a-kore-relight-215ac902-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pam-tn-ky-2-sv-tov-v-lky-vietnamu-a-kore-relight-215ac902-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pam-tn-ky-2-sv-tov-v-lky-vietnamu-a-kore-relight-215ac902-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Based on photo: Ward Dougherty \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color edited<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17_World_War_II_Vietnam_and_Korea_Memorials\"><\/span>17. World War II, Vietnam, and Korea Memorials<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This trio of war memorials <strong>is among the most visited sites near the Lincoln Memorial<\/strong>, and each has a completely different atmosphere. The massive World War II memorial with fountains and pillars <strong>honors the 16 million Americans who served in this war<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A bit further in a grove lies the <strong>minimalist and incredibly emotional Vietnam Veterans Memorial<\/strong>, which consists of a black granite wall. It has <strong>over 58,000 names of fallen soldiers engraved on it<\/strong> in strict chronological order, and you&#8217;ll often see people tracing the names of their loved ones onto paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Third in the group is the <strong>Korean War memorial with 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers<\/strong> making their way through terrain, with reflections in the wall optically creating the number 38 symbolizing the 38th parallel. You&#8217;ll also find the <strong>recently added Wall of Remembrance from 2022<\/strong>, with over 36,000 names engraved on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: These memorials are especially <strong>striking after dark<\/strong>, when the soldier statues and water features are <strong>dramatically lit<\/strong>, and there&#8217;s usually peace and quiet in the evening hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da125d2&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da125d2\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arlington-national-cemetery-relight-cc78d952.jpg\" alt=\"Arlington National Cemetery\" class=\"wp-image-425026\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arlington-national-cemetery-relight-cc78d952.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arlington-national-cemetery-relight-cc78d952-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arlington-national-cemetery-relight-cc78d952-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arlington-national-cemetery-relight-cc78d952-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arlington-national-cemetery-relight-cc78d952-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arlington-national-cemetery-relight-cc78d952-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arlington-national-cemetery-relight-cc78d952-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arlington-national-cemetery-relight-cc78d952-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arlington-national-cemetery-relight-cc78d952-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Based on photo: fares bouhlila (REDCAPTURE360) \/ Google Maps \u00b7 color edited<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18_Arlington_National_Cemetery\"><\/span>18. Arlington National Cemetery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This most famous military cemetery doesn&#8217;t lie directly in the city, but <strong>this half-day trip across the Potomac River is definitely not to be missed<\/strong>. Across 639 acres, <strong>over 400,000 soldiers and notable figures rest beneath perfectly aligned white headstones<\/strong>, including President John F. Kennedy with his eternal flame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The greatest experience is the <strong>Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier<\/strong>, which takes place with precision and in silence. Soldiers from the elite Old Guard unit have been <strong>standing watch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since 1937<\/strong>, changing every half hour in summer and every full hour in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note the ongoing <strong>construction of the new massive Triumphal Arch<\/strong>, which has narrowed the Arlington Memorial Bridge. Definitely <strong>use the blue metro line directly to Arlington Cemetery station<\/strong>, from where it&#8217;s just a five-minute walk to the entrance. Admission is free and the grounds are open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: The cemetery is really huge and quite hilly. If you don&#8217;t feel like walking, right at the visitor center you can buy a <strong>ticket for the tram for $21.50<\/strong> (around \u20ac20), which <strong>tours the main attractions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da129fb&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da129fb\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2528\" height=\"1696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kan-l-c-o-v-georgetownu-s-cihlov-mi-domy-relight-14b6329e.jpg\" alt=\"C&#038;O Canal in Georgetown with brick houses\" class=\"wp-image-425027\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kan-l-c-o-v-georgetownu-s-cihlov-mi-domy-relight-14b6329e.jpg 2528w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kan-l-c-o-v-georgetownu-s-cihlov-mi-domy-relight-14b6329e-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kan-l-c-o-v-georgetownu-s-cihlov-mi-domy-relight-14b6329e-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kan-l-c-o-v-georgetownu-s-cihlov-mi-domy-relight-14b6329e-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kan-l-c-o-v-georgetownu-s-cihlov-mi-domy-relight-14b6329e-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kan-l-c-o-v-georgetownu-s-cihlov-mi-domy-relight-14b6329e-2048x1374.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kan-l-c-o-v-georgetownu-s-cihlov-mi-domy-relight-14b6329e-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kan-l-c-o-v-georgetownu-s-cihlov-mi-domy-relight-14b6329e-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/kan-l-c-o-v-georgetownu-s-cihlov-mi-domy-relight-14b6329e-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2528px) 100vw, 2528px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"19_Georgetown_and_C_O_Canal\"><\/span>19. Georgetown and C&#038;O Canal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Georgetown is easily <strong>the oldest and most picturesque neighborhood in all of Washington<\/strong>, founded back in 1751 as a bustling tobacco port. Today you&#8217;ll find <strong>beautiful brick houses, cobblestone streets, and plenty of great boutiques<\/strong> that draw people from all around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, the metro doesn&#8217;t come here, so <strong>you need to get off at Foggy Bottom and walk about twenty minutes<\/strong>, or rent a red Capital Bikeshare bike. Also keep in mind that the <strong>historic canal boat isn&#8217;t running this year<\/strong> and will resume operations in spring 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you get hungry after your walk, <strong>stop by the excellent vegetarian spot Chaia Georgetown<\/strong>. They&#8217;re open daily and <strong>their amazing plant-based tacos<\/strong> are exactly what you&#8217;ll appreciate after a long day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Film fans shouldn&#8217;t miss the <strong>Exorcist Steps<\/strong>. These steep stone stairs became famous in the cult <strong>horror film The Exorcist<\/strong> and you&#8217;ll find them just a short distance from the main M Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da12e5d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da12e5d\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1002\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/eastern-market-na-capitol-hill-s-vikendo-42b66a46.jpg\" alt=\"Eastern Market on Capitol Hill with weekend stalls\" class=\"wp-image-424563\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/eastern-market-na-capitol-hill-s-vikendo-42b66a46.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/eastern-market-na-capitol-hill-s-vikendo-42b66a46-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/eastern-market-na-capitol-hill-s-vikendo-42b66a46-700x365.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/eastern-market-na-capitol-hill-s-vikendo-42b66a46-768x401.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/eastern-market-na-capitol-hill-s-vikendo-42b66a46-1536x802.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/eastern-market-na-capitol-hill-s-vikendo-42b66a46-696x363.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/eastern-market-na-capitol-hill-s-vikendo-42b66a46-1392x726.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: AgnosticPreachersKid \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20_Capitol_Hill_and_Eastern_Market\"><\/span>20. Capitol Hill and Eastern Market<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The area around the Capitol holds much more than just political buildings, and <strong>its heart beats primarily at Eastern Market<\/strong>. This beautiful brick building from 1873 <strong>operates indoors Tuesday through Sunday<\/strong>, while on weekends the surrounding streets fill with outdoor farmers and craft markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nearby you&#8217;ll also find the <strong>imposing Supreme Court building<\/strong>, which you can visit for free on weekdays, and sessions are even open to the public. It&#8217;s a <strong>quieter and more local part of the city<\/strong>, accessible by the blue or orange metro line directly to Eastern Market station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a quick and tasty lunch, <strong>head to PLNT Burger on nearby H Street<\/strong>. They specialize in <strong>excellent vegan burgers and fries<\/strong>, are open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, and will reliably fill you up for more exploring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Walk through the <strong>residential streets behind the market<\/strong>. You&#8217;ll find beautiful <strong>colorful row houses<\/strong> with small front gardens that create a perfect contrast to the monumental white buildings on the Mall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da13279&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da13279\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/u-street.jpg\" alt=\"U Street and Ben&#039;s Chili Bowl\" class=\"wp-image-424555\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/u-street.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/u-street-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/u-street-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/u-street-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/u-street-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/u-street-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/u-street-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/u-street-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/u-street-1392x1044.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: \u05de\u05e9\u05d4 \u05d1\u05d5\u05d9\u05d0\u05e8 \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"21_U_Street_and_Bens_Chili_Bowl\"><\/span>21. U Street and Ben&#8217;s Chili Bowl<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The U Street area is the <strong>historic center of African American culture<\/strong>, once nicknamed Black Broadway, and it still retains that energy today. <strong>This neighborhood comes alive mainly in the evening<\/strong>, when restaurant patios fill up and live music pours from local clubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Legendary here is <strong>Ben&#8217;s Chili Bowl, operating since 1958<\/strong>, which Barack Obama visited and which boasts nearly eight thousand reviews. While the local specialty is the half-smoke, a pork-beef sausage, the menu <strong>officially includes excellent vegan Veggie Chili<\/strong> and a good veggie burger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The area is also a <strong>haven for Ethiopian restaurants<\/strong>, which are a fantastic choice for vegetarians, full of legumes and vegetables served on injera flatbread. Highly rated are <strong>spots like Ethiopic or Feru on neighboring H Street<\/strong>, or the legendary cultural center with caf\u00e9 Busboys and Poets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: You can easily get here on the <strong>green or yellow metro line<\/strong> directly to <strong>U Street station<\/strong>. It&#8217;s a great place to experience a more authentic and less touristy side of Washington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ad180da136cf&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ad180da136cf\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/the-wharf.jpg\" alt=\"The Wharf\" class=\"wp-image-424556\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/the-wharf.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/the-wharf-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/the-wharf-700x466.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/the-wharf-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/the-wharf-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/the-wharf-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/the-wharf-1392x927.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: The Wharf DC \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"22_The_Wharf\"><\/span>22. The Wharf<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, we can&#8217;t leave out The Wharf, which is a <strong>brand new promenade along the Potomac River<\/strong> that the city had long been missing. This area combines modern architecture with history, as it&#8217;s home to the <strong>Municipal Fish Market founded in 1805, making it the oldest operating fish market in the USA<\/strong>, full of crabs and fresh oysters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the piers you&#8217;ll find plenty of restaurants, and on Saturday mornings through November there&#8217;s a farmers market. <strong>You can also hop on a City Cruises water taxi<\/strong>, which will take you to historic Alexandria or Georgetown for about $21 to $22 USD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Waterfront metro station is just a short distance away, and the <strong>whole neighborhood has a great, relaxed atmosphere<\/strong>. Just a reminder that although the famous Kennedy Center is nearby, <strong>its status and operations in 2026 are very uncertain due to financial problems<\/strong>, so definitely check the current situation before any potential visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: For the <strong>water taxi to Alexandria<\/strong>, check 2026 prices directly with City Cruises; <strong>departures from the Wharf<\/strong> begin around 11:45 AM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Go_From_Washington_DC\"><\/span>Where to Go From Washington D.C.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have more time in the city, <strong>definitely set aside half a day to visit the famous Washington Zoo<\/strong>. Admission is free, but free passes are required, and the <strong>biggest draw are naturally the pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao<\/strong> who live there. A great escape from the rain is the paid International Spy Museum with excellent exhibitions, or the free Postal Museum right next to Union Station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For history, you can <strong>head to nearby Mount Vernon<\/strong>, the beautiful estate of George Washington, where admission is about $30 USD (around \u20ac25). A lovely trip is also <strong>to the historic town of Old Town Alexandria<\/strong>, where King Street Trolley shuttles run for free. Downtown also features Ford&#8217;s Theatre with its Lincoln exhibition and the massive Washington National Cathedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find more inspiration for traveling around America in our other articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/co-videt-v-new-yorku\/\">What to See in New York<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/co-videt-v-bostonu\/\">What to See in Boston<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/co-videt-v-new-orleans\/\">What to See in New Orleans<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/co-videt-v-san-francisku\/\">What to See in San Francisco<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD start q=\"washingtonu\" lang=\"en\" --><!-- LKM_GYG_CARD end -->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789488882000\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_admission_to_museums_in_Washington_cost\"><\/span>How much does admission to museums in Washington cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Most major attractions are completely free. You don&#8217;t pay admission at 17 Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery, the Archives, Library of Congress, Capitol, memorials, or Arlington Cemetery. However, many of them require a timed pass, which is either free or requires a symbolic booking fee of $1. Paid attractions include the Spy Museum ($25\u201335), Mount Vernon ($30), or cathedral tours (around $15).<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789488882001\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_get_from_Dulles_Airport_to_the_center\"><\/span>How do I get from Dulles Airport to the center?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The easiest way is to take the Silver Line metro directly from the terminal; the trip to Metro Center takes about 50 to 60 minutes. The ticket costs $6.75 during peak hours, and after 9:30 PM and on weekends it&#8217;s just $2.25 to $2.50. You can easily pay by tapping a contactless card at the turnstile. From Reagan National Airport, you can reach the center via the blue or yellow line in 10 to 15 minutes.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789488882002\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_visa\"><\/span>Do I need a visa?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re traveling just as a tourist, you don&#8217;t need a traditional visa; it&#8217;s enough to get electronic ESTA registration, which costs $40 and is valid for two years. You must submit the application at least 72 hours before departure exclusively through the official website esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The new $250 &#8220;visa integrity fee&#8221; fortunately doesn&#8217;t apply to travelers with ESTA. The ESTA registration fee may change slightly after September 2026.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789488882003\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_visit_the_White_House\"><\/span>Can you visit the White House?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>For international visitors, it&#8217;s very difficult to arrange. Tours must be organized through your embassy, but many embassies don&#8217;t currently facilitate this service. Instead, we recommend visiting the excellent free White House Visitor Center with a replica of the Oval Office, and viewing the White House itself through the fence from Lafayette Square park.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789488882004\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_do_the_cherry_blossoms_bloom_and_when_should_you_go\"><\/span>When do the cherry blossoms bloom and when should you go?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The timing of the so-called peak bloom can&#8217;t be predicted more than ten days in advance, but typically falls in late March or early April (in 2026 it was March 26). The next cherry blossom festival runs from March 20 to April 11, 2027, and hotels tend to sell out months ahead. In general, Washington is most pleasant from April to June and then in September and October; in summer it&#8217;s terribly humid.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789488882005\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Washington_safe_in_2026_and_what_about_the_National_Guard\"><\/span>Is Washington safe in 2026 and what about the National Guard?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The tourist center and National Mall are among the safest parts of the city, and crime overall has decreased by 16% this year, with murders down 30%. The National Guard has been patrolling here since August 2025, and their deployment has been extended through early 2029, but this doesn&#8217;t mean any restrictions for tourists. Just avoid the areas across the Anacostia River after dark, and watch out for fake monks selling bracelets on the Mall.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789488882006\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_days_for_Washington\"><\/span>How many days for Washington?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The minimum is 3 days, during which you can spend two days exploring museums and memorials on the Mall and one day devoted to Arlington Cemetery and the Georgetown neighborhood. However, if you also want to visit Mount Vernon estate, historic Alexandria, the local Zoo, or other neighborhoods, definitely set aside 4 to 5 days.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover 22 best things to see in the U.S. capital, where most world-famous museums and monuments are completely free for visitors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":425007,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"Washington D.C. Guide: 22 Things to See & Do in 2026","rank_math_description":"Discover 22 best things to see and do in Washington D.C. Most world-famous museums and monuments are completely free. Plan your trip now!","rank_math_focus_keyword":"washington dc","rank_math_seo_score":""},"categories":[374,320,684],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-451975","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-north-america","category-travel","category-united-states-of-america-usa"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/national-mall-relight-ae0d2ba6.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Lucie Kone\u010dn\u00e1","author_link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/author\/lucie-konecna\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/451975","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=451975"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/451975\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/425007"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=451975"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=451975"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=451975"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}