Going to Washington, DC: Vacations, Tourism, Hotels, Things to Do, and Airports

What to do in Washington, DC

According to many aspiring politicians, Washington, D.C., is a greedy cesspool. But tourists quickly discover what the locals know: Washington is a pleasant and extremely manageable city. Confining your visit to downtown lets you easily accomplish your to-do list, from the Capitol to the Smithsonian museums to the great marble monuments. But there are rewards for wandering off the National Mall and into D.C.’s neighborhoods. Shopping in Georgetown, the hepcat vibe of the U Street corridor, or the nightlife of Adams Morgan will give a warmer impression of the city than dodging school groups among iconic attractions. Buy an all-day pass for the Metro (the subway system). A local might even help you operate the machine that dispenses passes—despite John F. Kennedy’s assertion that D.C. is “a city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm.”

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Traveler Reviews of Washington, DC

Lacy rates Washington, DC

DC is a wonderful city for all types of groups to visit. For families: as long as your kids are old enough, the monuments are something every kid should see. And if you come during the spring or fall when it isn't too hot, they can run off all their energy zipping between each attraction. The National Mall is a great place to bring a ball and bat and a picnic blanket and just hang out as a family. For 20-somethings: DC isn't exactly known for their nightlife but it is an awesome city to come have a drink. There are nightclubs (though many of them are questionable) and classy after-work cocktail bars that are great for socializing and meeting new people. There is also an active music scene and some wonderful options to dine.

Submitted on December 13, 2011

Pam rates Washington, DC

The Metro is an efficient way to get around. Many wonderful sites are free. But most of all the historic and cultural value is superb

Submitted on November 19, 2011

Pieter rates Washington, DC

DC is a great place to visit for either families or young folks. The best part is it doesn't need to be expensive. Walking around the monuments (starting at the Jefferson, walking through the FDR, then the new MLK, and on to the Licoln, WWII, and Vietnam memorials) takes a full day and won't cost you a dime. The museums are mostly free too. And don't miss the non-Mall neighborhoods like U Street (jazz clubs) or Georgetown (shopping).

Submitted on November 04, 2011

Alistair rates Washington, DC

My adopted hometown since 2001, Washington, D.C., is more than a collection of free museums and monuments (though these are certainly worth the visit alone!). It's also a melting pot of neighborhoods, culture, personalities, and perspectives. Check out the bars and clubs in the H St. and Atlas districts off the back of Capitol Hill, grab a breakfast burrito and go for a stroll around Eastern Market, or jump in the car to discover fantastic Vietnamese and Asian cuisine in Falls Church's Seven Corners (the Eden Center's Seaside Crab House and nearby X.O. Taste Cafe are two current favorites). I'd recommend staying in the Dupont Circle area for convenience to attractions as well as entertainment or in Arlington for cheaper hotel prices. If you can, fly into DCA; getting to town from IAD (Dulles) is a drag -- an expensive one at that!

Submitted on November 03, 2011

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Lacy DC is a wonderful city for all types of groups to visit. For families: as long as your kids are old enough, the monuments are something every kid should see. And if you come during the spring or fall when it isn't too hot, they can run off all their energy zipping between each attraction. The National Mall is a great place to bring a ball and bat and a picnic blanket and just hang out as a family. For 20-somethings: DC isn't exactly known for their nightlife but it is an awesome city to come have a drink. There are nightclubs (though many of them are questionable) and classy after-work cocktail bars that are great for socializing and meeting new people. There is also an active music scene and some wonderful options to dine.

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Washington, DC Q&A

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Is there any place to store bags when visiting the White house?

Asked on April 14, 2012 by Dave

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2 day Washington DC trip, whats the best sites to see on our own

I want to be able to visit a few sites and need to know which attractions are within walking distance from each other
Asked on March 30, 2012 by an anonymous user

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what town is closest to the smithsonian

looking for a good place to stay near the smithsonian
Asked on February 28, 2012 by dave

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What is the best way to travel from DC to NY?

I would like to balanced between cost and confort, since NY is near I guess bus is the best option
Asked on December 01, 2011 by an anonymous user

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