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International Spy Museum

700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC · Washington, DC

Why you should go…

Take on an interactive undercover mission as you move through the world's largest public collection of espionage artifacts, lipstick pistols and Bond-worthy gadgets included. It's clever, hands-on fun that works equally well for kids and grown-up spy-novel fans, and a perfect rainy-day pick just south of the Mall.

  • #interactive
  • #espionage
  • #hands-on
  • #indoor

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

The closest stops to International Spy Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

    Free

    Touch a moon rock and stand under the Spirit of St. Louis at the world's most-visited aviation museum, always free.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Tours
    Date Night

    City Cruises Washington DC

    $25–$50

    Watch the monuments glow from the Potomac on narrated sightseeing, brunch, and dinner cruises from The Wharf.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Powerful

    United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

    Free

    A profound, self-guided journey through Holocaust history just off the Mall, free, with timed passes for the Permanent Exhibition.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions
    Hidden-in-plain-sight

    Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building

    Free

    The world's largest library, and arguably DC's most beautiful interior, the Great Hall, the Main Reading Room, and a Gutenberg Bible.

    1.1 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    History Buff

    George Washington's Mount Vernon

    $25–$50

    George Washington's riverside estate: mansion tours, gardens, farm animals, and sweeping Potomac views.

    13 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Maryland Renaissance Festival

    $25–$50

    A 16th-century-themed village near Annapolis with jousting, artisans, and costumed performers every fall.

    25 mi awayMore like this