Visiting Washington DC and I don't want to miss attractions due to tickets being sold out [closed]

I'm visiting Washington DC for the first time and have about 36 hours. I want to make sure I see the major attractions such as the White House and other political historical sites and museums.

Are there any attractions I should prioritize to make sure I get in? Are there any I can (if possible) book in advance?

In other words, I don't wan't to miss something because I didn't get there early enough or didn't reserve (where possible).

EDIT

To be clear, my question is to make sure I don't miss any attractions due to the tickets selling out. My priorities of what I would like to see are as follows:

The White House
United States Capitol and Capitol Hill
The Smithsonian

Best Answer

White House tours must be requested through your US congress representative or senator's office. You must request a ticket at least 21 days in advance.

If you wish to visit the White House and are a citizen of a foreign country, please contact your embassy in Washington, DC for assistance in submitting a tour request. source

Tours occur on Tuesday - Thursday and Saturday, mainly in the morning. More information is available on this website (I'm not sure this is an official government website) and from Whitehouse.gov.

For the US Capitol, if you are a US resident, you can also book a tour through your member of Congress (representative or senator). If you are not a US resident, you can book directly with the Capitol visitor center. There are some same-day passes, but getting a tour, particularly in spring/summer (busy season), is not guaranteed.

The Smithsonian is actually 11 museums and galleries located on the National Mall and 6 other museums located throughout the D.C. area. The main website is here.

I believe you'll have to check individual museum or gallery sites to find out more information on tours. Most, if not all, should have self-guided audio tours.

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Is anything open in Washington DC for tourists?

Outdoor attractions like the National Park Service Sites, Monuments and Memorials at the National Mall and around the city are open.

Are museums open in Washington DC during shutdown?

Washington DC tends to feel like it has come to a standstill during a federal government shutdown. However, this is far from the truth. While several Washington DC museums shutdown, many are still open. You may not be able to visit the National Zoo or the Smithsonian Museums, but you do have options.

Are Washington DC monuments open to public?

Or visit our Directions page to find your way here by public transportation, bicycle, car, or air. The Washington Monument is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last tour time is 4:30). National Mall and Memorial Parks other sites are open 24 hours a day.

Are any of the Smithsonian museums open?

The Smithsonian Institution Building (\u201cThe Castle\u201d) and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, remain open daily. Additional museums in Washington will be open to the public for two to four days a week during this period....Jan. 5\u201317 ScheduleHirshhorn MuseumWednesdayOpenThursdayOpenFridayOpen15 more columns•Jan 3, 2022

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