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Washington Travel, Hotel, and Visitors Guide

When the cherry blossoms are blooming, there's no city in the world like the American capital. Though Washington is the political seat of one of the most powerful nations in the world, there's much more to the district than politicians in suits and camera-snapping tourists walking around war memorials. The comparatively small city, populated by roughly five million in the metropolitan area, hosts gorgeous green spaces, lively ethnic neighborhoods, chic boutique shopping, and one of the most well-funded fine arts scenes in the country. Come to Washington for the history and stay for the unmatched cultural exhibits, eclectic music scene, and an atmosphere that's refreshingly laid-back in comparison to the fast pace of New York or Boston.

Top rated hotels

Sofitel Lafayette Square
806 15th Street NW (Downtown)

Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
1127 Connecticut Avenue NW (Downtown)

Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel
999 Ninth Street NW

Washington Marriott at Metro Center
775 12th Street NW (Downtown)

Residence Inn Washington, DC/Vermont Avenue
1199 Vermont Avenue, NW (Downtown)

Residence Inn Washington, DC /Capitol
333 E St. SW

View more Washington hotel info »«

Top rated attractions

In Washington
1.	Stare into the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial No one should go to Washington without getting up close and personal with the huge massive marble sculpture of Abraham Lincoln. The Reflecting Pool, an instantly recognizable, placid rectangle of still water that immortalized in a famous scene from the film Forrest Gump, is also a must-see. The reflection of the Washington Monument obelisk as an instant photo opportunity. Head down to the National Mall early in the morning to hit a few attractions before the crowds set in. « hide
2.	Witness the Government in Action at the United States Capitol Its true- a lot of the action happens at the White House- but the Capitol is home to Congress. On the east end of the National Mall, this commanding building features a large dome and two wings, one holding the Senate, the other the official chamber for the House of Representatives. The original artworks inside were completed by such notable Americans as Benjamin Franklin and Robert Fulton, as well as Italian-American master Constantini Brumidi. The free tickets for guided tours are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. « hide
3.	Tour the White House Sitting for centuries at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the White House was first occupied by then-president John Adams in 1800. Since the building is the official home and office of the President and First Lady, tours are, of course, limited to certain historical quarters of the building. To more fully appreciate the design and architectural details of the classically decorated antique rooms, stop in the Visitor Center first to watch the informational video. Those hoping to take a tour shouldn't wait until the last minute: requests must be made through the appropriate Congress Member and can take months to process, usually accommodating groups of ten or more people. « hide
4.	Check Out the Architecture at the Islamic Center In a city as culturally diverse as Washington, D.C., visitors are accustomed to appreciating the obvious benefits, like ethnic food. Exotic architecture is another draw that is sometimes underrated, like at the Islamic Center, a gorgeous mosque on the edge of Rock Creek Park. Constructed in 1957, it was the first Muslim worship center to be built in the city. Free tours are available by appointment, though travelers can go inside the building during non-worship times or admire the 160-foot-tall minaret from the outside anytime of the day. If venturing inside, remember to dress modestly; women will need to cover their hair with scarves. « hide
5.	Wander Around the Vietnam Memorial This famous monument, paying respects to members of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Vietnam War, occupies two acres in the city center. The main attraction is the winding dark purple Veterans Memorial Wall - the contemporary design was created by American architect Maya Lin, featuring names engraved in granite. The striking result is a reflective wall with one end pointing towards the Washington Monument and the other towards Lincoln Memorial. Visitors looking for specific names may bring flowers or other items, as it's customary to leave them along the wall as a gesture of respect. Check out the Women's Memorial, too, which is dedicated primarily to nurses who served during the War. « hide
6.	Ride Back in Time on the C&O Canal For a unique, off-the-beaten path view of Georgetown, catch a ride down the Potomac River on an antique canal boat. The mule-drawn boats meander down the shaded waterway, rising into locks and cruising through dark tunnels. Groups of ten or more are needed for advance reservations, but last-minute seats are usually available on this 75-person-capacity vessel. The trip lasts about one hour. « hide
7.	Explore the Jazz Quarter The U Street Corridor is alive with musical history- Duke Ellington was born there, and jazz venues dating from the 1920's, like Howard Theater, still attract visitors. Once dubbed "the Black Broadway," the area buzzes with energy during the day, when a string of galleries, shops, and cafes fill with locals, and at night, when music lovers flock to the cool 9:30 Club. Check the schedule ahead of time to see who's onstage, or just enjoy a relaxed stroll around the neighborhood during daylight hours, stopping at the famous Ben's Chili Bowl for lunch. « hide
8.	Make a Beeline for the Smithsonian So many of Washington's attractions are free for visitors - perhaps the most remarkable among them is the Smithsonian. A massive research institute featuring a network of museums ranging from Air&Space to African American Music to Natural History, the facilities draw visitors from all over the world. Touring the Smithsonian, though, is like going to the Louvre: it's essential to do the homework ahead of time and make a plan. Even D.C. natives haven't seen everything the Smithsonian has to offer. Choosing a few priorities and sticking to them is much preferable to biting off too much and having a rushed visit. Lunch on black bean tacos and Mexican hot chocolate at the American Indian Museum's sleek new cafeteria, or when the sun's shining, take a picnic to the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden. « hide
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Top rated restaurants

1.	Polo India Club Polo India Club puts on a customary lunch buffet with a spread of savory dishes from kabobs to lentil curry to chicken tandoori. Locals and tourists alike fill their plates every day at noon. Service is especially friendly and a private banquet room is also available for those traveling in larger groups. « hide	6.	Mixtec Mixtec is yet another no-frills Mexican spot where rice, beans, and tacos always constitute the plate du jour. This restaurant has been an Adams Morgan staple for years; the creamy guacamole and margarita specials keep it kicking, even with all the competition in the area. « hide
2.	Heritage India Heritage India brings a festive crowd in for the nightly happy hour, when small "street food" plates like chicken tikka and lamb vindaloo accompany discounted beers and mixed drinks. The colorful, funky fabrics decorating the dining room create a soothing ambience, though the service can be slow during prime eating hours. « hide	7.	Prince Cafe Prince Cafe is a favorite with Georgetown students; the prices are low, the hookahs aromatic, and the place is open through the wee hours of the morning on weekends. Enjoy Mediterranean and Lebanese dishes like cucumber yogurt and grape leaves, over thirty types of flavored tobacco to choose from, and entertaining Arabic music videos playing on the big screen. Prince has other locations in the city, too. « hide
3.	Taj Mahal Taj Mahal is a more refined, slightly more sedate version of the usual Indian spots. The restaurant, which caters mostly to professional types, has been in Dupont Circle for decades, serving up Tandoori dishes in a hushed, somewhat formal atmosphere. Try one of the classic, healthful vegetarian house specials. « hide	8.	Fettoosh Fettoosh, despite its wacky interior design, reels in the local Lebanese for a selection of Middle Eastern appetizers (mezze) served in a tapas-like style. Most visitors won't understand the long menu - when in doubt, order whatever's on special, and don't skimp on the delicious hummus. « hide
4.	La Granja de Oro La Granja de Oro roasts tasty, cumin-sprinkled whole chickens in the Peruvian style. A steady clientele of Spanish speakers is assurance enough that the simple dishes are authentic; order fried potatoes, yucca fingers, and spicy chorizo sausage, and when the weather's warm, enjoy a feast on the upper deck. This place is not exciting to look at, but the prices are a bargain. « hide	9.	George's Townhouse George's Townhouse specializes in overstuffed, finger-licking falafels. Don't be fooled by the name - there's nothing English-seeming or upscale about this low-key Middle Eastern eatery. For five dollars, there's hardly a tastier, or more filling, midnight snack; other Mediterranean goodies are also worth a try. « hide
5.	El Tamarindo El Tamarindo dishes up sizzling-hot fajitas, chunky chile con queso, and of course, colorful margaritas and icy pitchers of sangria. This casual Mexican/Salvadoran joint is an easy choice for flavorful food without a lot of fuss; try one of the seafood dishes for something different, or stop in late for a bucket of Coronas. « hide

Washington Insider tips

Watch Your Step at Night

Generally speaking, Washington D.C. is a safe city that's well-lit at night. But venturing outside some of the more affluent areas during later hours can be risky, and since some of the city's hipper nightclubs and bars, like Dream, the 9:30 Club, and Nation, are located a bit off the beaten path, it's wise to take precautions. The subway runs until 2 a.m., but women traveling solo may not feel comfortable waiting around in a deserted station in certain areas of the city. Taxi cabs are plentiful and just a phone call away - the extra expense is worth it. Many areas of the city are currently becoming more gentrified, however, which means added lighting and security in the future. « hide

The Summer Crush

Washington D.C. is a hugely popular tourist draw year round, but the summertime months find the city particularly packed with visitors. Getting into the most desirable attractions, like the Holocaust Museum, the White House, and the Washington Monument can mean hours of waiting around in the heat. Visitors might consider visiting the city during gentler weather; if summertime is the only possibility, bring plenty of sunscreen and water, and plan ahead. Being at the entry to an attraction first thing in the morning, reserving ahead whenever possible, could save a lot of headaches « hide

Washington nightlife

In Washington
1.	Birreria Paradiso Beer connoisseurs of all ages will be, well, in paradise at this Georgetown bar where sixteen different varieties are on draft and over eighty types of beer are sold in bottles. Belgian, German, Flemish - all the upscale foreign goodies are here on a revolving basis, plus choice American microbrews - and guests can order gourmet pizzas from the restaurant upstairs, too. Come during the week to avoid major crowds. « hide
2.	Karma This funky downtown lounge wears many hats - by day, a coffeehouse and art space, by evening, a cocktail bar where DJs spin house music and small groups congregate in blue-lit corners. A professional crowd as well as more casually dressed younger people show up here for poetry readings during the week and fruity drinks during happy hour - try the signature Karmatini, made with pomegranate juice. This place is best for laid-back travelers looking to have a drink or two without staying out late. « hide
3.	Saki Come for happy hour sushi and $5 martinis at the sleek restaurant, then stay on to dance and drink sake in the spare white club downstairs. DJs get an always-changing crowd of Adams Morgan residents going, and should they crave more nigiri, the sushi bar stays open until midnight. Since it's stylish but not too refined, a younger clientele usually frequent the place. « hide