Washington DC, United States - Travel Guide

Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States, offering a wealth of free museums, iconic monuments, and historical landmarks. It's a vibrant city with diverse neighborhoods, a thriving food scene, and beautiful parks.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$250/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

WashingtonD.C.District of ColumbiaThe DistrictCapitalU.S. CapitalDMV

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
)
Restaurant waitstaff: 15
20% of the bill
Bar staff: $1
2 per drink or 15
20% of the bill
Taxi drivers: 15
20% of the fare
Hotel housekeepers: $2
5 per day

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
Punctuality for appointments is expected
Personal space is generally respected
Shaking hands is a common greeting
Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
It is common to make small talk with strangers
"Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 21
Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
Federal law prohibits marijuana use
Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesYes (YES)

HelloHello (huh-LOH)

PleasePlease (PLEEZ)

Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)

Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Extreme hot season: Jun
Aug
Extreme cold season: Dec
Feb
Occasional floods due to heavy rainfall, especially in spring and summer months

Getting There

Fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), or Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Amtrak trains connect from major East Coast cities
Greyhound buses offer intercity travel

Getting Around

Metro (subway and bus system) is extensive
Capital Bikeshare available
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available
Taxis are common

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended
No specific altitude sickness, probiotics, motion sickness, or malaria concerns for Washington DC

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available through major US carriers (Verizon, AT\&T, T
Mobile)
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers work well

Local Cuisine

Half-Smoke street_food

DC's signature sausage, typically a half-pork and half-beef smoked sausage. It is often served in a bun and smothered in chili, mustard, and onions, o

Maryland Blue Crabs regional_speciality

Steamed blue crabs, often seasoned generously with Old Bay spice, are a regional delicacy reflecting the Mid-Atlantic heritage. Crab season runs from

Palak Chaat must_try

A crispy Indian street food snack featuring fried spinach leaves, yogurt, tamarind, and various chutneys. This highly acclaimed appetizer has become s

Ethiopian Doro Wat with Injera regional_speciality

Ethiopian cuisine is a staple in DC, particularly in the Shaw and U Street neighborhoods. Doro Wat is a spicy chicken stew served with injera, a large

Pupusas street_food

Thick, stuffed corn tortillas, a staple of Salvadoran cuisine widely available across DC, particularly in neighborhoods like Mount Pleasant. Stuffings

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Washington Monument Timed Ticket Attraction

Book 30 days in advance (or try for next-day tickets)

Tickets are required for entry, capacity is limited, and they are released 30 days in advance and often sell out immediately.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

National Museum of African American History and Culture Timed Pass Attraction

Book 30 days in advance

While admission is free, passes are required during peak times to manage high visitor volume and ensure entry.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade Tickets seasonal_event

Book 2 months in advance for desirable seating

While some festival events are free, tickets are required for the best parade viewing areas and can sell out as the event is highly seasonal and popular.

Fun Facts

1. Two American Presidents, John Quincy Adams and Herbert Hoover, kept alligators at the White House, with one reportedly being kept in a bathtub.
2. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, holding over 160,000 objects in its collection.
3. Due to older English usage where "I" and "J" were similar and often interchangeable, Washington DC is missing a "J" street.
4. Darth Vader’s likeness is hidden among the gargoyles adorning the National Cathedral, placed there after a design contest for children.

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