Washington, D.C., if you want to have a good time. The city is famous for its history, culture, and landmarks. From the majesty of the National Mall to its historic neighborhoods, there are plenty of chances to get off the beaten path in the U.S. capital. But what is the optimal approach to the Best Way to Visit Washington DC? Whether it’s your first or third (or ninth) time in town, here’s how to create wonderful memories in Washington, DC.
Plan Your Visit Around The Best Attractions in Washington DC
If you’re wondering how to see Washington, DC, at its best, you can’t do without visiting its globally recognized sites. Washington, DC, is centered around the National Mall, offering a wealth of sights and activities to explore.
- The National Mall: The best way to visit Washington DC is to start by visiting the National Mall, where many of the city’s most famous monuments and museums are located, including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Historical buildings surround the open area, providing space to wander around.
- Smithsonian Museums: If you’re a fan of culture and history, you don’t want to miss the chance to visit the Smithsonian Museums during your trip to Washington, DC. With free admission to more than 19 museums, you can spend hours visiting the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- U.S. Capitol: If you are interested in understanding how the United States functions politically, the best place to start is by touring the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC Learn how Congress works and experience the beautiful, historic building.
Use a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour For Convenience
For those inquiring, what is the best way to see Washington DC in a short amount of time? These tours are designed to cover all the main attractions in the city, but you can also get off at any point for exploration at your own pace.
There are several bus tours, but the best way to visit Washington DC is on a tour that includes stops at the White House, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the U.S. Capitol. You can visit the monuments and museums without thinking about transportation.
Discover Neighbourhoods in Washington, DC
Monuments and museums are great, but don’t skip the neighborhoods that give Washington, DC, its character. Washington, DC, is best explored by strolling through its amazing districts.
- Georgetown: Home to embassies and just a couple of minutes from the C&O Canal and cobblestone streets, visitors will enjoy great upscale shopping, a stroll along the waterfront, and snapping some photos of centuries of buildings. The best way to visit Washington DC is to stop here for a stroll or a boat ride.
- Capitol Hill: Between the gorgeous row houses and the vibrant political scene, Capitol Hill is an excellent option for business travellers who want a closer look at DC’s political atmosphere. The best way to visit Washington DC is to stroll through the avenues in the neighborhood.
- Dupont Circle: A cool and artful district, Dupont Circle offers cafes, galleries, and historic homes. The best way to visit Washington DC is to visit this bohemian neighborhood that will give visitors a feel of the city’s homegrown culture.
Hop onto A Bike or Scooter To Free Up Some Fun
The best way to visit Washington DC is on two wheels for those seeking an active and adventurous way to explore. Washington, DC, is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States, and it offers a bike-sharing program called Capital Bikeshare, where you can rent a bike and explore the city’s many delights.
- Biking by DC’s National Mall: The best way to visit DC is by exploring the trails of the National Mall, which give visitors a close-up view of iconic sites.
- Scooter Rentals: Rent a scooter for a quicker way to get around. On a scooter, there is no better way to visit Washington DC than to zip between neighborhoods and landmarks using its comprehensive bike lanes.
Take in Washington, DC’s Beauty at Night
Daytime DC can be nice, but nighttime DC is the best way to see the city. And the idiotic monuments of the city are lit at night, making a quiet and enchanting nighttime impression.
- Take a Nighttime Monument Tour: If you want to see the city in a new light, the Best Way to Visit Washington DC after the crowds have gone home is the perfect way! Stroll the memorials tour after dark, enjoying the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Washington Monument, all beautifully lit.
- Night Views from the Potomac: Another terrific way to see the city at night is to head to the Potomac River. The Best Way to visit Washington DC is on a river cruise, where you can take in spectacular views of the city’s monuments against the night sky.
How To Get Around on Public Transit in Washington, DC
Riding the Washington, DC Metro system is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get around the city. The best way to visit Washington DC in a limited amount of time or with a limited budget is to take the Metro rail for a convenient and direct route to all the major attractions.
- Metro to Museums: The Metro is a great way to get to the Smithsonian Museums and the National Mall’s monuments. Taking the Metro to see Washington, DC, is the best way to visit and avoid the hassle of looking for parking.
- Budget Traveler’s Best Bet: The Best Way to visit Washington DC is to purchase a SmarTrip card, less expensive than a paper fare card for the Metro and buses.
Enjoy Local Food in Washington, DC
A real, complete DC experience means eating well in this vibrant food city. Whether traditional American or international, the Best Way to visit Washington DC is to try one of its local dishes.
- Ben’s Chili Bowl: An iconic DC restaurant, Ben’s Chili Bowl is the best place in Washington, DC, for hyper-casual grub, including chili dogs and half-smokes.
- Old Ebbitt Grill: Famous for its oysters and traditional American cuisine, Old Ebbitt Grill is a historic restaurant that allows you to plan the best possible trip to Washington, DC, with delicious seafood and hearty comfort food.
The Best Way To Visit Washington DC
The best way to visit Washington DC. Comes down to timing. The city is unique for each season, so select the time to visit that suits your interests.
- Spring: Visit Washington, DC, in late March and early April for the nation’s capital’s annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, during which cherry blossoms bloom throughout the city.
- Fall: With cool weather and less foot traffic, autumn is the Best time to Visit Washington DC if the bustle isn’t quite your cup of tea.
- Winter: DC in winter is ideal for those who want to see holiday lights and decorations without the crowds.
Insider Tips For Visiting Washington, DC
- Put Your Walking Shoes On: If you want to hit the best of Washington, DC, on foot, you may spend a lot of time walking, so choose practical shoes: comfy, sturdy, and closed-toe, especially if you plan to visit the National Mall and many monuments in one day.
- Visit When it is Least Crowded: The best way to enjoy Washington DC, during the busy season is to visit the National Mall and Museums early in the day to miss the crowds.
- Map Out Museum Visits: While there are many free museums, try not to have too many museum stops on your itinerary for visiting Washington DC; instead, you’ll want to focus closely on a few museums that interest you to avoid anything feeling rushed.
Final Thoughts – The Best Way to See Washington, DC.
The truth is, the Best Way to visit Washington DC is to spend some time there and make an actual trip out of it so you can enjoy all the iconic landmarks, historic neighbourhoods, and cultural experiences the city has to offer, rather than trying to cram it all into a long weekend.
There are many ways to experience this fantastic city’s sights, whether riding around the National Mall, sampling local favourites, or exploring DC after dark. This list will help you utilise your time effectively and discover what Washington, DC, offers.
