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The capital of the United States, Washington, DC, is a small city on the Potomac River that borders the states of Maryland and Virginia. It is characterized by imposing neoclassical monuments and structures, such as the famous ones that house the three branches of the federal government: the Capitol, the White House, and the Supreme Court. Additionally, it is the location of renowned museums and performance spaces like the Kennedy Center. Washington, D.C., has a longstanding image as a stodgy, government-driven city due to its marble monuments and high-profile politicians. According to John F. Kennedy, Washington is a “city of southern efficiency and northern charm” and is often seen by outsiders as being sluggish and ineffective. Our nation’s capital, however, is now brimming with a new vitality and developing into an exciting, faster-paced East Coast holiday destination. The government still serves as the city’s sun, but the District also has a wide variety of prominent institutions and intriguing neighborhoods. And D.C. is becoming a flourishing cultural center thanks to a recent burst of restaurants, cafés, shops, and clubs. This Washington isn’t the Washington you remember from your middle school field trip—far, it’s hipper than that, as the D.C. Tourism Board is promoting with its D.C. Cool campaign.

The Washington Monument, the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History may all be considered part of a standard Washington, D.C. excursion. A trip around the Tidal Basin is the best way to enjoy renowned D.C. You’ll be greeted with a canopy of lovely pink flowers if you come in late March or early April, just in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Get a sense of the city’s youthful atmosphere, accentuated by its urban districts, renowned art galleries, and bustling farmers’ markets if you have already visited the national icons. It will take a few days to see the city as you remember it from your history book, but it may take months to see Washington, which the city’s current residents are familiar with and devoted to.

Best Travel Months

go to Washington, D.C. September through November and March through May are the ideal months. The hot summer is over in the fall, taking most peak-season travelers with it. Crisp breezes and changing leaves are all left, contrasting well with all those marble monuments. The spring season is also a mini-high season, which comes in second to autumn because of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in late March and early April. The humid and steamy summers in Washington, D.C., are not the best for enjoying the outdoors. Despite this, many museums have air conditioning, so plenty of free activities can keep you occupied if you can tolerate the heat. Winter is undoubtedly the off-season. The city is prone to frigid temperatures and snowstorms, despite the likelihood of reduced hotel prices being high and moderate weather being compared to other locations along the East Coast.

Visit the Smithsonian to Save Money in Washington, D.C. It is incredibly affordable for visiting families and solitary travelers to visit this fantastic collection of museums, including the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, as admission is free to both. The Castle, the Smithsonian’s national headquarters, is a great place to start if you want to learn more about any Smithsonian outpost.

View the American Capitol Contact your representative to arrange a free visit to the U.S. Capitol. While you’re there, go across to the three famous buildings of the Library of Congress, which are also open to the public Monday through Saturday.

Leave the street merchants alone. These kiosks sell pricey (and subpar) beverages and snacks. While visiting the monuments and museums on the National Mall, bring your water bottle and food.

Customs & Culture

The District has historically drawn lobbyists, petitioners, history fans, and influential people. Still, these days it is attracting a more comprehensive range of people because of its revitalized neighborhoods and developing restaurant, retail, and nightlife sectors. Due to its high-powered employment and colleges, the city also draws individuals from all over the nation and the globe.

Whether you’re a D.C. transplant or a visitor, there are certain unwritten traditions to adhere to while you’re in the nation’s capital. For instance, when utilizing the Metro, remember that the right side of the escalator is for standing, leaving the left side available for individuals who wish to go quickly up or down.

The civil rights movement and black history have a long account in D.C. The city has always had a sizable black population since the Revolutionary War when freed slaves from the Upper South relocated here in search of employment. As figures like Frederick Douglass and Duke Ellington made D.C. home, this has subsequently affected a significant portion of Washingtonian culture. Ellington, who performed jazz at places along the U Street Corridor, had a significant impact on the development of the city’s music culture. The Martin Luther King Memorial and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture honor the city’s connections to the civil rights movement.

Throughout the year, festivals celebrating music, art, nature, gastronomy, and culture are held in and around the District. Consult the D.C. Cool page of Visit DC’s website for the city’s most recent list of events.

foods to eat

Washington, D.C, draws a broad clientele as the hub of American politics and charities, and the restaurant scene reflects this melting pot of races and cultures. You may find various intriguing restaurants on the streets of Georgetown and Dupont Circle, from upscale establishments with white tablecloths to hip tapas bars serving anything from tangy Spanish tapas to delectable oyster shooters. Alternately, go to the U Street Corridor or Florida Avenue to find some of the top Black-owned restaurants in the area, such as Ben’s Chili Bowl, Oohh’s & Aahh’s, and HalfSmoke on U Street and Florida Avenue Grill and HalfSmoke on Florida Avenue, respectively. Additionally, a row of international eateries on H Street Northeast in the Atlas District serves food from Belgium, Japan, and other cultures. Consider scheduling a guided tour to get a quick introduction to the city’s diverse food scene.

The city is especially appealing to foodies who like fine dining. Try one of José Andrés’ high-end restaurants, such as Zaytinya, Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, or minibar by José Andrés, for a refined lunch. Make appointments at well-known restaurants like Old Ebbitt Grill and 1789 if you’d want to see Washington the old-fashioned way.

Farmers’ markets have also developed into a district mainstay. Washingtonians may browse the booths at vibrant markets on Saturday or Sunday in search of wholesome, organic fruits and vegetables. Eastern Market, Union Market, and FRESHFARM’s market near Dupont Circle are popular choices among locals. Pickles, luscious peaches, and buttery pastries are available at these crowded marketplaces. A visit to the nation’s capital wouldn’t be complete without partaking in one of the city’s best brunches, and breweries and brewpubs have also become a popular mainstay here.

Safety

Although you are unlikely to experience any serious crime while visiting Washington, DC, it is still advisable to exercise caution. Use common sense when navigating the area; stay off quiet side streets, especially if you’re alone or unsure of your destination, and keep your wallet and purse in a secure place. At night, travelers should exercise extra caution in the Capitol Hill, Atlas District, and Southwest neighborhoods.

Circumnavigating Washington, D.C.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) public transportation system is the most effective way to get around Washington, D.C. The majority of visitors (and locals) rely on a combination of Metro trains, buses, and their own two feet to get around. Still, they bear in mind that delays and closures are possible as the Metro continues to build the new Silver Line, which is expected to be finished by 2020. The region’s closest of the three regional airports, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, is even accessible by Metro train or bus. It’s not a good idea to rent a car because D.C. consistently ranks as one of the worst cities in America for driving. If you absolutely must have wheels, park them primarily at your hotel. Although it will cost you, you can also travel around the capital city by taxi.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), which is about 31 miles northwest of the city, is another airport that serves Washington, D.C. Just south of Baltimore is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), another airport. Taking a MARC train from Union Station into the city is the best way to get from Baltimore/Washington Airport. Use the Metro to get from Reagan Airport to Washington, D.C. To reach the town from Dulles Airport, take the 5A bus or the Silver Line Express Bus to Wiehle-Reston East station on the Silver Line, where you may then change to a Metro train. All airports provide taxi services and automobile rentals.