Downtown Washington, DC

Downtown Washington, DC serves as the central business district of the capital city of the United States. It is situated in the northwestern quadrant of Washington, D.C. The area is also a U.S. Historic District and was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on September 22, 2001. Covering an area of 50 acres, Downtown Washington is generally considered to be bordered by Massachusetts Avenue NW to the north, Constitution Avenue NW to the south, 1st Street NW to the east, and 18th Street NW to the west.

Downtown Washington, DC, features numerous attractions and important historical landmarks, along with many famous restaurants, bars, and hotels, including the historic Willard Hotel. The area is home to museums, theaters, parks, and public squares, as well as numerous government offices. It is also home to a campus of The George Washington University. The area is served by Washington Union Station, several major highways including U.S. Route 29, and an extensive metro system.

Ford’s Theatre, opened in 1863, is known as the site where Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was shot on April 14, 1865. Located at 511 10th Street NW, it later became a museum and has operated as a theater since 1968. The International Spy Museum is one of the most popular destinations in the capital. Established on July 19, 2002, and located at 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, the museum features exhibits on the history of espionage and an impressive collection of spy devices.

The National Building Museum, located at 401 F Street NW, is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Constructed in 1887 and designed by Montgomery C. Meigs in the Renaissance Revival architectural style, the museum is dedicated to engineering, architecture, and design. The National Museum of Women in the Arts is another must-visit destination, dedicated to exploring and celebrating women artists. Opened in 1987 and located at 1250 New York Avenue NW, the museum is housed in a building listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Its collection includes works by Mary Cassatt, Frida Kahlo, Judith Leyster, Sarah Bernhardt, and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun.

Capital One Arena, located at 601 F Street NW, is an indoor arena that hosts basketball, ice hockey, and professional wrestling events. Opened on December 2, 1997, it serves as the home arena of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, the NBA’s Washington Wizards, and the NCAA’s Georgetown Hoyas. The Ellipse is a large green space surrounded by fountains and monuments, and it hosts festivals and celebrations. It is also home to the National Christmas Tree.