For my first trip to Washington, DC I didn’t know what to expect. Initially, I thought three nights in Washington might be too long. I thought I would get bored or run out of things to do.
BIG surprise! I was wrong. I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed my visit to DC!
For our trip, we stayed at the Washington Hilton in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.
We found this was a great base for exploring the city’s top attractions. Below are some tips on where to stay when visiting Washington, DC.
Where to stay when visiting Washington, DC?
If you’re visiting Washington, DC for the first time, you’ll want to stay in one of these 5 neighborhoods.
Each spot is great for tourists and provides a good base for seeing the main attractions.
- Dupont Circle – Great if you want the city scene without the office buildings.
- Foggy Bottom – Great if you’re visiting for the first time. Close to all the must-see attractions.
- Adams Morgan – Great if you’re a young traveler. Enjoy outdoor markets, shopping and nightlife.
- Logan Circle – Great if you’re traveling on a budget. You’ll love this charming and historic neighborhood.
- Georgetown – Great if you’re traveling as a family. This is one of the oldest areas in Washington, DC with cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, and shopping.
Best hotels in Washington, DC:
If you’re traveling on a budget, these are the best affordable hotels in Washington, DC:
- Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
- Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – National Mall
- Washington Plaza Hotel
If you have some more wiggle room in your budget, below are some of the best mid-range hotels in Washington, DC:
- Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall
- The Normandy Hotel – Near Adams Morgan
- Hyatt Place Washington DC/White House
If you want to splurge on your accommodations, below are the best luxury hotels in Washington, DC:
- Willard InterContinental – Near the White House
- Fairmont Washington DC Georgetown
- Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC – Near the National Mall
Check out these hotels deals in Washington, DC
Booking.comDespite this being one of my least planned trips, it turned out to be a blast! However, there are several things I learned during my visit to the city.
Here are ten things I wish I knew before my first trip to Washington, DC!
Related Post: Washington, DC trip planner – 3 day itinerary
What do I need to know about traveling to Washington, DC?
Best time to go: The best time to visit Washington, DC is in the spring (March to May) and the fall (September to November). The summers are hot, humid, and busy with tourists visiting the city.
Best area to stay: Dupont Circle (Great for first-timers), Foggy Bottom (Near the main attractions), Adams Morgan (Great for young travelers), Logan Circle (Great for budget travelers), Georgetown (Great area for families).
Best way to get around: The best and fastest way to get around Washington, DC is to take the metro. Washington, DC is also a very walkable city. If you prefer to relax, consider riding the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. It’s perfect for seeing all the main landmarks, monuments, and attractions.
Top 5 things to do in Washington, DC: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, National Gallery of Art.
Best way to save money on Washington, DC attractions: Most of the attractions in Washington, DC are FREE, making this a great cities for budget travelers.
What’s Washington, DC known for? Washington, DC is famous for its memorials, museums, and being home to the country’s political leadership with buildings like The White House and the Capitol Building.
1. The monuments and memorials are NOT as close as they appear
The National Mall is a lot bigger than many people think. I made this mistake when walking to the Jefferson Memorial. I’m glad I went though because this was one of my favorite memorials.
How long does it take to walk DC monuments? It depends on your walking pace and how long you spend at each monument. Most visitors take between 2-3 hours walking the DC monuments.
If you want to take your time exploring The National Mall and checking out all the monuments, expect to spend at least 3 hours exploring.
This means you’ll definitely want to wear comfortable walking shoes and consider taking a Washington, DC monuments bus tour.
What’s the best way to see the National Mall?
Instead of walking around all day in the hot sun, the best way to see the main monuments and memorials is to take a Big Bus Tour.
This comfortable Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour lets you visit all the top landmarks at your leisure.
Popular stops include the White House, Capitol Hill, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial.
This is a great Washington, DC bus tour for families, couples, and solo travellers.
Big Bus Tours is the #1 open-top sightseeing bus tour company in the world!
You may recognize their buses from other popular destinations such as New York City, London, Paris, and other major cities.
This can be a great way to learn about history and fun facts while taking a comfortable sightseeing tour. But don’t just take my word for it. Check out these happy reviews.
How to buy your Washington, DC Big Bus Tour tickets:
Step 1: Head over to the official Big Bus Tours website and select your ticket.
Bus tours are popular in Washington, DC so it’s a smart idea to book in advance to secure your spot on the tour.
Select from 3 different ticket options depending on your preference:
- CLASSIC 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour – Ticket includes 1-Day Hop on Hop off access to all three Big Bus Tours loops. This includes the National Mall and other popular landmarks in Washington, DC.
- PREMIUM 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour – Experience the official tour of the National Mall with your 2 day unlimited Hop on Hop off ticket. See all of Washington DC’s famous memorials, monuments, museums and more all at your own pace.
- DELUXE 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour + Night Tour – Enjoy your unlimited 2 Day hop on hop off access of Big Bus’ Tour around the National Mall. With this ticket you’ll also be getting a 90-minute panoramic Night Tour which allows you to see the beautiful landmarks illuminated at night.
Step 2: Select quantity. You can choose an Adult ticket or Child ticket (ages 3-12).
Step 3: Book tickets. Complete your purchase and enjoy your bus tour!
While you’re exploring the National Mall, don’t forget to spend some time walking along the Tidal Basin.
This is a 2-mile long pond that was once connected to the Potomac River and the perfect spot to marvel at the city’s cherry blossoms.
Below are some of the top monuments and memorials to check out at the National Mall:
- Washington Monument
- The Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- World War II Memorial
- Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial
- FDR Memorial
- U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
- Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
- U.S. Navy Memorial
2. Save money by visiting Washington, DC on the weekend
The city caters primarily to business travelers, so hotels tend to increase their prices during the week and offers huge discounts on the weekend.
I like to compare hotel rates on Booking.com. This is my go-to travel site for finding deals on accomodations.
PROP TIP: Find cheap hotels on Hotwire.com
For my Washington, DC trip, we stayed at the Washington Hilton in Dupont Circle. We booked our hotel through Hotwire, which saved us 50% off the regular rate.
You won’t know the hotel name until you complete your booking, but this can be an excellent way to stay at luxury hotels on a budget. I’ve used Hotwire all over the USA with great success!
Another tip is to study the map before you book your hotel. Ideally, you’ll want to stay close to the attractions you plan to visit.
It’s also a good idea to book your hotel near the Metro line if you don’t have a car.
Prep for your trip to Washington, DC
3. Buy a SmarTrip card for the DC Metro to save money
Getting around town is easy with the DC Metro. The city’s metro is quick and convenient for locals and tourists.
Save money by getting a SmarTrip card to get the best value when riding the DC Metro. This is cheaper than paying for single fare paper tickets.
The SmarTrip card is a rechargable farecard that can be used for Metrorail and Metrobus fares.
You can buy a physical card or a mobile card on iPhone, Apple Watch via Apple Wallet, or Android via Google Play.
If you prefer not to ride public transit, below are some other great ways to get around the city.
Best ways to get around Washington, DC:
- Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour – There are 3 different loops offered. This is a fun way to visit all the popular landmarks and sights in the city, including the White House, Capitol Hill, and the Lincoln Memorial.
- Walk – The city is pedestrian friendly, which makes it easy to walk to all the main attractions. When you need a break, simply hop on the Metro line or Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour to give your feet a rest.
- Bike – This is one of the best ways to explore Washington, DC. There are lots of options for renting bikes in the city.
- Avoid renting a car – I don’t recommend renting a car when visiting Washington, DC. Parking is expensive and you don’t want to waste time getting stuck in heavy traffic.
4. Don’t spend your whole trip at the National Mall
While first-time visitors tend to spend the majority of their trip at the National Mall, it’s worthwhile to visit DC’s other neighborhoods too.
This includes Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Old Town Alexandira, West End, Penn Quarter, and so on.
Below is a list of some of the best things to do in Washingon, DC:
- Museum of the Bible
- Mount Vernon Grounds Pass
- Washington, DC Premier Brunch Cruise
- Washington, DC International Spy Museum
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (Free)
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (Free)
- National Gallery of Art (Free)
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Free)
- Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture (Free)
- National Archives Museum (Free) – Here you can check out the Declaration of Independence
- U.S. Capitol Building and Library of Congress (Free)
- National Gallery of Art (Free)
5. Some attractions require advance planning
While many of DC’s attractions are open every day and allow you to visit them at your leisure, there are a few places the require reservation tickets and advance planning.
This includes the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Capitol Building, the Pentagon, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Washington Monument.
I recommend doing your own research first to see what’s required before visiting these spots.
For example, if you have your heart set on visiting the White House, you must plan in advance.
Public tour requests must be made through your member of Congress and submitted up to three months in advance (and no less than 21 days prior to your visit).
6. Save money by visiting free museums and attractions
You can save a lot of money by checking out some of Washington, DC’s free attractions.
This includes the monuments, memorials, national zoo and Smithsonian museums. One place that I highly recommend visiting is Ford’s Theatre where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.
If you want to visit the paid museums and attractions, definitely take advantage of the Washington, DC Explorer Pass. Some of the paid attractions are worth the money and your time, such as the Intentional Spy Museum.
However, keep in mind that there’s TONS of free things to do in Washington, DC. Depending on your interests, I recommend checking out the free museums and save your money to spend on one of these popular guided tours instead:
- Washington, DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Landmarks Tour
- Washington, DC Full-Day Tour with a Scenic River Cruise
- Washington, DC Arlington National Cemetery Ticket & Tram Tour
- Washington, DC Old Town Trolley city tour
7. Wear comfortable shoes
I know this sounds silly, but wearing comfortable shoes is a MUST when visiting Washington, DC. It doesn’t matter how much you ride the DC Metro, you will be doing A LOT of walking.
Whether it’s walking the National Mall or walking through DC’s many museums, you’ll need comfy shoes. These are my favorite comfortable shoes to wear when traveling.
I also recommend wearing a backpack for your trip. This is my go-to backpack for traveling.
It’s great for storing my camera, water bottle, hand sanitizer, snacks, travel essentials, and so on. It’s stylish and big enough to carry everything I need when exploring a new city.
8. The best gift shops are at the city’s museums
I always like to bring back a souvenir from every trip I take, whether it’s a luggage tag, something for my living room or a cute tea cup.
If you’re looking to visit some gift shops, a good bet is the ones at the museums. My favorite is at the National Gallery of Art.
I bought a serving tray from the National Gallery of Art for my coffee table. It’s a great conversation piece and it doesn’t look like it came from a museum gift shop.
9. Bring a refillable bottle of water with you
You can purchase bottled water from street vendors, however a better choice is to bring your own refillable bottle of water.
This will cause less waste and you can refill it at any water fountain. This is my favorite refillable bottle to bring when traveling.
The spring and summer months can get hot, so it’s important to keep yourself hydrated during a long day of sightseeing. Especially if you’re walking to see all the monuments and memorials.
10. Choose the time of year you visit Washington, DC wisely
The best time of year to visit Washington, DC is in the Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November).
Winter – This is the cheapest time of year to visit Washington, DC. The weather is fairly mild, making the city a great winter destination. You’ll love seeing the amazing holiday lights and national Christmas tree.
Spring – This is a beautiful time to visit Washington, DC and experience the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s also a popular time for school groups and families to visit the city, so you may find big crowds and lines at many attractions.
Summer – This is the MOST popular time to visit Washington, DC – especially for families. However the weather is hot and humid. This is a good time to stay indoors in the air conditioning.
Fall – This is one of the BEST times to visit Washington, DC. The weather is fairly warm, but not uncomfortable and there are fewer crowds. You’ll love seeing the fall foliage and farmer’s markets.
11. Take advantage of the Washington, DC Explorer Pass
***NOTE: Go Washington DC is temporarily closed. Owing to COVID-19 restrictions, unfortunately Go Washington DC passes are currently unavailable to purchase.***
Visiting Washington, DC for the first time can be hectic. With so many great things to see and do, it can be challenging to plan an itinerary and determine which attractions to spend your money on.
The good news is you don’t need to plan your Washington, DC trip alone. After doing a lot of research for my own vacation, I discovered the Washington, DC Explorer Pass. This pass can be a great tool for planning your holiday.
I used the Explorer Pass, which helped me easily plan my itinerary and visit all the top attractions in the city.
With the Washington, DC Explorer Pass, I saved time, money, and enjoyed stress-free sightseeing.
PRO TIP:
Buy the pass online to save time and hassle. To buy the Explorer Pass, click here to go to the official website. The pass is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
What’s included in the Washington, DC Explorer Pass:
✓ Pick from over 20 Washington, DC attractions
✓ Valid for 30 days
✓ Save up to 47% vs. paying for individual tickets
✓ Choose 3, 4, or 5 top-rated Washington, DC attractions to visit
The Washington, DC Explorer Pass is a multi-attraction card where you can choose to visit 3, 4 or 5 top attractions all for ONE low price, including Madame Tussauds DC, Big Bus Panoramic Night Tour, and the Newseum.
Go City currently has a TrustScore rating of 4.4/5 on Trust Pilot, which makes it one of the highest rated sightseeing passes.
This flexible sightseeing pass can be a great option if you want explore Washington, DC while saving money at the city’s most popular attractions.
How to get your Washington, DC Explorer Pass
Step 1: Choose the pass which best suits your trip. You can visit 3, 4 or 5 different attractions for one low price.
Save up to 47% off vs. paying at the gate. You can click here to purchase your Washington, DC Pass from the official website.
Step 2: Download your pass instantly on any mobile device. Or you can print your pass at home.
Step 3: Simply show your pass at the attraction entrance and walk right in. Your pass is valid for 30 days after the first attraction you visit.
PRO TIP: Choose the 3 attraction pass if visiting for a couple of days. If staying 3 to 5 days, consider purchasing the 4 or 5 attraction pass.
Ready to book your Washington, DC adventure? Below you can check out local hotel deals thanks to Booking.com.
Booking.com
Washington, DC Travel Tips
How many days do you need to see Washington, DC?
Depending on your interests, you should spend at least 3 days in Washington, DC. This gives you enough time to see the monuments, memorials, museums, parks, and enjoy what the district has to offer. Here’s a quick guide on how to see Washington, DC in 3 days.
What is the best time to visit Washington, DC?
The best time to visit Washington, DC is in the spring (March to March) or fall (September to November). In the springtime, you can see the cherry blossoms in bloom. In the fall, this is when the summer crowds disappear, which makes it ideal to explore the city.
Be mindful of visiting Washington, DC in the summer months. June and July are very hot and humid, however there are plenty of free indoor attractions and museums blasting air conditioner to keep you cool.
What are the best tours to take in Washington, DC?
- Washington, DC: Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour
- Washington, DC: Full-Day Tour with a Scenic River Cruise
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour
- Washington, DC: 2.5 Hour Sightseeing Segway Tour
- Washington, DC: 2-Hour National Mall Tour by Electric Bike
- Washington, DC: Haunted History Ghost Tour
- Washington, DC: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour
- Washington, DC: Monuments & Memorials Bike Tour
- Washington, DC: Night Under the Stars Walking & Bus Tour
- Washington, DC Must See Sights Half-Day Tour
Is Washington, DC walkable for tourists?
Yes. Washington, DC is one of the most walkable cities in the USA. This means that you can visit most of the city’s main attractions and landmarks on foot.
Is Washington, DC worth visiting?
Yes, Washington DC is definitely worth visiting. There is so much culture and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. Most of the popular museums and attractions are free to check out, which can make it a budget-friendly vacation that the whole family will enjoy.
Is Washington, DC safe for tourist?
Yes, Washington, DC is safe to trave to. Like any other major city, there are a few areas where you might feel uneasy. But when you stick to the main tourist areas and neighborhoods, it is quite safe.
I travelled to Washington, DC in my early twenties and always felt safe when riding the Metro during the day and when exploring the main tourist areas. Use common sense, watch your belongs at all time, don’t ride the Metro late at night, and choose accommdations in the popular tourist areas.
How much spending money do I need for Washington, DC?
Your daily budget should be around $155 per person for your vacation. Based on the expenses of other visitors, this is the average daily price. (Price are in USD).
| Average Daily Cost (Per Person) | One Week (Per Person) | One Week (Per Couple) | |
| $155 | $1,085 | $2,169 |
As you can see, a vacation to Washington, DC for one week will cost an average of $1,085 per person or $2,169 per couple. (Source)
Can I explore Washington, DC without a car?
If you’re visiting Washington, DC for the first time, you don’t need to rent a car. Washington, DC is a very walkable city and their public transportation system is the easiest way to visit all the top-rated attractions.
While I was there for my tip, I never felt a need to rent a car. This saved us a lot of money since car rentals can be expensive.
How can I visit Washington, DC on a budget?
Below are some helpful ways to visit Washington, DC on a budget:
- Visit in the off season. I recommend visiting Washington, DC in the winter, early spring, or fall. This is when flights and hotels are slightly more affordable and there are less crowds. Keep in mind that Cherry Blossom season in the spring is a popular time to visit.
- Check out the free attractions. Many of the top-rated tourist attractions in Washington, DC are free. This includes the memorials, monuments, and Smithsonian Museums.
- Compare hotels rates. I like using Booking.com or Hotwire to compare rates. This site usually has the best deals on accommodations. Just make sure to book a hotel within walking distance of a Metro stop.
- Use the Metro to get around the city. Grab a SmarTrip card to save money riding public transit. This is the best way to travel in Washington, DC.
Is DC open to tourists?
Yes, Washington, DC is ready to welcome tourists. Most establishments don’t require proof of vaccination and masks. I recommend checking with individual museums, attractions, and restaurants about their current protocols.
