Marcie

Thank you for your helpful suggestions in my previous posts. It looks like the best time for us to go to D.C. is going to be arriving on a Friday night for 3-4 nights (March 2 arrival) I'm concerned that some of the attractions,(Smithsonian, Holocaust,White House aren' open on weekends)I believe I read that there are no White House tours on Sun. or Monday.(?) Are the Smithsonian and Holocaust museums open on Sunday and Monday? Again, I thank you experienced D.C. travelers for your input.

Joy in VA

Smithsonian & Holocause museums should be open on weekends. Contact your senator or congressmans office re White House tickets & also if they have anyone in their office who can give personalized tour of the Capitol. Have fun!

ilisa

The Smithsonian and Holocaust Museums are absolutely open on weekends. the Capitol also offers tours on weekends. White House tours are not available on Sunday or Monday. It probably is too late to contact your congressman for White House tickets since they ask for at least 3 months notice (they only get about 10 tickets per week), but it certainly does not hurt to try.

Lori

The only problem time might be Sunday morning. Most buildings won't open until noon or 1 p.m. But Sunday morning is good time to stroll along the mall and memorials or visit the zoo.

ilisa

The Smithsonian is open every day, including Sundays, from 10:00am to 5:30pm (except Air and Space which is open at 9:30am through Feb. 15). The Holocaust museum also opens at 10:00am.

Ruth

Don't worry about missing the White House. Unless you get on a special tour, like the Congressional one, all you get to do is walk through. There's no tour guides for the general public tours anymore. See the monuments at night--it is very beautifu.

Lori

Ilisa I know you have correct, current information but when did buildings start opening early Sundays?

Caitlin

If you intend to visit the Library of Congress, note that only the lobby and special exhibits are open on Sunday; you cannot enter the library itself.

annK

Marcie, Washington is a very walkable city, so get a good map when you get there and plot out what you want to see so you won't miss the hot spots.

I agree the Holocaust Museum is one of the best I have ever seen, we had a large group and saw it together and it had a huge impact on each memeber of our group. Get there early there is usually a long line to get in. I wish the United Nations would make viewing the Museum a MUST for all world leaders.

Also you might want to see some of the monuments like the new Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial, both will make you stop and really think.

Also head over to Georgetown to walk around and find a good restaurant or two for dinners.

Have a good trip.

ilisa

Lori, I don't know. As far as I know, the Smithsonian has always been open that early, as least since before I became a docent at Air and Space in 1993. The Holocaust museum has always held those hours.