Washington, D.C.

Concierge.com's insider take:

Does the location of the capital's newest attraction—directly across from the National Gallery of Art—mean Americans equate the fourth estate with the Great Masters of Art? Perhaps not these days, but the Newseum, dedicated to the history and future of journalism, certainly provides visitors with an in-depth look at how news is gathered and made. Start by scanning the day's front pages of newspapers from around the country and the world, or by looking at every photograph that's ever won a Pulitzer Prize—a terrific visual history of the 20th and 21st centuries. There are displays of antique microphones and other broadcast equipment, a real TV studio where you can see how a news program gets put together, and exhibits on the First Amendment and international reporting. The museum also houses a portion of the Berlin Wall, and part of the broadcast tower that once graced the top of the World Trade Center. After you've explored the museum, grab a bite to eat at The Source, Wolfgang Puck's on-site restaurant. Two caveats: Skip the "be a reporter" activity in which you can be filmed reading sample stories from a teleprompter, and the 4-D movie, which shows historical re-creations of journalists from the past in 3-D with 4-D special effects. The idea is great but the execution is cheesy, and both will add to the already expensive-for-D.C. entry fee. Still, the museum is very much worth a visit. Those who want to experience more about the news than sound bites and bickering pundits will come away enlightened.

Open daily 9 am to 5 pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.