The 25 most Instagrammable places in Washington D.C.

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You’d be hard pressed to find anything more iconic (besides the monuments) in the District than the cherry blossoms that ring the Tidal Basin—so iconic, in fact, that the NPS maintains a year-round live feed to track when they bloom. Gifted by Japan to the United States as a gesture of friendship in 1912, the trees are Yoshino cherry trees, which are known for their cloud-like pink and white flowers.

Thousands of people descend on the Tidal Basin to snap pictures and take in the National Cherry Blossom Festival every year around the end of March and beginning of April. Although it gets crowded, this is an instance where the hype isn’t misplaced; walking beneath the canopy of blossoms really is that dreamy. The trees also show off great fall color, too.

Time Out tip: Wear close toed shoes you can walk in. Certain parts of the sidewalk around the Tidal Basin are uneven—nothing will ruin a photo like tripping, or even worse, falling in.

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There’s symbolism lurking on almost every surface of the Library of Congress, which was decorated by nearly 50 different artists and houses a rich variety of photographic vignettes. The Great Hall and Main Reading Room are the most Instagrammed spots in the complex.

You don’t have to be a bookworm to appreciate the nods to some of the world’s most influential authors and thinkers, including the various quotes from the likes of Cervantes and Hugo that adorn the Great Hall. Don’t forget to examine the floor if you’re into astrology, because each zodiac sign is depicted in the marble.

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As Washington D.C.’s oldest neighborhood, Georgetown is full of historic architecture, including the signature multi-colored row houses that line its streets. Mix that with cobblestone streets, quaint sidewalk cafes and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and you’re likely to run out of storage space after taking endless pictures.

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Find colorful murals in Blagden Alley—a hidden enclave in Shaw—splashed on nearly every surface. We’re partial to the smile-inducing “LOVE” by Lisa Marie Thalhammer. The letters are painted in rainbow bright colors and serve as a good reminder that, after all, “love is all you need.”

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Grand, flooded with light and great for people-watching, the Kogod Courtyard is absolutely a must-visit and an expected inclusion on our list. Attached to the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, it’s a popular respite—with a ceiling made entirely of glass!—for exhausted museum-goers and locals in the know who need to take a break.

Time Out tip: The museum cafe that looks out onto the courtyard sells wine by the glass that’s dispensed via tap. The courtyard also has free wifi.

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The sleek shopping destination pulls out over-the-top decorations to celebrate each change of the season and local happenings. Palmer Alley, the small street that runs through the center of the shopping center, is an often changing venue for seasonal art installations. Watch for tableaus like hundreds of miniature twinkle lights in the holiday season and fall leaves in autumn. As the weather turns warmer, the new spring decor could include thousands of pink lanterns or beach balls, all of which make for an eye-catching photo background.

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The stone fountain in the center of Dupont Circle anchors one of the city’s liveliest public spaces. The fountain, which is turned on and off seasonally, presides over the sight of numerous gatherings, events, and protests. Dupont is one of the city’s most culturally vibrant and lively neighborhoods; the sheer number of people who pass through this well-maintained green space makes it a worthy inclusion on the list. 

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No matter how many times you’ve visited D.C. or how long you’ve called it home, you will never get sick of taking selfies with Abe. Bonus points: From the steps of this stoic monument, you can enjoy seeing the city from a whole lot of different vantage points. May we suggest taking a straight shot of the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool?

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Less than an hour-long drive outside of D.C., travelers will stumble upon this gorgeous hiker haven. In addition to nature trails galore, find craggy waterways and scenic overlooks. Although breathtaking throughout the entire year, the area becomes particularly picturesque during the fall, when the beautiful foliage needs no filter.

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A trip to Hillwood is akin to escaping the city for a trip to a faraway manor estate. The former home of socialite and businesswoman Marjorie Merriweather Post, the estate has a massive decorative arts collection and acres of stunning, well-kept gardens. Clear some room in your camera roll before a visit.

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Ben's Chili Bowl is one of D.C.'s most famous and important restaurants. Opened in 1958, the historic landmark on U. Street has long been a symbol of D.C.'s Black history and culture. The mural on its wall has become a notable stop in its own right, and depicts notable Black Americans such as Prince, Harriet Tubman, and Barack and Michelle Obama. 

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A recent addition to the National Gallery of Art, Katharina Fritsch's “Hahn/Cock” sculpture is a striking backdrop for any shot. The bright blue, 15-foot rooster is perched on the roof of the gallery and can even be gazed at from the street below. Keep in mind, though, that the nearer you are to the sculpture, the more exciting the picture.

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In the middle of a field within the National Arboretum stands a stark and jarring sight: 22 massive Corinthian-inspired columns. They once supported the U.S. Capitol, until they became too fragile to withhold the weight and were eventually replaced by replicas. The originals have found permanent residence at the Arboretum and across our social media feeds.

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It isn't a surprise that every object inside the first building specifically built to be an art museum is a feast for the eyes. The Renwick Gallery is dedicated to contemporary crafts and decorative artworks, many of which are shown at a massive scale. No feed is complete without a photo of Janet Echelman's full-room thread and light installation, or Alicia Eggert's "This Present Moment."

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This colorful, intricate symbol of harmony marks the entrance to Chinatown. Beyond it, find some of the city’s best take-out joints and restaurants (we’re particularly fond of Daikaya) so, after taking some pictures, make sure to wander the streets in search of hand-pulled noodles and soup dumplings.

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Sip an espresso martini (or two) on the patio at Residents, the sceney cafe and bar just off Dupont Circle. The outdoor patio is a coveted reservation for both the food and the photo opp the everchanging ceiling installations provide. Previous patio decor has included a cascade of lemons for summer, and cherry blossoms for spring. 

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Do you even live in D.C. if you've never posted a shot of Union Station's Grand Lobby as you're coming or going from the city? Opened in 1908, the building is an iconic example of Beaux Arts architecture, and its 96 foot barrel vaulted ceiling makes for a grand backdrop. Bonus points if you post during the holidays and capture the massive Christmas tree and wreaths. 

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Organized? Ha. Visually appealing? You bet. Though you’re not likely to immediately find what you’re looking for in Capitol Hill Books’ disheveled stacks, you’ll at least have a lot of fun looking. The used book store opened back in 1991 and is still the ideal respite from the city’s hustle and bustle during weekends.

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Legend has it that a paint job gone wrong is responsible for the huge painting of a watermelon on the side of this house in the Shaw neighborhood. Stare at the property from the front and marvel at the fact that the perfect photo is just a few steps to the right.

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Pick a spot, any spot, within this Adams Morgan/Columbia Heights park and you’ll be in a prime shot-snapping position. On the lower level, a magnificent set of stairs frames a cascading fountain, while the upper portion of the area is home to a Joan of Arc statue. On Sundays, the drum circle draws all sorts of characters, so the people watching isn’t bad, either.

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There is basically no way to take a bad picture of the acclaimed cultural center. Inside, a towering ceiling and white columns are offset by a bright red carpet. The exterior of the sprawling building is supported by delicate pillars, all right below a huge rooftop that offers a one-of-a-kind view of the Potomac River.

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What was once a church that sat vacant for over 20 years is today a technicolored event space and community center. Covered in a remarkably eye-catching neon color pattern on the outside, courtesy of Georgia-based artist Hense, the inside of the venue is just as striking, making it the perfect subject for a photoshoot to be posted on Instagram.

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Constructed in 1911 within the city’s picturesque Kalorama neighborhood, the Spanish Steps are a multi-tiered marvel that has served as the setting for countless proposals, photo shoots and picnics. Also boasting a fountain, the impressive staircase is flanked by magnolia trees and other blossoming foliage.

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This wall of multicolored hearts is so cheerful, it would probably outshine a rainbow. Created by Los Angeles-based street artist Mr. Brainwash, the mural has served as the backdrop for countless wedding proposals, photoshoots and fun-looking snaps.

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This futuristic art space in Southwest DC hosts rotating exhibits that immerse visitors in a different world. Digitized images of falling leaves, cherry blossoms or undulating water are projected on the walls. The best part: They respond to your every move. This calls for a Boomerang to be posted on social media.