10 Most Instagrammable Places in Washington DC
Where to Take Stunning Photos of Washington, DC to Impress Your Friends?
Washington, DC offers one of the greatest places in the world for lighting up your Instagram feed with history, memorials, parks, and unusual sights to thrill almost anyone. Some of the most famous monuments in the United States are here, from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Building. The Smithsonian Institution comprises some of the world’s largest museums. These offerings don’t even touch on the gardens, parks, and green space to be found here.
Whatever the theme of your social media feeds might be, you’re sure to find an ideal photo opportunity in DC. Check out some of the places in Washington, DC where you can take the best photos to brag about to your friends.
1. Lincoln Memorial
The iconic statue of the enthroned president
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo
The Lincoln Memorial with its gigantic statue of Abraham Lincoln seated majestically is one of the most iconic sites in the country and an ideal subject for your Instagram feed. Photo opportunities can be had both outside the building and inside, where you’ll be surrounded by rows of dramatic columns with fewer crowds. Everything in here is larger than life and is sure to take your breath away. The photos will have the same effect on your social media viewers.
The Lincoln Memorial is part of the National Mall, right in the heart of downtown Washington, DC. It’s also open day and night, so you can take photos in the sunlight or when it’s gloriously illuminated at night. Read more
Location: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Phone: +1 202-426-6841
Lincoln Memorial
2. Georgetown
A renowned residential neighborhood
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo
Georgetown is a neighborhood just about 10 minutes from downtown that offers stunning colorful homes, murals, boutique shopping, and a picturesque waterfront that’s perfect for Instagram feeds. The options for photo opportunities here are endless. You can capture images of quaint independent storefronts along walkable avenues or light up your feed with pictures of colorful, historic row houses. Walk along the waterfront and capture images of couples strolling along the shore or boats traveling down the river.
Georgetown is a historic and picturesque neighborhood with infinite opportunities to make your Instagram feed glow. It’s a must-visit area for almost any trip to Washington, DC.
Location: Georgetown, Washington, DC 20007
Georgetown
3. United States Capitol
The place where government happens
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo
The United States Capitol is an iconic building with its mighty columns and dome, and it allows a chance to photograph the place where the work of US government happens. You can try to reproduce famous views of the Capitol from the outside, or you can book a guided tour to capture images of the historic halls, rooms, and artwork within. The Capitol is a must-visit on any trip to DC and will be a highlight of your Instagram account.
The Capitol is located on the far east side of the National Mall, in the heart of downtown Washington. It’s also within easy walking distance of a number of other photographic attractions.
Location: First St SE, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +1 202-226-8000
United States Capitol
4. Washington National Cathedral
Over 230 stained glass windows to light up your feed
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo
The Washington National Cathedral offers stunning Gothic architecture with over 230 elegant stained glass windows and over 100 statues to photograph for your Instagram feed. This building is one of the most important seats of religion in the nation and is a delight to photograph both inside and out. Occasionally, it also hosts events and concerts, like the Children’s Chorus of Washington, which will enhance your experience here.
Besides the gargoyles, statues, and stained glass windows, you can see gorgeous, colorful gardens outside and stroll through the beautiful green space. It’s about 13 minutes northeast of central downtown. Read more
Location: 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
Phone: +1 202-537-6200
Washington National Cathedral
5. Library of Congress
More than 50 works by American artists
Good for: Budget, Families, History, Photo
The Library of Congress is among the world’s largest libraries and one of the most photogenic buildings in DC, offering breathtaking opportunities for social media photos. Check out the Thomas Jefferson building, which dates back to the 19th century, to view over 50 paintings, sculptures, and murals from iconic American artists. Capture reading rooms that look like something out of one of the books they house.
While you’re here, don’t forget to take some time to contemplate and even photograph the quotes from some of the most influential thinkers in history etched on the walls of the Great Hall. It’s right in the heart of downtown in the National Mall.
Location: 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540, USA
Open: Tuesday–Wednesday and Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Phone: +1 202-707-5000
Library of Congress
6. Tidal Basin
Cherry blossoms in bloom make for great photos
Good for: Budget, Couples, Photo
DC’s Tidal Basin is a lovely, man-made reservoir in the heart of the National Mall which truly comes to life in the spring with chances to photograph vibrant, pink cherry blossoms. It’s worth capturing pictures of all year long, however, with fall also very beautiful. The reservoir is lined with elegant, paved walkways, endless green space, and tended plants that give a sense of serene beauty no matter when you want to capture an image.
For a really stark addition to your Instagram, try capturing photos in the heart of cherry blossom season, then grab shots of the trees in the winter and juxtapose them in your feed. Your followers will wonder at the stunning transformation between the 2 seasons. Read more
Tidal Basin
7. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The stunning Hope diamond to photograph
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is among the world’s most magnificent buildings, boasting stunning architecture and thousands of photo opportunities of dinosaurs, art, and even sparkling jewels. Here, you can catch photos of a full-sized, taxidermic elephant, real dinosaur bones, Egyptian mummies, the Hope Diamond, and a 52-foot-long mega-toothed shark. You can capture photos of live insects and hundreds of rare items the museum calls Objects of Wonder.
What makes this museum stand out is the sheer size of the place. It’s among the largest museums in the world, and you may want to come back several times to get round all the exhibits you want to photograph. Read more
Location: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +1 202-633-1000
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
8. United States National Arboretum
The original Capitol Building columns
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo
The United States National Arboretum offers miles of hiking trails winding through 446 acres of green space, with a stunning photo op of the National Capitol Columns at its heart. This permanent public art installation features 22 Corinthian columns that stood as the original support structures of the US Capitol’s East Portico in 1828. They transport you back into the past and are fantastic to photograph either from a distance or from among them.
To maximize the photographic drama, head to the brick patio of the columns right at dusk when the shadows are long. Don’t miss the chance to capture a picture of the reflecting pool nearby as well. The arboretum is just 18 minutes east of downtown Washington. Read more
Location: 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 202-245-4523
United States National Arboretum
9. National Gallery of Art
A tunnel of LED lights and a big blue chicken
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The National Gallery of Art offers a spectacular building with gorgeous rooms, high-arched ceilings, marble floors, and fantastic artwork throughout to grace your Instagram feed. One of the highlights of this place is the LED tunnel that travels from the east side of the museum to the west, offering a backdrop for a unique and worthy photo. Of course, while you’re here, don’t miss the gigantic cobalt rooster known as the Hahn/Cock, created by Katharina Fritsch. It sits up on the roof and stands 15 feet tall.
The National Gallery of Art is located in the National Mall in the heart of downtown. From the roof, you can capture great photos of the many surrounding monuments, including the Capitol dome. Read more
Location: Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 202-737-4215
National Gallery of Art
10. Friendship Archway
A colorful icon of the East-West bond
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
The Friendship Archway overlooks one of the busiest intersections in Washington, DC’s Chinatown district and is a famed Instagram spot with stunning, colorful art to ignite your feed. This arch hangs over 7th Street and H Street NW and was built in 1982. It’s a symbol of Chinatown and the friendship between the East and the West. It features more than 7,000 elaborate, colorful tiles and lights, with 272 brightly painted dragons all over its surface.
This one is an unusual, unique photo for your Instagram feed that’s an ideal contrast to the very Western monuments you’ll capture on vacation here. The Friendship Archway is located just 7 minutes to the southeast of downtown Washington.
Location: 728-730 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Phone: +1 202-778-3150
Friendship Archway
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