One of the Library of Congress' three buildings. This has the Madison Cafe (open 8:30am to 3:30pm weekdays) on the 6th floor, a fine spot to refresh and take in the city views. Room 140 is where staff members issue library cards to anyone who wants to do research. The 3rd-floor Pickford Theater screens free classic and contemporary films; check the schedule at www.loc.gov/loc/events.
Madison Building
Washington, DC
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
13.09 MILES
One of America's most visited historic sites, Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington.
0.82 MILES
The legendary exhibits at the National Air and Space Museum include the Wright brothers' flyer, Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St…
0.88 MILES
Two buildings. Hundreds of masterpieces. Infinite enjoyment. It's easy to spend a full day at the National Gallery of Art, which showcases a whole range…
2.46 MILES
Anchoring the National Mall's west end is the hallowed shrine to Abraham Lincoln, who gazes across the Reflecting Pool beneath his neoclassical, Doric…
National Museum of African American History & Culture
1.54 MILES
Located in Washington, DC, the sensational National Museum of African American History & Culture is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African…
0.32 MILES
Since 1800, this is where the legislative branch of American government (ie Congress) has met to write the country's laws.
1.88 MILES
Play image association with the words “Washington, DC,” and chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the White House. The president’s pad is…
3.23 MILES
Sprawling across hills above the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for America’s most revered…
Nearby Washington, DC attractions
0.14 MILES
The world's largest library – with 164 million books, manuscripts, maps, photos, films and other items – awes in both scope and design. The centerpiece is…
0.15 MILES
One of the Library of Congress' three buildings, this holds 180 miles of shelving and is used mostly by researchers.
0.22 MILES
Bard-o-philes will be all aflutter here, as the library holds the world's largest collection of old Billy’s works. Stroll through the Great Hall to see a…
0.27 MILES
The highest court in the USA occupies a pseudo-Greek temple protected by 13,000lb bronze doors. Arrive early to watch arguments (periodic Monday through…
0.32 MILES
Since 1800, this is where the legislative branch of American government (ie Congress) has met to write the country's laws.
6. Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument
0.39 MILES
This brick house, only steps from the US Capitol, may not look like much, but throughout the 20th century it was ground zero for women fighting for their…
0.44 MILES
Northwest of the Capitol is the charming 1879 Summerhouse, a redbrick hexagon with black-iron gates and an interior well. This is where women in the late…
0.44 MILES
Beautifying a traffic island at the rear of the United States Botanic Garden, this modest showcase of sustainable and accessible landscape design has at…