11 Things to Know Before Visiting Washington, DC for the First Time

For my first trip to Washington, DC I didn’t know what to expect. Initially, I thought three nights in Washington, DC might be too long. I thought I would get bored or run out of things to do in the nation’s capital.

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

I recommend staying near a metro station so it’s easy to get around the city.

Check out these hotels deals in Washington, DC

Booking.com

Despite 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: 3 day Washington, DC 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.

To get from Dulles airport to downtown, you can take a taxi or Uber (which is about a 40-minute drive). A cheaper way is to ride the Metrobus Route 5A or the Silver Line Metrorail.

Top 5 things to do in Washington, DC: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, United States Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, National Portrait 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.

If you want to check out the city’s paid attractions, such as the International Spy Museum or George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the you can save up to 60% off admission with the Washington, DC Sightseeing Pass.

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 three hours exploring.

This means you’ll definitely want to wear comfortable walking shoes and consider taking a Washington, DC monuments bus tour.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

PRO TIP: If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to explore the city’s monuments, consider taking a nighttime guided trolley tour. This is a great way to see Washington’s famous monuments illuminated at night.

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.

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 Alexandria (in Virgina), West End, Penn Quarter, and so on.

If you have time, I recommend visiting Mount Vernon. You can tour the historic home of the first president, George Washington, which is located about 15 miles south of Washington, DC.

A popular half day trip from Washington, DC is to do a Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria tour. St. Michael’s Maryland is also a popular nearby town that’s beautiful during the summer months.

It includes transportation in a luxury tour bus or SUV and a fully-guided tour inside the Mount Vernon Mansion.

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
• National Museum of American History
• U.S. Capitol Building and Library of Congress (Free)
• National Gallery of Art (Free)

5. Take advantage of the Washington, DC Sightseeing Pass 

If you want to visit the most popular paid attractions in Washington, DC on a budget, then consider buying the Washington, DC Sightseeing Pass.

I used the Sightseeing Pass, which helped me easily plan my itinerary and visit all the top attractions in the city.

With the Washington, DC Sightseeing Pass, I saved time, money, and enjoyed stress-free sightseeing.

FLASH SALE! Save up to 30% off the Washington, DC Sightseeing Pass. Offer ends December 8th.

What’s included in the Washington, DC Explorer Pass:

✓ Pick from over 15 Washington, DC attractions
✓ Valid for 60 days
✓ Save up to 60% vs. paying for individual tickets
✓ Choose from the DAY Pass or FLEX Pass

The Washington, DC Sightseeing Pass is an all-inclusive sightseeing card which gives you FREE entry to the city’s top 15 attractions including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and the International Spy Museum.

Go City currently has a 4.5/5 rating on TripAdvisor, 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: DAY Pass or FLEX Pass.

DAY Pass – Choose your pass duration: 1, 2, or 3 days to visit over 15 attractions. The DAY Pass is best for those who are visiting Washington, DC for the first time and want to see as many attractions as possible.

FLEX Pass – Select how many attractions you would like to see. Choose 1, 2, or 4 Attraction Pass. The FLEX Pass is best for those with limited sightseeing budget and those who are short on time.

Save up to 60% 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 DAY Pass is valid for the duration you chose. Your FLEX Pass is valid for 60 days after the first attraction you visit.

PRO TIP: Choose the 2 attraction pass if visiting for a couple of days. If staying 3 to 5 days, consider purchasing the 4 attraction pass.

6. 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.

Keep in mind that a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building includes visiting the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall. But it doesn’t include visiting the Senate or House Galleries. Contact the Capitol Visitor Center for more information.

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).

PRO TIP: Stop by Ben’s Chili Bowl and try something called the half-smoke. This is Washington DC’s signature dish which is a sausage, which is usually served on a soft, white bun topped with onions, cheese and chili.

7. 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 (to see the giant pandas) and Smithsonian museums. I really enjoyed The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, which is the most recent addition here.

Another place that I highly recommend visiting is Ford’s Theatre where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

If you have time, definitely check out Arlington National Cemetery. This is the most famous cemetery in the USA where you’ll find Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

It encompasses 639 acres overlooking the Potomac River across from Washington, DC. I highly recommend taking a tour of the cemetery to get the full experience and see the changing of the guard.

If you want to visit the paid museums and attractions, definitely take advantage of the Washington, DC Sightseeing 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

8. 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.

If you enjoy walking, Washington, DC has tons of excellent walking tours that are worth doing. My favorite is the Walking Tour and African American Museum.

You may also wish to see the city by doing a segway tour which is a lot of fun.

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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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).

While summer is a popular time to visit since schools are on break, expect to wait in long lines at museums and restaurants. Definitely book your accommodations in advance and purchase your attraction tickets before your trip to save time.

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 National Cherry Blossom Festival in April. The National Park Service can predict the peak bloom around 10 days before.

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.

Ready to book your Washington, DC adventure? Below you can check out local hotel deals thanks to Booking.com.

Booking.com

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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?

1. Washington, DC: Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour
2. Washington, DC: Full-Day Tour with a Scenic River Cruise
3. Washington, DC: African American History Tour
4. Washington, DC: 2.5 Hour Sightseeing Segway Tour
5. Washington, DC: 2-Hour National Mall Tour by Electric Bike
6. Washington, DC: Haunted History Ghost Tour
7. Washington, DC: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour
8. Washington, DC: Monuments & Memorials Bike Tour
9. Washington, DC: Night Under the Stars Walking & Bus Tour
10. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.