Washington, D.C. Travel Guide

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United States Capitol, Washington D.C.

Welcome to Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States! A trip to this vibrant and historic city is an experience unlike any other. From world-renowned museums and monuments to charming neighborhoods and top-rated restaurants, Washington, D.C. offers something for everyone. We travelled here in 2018 and had a great time!

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, there are several five-star hotels in Washington, D.C. that offer top-notch amenities and unparalleled service. We stayed five nights at the Intercontinental Hotel, which was located right down the street from the White House!

The Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. is located in the heart of the city. We could easily walk to popular attractions such as the White House, the National Mall, and the Smithsonian Museums.

The rooms were spacious and tastefully decorated with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, and comfortable bedding. The hotel also has a fitness center, a spa, and an indoor pool. Additionally, the hotel has a 24-hour business center and meeting rooms.

For dining, the hotel has several options, including the Michelin-starred restaurant, the Oval Room, which serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The hotel also has a bar and lounge, called the Off the Record, which offers a wide selection of cocktails and light bites.

Overall, the Intercontinental Hotel is a great choice for anyone looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of the city that is within walking distance to the main attractions in Washington, D.C.

Getting Around

Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C. is a very walkable city, but it also has a great public transportation system. The Metrorail and Metrobus are convenient and affordable options for getting around. You can purchase a SmarTrip card at any Metro station, which allows you to easily pay for both modes of transportation. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.

The SmarTrip card is a rechargeable smart card used to pay for transportation on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system in Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas, including Maryland and Virginia. The card can be loaded with funds online, at vending machines in Metro stations, or at select retail locations. It allows riders to quickly and easily pay for fares on Metro trains, buses, and some local commuter rail services, while also offering discounted fares on some routes. The SmarTrip card is a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city and we recommend it for anyone planning to use public transportation during their visit to Washington, D.C.

Attractions

National Mall

Washington Monument in the National Mall, Washington, D.C.
Washington Monument in the National Mall, Washington, D.C.

The National Mall is home to the most famous monuments and memorials in the country. It is a long, open park that stretches for over two miles from the U.S. Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, and is surrounded by some of the most important monuments, memorials, and museums in the country. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, there is much to see and explore.

Getting There

The National Mall is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. and is easily accessible by public transportation or car. The closest Metro stations are Smithsonian and Federal Triangle, which are served by the Orange, Silver, and Blue lines. There are also several bus routes that stop near the Mall. If you’re driving, there are several public parking lots nearby, but they can fill up quickly during peak tourist season.

Attractions

  • The Washington Monument: The Washington Monument is one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington, D.C. It stands over 555 feet tall and offers incredible views of the city from the top.
  • The Lincoln Memorial: The Lincoln Memorial features a larger-than-life statue of Abraham Lincoln and is surrounded by several important historical inscriptions and quotes.
  • The National World War II Memorial: The National World War II Memorial is a beautiful tribute to the men and women who served in the armed forces during World War II. It features a large fountain, several sculptures, and a wall of gold stars that honors the more than 400,000 Americans who died during the war.
  • The Smithsonian Museums: The National Mall is home to several of the world-renowned Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of Natural History.
Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Tips for Visitors

  • Bring Comfortable Shoes: The National Mall is a large park with a lot of ground to cover, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
  • Stay Hydrated: Washington, D.C. can get very hot and humid during the summer months, so be sure to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated.

Smithsonian Museums

National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.
National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum complex, with 19 museums and galleries in Washington, D.C. alone. The National Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum, and National Museum of Natural History are just a few of the most popular options.

Getting There

The Smithsonian Museums are located on the National Mall and are easily accessible by public transportation or car. The closest Metro stations are Smithsonian and Federal Triangle, which are served by the Orange, Silver, and Blue lines. There are also several bus routes that stop near the museums. If you’re driving, there are several public parking lots nearby, but they can fill up quickly during peak tourist season.

Attractions

  • National Museum of American History: The National Museum of American History features exhibits on American culture, history, and politics, including the original Star-Spangled Banner, the First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns, and the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz.”
  • National Air and Space Museum: The National Air and Space Museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits on aviation and space exploration, including the Wright Brothers’ plane, the Apollo 11 Command Module, and the Space Shuttle Discovery.
  • National Museum of Natural History: The National Museum of Natural History features exhibits on the natural world, including the Hope Diamond, the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world, and the Butterfly Pavilion.
  • National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum: The National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum are two museums that share a building on the National Mall. The Portrait Gallery features portraits of famous Americans throughout history, while the American Art Museum features a collection of American art from colonial times to the present day.

Tips for Visitors

  • Plan Your Visit: With so many museums to choose from, it can be overwhelming to try to see everything in one day. Be sure to plan your visit in advance and prioritize the exhibits and collections you most want to see.
  • Bring Comfortable Shoes: The Smithsonian Museums require a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
  • Take Advantage of Free Admission: Admission to all Smithsonian Museums is free, so take advantage of this great opportunity to learn about American history and culture without breaking the bank.

Library of Congress

Library of Congress, Washington D.C.
Library of Congress, Washington D.C.

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with over 168 million items in its collection, including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and more. Visitors can take a tour of the historic building and explore the exhibitions.

Getting There

The Library of Congress is located in Capitol Hill, just east of the Capitol Building. The closest Metro stations are Capitol South (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines) and Union Station (Red line). The Library of Congress is also easily accessible by bus or car, but parking in the area can be limited.

Attractions

  • Thomas Jefferson Building: The Thomas Jefferson Building is the main building of the Library of Congress and is one of the most beautiful buildings in Washington, D.C. It features ornate architecture and stunning artwork, including murals, sculptures, and mosaics. Guided tours of the building are available daily.
  • Reading Rooms: The Library of Congress has several reading rooms, each dedicated to a specific subject area. The Main Reading Room, located in the Thomas Jefferson Building, is particularly impressive and features a beautiful domed ceiling.
  • Exhibitions: The Library of Congress has a number of exhibitions on display throughout the year. These exhibitions feature rare books, manuscripts, and other items from the Library’s collection and provide an in-depth look at a variety of subjects, from American history to science and technology.

Tips for Visitors

  • Bring ID: Visitors to the Library of Congress are required to have a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
  • Respect the Rules: The Library of Congress has strict rules regarding the use of its collections, including restrictions on photography and handling of materials. Be sure to read and follow these rules to ensure that the Library’s collections are preserved for future generations.

United States Capitol

United States Capitol, Washington D.C.
United States Capitol, Washington D.C.

The United States Capitol is one of the most recognizable and important buildings in the United States. It serves as the home of the legislative branch of the federal government, and is a must-see for anyone interested in American history and politics.

Getting There

The United States Capitol is located in Washington, D.C., and is easily accessible by public transportation or car. The closest Metro station is Capitol South, which is served by the Orange, Silver, and Blue lines. There are also several bus routes that stop near the Capitol. If you’re driving, there are several public parking lots nearby, but they can fill up quickly during peak tourist season.

Tours

Visitors to the United States Capitol can take a guided tour of the building, which includes visits to the historic Rotunda, the Crypt, and the National Statuary Hall. Tours are free of charge, but tickets are required and should be reserved in advance. Tours are offered Monday through Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Attractions

  • The Rotunda: The Rotunda is the heart of the United States Capitol, and is one of the most iconic rooms in the building. It features a stunning frescoed ceiling and is home to several important works of art and historical artifacts.
  • The Crypt: The Crypt is located directly beneath the Rotunda, and was originally designed to be the final resting place of George Washington. Although Washington was ultimately buried at Mount Vernon, the Crypt is still a fascinating place to visit.
  • The National Statuary Hall: The National Statuary Hall is located on the second floor of the United States Capitol, and is home to a collection of statues representing each state in the Union.
  • The Capitol Visitor Center: The Capitol Visitor Center is a state-of-the-art facility that houses exhibits on the history and architecture of the Capitol, as well as a gift shop and cafeteria.

Tips for Visitors

  • Security: Visitors to the United States Capitol must pass through a security checkpoint before entering the building. Be prepared to go through a metal detector and have your bags searched.
  • Photography: Photography is allowed inside the United States Capitol, but there are some restrictions. Flash photography is not allowed in certain areas, and tripods and other large camera equipment are not permitted.
  • Dress Code: There is no official dress code for visitors to the United States Capitol, but it is recommended that visitors dress modestly and avoid wearing clothing with offensive or political messages.
  • Accessibility: The United States Capitol is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, with elevators and ramps throughout the building. There are also sign language interpreters available for guided tours.

A visit to the United States Capitol is a must for anyone interested in American history and politics. With its stunning architecture, historic artifacts, and important role in the functioning of the federal government, the Capitol is a true national treasure.

White House

White House, Washington D.C.
White House, Washington D.C.

The White House is one of the most iconic buildings in the United States and serves as the official residence and workplace of the President. The White House is an essential stop on any trip to Washington, D.C. Its rich history, impressive architecture, and significance as the residence of the President make it one of the most iconic buildings in the country.

Tickets are required to visit the White House, so plan ahead! While securing tickets can be a challenge, even a glimpse of the building from outside the gates is worth the visit.

Planning Your Visit

Visiting the White House requires some advance planning, as tickets are required and can be difficult to obtain. Tickets must be requested through your Member of Congress or through your country’s embassy in Washington, D.C. It’s recommended to request tickets several months in advance, as they are in high demand. For our trip, we requested tickets from our Senators’ office, which was done through their website.

If you’re unable to secure tickets, you can still view the White House from outside the gates. The building is visible from Lafayette Square and Pennsylvania Avenue, and you can also take a guided walking tour of the surrounding area.

What to See and Do

If you’re able to visit the White House, you’ll be treated to an up-close look at one of the most historic and prestigious buildings in the world. The White House tour takes you through several rooms, including the State Dining Room, the East Room, and the Blue Room. You’ll also have the opportunity to view the White House gardens, which are a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

In addition to the White House tour, there are several other attractions in the surrounding area worth visiting. The National Mall is just a short walk away and is home to many of the city’s most famous museums and monuments, including the Smithsonian museums and the Lincoln Memorial.

Tips for Visitors

  • Tickets are required, and it’s recommended to request tickets several months in advance. For our trip, we requested tickets from our Senators’ office, which was done through their website.
  • Security is tight at the White House, so be prepared to go through a security checkpoint before entering the building.
  • Photography is not allowed inside the White House, so leave your camera at home.
  • Check the White House website for any updates or changes to the tour schedule.

Food and Drink

Washington, D.C. has a thriving culinary scene, with options ranging from high-end restaurants to food trucks. Here are a few places to check out:

  • Ben’s Chili Bowl: A D.C. institution since 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl is famous for its half-smokes and chili.
  • Rose’s Luxury: This trendy restaurant serves up creative and delicious dishes, with a constantly changing menu.
  • Old Ebbitt Grill: Located just steps from the White House, Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest saloon in D.C., serving up classic American fare since 1856.
  • Founding Farmers: This farm-to-table restaurant sources its ingredients from family farms and co-ops across the country.
  • Ted’s Bulletin: This retro diner offers classic American comfort food and homemade pop tarts.

Neighborhoods

Washington, D.C. is made up of many diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality. Here are a few to explore:

  • Georgetown: Known for its historic rowhouses and high-end shopping, Georgetown is a charming and picturesque neighborhood.
  • Adams Morgan: This vibrant neighborhood is known for its eclectic mix of cultures, music venues, and nightlife.
  • Dupont Circle: This cosmopolitan neighborhood is known for its art galleries, bookstores, and international cuisine.

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