While looking at papers may sound dull compared to Washington DC's exciting museums, the National Archives is one of the most popular attractions, housing priceless documents from US history, including the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation, and even the 1297 version of the Magna Carta. All these documents are displayed to the public in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, along with other collections of photography and historical memorabilia.

Address: 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Website: www.archives.gov/nae/visit/

Transport: Metrorail Yellow or Green line to Archives/Navy Memorial station. Metrobuses 30, 32, 34, 36, 53, A42, A46, A48, P1, P2, P4, P17, P19, and W13 stop at the National Archives.

Opening times: March 15 to Labor Day 10am-7pm; Day after Labor Day to March 14 10am-5:30pm.

Admission: Free