If you have never been to Washington before, it might be hard to decide where to start your journey. The city itself is composed of an array of neighborhoods ranging from rural-like areas outside of downtown all the way up through diverse communities such as Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, U Street Corridor, Logan Circle, Dupont Circle, Woodley Park, and Columbia Heights. The most famous district for tourists is probably Pennsylvania Avenue, which runs between the White House and the US Capitol Building. It’s lined with well-known museums like the Smithsonian Museums and many other places that attract visitors. There are also some great shopping opportunities here too. The city is packed with world-class attractions that are certain to impress all visitors.
See all that this great city has to offer with our comprehensive guide to Washington, DC. Find out what you have to see, where to go, how to get around, and how to find the best way to travel in DC. Begin your journey here!
Best time to pay a visit
The best time to visit Washington, D.C. is between April and October, when it’s warm enough but not too hot. Summers are humid and can be very uncomfortable if you’re unprepared. Springtime brings beautiful flowers and foliage, while fall offers spectacular colors. Winters tend to be milder than in other parts of North America. While winter temperatures may drop below freezing at night, daytime highs rarely go above 40 °F. Winter days are usually sunny and clear; however, snowfall occurs frequently during this season. If you plan your trip around major holidays such as Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, St Patrick’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Halloween, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, National Cherry Blossom Festival, World War II Remembrance Week, MLK Holiday Weekend and many more, then you will have an unforgettable experience.
Reaching the city
Most major airports offer flights to Washington, including Ronald Reagan National Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Many airlines fly directly to these three airports, making them simple places to arrive at if you don’t mind traveling through an American hub like New York; however, you could always opt for connecting flights instead.
The best way to get around the city
The best ways to get around town are by foot, bicycle, car, bus, taxi, metro, train, trolley, ferry, boat, Metrobus, and Uber.
Walk
This may be the most obvious choice, but it’s still worth mentioning since it will help you discover neighborhoods you might not have visited otherwise. Plus, walking gives you time to think about how amazing the city really is.
Bike
Biking is another fun option whether you live near an urban area or far away. Use Google Maps to find routes that suit your fitness level and plan ahead, so you don’t end up too exhausted before reaching your destination.
Car & Public Transportation
Driving allows you to have flexibility when traveling through different parts of the city. But public transportation helps you save money, reduce pollution, and reach areas off-the beaten path without having to rely solely on gas stations to provide food and water.
Attractions
There’s no shortage of things to do here: from museums and monuments to shopping malls and restaurants. You can even go ice skating at one of the local rinks! If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, head out to Georgetown, where there are plenty of parks and green spaces. And if you want to see more than what’s right outside your door, hop on a bike and explore all that this great city has to offer.