What Do You Need to Know Before Go to Washington Dc Sightseeing

Absolutely everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to DC. Including when to visit, where to stay, what to eat, things to do, how to save money & so much more!

Washington DC is the humming capital of the The states. Information technology is home to the three iconic buildings of the US government: The White Business firm, Supreme Court, and the Capitol Building on Capitol Hill. With attractions acquainted with great history, awe-hit art, and boggling architecture – not to mention its hip nightlife scene – every kind of traveler volition surely itch to experience THE ultimate capital of America.

Be certain to read this ultimate guide before preparing your belly for mouthwatering local nutrient from award-winning restaurants and your good erstwhile Chucks for the walk of your lifetime! Regardless if y'all're traveling alone or traveling with family and/or friends, we hope that through this guide, DC will feel every bit though it'southward your "home away from home" whether you're traveling alone or with family unit and/or friends.

Disclaimer: Almost all posts on this site comprise chapter links, and this i about How to Plan a Trip to Washington DC (17 Washington Travel Tips you Need to Know) is no unlike. This means that if you click on whatsoever of the links in this post (and make a purchase) I may receive a small-scale commission at absolutely no cost to y'all. Each post is advisedly crafted to (hopefully!) answer all your questions and recommendations are made where we believe they will meliorate your trip and help with your planning. Every bit such we thanks in advance should you determine to click & buy. Read my total Disclosure here.

In This Mail service

• 1 How to Plan a Trip to DC: The Practical Stuff
  • 1.1 The All-time Fourth dimension To Visit Washington DC
  • one.2 How To Get Around Washington DC
  • i.3 Public WiFi Availability in Washington DC
  • 1.4 How To Pick a Great Place to Stay in Washington DC
  • 1.five How To Plan Your Budget for your visit to Washington DC
  • 1.6 How to cut your travel expenses in Washington DC
  • 1.7 Washington DC Explorer Pass
  • i.8 Wear comfy shoes in Washington DC
• two Top Washington DC Tips for Your First Visit: The Fun Stuff
  • ii.1 How Many Days To Spend in Washington DC
  • 2.2 Where To Eat in Washington DC
  • 2.3 Washington DC Highlights You Can't-Miss
  • ii.four The all-time souvenir shops in Washington DC
  • 2.v Visit Free Museums and Attractions in Washington DC
  • 2.6 Celebrate Love and feel at home with LGBT Friendly Bars in Washington DC
  • 2.7 Washington DC Monuments
  • 2.8 8 Hidden Gems In Washington DC Most People Don't Know Even Exist
  • 2.9 Day Trips from Washington DC

  GENERAL TRAVEL INFO FOR VISITORS TO THE U.s.

Visa: Travelers from countries that are members of the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) exercise not require a visa when visiting the USA. However, it is recommended to check upwardly-to-date visa entry requirements before your visit regardless of what state you are coming from to avert problems and concerns on the date of your travel.

Currency: The official currency in Washington DC is the U.S. dollar or American dollar ($, USD, U.s.a.$).
Yous can withdraw currency from ATMs using your local depository financial institution card or a designated travel card. If you are visiting from another state, be certain to cheque any fees and charges from your bank prior to using it and carry a second source of payment/cash in instance your chief card gets 'eaten' by an ATM.

Linguistic communication: English is the principal and about widely spoken language in the Usa (although non the official one at the Federal level!). At that place are 350 other languages spoken, the main ones being Spanish, Chinese, French, and Vietnamese.

WiFi/Net Access: Depending on your length of stay, you can either buy a local sim card (in advance or on inflow) – to bandy out with the one in your own telephone to avoid roaming charges. OR, take hold of a pay as you become portable Wifi Devices which means you can continue your sim active and connect wirelessly. Just retrieve to turn off data roaming so you lot don't incur any hefty charges.

How to Plan a Trip to DC: The Applied Stuff

The Best Time To Visit Washington DC

Whenever you programme to travel, nosotros're 101% sure that y'all will bask your fourth dimension in DC. The biggest gene typically comes down to personal preference when dealing with the weather and the crowds.

More often than not, May and Oct take the most perfect weather – simply are the most crowded months when it comes to tourist numbers.

Can you deal with the common cold just can't stand up big crowds? Visit sometime in January and February so. You will nigh probably be greeted with wet weather upon arrival merely yous tin can savor empty museums and cheap hotel deals all to yourself!

The cheapest time to visit, on the other hand, is betwixt Thanksgiving and New Year because business concern travel is downwards.

If you want to take hold of events similar concerts, festivals, outdoor concerts plus y'all can deal with the warmer weather, summer (June to Baronial) is also a good fourth dimension to visit.

How To Get Around Washington DC

• On Pes: One proficient thing nearly Washington is that many of the tourist spots are within walking distance. Touring the city on foot is an excellent way to get around, not to mention that it'southward safe (and can help save coin on transport). In that location are besides plenty of walking tours available if you enjoy being on your anxiety. Check out Strawberry Tours or Free tours by foot for some great options.
  
• The DC Metro: Washington DC has i of the safest, cleanest, and nearly efficient surreptitious public transportation systems in the world. It is made upwards of half-dozen split up lines that are designated by color, and encompass the whole of downtown. You lot can pay per ride or purchase a one-24-hour interval pass or a multi-24-hour interval laissez passer via a rechargeable SmarTrip card for your convenience.
• Bus & Monorail System: You lot tin can likewise utilise your SmarTrip carte on the bus and monorail system (or have exact alter prepare and available).
• HOHO Bus: If you are wanting to hop betwixt attractions and don't want to walk the length of the National Mall (or surrounding areas), the Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Bus Tour is a great ticket to have in your pocket.
• Bicycle: Washington DC's bike-share program, run by Capital letter Bikeshare, has over 4000 bicycles stationed around the city. A unmarried 30-minute ride volition toll y'all $2, and a 24-hr pass is $8 USD.
  If you'd like a ride around with a group, in that location are enough of East-Bike Tours and fifty-fifty Segway tours bachelor – for something different.
• Rideshares & Taxis: You tin likewise opt for taxi or rideshare rides like Uber to conveniently go exactly where y'all are wanting to go.
• Car Rental: Renting a car is also an pick, simply is non the about user-friendly way to get effectually the city as you will probably be fighting for expensive parking spaces. If you actually desire to, rental cars are bachelor at the airport.
  

Public WiFi Availability in Washington DC

Expert news – residents and visitors can savour FREE WI-FI access through outdoor and indoor hotspots in the District including DC public schools, libraries, parks, and recreation centers, other government administration buildings, etc.  These access points are installed and managed by the Office of the Chief Technology Officer's DC Net program .

How To Pick a Swell Place to Stay in Washington DC

If your goal is to see sights in Washington, you might want to double-check if your hotel options have the best views in the city. If not, you may cheque out these hotels for the best views possible: Ac Hotel Washington DC Downtown, Sofitel Washington DC, and The Georgetown Inn. (If you want some historic feels, boutique shopping, Georgetown is the place for you lot.)

How To Plan Your Budget for your visit to Washington DC

You can spend a lot of money on a visit to DC if you stay in an upscale hotel, dine at pricey restaurants, and partake in some very expensive nightlife and nights out. But, hey, if y'all're on a limited budget, you lot can likewise get the nearly out of your stay!

Y'all just need to do your research articulately before your trip and figure out what you want to practice, things y'all want to see, and areas or expenses you tin cutting for your platonic itinerary to fit in your budget. Y'all may start doing and so past advisedly assessing this guide and our suggestions!

The best tip we could give you in society to relieve money is to programme ahead. Accept annotation of the places that you tin visit for free. Practise non spend a lot when choosing a place to stay if you are non going to spend a lot of fourth dimension there. And lastly, take advantage of the passes that will provide you big discounts on several attractions over purchasing tickets to them individually.

How to cut your travel expenses in Washington DC

If you're a fan of budget travel, or just want to go along costs downward on your DC vacation, these travel tips will come in handy.

• Visit Washington DC on a weekend – this urban center caters primarily to business travelers, and then expect some hotels to offer huge discounts on weekends.
• Walk wherever you can. From the two picturesque Tidal Basin 2 mile loop, to the monument packed 2 mile National Mall which is packed with free attractions.
• Skip rental cars, cabs & rideshares. Although convenient, they can exist plush.
• Eat at food trucks. While DC certainly has some incredible restaurants, you'll detect some great eats – at significantly cheaper prices – at the many food trucks located around town.
• Avoid visiting at meridian times. Blood-red Blossom Flavor (early spring), and Summertime – especially public holidays within summer such as the fourth July are the busiest times to visit when hotel room prices will be high.
• Bask Free Live Music & Theatre: The Millenium Stage at the Kennedy Center hosts a free operation every night at 6pm; savor Luce Unplugged on Th & Friday evenings; or score free tickets to a production at Ford's Theatre via TodayTix.

Washington DC Explorer Pass

Save a lot of money when y'all purchase this DC Explorer Pass for your scheduled trip.  You may buy this alee with the following inclusions:

• 20+ Washington DC attractions to choose from;
• Includes the Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Coach
• Valid for 30 days
• Save up to almost l% vs. paying for private tickets
• Choose three, 4, or 5 pinnacle-rated Washington DC attractions to visit

Wear comfortable shoes in Washington DC

Yous may think this is nonsense advice considering you don't want to suffer your way but when visiting Washington DC, wait a lot of walking and this is a friendly reminder to keep your feet from getting sore at dark!

Top Washington DC Tips for Your Starting time Visit: The Fun Stuff

How Many Days To Spend in Washington DC

While in that location is plenty to do in the amazing capital city, it can be hard for first-fourth dimension visitors (or even returning travelers!) to determine what to exercise in a limited amount of fourth dimension. With the urban center containing then much to do and to run into, yous will barely scratch the surface with a typical four-mean solar day or five-day visit, only like any other place you traveled (or will travel) to.

The central to exploring the city equally a local, regardless if you're in for but a curt or a long while, is for y'all to do activities, check out places, and endeavour food that interests you lot the most while incorporating things that locals notice amazing or truly love. In that way, yous're immersing yourself and experiencing Washington DC every bit comfortably as can exist.

Where To Eat in Washington DC

With influences from all over the globe and country, Washington DC is a neat food city.

Starting off with a famous Washington DC food tour, just choice whatever suits your mood and cravings. For instance, if you like Italian, you can check out the cuisine in Dupont circumvolve. If yous like to feel a good sunset view while passing some iconic landmarks illuminated at night, y'all can book a luxe dinner cruise (or brunch if you prefer a daytime option).

Still, you don't take to spend an entire paycheck in order to eat an unforgettable repast in Washington, DC. Check out these affordable places: Ben'south Chili Bowl and CAVA – hashtag #SupportLocal! They offering a Mediterranean mix customized simply for your taste buds.

Washington DC Highlights Y'all Tin't-Miss

A fleck of full general advice: do non be intimidated by the big crowds and bigger buildings. Washington DC can be a friendly and manageable city for visitors wherein tons of activities, tours, and experiences await you!

Visiting Washington DC wouldn't be complete if you didn't book 1 of the guided tours of the White House . Have notation, though, that yous take to brand requests in advance. If yous can't become a reservation just in time y'all're there, seeing the White House outside is already an experience y'all won't forget.

DC is too known for most notable museums in the earth and most of them are Free to the public.  Experience this powerful living memorial to the Holocaust on the National Mall that serves as a living memorial to i of the worst tragedies the world has ever seen. It is open from 10am to 5:20pm.

Wait, there'south more! You tin can as well detect here the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) which is mostly defended to the documentation of African-American life, history, and culture. You can visit this museum for FREE merely you take to take note of the busy season in guild to get a adept slot. Every bit part of the Smithsonian institution, the National Zoo is likewise free to the public. Perfect for all ages, adults, or children, you will exist enthralled to see the rare Giant Pandas, Great Apes, Lions, Cheetahs, Giraffes and many more than.

You tin also join a walking bout or trolley tour to adore the famous monuments and memorials, including The Capitol, Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery.

Pocket-size-group tours with knowledgeable guides help you experience the history within all these attractions. Go a glimpse into the city'southward gimmicky culture on one of the many culinary and brewery tours in DC's hip neighborhoods, such every bit Georgetown, Shaw, and Dupont Circumvolve; or cruise down the Potomac River at dusk to encounter the urban center skyline light up.

Check out our Things To Practice in Washington DC post for more than.

The best gift shops in Washington DC

The best souvenir shops in Washington DC are at the museums!

If this is your starting time time traveling to DC, you're bound to desire to pick up a souvenir, or two, right? And while at that place are plenty of 'tack' touristy shops, if you're looking for something unique, in that location are some great souvenir shops inside the museums.

Be certain to include places like the National Gallery of Art, United States Botanic Garden, National Air and Space Museum, The states Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, and the National Archives on your itinerary (and not just for the gift shops!)

Visit Free Museums and Attractions in Washington DC

If you lot are traveling on a budget you lot'll be pleased to know there are LOTS of free things to do in Washington DC, (over 40 in fact – some of which are the cities top attractions!). Have a read of our full guide before your trip and you'll have plenty of ideas to maximize your stay and relieve your wallet.

Pro tip: most of the museums in Washington DC are costless (including all of the Smithsonian Museums) & the monuments are open up 24 hours a day, making night tours a great evening activity and a way to go some fab photos.

Celebrate Love and feel at domicile with LGBT Friendly Bars in Washington DC

The nightlife scene at the nation's capital is dwelling to plenty of bars and clubs to choose from when you lot feel similar dancing and drinking and meet new people from the community. Cheque out the urban center's oldest and almost popular gay bar, Nellie'due south Sports Bar located in the middle of the U Street corridor.

If yous like games, join a Family unit Feud-style trivia on Wednesdays at the JR's Bar and Grill along Dupont Circle's. Or if you want to have a good time, enjoy a solid happy 60 minutes, y'all can endeavor out Larry'due south Lounge that offers affordable drinks and oral fissure-watering pub and you can bring your dog as well!

Washington DC Monuments

DC is widely known to have a lot of monuments and memorials – hence its nickname, America'south Rome. It holds thousands of stories near people and events that played a role in creating the dandy nation that is the USA today.

There's the Washington Monument that honors George Washington, the commander-in-chief and hero of the American Revolution. We also have the Lincoln Memorial that honors the 16th president of the The states, Abraham Lincoln. Others are Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean War Memorial, FDR memorial, Globe State of war 2 memorial, MLK Memorial, and the Arlington National Cemetery.

8 Hidden Gems In Washington DC Nigh People Don't Know Even Be

• Maine Artery Fish Market: This has become a DC landmark as it is the oldest operating open-air fish marketplace-beating New York's Fishmarket by 17 years.
• Rock Creek Park Horse Centre: Offers riding lessons, trail rides, pony rides, boarding, and camps or just for those who love horses in general.
• Spanish Steps: Synthetic in 1911 and designed past architect Robert E. Cook, become tucked away in the Kalorama neighborhood with the urban oasis steps and terraces that connect S Street and Decatur Place NW.
• Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens: A decorative art museum that welcomes visitors from around the world with its gracious hospitality.
• National Postal Museum: Established as a articulation agreement between the United states of america Postal Service and Smithsonian Establishment in 1993.
• Olmstead's Summer House Capitol Grotto: Get your Instagram-worthy picture set up with this hexagon-shaped brick construction set into the sloping with a view of waterfalls that splashes over the rocks.
• Albert Einstein Memorial: A monumental bronze statue situated in the southwest corner of the Academy grounds depicting Albert Einstein seated with manuscript papers.
• Lincoln's Cottage: Served as an important amusement venue during the Ceremonious State of war and was used equally their home by the Lincoln family.
• International Spy Museum (in a higher place): OK, so quite a few people know about this ane, simply since it opened it has been one of DC'southward peak attractions. Be certain to pre-book your tickets so you don't miss out.

Solar day Trips from Washington DC

Washington DC itself has a lot to offer. It is surrounded by dozens of mannerly destinations that are no more than two and a half-60 minutes away past automobile.

If you lot prefer extreme chance, you can caput west to River Riders and experience Whitewater Rafting in Harpers Ferry. They offer guided and cocky-guided whitewater rafting trips or you lot tin also check out Shenandoah National Park, which is home to a number of waterfalls where you can likewise hike, have a picnic, and get camping. I of its primary features is the scenic Skyline Drive that has a 105-mile long road that covers the unabridged length of the park.

If you're more interested in studying history, you can also consider destinations such as Gettysburg Battlefield, Manassas Battlefield, and Mount Vernon .

In other news, Washington DC likes their wine. You tin visit Charlottesville and enjoy some Wine Tasting; and, if y'all like to striking the embankment, you can check these out: Chincoteague, Ocean City, or Rehoboth Embankment.

Still, if you only have one twenty-four hours in the city, you'd rather spend it in the city and indulge yourself with a lot of history by taking reward of all the costless museums, memorials, monuments, and zoos.

Nosotros hope our Washington DC trip planner provides you with a comprehensive list of DC travel tips to assistance you piece of work out what you need to know before you go.

If you have visited DC before and call up there is anything else we should include in our guide, practise let usa know in the comments below. If you like this commodity, please pin, tweet, flip, or share. I'd really appreciate it!

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