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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.

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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 that 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 Washington Monument

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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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Rock Creek Park

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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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Cafe 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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The Lafayette

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Founding Farmers

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Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab

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Old Europe

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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

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Rasika

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We, The Pizza

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Cafés

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 café 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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Kramers

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Bread Furst

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Compass Coffee

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Pâtisserie Poupon

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Baked & Wired

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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

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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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Eastern Market

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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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Kramers

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Chevy Chase Pavilion

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Union Market

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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). 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 D.C. 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 the National Airport from the National Mall takes approximately 15 minutes.

Address: Ronald Reagan National Airport

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Phone: +1 703 417 8000

Website: www.flyreagan.com

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Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Dulles International Airport is an international airport in Loudoun and Fairfax counties in Virginia, 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

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Phone: +1 703 572 2700

Website: www.flydulles.com

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Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

The 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 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 the 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 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

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Phone: +1 410 859 7111

Website: https://bwiairport.com

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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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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 seasons, 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

Washington, D.C.'s public transport system is super efficient and traveler-friendly, primarily centered around the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), which operates the Metrorail and Metrobus services. The Metrorail, known for its extensive network, covers key attractions and neighborhoods across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, making it convenient for tourists to navigate the city.

In addition , the Metrobus system complements the rail service by reaching areas not covered by the Metrorail. Travelers can also use the D.C. Circulator, a bus service designed specifically for tourists, offering routes that connect popular destinations such as Georgetown, the National Mall, and Union Station. For seamless travel, the SmarTrip card allows easy fare payment across Metrorail, Metrobus, and the Circulator.

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Taxi

Taxis are everywhere in the city, just hail one down. D.C. 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. Alternatively, you can opt to book a ride through Uber and Lyft.

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Post

Blue postal drop boxes are located across D.C. Stamps can be bought at many hotels, museums, grocery stores, and post offices.

Address: United States Postal Service - 1050 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington. D.C.

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Website: www.usps.com

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Pharmacy

D.C.'smajor pharmacy chain is CVS. The CVS Dupont Circle is open 24 hours.

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

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Phone: +1 202 785 1466

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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. The sockets and the power plugs are of type A and B.

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Time Zone

UTC/GMT -4 hours

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