Washington DC – The Complete Guide
The federal city of Washington D.C. (District of Columbia) is the capital of the USA and one of the most attractive cities in America. The city is named after George Washington, the first president of the United States. Here you will find some of the most important and well-known sites in the country. Washington is home to the White House – the president's residence, the Capitol Building – where Congress meets, significant monuments such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln, and Jefferson, as well as world-renowned museums including the Smithsonian Institution and the impressive National Gallery.
How many days do you need for a trip to Washington?
A trip to the grand American capital requires at least four days if you want to cover most of what it has to offer. You can do a two-day tasting tour of Washington and focus mainly on the National Mall. For those coming for a "day" trip from New York, it's highly recommended to stay in the city for at least one night.
It's highly advisable to find accommodation in Washington D.C. during your trip to the federal capital
Click here to check availability and prices for Washington D.C. hotels…
Click here for a list of 10 excellent hotels in central Washington…
10 Must-See and Do Things in Washington
- The Executive Branch at the White House
- The Legislative Branch at the Capitol Building
- The Judicial Branch at the Supreme Court Building
- Climb to the top of the Washington Monument obelisk
- Meet face-to-face with the stunning statue of President Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial
- See where President Lincoln lost his life at Ford's Theatre
- The 20th-century war memorials at the west end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
- Aircraft and spacecraft at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
- The dinosaurs at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- The pinnacle of European (and American too) art at the National Gallery of Washington
10 more things to see and do in the Federal Capital
- The impressive neo-classical temple of the Jefferson Memorial
- A basketball game of the Washington Wizards at the Capital One Arena
- The most famous paintings and photographs of U.S. Presidents at the National Portrait Gallery
- American culture at its peak at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History
- The Founding Documents of the USA at the National Archives Museum
- The Archaeology of Fabrics at the George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
- Enjoy some leisure or just soak in the sun and river views at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Spend time with the kids at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
- Gaze at the Pentagon's restoration from the 9/11 Memorial Park
- Visit the grave of John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie (Onassis) at Arlington National Cemetery
Click here for all the info on visiting sites and attractions of the National Mall…
Click here for a detailed guide on the museums of the National Mall – The Smithsonian…
Click here for all the info about touring the northern parts of Washington DC and the White House…
Click here for a tour of the Pentagon and Arlington…
What is Washington DC?
- Washington DC (District of Columbia) is the capital of the United States of America
- It is named after George Washington, the first president of the United States
- The city is located on the northern bank of the Potomac River, in the triangle formed with the eastern mouth of the Anacostia River
- Washington was originally part of the State of Maryland on the land adjacent to Virginia's border. This area, known as the District of Columbia, became a federal territory that technically does not belong to any state
- In the federal district, three branches of the American government were established – the White House as the head of the executive branch, the Capitol building as the head of the legislative branch, and the Supreme Court as the head of the judicial branch.
Washington D.C. is home to about six hundred thousand residents. In the city's larger metropolitan area, which includes both Virginia and Maryland, approximately five and a half million people live.
- The city's main axis is Constitution Avenue or the Washington Mall, along which nearly all of the city's major sites are located.
- The city was built in the early 19th century according to the design of French architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant, who actually designed the Mall.
- The city was captured by the British in 1814 and set on fire. In this deliberate fire, most of its important buildings, including the Capitol building, the Library of Congress, and the White House, were damaged or destroyed.
Click here for a day trip from New York City to all the main sites in Washington D.C…
For a guided Segway tour of all the main sites in the federal capital, click here…
Map of Washington DC
How to get to Washington?
How to fly to Washington?
Dulles International Airport (IAD) – Dulles Airport is the main airport for Washington DC. It is located west of the city, about forty kilometers away, in Virginia. The airport is one of the hubs for American Airlines and is well connected with direct flights to Ben Gurion Airport. In recent years, the airport has been connected to downtown Washington via the new Silver Line of the city's metro system.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – The Ronald Reagan Airport is located on the southern bank of the Potomac River. It is opposite the confluence of the Anacostia River with the Potomac, within the state of Virginia, just south of the Pentagon.
This airport is the city's secondary airport, serving mainly domestic flights within the USA and Canada. Unlike the main Dulles Airport, it's located right in the city center, making it more convenient for travelers arriving in Washington from within the USA. The airport has 2 adjacent terminals and it is well-connected to the city center by the Yellow Metro Line.
How to get to Washington by car?
Washington is located on the I-95 highway route that spans the entire Atlantic coast from Maine in the north to Miami. This road links all the major cities of the so-called New York megalopolis, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington. The Washington metropolitan area is practically the southern border of the megalopolis.
The travel time on the 95 from Manhattan to Washington is almost 4 hours, which makes it (especially in American terms) a popular destination for a one or two-day trip from New York.
The Washington Metro
Washington boasts a convenient transportation network, led by the city's friendly metro system. This system primarily serves the commuting movement of hundreds of thousands of administrative workers traveling from the suburbs to the city center each morning. There are six lines in the system, identified by colors (named after the first two letters of each color). All lines reach the Washington Mall, where they intersect with each other. The metro lines also provide easy access to the city's two airports.
Click here for the Washington D.C. metro system map…
When to visit Washington?
- The perfect season to visit Washington D.C. is late spring. During this time, the weather is perfect and the long sunshine hours allow you to explore the National Mall until late hours.
- The city is charming in winter too, but it can also be snowy and frosty.
- In summer, the weather is usually pleasant and the city is very lively, though it can sometimes get really hot.
- Fall is also quite a good season to visit, as long as the weather is agreeable and there’s no storm on the horizon.
Click here for a guided tour of the attractions at Arlington Cemetery…
How to plan a trip route in Washington?
- Washington is one of the most popular travel destinations for those whose starting base is New York City. It’s just a convenient distance away (by American standards) from Manhattan, with a travel time of only three and a half hours.
- You can take a short two or three-day trip to Washington itself from New York.
- It's also possible to plan a trip south from New York that includes Atlantic City, Philadelphia, and Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, known as the Dutch Country.
For a tour (departing from New York) to Philadelphia and Washington D.C., click here…
The city's tour itself mainly focuses on the area of the National Mall. The Mall stretches from the Lincoln Memorial in the west to the Capitol Building and the Supreme Court in the east.
- Along the National Mall there is a huge number of well-known sites such as the massive obelisk of the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and more.
- The National Mall boasts an impressive lineup of museums, including the National Gallery of Art, one of the largest and most important museums in the world and the Smithsonian Museums like the popular Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum.
- North and east of the Mall is The White House, another must-see sight of the city. East of the White House are important sites in the Penn Quarter like Ford's Theatre and the National Portrait Gallery.
- It's worth taking a short trip north towards downtown, also checking out the Phillips Museum, the National Cathedral, and the Smithsonian National Zoo.
- It's also worth heading west towards Foggy Bottom district sites where George Washington University's campus and the massive Kennedy Center for the Arts are located. From there, continue west to the historic Georgetown district.
- Another excursion worth taking is heading south towards Arlington, across the Potomac River, where the national cemetery and the Pentagon building are located.
Click here to plan your trip in Washington DC and for professional consultation…
Accommodation and Hotels in Washington DC – All the Info and Tips
- Washington DC, the capital of the USA, is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in America.
- The stately city is filled with attractions, museums, and national sites. To make the most of your experience, it's worth finding a place to stay in the city and spending a few days there.
- The city center offers a wide range of accommodations, from chic diplomatic settings to places right in the heart of the action, perfect for evening and nightlife fun.
Click here for a list of 10 excellent hotels in central Washington…
Click here to check availability and prices for Washington D.C. hotels…
Map of Accommodation Areas in Washington DC
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Washington DC
Where's the best place to stay in Washington DC?
Here are the 5 areas we think are the best to stay in Washington DC:
- Mount Vernon Square – A mix of vibrant city life with buttoned-up Washington
- Downtown – Resplendent institutions at the city's heart
- Georgetown – Unique boutique hotels in the vibrant neighborhood
- The Wharf – Southwest Waterfront – Hotels with boat and river views in a lively entertainment area
- West End – High lodging standards that are easy on the wallet in a great location
Click here for everything you need to know about hotels and accommodation in Washington…
The National Mall
The Washington National Mall is one of the most intense spaces in the world in terms of visits and sites. It features some of the most iconic landmarks of the USA such as the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument's obelisk, and an almost endless list of Smithsonian museums. The mall is the ceremonial heart of the United States, with the White House nestled to the north.
What is the National Mall in Washington?
- The Mall, or the National Mall, is the central axis of the federal government in Washington D.C.
- The avenue was designed by French architect and city planner Pierre Charles L'Enfant at the end of the 18th century.
- In principle, the avenue is a green public space running from the Potomac River bank in the west, where the massive Lincoln Memorial is located, to the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court in the east.
- The axis is about 300 meters wide, stretching more or less between two main avenues – Independence Avenue to the south and Constitution Avenue to the north.
For daily bike rentals for a trip in Washington D.C., click here…
Along the axis are two of the three branches of American democracy – the Capitol and the Supreme Court. Completing the branches from the north is the White House beyond the Ellipse Park, which is the executive branch.
A massive amount of institutions that can be defined as national are in the Mall:
- Federal government buildings
- Iconic monuments like the Lincoln or Washington Memorial
- Major museums from the Smithsonian in the USA
- National administrative institutions
The National Mall is considered the nerve center of the American federal government and attracts a massive number of tourists every single day.
Click here for all the information on the National Mall sites…
The Smithsonian and National Mall Museums
Washington's National Mall is characterized by a huge number of iconic sites and national institutions. So in addition to the well-known monuments and government authorities in the Capitol and the Supreme Court, the national values also include a huge collection of museums grouped together on the avenue.
The museum section is mostly unified under the umbrella of the Smithsonian Smithsonian, the national research institute that treasures all the most important holdings of the American Empire.
What is the Smithsonian and the museums of the Mall?
The Smithsonian or Smithsonian Institution are a national institution with about 19 museums and galleries (and more research institutes and cultural centers). About 11 of the Smithsonian's museums and research institutes operate in the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (If in doubt, just get off at the Smithsonian metro station).
The institute was founded in the early 19th century by James Smithson, a British chemist after whom the mineral Smithsonite is named. In his will, Smithson left his entire fortune to the US government to establish a comprehensive state-sponsored museum. It was President James Polk who initiated the Smithsonian Act in 1846, establishing the government fund that finances the institute.
6 Museums You Must Visit in the National Mall of Washington D.C.
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History
- National Gallery of Washington
- National Archives Museum
- The Ethnic Museums of the Smithsonian Institution at the Smithsonian Castle
Click here for all the info on the magnificent national museums at the Mall…
North of the National Mall – The White House and Downtown Washington
North of the grand avenues lies the everyday Washington. Beyond the White House and the institutions of Lafayette Square, the downtown area of Washington, along with the neighborhoods of Georgetown and Foggy Bottom, offers a delightful stroll among city sights rather than monumental national institutions. The area boasts excellent museums, charming streets with restaurants and shops, lovely canals, and historical sites. To the north, you'll find the impressively large Washington Cathedral and the national zoo, a favorite with kids.
The historic and once-separate city of Georgetown is now a charming historic neighborhood within Washington D.C. itself. However, this historic city is more than just the federal capital of the USA, which was built in the early 19th century to its west. The district of Georgetown is situated on the western bank of Rock Creek. Georgetown was founded as a British town in 1751 in the southern part of the Maryland colony. It remained an independent city until 1871, when it was incorporated into the capital that was built to its east.
How to plan a trip itinerary in Downtown Washington and Georgetown?
- The itinerary through parts of Washington, D.C. north of The Mall starts at Lafayette Square, where the governing nerve center is located
- The White House connects the monumental National Mall with the historic city of Washington
- Connecticut Avenue links Lafayette Square from the south with interesting downtown sites like the Phillips Museum and Woodrow Wilson House
- The avenue continues north towards the National Cathedral and the National Zoo
West of the White House is the Foggy Bottom neighborhood tour, home to George Washington University and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Across Rock Creek lies the historic Georgetown district, centered around the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal path. While in Georgetown, be sure to visit the northern part of the neighborhood where the fantastic Dumbarton Oaks Museum is located, alongside Tudor House.
Arlington and the Southern Bank of the Potomac
The city of Arlington, seemingly separate and independent from the federal area of Washington (District of Columbia), administratively belongs to the state of Virginia. Nevertheless, the entire eastern expanse of the city, adjacent to the southern bank of the Potomac River, is an integral part of the American capital both in terms of security and symbolically and stately. On the southern bank of the Potomac within Arlington's territory are two important national federal symbols—the Pentagon and the Arlington National and Military Cemetery.
Sports and Entertainment Events in Washington
The Washington Wizards
Washington's NBA team is one of the city's popular attractions. While the team isn't one of the most successful in the competitive league, they did win a championship once, back in 1978. The Wizards began as a franchise in Chicago in 1961 and two years later moved to Baltimore under the name Baltimore Bullets. They relocated to Washington in 1974. In 2000, the superstar Michael Jordan was appointed as the team's general manager and played with the team towards the end of his career until he got injured in 2003.
The team plays at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington. The stadium is close to several of the city's main points of interest, right behind the National Portrait Gallery and not far from Ford's Theatre, just a bit north of the Mall. The stadium's location is very attractive for anyone looking to watch basketball in the capital. The stadium can accommodate 20,000 people, and it's generally easy to get tickets (unless it's for playoff games, which the team is unlikely to reach).
Stadium address: F St NW, 601, Washington, DC
Click here to check and buy tickets for Wizards games on the NBA site…
The Washington Commanders
The Washington football team is one of the most prestigious football teams in the USA, playing in the NFL. The Commanders is their current politically correct name, as the team was formerly known as the Washington Redskins. In 2020, the brand was changed because it was claimed that the name was racially insensitive towards Native Americans. The Redskins won five Super Bowls, the last one in 1991. The team was originally founded in Boston in 1932 but moved to the capital in 1937.
The Commanders play at FedEx Field in the suburb of North Englewood within Greater Landover, east of downtown Washington. The stadium seats 74,000 people, so it's definitely possible to get tickets for the games (in the playoffs, if they qualify, it's much harder).
FedEx Field address: Fedex Way, 1600, North Englewood
Click here to check and purchase tickets for the Commanders games on the team's website…
The Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals represent the city in the MLB, America's baseball league. The Nationals are relatively new to the city, having arrived in 2005. The team was established from the Montreal Expos franchise, the first MLB team in Canada. The Expos were founded in 1969 and left Montreal in 2002.
The Nationals have generally been more successful than the Expos and even won the World Series in 2019. The team plays at Nationals Park, located to the east of the National Mall along the Anacostia River. The stadium can accommodate forty thousand spectators and usually, ticket availability isn't an issue (though it's harder if they make the playoffs).
Stadium address: South Capitol St SE, 1500, Washington
Click here to check and purchase tickets for the Nationals games on the MLB website…
The Washington Capitals
The Capitals, or 'The Caps' as they're affectionately known, are the capital's hockey team. They play in the NHL, were established in 1974, and even recently won the Stanley Cup. The Capitals offer a fantastic chance to witness a game that's highly popular among Americans, especially in the northern parts of the country (and Canada). The Capitals play at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, which seats 20,000 people.
Stadium address: F St NW, 601, Washington, DC
Click here to check and purchase tickets for Capitals games on the NHL website…
D.C. United
Usually, soccer in the USA isn’t that interesting, but the Washington team can spark some interest, particularly because it's quite a popular retirement spot for notable players from Europe. The last star to shine in the team was Wayne Rooney from Manchester United, who led them to quite decent achievements. So, Rooney is no longer there and Lionel Messi now plays for Inter Miami, but the atmosphere at the home stadium, Audi Field, is pretty nice.
The stadium can accommodate twenty thousand spectators and is close to the baseball stadium at Nationals Park, near the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. The United are considered among the best soccer teams in the MLS and have won 4 championships since the league was founded in 1996.
Stadium address: F St NW, 601, Washington, DC
Click here to check out and purchase tickets for United's games on the team's website…
