60 The Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is one of the most elegant and peaceful monuments in Washington, DC. It honors Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

Located on the edge of the Tidal Basin, the memorial is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, when the white dome is surrounded by pink blooms reflected in the water.

The memorial was designed in a neoclassical style, inspired by ancient Roman architecture, especially the Pantheon in Rome. Its round dome and ring of white marble columns also echo Jefferson’s own architectural tastes, including his designs at Monticello and the University of Virginia Rotunda. It was dedicated in 1943.

Inside, you’ll find a 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson standing beneath the open dome, along with inscriptions of some of his most famous words, including ideas about liberty, democracy, and religious freedom. One of the most famous inscriptions includes the line from the Declaration of Independence:

“all men are created equal”

Jefferson was one of the most influential figures in early American history. Besides writing the Declaration, he served as:

-first Secretary of State

-Vice President

-President from 1801–1809

-founder of the University of Virginia

The memorial celebrates his ideals of freedom, democracy, and education, while modern discussions also recognize the contradictions in his legacy, including his ownership of enslaved people.

59 Planet Word

Located in the historic Franklin School, a red-brick landmark at 925 13th Street NW, next to Franklin Square in downtown Washington.  Planet Word is one of the most unusual museums in Washington, DC. Instead of focusing on art, history, or science, it is dedicated entirely to language, words, and communication. It opened in October 2020 and is often described as the world’s first voice-activated museum.

The museum aims to make language fun and interactive, encouraging visitors to speak, listen, sing, and play with words rather than simply read exhibits.

It's free to visit with donation.  There is a puzzle-style word-themed escape room where teams solve language clues together (with $48 fee).

I really enjoyed the interactions of each room offers, especially the Karaoke Songwriting Gallery.   Overall, a great place for couples and kids looking for a fun place to play. 

58 National Gallery of Art-Sculpture Garden

Address: Constitution Ave NW between 7th and 9th Streets. Admission is free.

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is one of the most pleasant outdoor art spaces on the National Mall. It combines modern sculpture, thoughtful landscape design, and a relaxing park atmosphere right next to the National Gallery of Art museum complex.

It is always a pleasure to walk around the National Mall, especially on a sunny day after many days of cold and gloomy weather. I was surprised that I had somehow missed this place in the past till now, considering how many times I have walked around the Mall. The garden’s central fountain and reflecting pool is drained and converted into an ice-skating rink each winter season.

57 Taberna del Alabardero Washington, DC

Address: 1776 I Street NW, Washington, DC (Entrance on 18th Street between H and I Streets). Taberna del Alabardero is one of Washington, DC’s most respected Spanish restaurants, located just a few blocks from the White House in downtown DC.

Because of its elegance and authenticity, it has long been popular with diplomats, politicians, and visitors working around the White House.

Typical dishes include: Tapas , Paella with seafood or meat, Jamón ibérico and Spanish cheeses, Sangria and Spanish wines and Traditional Spanish desserts. The restaurant also offers brunch, happy hour, and seasonal tasting menus.

I thoroughly enjoyed a brunch at this restaurant for its delicious food and drinks, elegant décor, attentive service, and the relaxed, peaceful dining atmosphere. It was a wonderful place to sit down, enjoy a meal, and truly savor the experience.

56 Willard InterContinental Washington

The relationship between Ulysses S. Grant and the Willard InterContinental Washington is famous in American political history and is closely tied to the origin of the term “lobbyist.”

During his presidency (1869–1877), Grant often walked from the White House to the nearby Willard Hotel in the evening. The hotel was one of the most elegant and important gathering places in Washington, located just a short distance from the White House.

Grant liked to sit in the hotel’s lobby to relax, smoke a cigar, and sometimes have a drink. 

Because Grant spent time there regularly, many people who wanted political favors, government contracts, or policy influence began waiting in the hotel lobby to approach him.

These individuals were trying to influence the president and other politicians who frequented the hotel. They became known as “lobbyists.”

According to popular lore, Grant jokingly referred to these persistent people as “those damn lobbyists.”

While historians note that the word lobbyist existed earlier, the story at the Willard made the term widely popular in Washington political culture.

In the 19th century, the Willard Hotel was essentially a political headquarters for Washington. Many politicians, diplomats, and power brokers stayed or met there.

Other notable figures connected to the hotel include Abraham Lincoln – stayed there before his 1861 inauguration; Martin Luther King Jr. – finished writing his “I Have a Dream” speech there.

I had passed by this hotel many times and even had lunch outside near the lobby during the summer, but I had never gone inside.

While studying U.S. history, I learned the story about the connection between President Ulysses S. Grant and the Willard Hotel. That made me curious, so I decided to visit the hotel.

Needless to say, I really enjoyed admiring the colorful, one-of-a-kind decorations and taking photos. It was a lot of fun.

55 Cafe Milano

At a friend’s recommendation, I visited Cafe Milano twice.

The first time, I happened to be in the neighborhood and decided to stop by during the daytime, just before lunch. The restaurant was empty, so I simply walked in, looked around, and then left.

The second time, I returned for lunch in a weekend with a friend. It wasn’t busy that day—there were actually more waitstaff than customers. We were seated at a table in a high-traffic area, so throughout our meal we watched constant movement as staff walked back and forth. On top of that, the servers came by a bit too frequently, to the point that it disrupted the relaxed feeling of the meal. I didn’t enjoy the dining experience as much as I had hoped.

That said, the food was delicious, and the restaurant is beautifully decorated. It’s an elegant space. I just didn’t get to fully enjoy the overall atmosphere that day.

I’ve been told that Cafe Milano is a place where people go to see and be seen—and over the years it has attracted locals, politicians, and celebrities alike. We didn’t quite experience that energy during our visit. Perhaps going on a busy weeknight would offer more of that signature scene—if you’re hoping to spot a few well-known faces.

54 Renwick Gallery

Admission is free. The Renwick Gallery is a beautifully designed and colorful architectural gem located in the heart of downtown DC, just steps from the White House. You can’t miss it—the building truly stands out among its surroundings.

It’s a small, intimate gallery, which makes the experience feel personal and immersive. I was especially captivated by Janet Echelman’s mesmerizing fiber and light installation upstairs. Suspended from the ceiling of the Renwick’s Grand Salon—a vast, open space with only a piano in the room—the artwork fills the room in a way that allows you to fully surrender to the shifting lights and colors.  

53 National Portrait Gallery

Admission is free, as it is part of the Smithsonian Institution. This is one of my all-time favorite places to visit in Washington, D.C., and I love how convenient it is to get there by Metro.  I once attended Christmas party there too!

One of my favorite sections is the portraits of old Hollywood movie stars, capturing a unique glamour and elegance that feels rare in today’s Hollywood. I’ve noticed that this collection is sometimes rotated out, but whenever it’s on view, it’s always the first place I head to.

Another part of the collection I truly enjoy is the gallery of U.S. presidential portraits. The museum holds the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House, which makes it especially meaningful.

The National Portrait Gallery is often not overly crowded, which makes the experience even more pleasant. I also love the Kogod Courtyard between the buildings—it’s an elegant and relaxing space to meet friends or simply take a quiet break during the visit. The colorful Great Hall is another highlight, and it’s a beautiful spot for photos.

Founded by an Act of Congress in 1962 and opened to the public in 1968, the museum tells the story of the United States through portraits of the people who have shaped its history, culture, and identity—from presidents to artists, activists, and scientists.

Star Power- Portraits of Old time Hollywood stars

Portrait of President Abraham Lincoln

Portrait of Yellow Stone Landscape

Kogod Courtyard

Kogod Courtyard during Holiday time

The Great Hall