As the seat of the federal government of the United States and home to several international organisations, Washington, DC is one of the most important cities in the world. Once the domain of the native Piscataway people before it was colonised in the early 17th century, the city as we see it today was designed in 1791 by Pierre Charles L’Enfant. Think 131 neighbourhoods arrayed in quadrants centred around the Capitol Building and a number of majestic monuments. Perhaps because of its political gravitas and serious status as the nation’s capital, it isn’t always seen as a ‘touristy’ place. This will change if you realise the many interesting museums and tours that you can explore while enjoying a luxury holiday here. We handpicked some of the best ones to get you started on your capital adventure.
A heart of art
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden at the Smithsonian boasts some pathbreaking works of art. Filled with paintings, photographs, and sculptures that used to be part of the collection of the late Joseph H. Hirshhorn, it has since been expanded by curators to include over 12,000 exhibits. Book a private tour to see the top artworks and get an insight into what makes them special.
LL TIP: Step out to take in the 1.3 acres of the Sculpture Garden where you can see the iconic circular fountain as well as art pieces such as an original Rodin (The Burghers of Calais) and Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree for Washington, DC.
Surely upworthy
Another impressive one to see is the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, which is guaranteed to leave even the most blasé visitor spellbound by its huge hall of aircraft hanging from the ceiling! Located on the National Mall, the museum is currently undergoing a refresh, but if the galleries that have reopened already are anything to go by, when you get the whole deal of all 23 galleries reimagined in 2026, it’s going to be a life-changing experience for aviation geeks.
Right now, you can see rare exhibits such as the original 1903 Wright Flyer in the section titled The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age, or original space suits and artefacts from collection the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions in Destination Moon.
LL Tip: You could do this as part of a four-hour Big 3 private tour, which will show you the highlights of the American History Museum, the Natural History Museum, as well as this one.
Malling about
After this, you could ride an all-electric Red Roadster with Intrepid Urban Adventures on their Washington Monuments by Night Tour. Stroll along the Tidal Basin at sunset, then drive around the National Mall learning about the city’s origins, and feasting your eyes on the beautifully lit up Washington Monument and many memorials to former US Presidents as you get a sense of the history.
LL TIP: Look out for panoramic views of the stunning Potomac River views as you are steered towards the grand finale — the White House, and Capitol Hill.
The ‘spy’cing on the cake
What better location for a Spy Museum than Washington, DC? The only museum in the world dedicated to fostering public understanding of intelligence and espionage from a global perspective, it apparently draws from the real-life experience of more than 35 current and former military, technology, policy, and intelligence professionals who have served in various agencies including the CIA, FBI, and KGB, among others, as well as relevant artefacts donated by collectors. Find the expanded, purpose-built building on L’Enfant Plaza, just south of the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall. Its many galleries offer you an immersive experience. Stealing Secrets introduces you to the world of spies and spymasters, gadget makers, scientists, and engineers from past and present.
Learn about the innovative inventions that spies down the ages used to help them in their work. The brand-new Bond in Motion gallery has 17 vehicles used in the Bond films over six decades. Sourced from the EON Productions Archive and the Ian Fleming Foundation, this is an official collection of 007 vehicles, and also has props, scale models and clips from the films on show alongside the cars, motorcycles, submarines, and more from the Q Branch garage! Get into Bond mode while you’re here. Think two full floors of interactive exhibits to tap, touch, and play. As they say, ‘you don’t just visit the Spy Museum, you live it’.
LL TIP: Jump right into the Great Game by heading to the Briefing Center to receive your undercover identity and a covert mission. Don’t forget to get the full debrief at the end of your visit!
