East End

The collection here is a walk through encyclopedia of American Art—Gilbert Stuart's stern presidential portraits through Nam June Paik's house-sized America sculpture of neon and televisions.

D.C.'s newest hot attraction's principal claim to fame among locals is the extraordinarily long line that usually winds out the doors not to mention the high price tag. Its popularity, while a bit disproportionate given all the other great free museums in town, is not unwarranted—its exhibits are interesting to anyone even marginally interested in espionage and Cold War history, and it also has a great exhibit tailored specifically to kids.

Koshland is very much on the small side for D.C. museums, but it's great for kids, and for those happy adults who can let loose and act like kids.

For history buffs, a visit is a must, as it has a display containing declassified top secret documents related to the Cold War. And, of course, the original copies of the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights are also on display though the writing is so faded on the Declaration of Independence that you will not be able to make it out. Note that no photography of the two documents is allowed. In summer you can go in the evening and avoid the long lines.

Located in the Pension Building, the building itself is a highly recommended for its architecture, with an expansive open interior space with massive columns. The space is used on occasion for special events, including Presidential inaugurations. There is a small cafe inside, to the right of the entrance, and places to sit and relax, as well as a gift shop. The National Building Museum features long-term exhibits on the planning and building of Washington, D.C., and on green building and communities, along with various short-term exhibits and special events.

This museum is the "other" flashy, and exceptionally expensive, East End tourist attraction other than the spy museum, that is. The whole history of crime and punishment is on display, from Colonial times, through the Wild West, and even up to today's white collar jerks. On the punishment side, you can explore the interior of a recreated police station, jail cells, or rather disturbingly an electric chair and a lethal injection machine. The simulators are rightly popular—try a car chase or the FBI firearms training. The museum is also home to the America's Most Wanted tv show's studio. Not good for kids.

This is the world's only museum devoted to art made by women. Its special exhibits can be really interesting, often featuring works from a specific part of the world. The big, beautiful building is a historic former Masonic Temple. The gift shop is extraordinary, with a collection of very unique handmade gifts from around the world.

The renovation is the talk of the town. The new enclosed courtyard has received universal accolades Conde Nast Traveler calls it one of the seven modern architectural wonders of the world and its cafe is certainly one of the most attractive places in the city to break out your laptop and enjoy the WiFi. Back to the museum—its most popular exhibit is the Hall of Presidents, although the current hot gallery is that of Contemporary Portraiture.

Of all the most hyped, overpriced museums in D.C., this one actually deserves the hype and even the admissions fee—it's an incredible, one-of-a-kind museum. With seven floors, it has a lot to see, and the exhibits are an interesting blend of high tech a "4-D" theater and low tech historical documents, all about the news, how it shapes American society, and how indeed the first amendment is so central to the nation's history. Check the nation-wide newspaper row in front of the Pennsylvania entrance. For foreigners, while the museum is a testament to the free press, be prepared for some solid pro-US bias in its selected news.

Law enforcement is probably the most dangerous profession in the U.S., and this monument bears the names of nearly 20,000 officials who lost their lives on the job. A big law enforcement museum is being built underground across the street, but for the time being you'll have only the memorial to walk around.

At 315 feet this is one of the tallest buildings in D.C. Enter through the food court and take the elevators to the 270-foot observation deck for excellent views of D.C. Bell-ringing practice is held on Th 7PM-8PM.

D.C.'s memorial to the U.S. Navy is not as jolting as the big memorials, but it is nice to walk around. Make sure to see the famous Lone Sailor statue, and who knew that Neil Armstrong was in the Navy!