"Washington DC" Top 5 Page for this destination Washington D.C. by Ewingjr98

Washington D.C. Travel Guide: 5,536 reviews and 14,554 photos

View of Capitol Bldg & Wshington Mon from Cap Hill - Washington D.C.
View of Capitol Bldg & Wshington Mon from Cap Hill
Washington DC - Washington D.C.

Washington DC, the Capital City of the US, is a diverse city of monuments, historic sites, and government buildings, along with good nightlife, nice restaurants, and a variety of outdoor activities.

During my visits, I always loved to see the major memorials, such as the Vietnam War Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the new World War II Memorial. I also enjoy the diverse neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, Adams Morgan, DuPont Circle, and across the river, Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia. Since living in the city all of November and December 2008, I have been trying to find all of the good hole-in-the-wall restaurants and off-the-beaten-path attractions throughout the city that are overlooked by visitors who are here for just a short time.

View of the city from Arlington House, April 2006 - Washington D.C.

View of the city from Arlington House, April 2006

Best touristy things to do in Washington DC: visit the numerous monuments and memorials on the mall, see the dozens of museums of the Smithsonian Institution, maybe shop in Georgetown, see the famous government buildings like the White House and Capitol, and maybe check out a few other historic sites like Ford's Theater. Many visitors will also want to see some of the nearby areas like Arlington National Cemetery, Old Town Alexandria, and Mount Vernon.

My favorite not-so-touristy things to do in Washington DC: shop at Eastern Market and the Maine Avenue Fish Market, wander the historic streets and parks of Capitol Hill, eat in Chinatown or Barracks Row, go out for the nightlife at Adams Morgan, enjoy an afternoon at Rock Creek Park, hike or bike the C&O Canal, check out the view from the Old Post Office Tower, visit the Shakespeare Theater, and see some of the non-touristy monuments like the National Law Enforcement Monument and the Navy Memorial.

In November of 2008 I brought an Afghan friend to the Mall for a quick afternoon visit that was cut short buy the cold wind and blowing snow flurries. He was amazed at the size of the Washington Monument and impressed by the White House and Capitol Building. I was a little surprised that he had never heard of Lincoln, but then again they have been dealing with other problems in Afghanistan since well before he was born. I was glad to hear him say, upon his first glimpse of the National Mall, "Wow, for the first time I really feel like I am in America." Makes you proud to be an American.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:History; European flavor; public transportation
  • Cons:Poverty; American commercialism; traffic
  • In a nutshell:A must visit for anyone... but use the metro!
  • Last visit to Washington D.C.: Jan 2009
  • Intro Updated May 6, 2009
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Reviews (194)

Firkin and Fox Pub - Dulles Airport - Washington D.C. Firkin and Fox Pub - Dulles Airport Restaurants (40)

I stopped in for a qucik Yuengling at the Firkin and Fox while sitting around waiting for United Airlines to unscrew my... more travel advice

Moe's Bar and Grill- Dulles Airport - Washington D.C. Moe's Bar and Grill- Dulles Airport Restaurants (40)

Moe's is pretty good for an airport bar. Located in Concourse D, it is easily accessible from Concourse C as well. Moe's... more travel advice

Gordon Biersch - National Airport - Washington D.C. Gordon Biersch - National Airport Nightlife (23)

Gordon Biersch has a popular location in Reagan National Airport near gates 39 and 40. The place gets packed in the... more travel advice

California Tortilla - National Airport - Washington D.C. California Tortilla - National Airport Restaurants (40)

California Tortilla is fast food Mexican, but closer to Chipotle than Tack Bell. This decent little place is located... more travel advice

Comments (18)

  • Reply
    Yaqui's Profile Photo
    May 22, 2010 at 8:29 AM

    There is so much more to see and you have captured it so well. I enjoyed the tour and will return to see more! A++

  • Reply
    hunterV's Profile Photo
    Feb 7, 2010 at 10:29 PM

    ~ Hi, JR! Thanks for your detailed page! Lots to learn and to see there! I have also paid a visit to some of those great places.....

  • Reply
    SteveOSF's Profile Photo
    Dec 31, 2009 at 11:29 AM

    Joe, Happy New Year! Hope you have a great 2010. Steve

  • Reply
    gilabrand's Profile Photo
    Sep 6, 2009 at 8:48 AM

    Lots of good information!

  • Reply
    Jul 10, 2009 at 8:24 AM

    Robert E. Lee's father-in-law was the adopted son of G. Washington. Arlington House was a GW memorial. GW the Mason believed in reincarnation. Lee born 7 y after GW's death & 7 m from GW's Birthplace. Lee - Pres. of Washington-Lee Univ.

  • Reply
    MATIM's Profile Photo
    Feb 28, 2009 at 8:39 AM

    very usefull information, thank you!

  • Reply
    DennyP's Profile Photo
    Dec 23, 2008 at 9:05 PM

    Great page with excellent informative tips and photos..on a town I love..well done ..so much to see and do in DC..great job mate.. and a Happy Xmas to you from downunder..

  • Reply
    bdougherty's Profile Photo
    Dec 7, 2008 at 1:33 PM

    thanks for the unusual tip

  • Reply
    loisl's Profile Photo
    Nov 25, 2008 at 4:29 AM

    We want to visit DC next summer, our son wants to see the Air&Space museum! Greetings for you and Laura.

  • Reply
    Lhenne1's Profile Photo
    Nov 15, 2008 at 3:54 PM

    Woohoo! You got Einstein to work!

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