Welcome to Historic Washington, DC!

Mayor Adrian Fenty

We are pleased to guide you on a virtual tour of the beautiful District of Columbia, our nation's capital. Hop aboard the Metrorail, Metrobus, or DC Circulator bus for a comfortable and affordable way to tour the city. Explore the National Mall's many museums, memorials, and art galleries. Visit spectacular Union Station, designated as a "Great Public Space" by the American Planning Association in 2008, for its history, shopping, and entertainment. Experience the flavor of Washington life through a wealth of neighborhood festivals, specialty restaurants and cultural events.

The District of Columbia's cultural heritage is rich and varied. The city has about 600 historic landmarks and more than 40 historic districts, each with its own unique heritage and appeal. More than 25,000 properties are designated as historic, and most are also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. These include the iconic monuments and commemorative places that define Washington as the nation's capital, as well as the commercial centers, residences, and places of worship and recreation that make up our many vibrant neighborhoods.

Washington's neighborhoods reflect the diversity and vitality of our city. If you are downtown, sample the best in shopping, theatres, galleries and historic hotels. Treat your eyes to an unrivaled view of the District from the hills of historic Anacostia. See some of the city's oldest buildings in Georgetown. Explore Capitol Hill, where government office buildings nestle near elegant Victorian rowhouses. Take in the history of LeDroit Park, which has been home to educators at Howard University and many prominent African Americans. View the modest alley dwellings, striking churches, and unique commercial architecture of the Shaw neighborhood. Enjoy the rich history of U Street, whose fraternal organizations, theaters, and jazz clubs earned the area its national designation as "Black Broadway."

Through this website, you can explore Washington's dynamic neighborhoods and learn about our many historic landmarks. Make your next vacation an unforgettable adventure. We're ready to welcome you to Washington, DC!

Adrian M. Fenty
Mayor, District of Columbia  

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