Have you visited Washington, D.C. yet? The capital of the United States, located in the East Coast, is full of history, renowned museums, iconic buildings, and interesting neighborhoods. There are also tons of restaurants, cafes, and clubs, making it a hip city to visit. Between the tours and classic attractions and national landmarks to the art galleries and farmers markets, there’s something for everyone in D.C. Here’s your guide to the nation’s capital.
Best Time to Visit
September to November and March to May are the best times to visit Washington, D.C. The temperatures are best during the fall with lows in the mid-30s F to highs in the upper-70s and the changing of leaves is really a beauty. Spring is also a good time to visit because there’s the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The summers are really humid and they’re packed with tourists and the winter is really cold.
How to Get Around
The Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) public transportation system is the best way to get around the city. Most people use the Metro trains, the buses, and their feet to navigate D.C. Renting a car isn’t ideal because D.C. is one of the worst cities to drive in in America. Taxis are also an option, but they’re expensive.
Where to Stay
The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
Located in D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood, the views of the park and access to the city’s most popular attractions, The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC has a spectacular location and the hotel is really elegant. The 5-star hotel has modern accommodations like LCD flat-screen TVs and Nintendo Wii game consoles as well as an upscale restaurant, a fitness club, and an on-site spa.
The Jefferson, Washington DC
This 5-star hotel has a European luxury feel with 20th-century paintings and sculptures and checkered floors. It’s also a short walk from the National Mall. There are iPads, walk-in showers, and flat-screen TVs. The hotel has an on-site spa, gourmet restaurants, and a bar.
Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C.
Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C. is located within the Old Post Office building on Pennsylvania Avenue, which is in the heart of the city. It’s not far from the National Mall, the White House, and museums. The original structure can be seen throughout the hotel with the blue, cream, and ivory colors, crystal chandeliers, high ceilings, and five-fixture bathrooms. The hotel has The Spa by Ivanka Trump, a fitness center, a Presidential Ballroom that holds up to 1,335, and three dining options.
What to Do
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is one of the many monuments in the city and it has a huge Honest Abe as well as his speeches, the second inaugural address and the Gettysburg Address are on the memorial’s opposite wall. The building is designed by Henry Bacon and it has 38 Doric columns with 36 signifying the states in the Union when Lincoln was alive.
Tidal Basin
First-time travelers to D.C. have to visit the Tidal Basin, which is a 2-mile-long pond that used to be attached to the Potomac River, and it’s the backdrop to some of the most iconic sites in D.C. During the spring, the Tidal Basin is surrounded by cherry blossom trees and you can paddle boat. There are also three memorials along the shores: the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
One of the many Smithsonian museums in D.C., the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum has tons of aircraft like Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Vega 5B, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, and Wilbur and Orville Wright’s 1903 Wright Flyer. There’s also a flight simulator, an IMAX theater, and the Einstein Planetarium.
What to Eat
Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is totally trendy and it’s great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Each place puts its own spin on the dish with one of the best places to visit is Unconventional Diner, which uses ingredients like limes and Fresno chilies.
Super Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is an American classic and there are tons of places to get them in Stoney’s DC makes a Super Grilled Cheese with bacon, tomato, and onion and GCDC is a grilled cheese bar where you can build your own grilled cheese with your choice of bread, meats, veggies, and spreads.
Burgers
Another staple, burgers are the perfect guilty pleasure and they’re great for curing a hangover. Tune Inn on Capitol Hill is the place to go for them and in addition to amazing burgers, they have strong drinks that are served early in the morning. The burgers are made with 100% beef and they’re crispy on the outside.
