Washington, D.C., is a bucket list destination for so many people, for so many reasons! Whether you love history, politics, international cuisine, theatre, or–like my cousin Emily–architecture, there is something for you in D.C.! I loved planning my cousin’s college graduation trip to visit me, because I got to really dig deep into my adopted home town’s architecture, which I also find fascinating (though not fascinating enough to get my Master’s in it like Emily!). We only had three days to fit it all in, so we covered as much as possible. Here are the best places to see and experience D.C.’s beautiful architecture!

Historic Hotels

Part of the fun of travel for me is staying in a hotel. And despite living in the D.C. area, I still take the opportunity to stay in a historic hotel downtown whenever I can! Some of the most historic are also the most architecturally interesting. Featuring a variety of architectural styles, unique features, and famous (and infamous) historical significance, some of my favorites are the Willard InterContinental, Hotel Riggs, Mayflower Hotel, Watergate Hotel, and the Old Post Office Hotel (currently operated by Waldorf Astoria). Be sure to look into booking one of these amazing hotel for your trip!

So much more here: The Most Legendary Hotels in the World

Library of Congress

This is, hands-down, the most beautiful building in D.C. From the fountain and grand stairs outside to the statues and tile work inside, from the massive entry to the ever-symbolic Main Reading Room, this is an architecture lover’s delight. It’s so beautiful, I had my bridal portraits done here! Every aspect is symbolic, and every detail has a story. I recommend taking a tour here if you’re interested in knowing about everything, but if you’re not much of a tour taker, you will 100% want to simply walk inside and stand in awe of this magnificent building.

My favorite building in D.C.: How to Visit the Library of Congress in D.C.

Monuments and Memorials

D.C.’s monuments and memorials are the most iconic in the entire country, and some of the most iconic in the world. No trip to the District is complete without a walk to see them up-close and personal! The Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial are probably the most well-known, but I love the 56 Signers Memorial, World War II Memorial, FDR Memorial… Okay, I love them all! I love that they reflect both history and the time in which they were created. It’s a different sort of architecture than a hotel or federal building, but no less impressive.

Keep reading: Your Ultimate Guide to the Monuments and Memorials in D.C.

National Arboretum: Capitol Columns

This is an obscure one! These Corinthian-style columns were originally part of the U.S. Capitol building’s east portico (east-facing side) in 1828, long before the Capitol was completed. Unfortunately, in 1866, when it was discovered that they were not able to fully support the heavy dome, which was much larger than the original architect intended! The columns (precariously) stayed there until 1958, when they were removed and an addition created to support the dome. But what was anyone supposed to do with these 22 massive, historically significant columns? They were kept in storage until 1984, when a private donor and the U.S. Department of Agriculture had them moved to the National Arboretum in Northeast D.C. (not to be confused with the Botanical Gardens at the base of Capitol Hill).

Visiting in summer? How to Beat the Heat in D.C.

National Archives

Speaking of large domes, don’t skip the National Archives and its famous Rotunda. This is the place to admire the founding documents (the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights), as well as admire the architecture, inside and out. When Congress passed the Public Buildings Act in 1926 to create federal office buildings, the National Archives building was part of the deal, then called a “Hall of Records.” Its Greek revival style and Corinthian columns remain striking and grand to this day, welcoming one million visitors each year!

(Coming Soon) Helpful info: How to Visit the National Archives in D.C.

Octagon House Museum

Architects in the know may already be somewhat familiar with this one. This six-sided house museum is one of D.C.’s oldest private residences, and it once served as the Headquarters for The American Institute of Architects. A six-sided octagon? That’s right! The 15 Tayloe children living here called it an octagon anyway, and the nickname stuck. Despite this one inconsistency, it is one of the most architecturally interesting buildings in D.C., if not the country. A visit here will leave you curious about the curved doors, well-used, yet odd, extra spaces, and more. And if you’re also into history, you’ll be fascinated to find out this home actually served as temporary White House for President and Mrs. Madison after the burning of Washington in 1814!

(Coming Soon) Get all the details: How to Tour the Octagon House in D.C.

Old Post Office Tower

I’ve been in D.C. long enough to remember the awful food court and souvenir shops that once occupied this stunning, historic post office headquarters. Located right on Pennsylvania Avenue, it’s now a beautifully restored hotel! If you didn’t know it was a post office, you’d certainly think it was a castle. You can walk in and see what it’s like inside, but don’t forget to go around back to enter the small museum and go up in the clock tower. The view from up top is one of the best in D.C., rivaled only by the views from the Washington Monument, in my opinion. On your way to the elevators, don’t be in a hurry. Along the corridor where you’ll be walking is a small museum about the building.

Don’t miss this: Where to Find the Best Views of D.C.

Smithsonian Castle

The Smithsonian Institution (affectionately called the “Castle,” is the original Smithsonian Museum. Dating back to 1855, it’s certainly a stunner, and it’s perfectly located right in the middle of it all on the National Mall. It has definitely seen a lot here through the years–if only these walls could talk! While it looks like brick on the outside, the Castle is actually made from Seneca red sandstone, and the architectural style is Norman Revival–hence the “castle” look that’s become so iconic. At the time of this writing, this building is undergoing its first major renovation in over 50 years, set to re-open in 2028. In the meantime, don’t miss the beautiful Enid A. Haupt Garden in the back, which remains open during the renovation.

Read on: Your Ultimate Guide to D.C.’s Smithsonian Museums

Union Station

It seems like there are a zillion Union Stations in the United States, but in my personal opinion, the one in D.C. is the most stunning! It’s been meticulously maintained over the years, and it’s far more than a train station these days. Yes, you can arrive or depart using Metro, Amtrak, VRE, or MARC train systems, but you can also dine, shop, and simply admire this incredible building that’s also a work of art. It’s one of the most “Instagrammable” places in D.C., and one look at the ceilings, archways, and columns will show you why.

More here: The Most Helpful D.C. Info You Will Ever Find

United States Capitol

Yes, that’s a real photo below, and yes, I took it! It’s one of the photos I’m most proud of in my photography career. But really, it’s not difficult to take epic photos of this iconic building. Construction began in 1793 and lasted until 1826, when it was discovered the dome was too heavy for the columns (see “National Arboretum: Capitol Columns” above!). An addition was made in 1868 to support the dome, and that is the same structure you see today. It’s been meticulously maintained over the years, and, fun fact: It is the highest building in D.C. Other buildings are taller, but because it’s situated on Capitol Hill, It claims the top spot. There are no skyscrapers in D.C. because nothing can be higher than Freedom–the westward-facing statue that stands at the top of the dome.

Also helpful: How to Tour the U.S. Capitol

White House

Last but not least: The most famous house at the most famous address in the United States. The White House is a challenge to visit, but if you can’t score tickets to get inside, you can get a photo of the outside. When the White House was built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, homes didn’t have a “front” and “back” like we think of today. The side most people think of as the “front” of the White House is actually the south side, facing the National Mall, and the “back” that most people reference is actually the north side, facing Lafayette Square. (You’ll get the best view and the best photos from the north side.)

Construction started in 1792 and was nearly completed in 1800 when President John and First Lady Abigail Adams moved in–George Washington never stepped foot in the White House! In fact, this wasn’t even called the White House for over a decade after that. It was first known as the President’s Mansion, Presidential Palace, or the Executive Mansion. It wasn’t until 1901 when President Theodore Roosevelt officially called it the “White House.” It’s been renovated and added onto over the years, but despite a devastating fire in 1814, major dismantling in the 1950s, and reconstruction to strengthen the structure, this Palladian Neoclassical home looks strikingly similar to the way it was originally designed.

Essential info: How to Tour the White House in D.C.

Want more? Get everything you need to plan your D.C. trip on my dedicated Washington, D.C., Page!

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