,url-https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tripexpert.com%2Fimages%2Fmarker-fade%402x.png(-77.02607,38.891266)/-77.01539229601622,38.889968104579026,14.850956297602703/1280x214@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidHJpcGV4cGVydHdlYiIsImEiOiJja2Fud3l2MDcwbXZ0MndyeGF3eGI3ZWhzIn0.zLqNa1RECyZZadF8zfQM5w)
Library of CongressvsSmithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Library of Congress and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History are both highly recommended by those who travel for a living. Overall, Library of Congress ranks marginally higher than Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Library of Congress has a TripExpert Score of 90 with approval from 9 reviewers such as Lonely Planet, Michelin Guide and Atlas Obscura.
Library of Congress
Frommer's
Lonely Planet
Travel + Leisure
Time Out
Not For Tourists
Fodor's
Michelin Guide
National Geographic
Where
Atlas Obscura Show All Reviews
101 Independence Ave SE, Washington DC, DC 20540
From $0/night
Frommer's "Before you stop in the Orientation Galleries, or line up for that tour or enmesh yourself in the library's literature, first take time to stroll around the building." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"To prove to Europeans that America was cultured, John Adams plunked the world's largest library on Capitol Hill." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Created by an act of Congress in 1800, this often-overlooked Washington landmark occupies a resplendent 1897 building connected by tunnel to the Capitol building." Full review
Time Out "The national library of the US, the Library of Congress is the world’s largest." Full review
Not For Tourists "Lose yourself in letters."
Fodor's "The largest library in the world has more than 155 million items on approximately 838 miles of bookshelves." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"A renowned Beaux-Arts landmark, the original Library of Congress is reputedly Washington's most richly ornamented building." Full review
National Geographic "Nation's library houses two copies of every book printed in the U.S.; building's interior features sculptures, frescoes, and tilework; extensive print and photograph collection; free docent-led tours" Full review
Where "World’s largest library holds more than 162 million items, among them more than 38 million books, plus the Gutenberg Bible and a re-creation of Thomas Jefferson’s 6,487-volume founding collection." Full review
Atlas Obscura "A nostalgic bibliographic gem. " Full review
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Frommer's Lonely Planet Lonely Planet Time Out Travel + Leisure Michelin Guide Where Atlas Obscura
U.S. News & World Report Fodor's Show All Reviews
10th Street and Constitution Ave., Washington DC, DC 20560
From $0/night
Frommer's "The National Museum of Natural History is the largest of its kind in the world and one of the most visited museums in Washington." Full review
Lonely Planet "The Smithsonian’s second-most popular museum clogs with kids, but adults will find lots to love here too." Full review
Lonely Planet "The castle houses the Smithsonian Visitor Center, which makes a good first stop on the Mall. Inside you’ll find history exhibits, multilingual touch-screen displays, a staffed information desk." Full review
Time Out "The gem at the heart of the Museum of Natural History is a state-of-the-art IMAX cinema and an 80,000sq ft brushed steel and granite Discovery Center housing a cafeteria and exhibition space." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The National Museum of Natural History investigates the world and its creatures, examines ancient rituals, and explores the unfolding universe." Full review
i
Be sure to see The Last American Dinosaurs, the Hall of Mammals, the Hope Diamond display, and the walk-through butterfly house.
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The National Museum of Natural History, part of the Smithsonian Institution, ranks as one of the most visited museums in the world." Full review
Where "Exhibits track the natural world since prehistoric time (anthropology to zoology)." Full review
Atlas Obscura "The 28,000-year-old specimen is remarkably intact. " Full review
U.S. News & World Report8.0
"With more than 126 million artifacts on display, this robust Smithsonian museum on the National Mall attracts millions of visitors each year." Full review
Fodor's "One of the world's great natural history museums offers 18 exhibition halls...there are more than 145 million specimens in the collection. Marvel at the enormous African bush elephant" Full review
i
Orkin Insect Zoo (don't miss the daily live tarantula feedings).
