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 Think big in Washington–as soon as you arrive in D.C., you’ll be knocked over by the scale of the place. America’s capital wants you to know where you are, and the city goes all out to impress in terms of grandeur and size. Drama and scandal bubble under the surface, while the streets are abuzz with hip and happening events, museums, restaurants, and clubs around every corner. The principles of Equality, Justice, Life, and Liberty are still upheld, but D.C. is, above all, a trendy and international town.

currency

US Dollar $1 = 100 cents

phone

911

newspaper

The Washington Post — www.washingtonpost.com
The Washington City Paper — washingtoncitypaper.com

hours

General opening hours for shops are 10am–7/9pm Monday to Saturday and noon–5/6pm on Sunday. Some shops are closed on Sundays.

population

670,050 Washingtonians (2021 estimate)

info

DC Chamber of Commerce Information Center
506 9th Street, NW Washington, DC
Open Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm, Sat & Sun closed

website

washington.org

The United States Capitol building in Washington DC f11photo/Shutterstock.com

The City

Washington is a city of contrasts. While it might be best recognized in its political role, D.C. wants the world to know that it has much more to offer than governmental gossip and diplomatic deals. Divided into districts, each neighborhood represents another distinct feature that adds to the diverse characteristics of breathing life into the city.

While isolated Georgetown is bustling with new, trendy boutiques and restaurants, Shaw, once the site of racial tension and riot, is undergoing a revitalization program to make it a hot destination for African-American heritage tours. Downtown might offer theaters, galleries, and the best Chinese food in the Chinatown restaurants while the New U district, where Duke Ellington once played, is the in vogue neighborhood for hearing live music. And amid all this, let’s not forget the political and military monuments and memorials along the National Mall. It is in this area that you’ll also find the wonderful Smithsonian complex of museums.

The city is a melting pot of cultures and communities, which have a fantastic influence on restaurants in particular. Whatever your culinary preferences, D.C. can cater to them, be it French, American or Ethiopian. Spread out across the city, all the choices are on offer. One of the key aspects of Washington, D.C. is that, despite being crammed with different tastes, smells, sights, and sounds, it is not claustrophobic. D.C.’s neighborhoods are spread out over an expanse that is broken up by generous oases of green space, giving the city that sense of liberation and harmony which it strives to promote.

Views of the Washington Monument in Washington, DC Washington Monument USA Oomka/Shutterstock.com

Do & See

Washington, D.C. is the capital of patriotic monuments and symbols of political power. Home to influential institutions including Congress and the White House, the city also boasts some of the best museums and art galleries in the world.

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The White House

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National Mall

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United States Capitol

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Georgetown

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Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool

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Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

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National Air and Space Museum

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The National Gallery of Art

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National Museum of American History

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Arlington National Cemetery

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Library of Congress

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Supreme Court

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Jefferson Memorial

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The U.S. National Archives

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Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

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United States Botanic Garden

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Washington National Cathedral

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John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

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United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

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Smithsonian National Zoological Park

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Dining

Regarded as one of the culinary capitals of the world, Washington, D.C. offers a fantastic variety of cuisines and dining experiences. Washington’s eclectic mix of nationalities demands an array of tastes to suit all backgrounds.

Neighborhoods and districts boast their own signature fare. Head to Georgetown for trendy hot spots, Adams-Morgan to sample East African ’wat’ (simmered veg or meat in sauce), or Downtown for great seafood (soft-shell crab is a specialty).

Dinner service stretches from 6 pm to 11 pm and tips of at least 15% are expected. It’s advisable to book ahead for popular places, especially on weekends.

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Pizzeria Paradiso

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Bistrot Lepic

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Café Milano

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Full Kee

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Blue Duck Tavern

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Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

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Minibar by José Andrés

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Call Your Mother Deli

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Cafe Lombardy

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Lafayette Restaurant

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Founding Farmers

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Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab

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Old Europe Restaurant

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Zaytinya

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Fiola

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1789 Restaurant

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Jaleo

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Ted's Bulletin 14th Street

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The Red Hen DC

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Rasika

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We, The Pizza

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Cafes

For a quick hot dog or something more substantial, Washington’s deluge of cafés will more than cater to the requirements of its visitors. The city’s student population promotes a cafe culture, ensuring there is something for everyone.

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Ben’s Chili Bowl

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The Market Lunch

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Filter Coffee House & Espresso Bar

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Compass Café

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Saxbys

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Pâtisserie Poupon

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Bread Furst

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Baked & Wired

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Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe

Group Of Friends Enjoying Night Out At Rooftop Bar Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

Bars & Nightlife

Student life and an established city Happy Hour make DC’s bar scene a happening affair. Cocktails flow freely, particularly in the two main drinking areas Georgetown and Adams-Morgan. Washington lights up after dark. Rave until the early hours or sip exciting cocktails in cozy surroundings.

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HEIST

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Blues Alley

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Barcode

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Barrel

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McClellan’s Retreat

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Clyde's of Georgetown

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Simple Bar & Grill

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Union Pub

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All Souls Bar

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The Tombs

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9:30 Club

Beautiful girls in sun glasses are holding shopping bags, using a smart phone and smiling while standing outdoors VGstockstudio/Shutterstock.com

Shopping

For a serious shopping spree, Georgetown is probably the most famous area for retail therapy but many neighborhoods have enough boutiques, markets and designer stores to make the city a shopper’s paradise. Malls are in more suburban areas but still easily accessible thanks to their notoriety.

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Downtown and Chinatown

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Friendship Heights

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The New U District

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Eastern Market

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The Fashion Center at Pentagon City

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Potomac Mills Mall

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Union Station

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White House Gifts

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Georgetown

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Captain White’s Seafood

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Mazza Gallerie

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Chevy Chase Pavilion

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Union Market

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Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe

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Tiny Jewel Box

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Eastern Market Pottery

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Miss Pixie's

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Georgetown Flea Market

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Capitol Hill Books

Washington, DC at the Tidal Basin with the Arlington skyline. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Tourist Information

Quadrants of Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is divided into four quadrants, which are used for addressing purposes. The quadrants are Northwest (NW), Northeast (NE), Southwest (SW) and Southeast (SE), and they are formed by dividing the city into two halves along its north-south axis (North Capitol Street and South Capitol Street) and its east-west axis (East Capitol Street and West Capitol Street). The point of division is the star-shaped medallion located in the Crypt under the Rotunda of the Capitol. Each quadrant has its own unique character, with different neighborhoods, attractions, and amenities.

The NW quadrant is home to many of the city's most affluent neighborhoods and is the location of many of its museums and cultural institutions.

The NE quadrant is home to many of the city's residential neighborhoods and is also the location of the U.S. Capitol and other government buildings.

The SW quadrant is home to many of the city's lower-income communities, as well as a number of landmarks and tourist attractions.

The SE quadrant is home to a number of residential neighborhoods, as well as the historic Anacostia area and the Navy Yard.

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Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)

The National Airport is accessible by Metro (Yellow/Blue Line). The Washington DC Metrorail system has an important Metrorail station connected to Terminals B and C at Reagan National Airport. The Metrorail system offers easy and affordable access to different locations throughout Washington, Virginia, and Maryland. You can buy your ticket from the vending machines located at all entrances to the Airport Metrorail station.

SuperShuttle offers door-to-door service. Frequency is based on demand.

To get in touch with shared ride services, go to the outside curb or contact a SuperShuttle representative.

Another way is to rent a car. Rental car counters are located on the first floor in Terminal Garage A.

You will find the taxi stands outside the terminals. A taxi to National Airport from the National Mall takes approximately 15 minutes.

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Phone: +1 703 417 8000

Website: www.flyreagan.com

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Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Washington Dulles International Airport is an international airport in Loudoun and Fairfax counties in Virginia, 26 miles (42 km) west of downtown Washington, D.C. The airport is served by Metrorail, taxi, and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft. The metro’s silver line takes you directly to the Washington Dulles International Airport Metrorail Station. For information on fares and operating hours, visit the Metrorail's official website.

Address: Dulles International Airport

Email:

Phone: +1 703 572 2700

Website: www.flydulles.com

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Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Baltimore/Washington International is a major airport serving the Baltimore–Washington Metropolitan Area in the United States. Situated next to the CDP Linthicum in northern unincorporated Anne Arundel County, Maryland, the airport is about 32 miles (51 km) northeast of Washington, D.C.

Here are some options on how to travel to and from the airport:

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Metro now offers BWI Express Metro bus service between BWI and the Greenbelt metro station. The service offers a direct connection between BWI and the Greenbelt Metro Station. The BWI Express/B30 service runs every 40 minutes, 7 days a week to the Greenbelt Metro Station, which is situated on the Green Line of the Washington Metro System.

Amtrak
You can also take Amtrak Train to BWI from Washington's Union Station.

MARC Train
Take MARC Trains at Washington's Union Station situated at 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE. Here you will find hours and information. The BWI Marshall Rail Station is on MARC's Penn Line.

Taxis
The taxi stand is placed just outside of the baggage claim area of the Lower Level of the BWI Marshall terminal. BWI Marshall taxicabs are forbidden to charge flat rates.

Address: Baltimore-Washington International Airport

Email:

Phone: +1 410 859 7111

Website: www.bwiairport.com

More Information:

Passport/Visa

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.

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Time Zone

UTC/GMT -4 hours

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Best Time to Visit

If you're planning a trip to Washington, D.C. these tips will be useful for a no-bad-surprises journey. Fall offers comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and a plethora of activities to join. Summer and spring are the peak season, thus expect long queues at the main city landmarks, as well as higher prices on accommodation and airfare. The cold and snowy winter is not for starters, but if you're brave enough, know that winter is also the quietest and least crowded season.

Whatever the period is, Washington, D.C. boasts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year.

Here are some of the most representative ones:

January
- Commemorative events for Martin Luther King Jr. birthday
February
- Celebrations of the Chinese New Year
March
-National Cherry Blossom Festival
May
-Memorial Day Weekend
August
-DC Beer Week

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Public Transport

Public transport in Washington consists of the super-efficient Metrorail and bus services. Computerized fare cards are available from self-service machines at the stations. One-day passes and weekly ones are available.

The bus service in DC provides services throughout the city and to outlying suburbs. Stops are marked by red, white, and blue signposts. Kids travel free. Be sure to have exact change ready for the automatic fare machines.

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Website: www.wmata.com

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Taxi

Taxis are everywhere in the city, just hail one down. DC is based around eight geographical zones, and a cab fare is determined by how many of these you cross during your ride, as well as the time of day you travel and the number of passengers.

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Phone: +1 202 398 0500

Website: dctaxionline.com

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Post

Blue postal drop boxes are located across DC. Stamps can be bought at many hotels, museums, grocery stores, and post offices. You can find your nearest branch on the Postal Service website.

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Website: www.usps.com

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Pharmacy

DC’s major pharmacy chain is CVS. The CVS Dupont Circle is open 24 hours.

Address: 6 Dupont Circle NW, Washington, D.C.

Email:

Phone: +1 202 785 1466

Website: cvshealth.com/about/our-offerings/cvs-pharmacy

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Telephone

Country code: +1

Area code: 202

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Electricity

US standard voltage is 110-115V and the standard frequency is 60Hz. Sockets and the power plugs are of type A and B.

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