Washington DC
Free museums, a walkable Mall and neighbourhoods that have nothing to do with government
Browse Washington DC
Washington DC is more walkable than most American capitals and its best-known assets, the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery, cost nothing to enter. Away from the Mall the city divides into distinct neighbourhoods: Georgetown's brick terraces, U Street's music history, the markets of Capitol Hill and Union Market, and Anacostia east of the river. The Ethiopian community here is among the largest outside Ethiopia and has shaped the way the city eats. Our local picks cover both halves – filter by category and budget below.
Washington DC at a glance
- Ideal stay: 3 to 5 days
- Best time to visit: April to early June and September to October
- Highlights: the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums and U Street
- Where to stay: Dupont Circle and Logan Circle for restaurants and Metro access; Capitol Hill for quiet streets near the Mall; Adams Morgan and U Street for nightlife
- Local picks: 32 hand-chosen places across eight categories
- Getting around: Reagan National is 8 km from the centre on the Metro; Dulles and BWI are further out, and Union Station handles Amtrak
Where to stay in Washington DC
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How many days do you need in Washington DC?
Three to five. The Mall and two or three Smithsonian museums take two days, and Georgetown, U Street, Capitol Hill and Anacostia each reward half a day.
Where is the best area to stay in Washington DC?
Dupont Circle and Logan Circle for restaurants and Metro access; Capitol Hill for quiet streets near the Mall; Adams Morgan and U Street for nightlife.
Are the museums in Washington DC free?
The Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art are free and need no ticket, though a few, including the Washington Monument, use timed entry passes.
What is the best time of year to visit Washington DC?
Spring for the cherry blossom and autumn for the weather. July and August are hot and humid, and the Mall offers little shade.