Washington DC Travel Guide

Politics have helped to shape Washington, but they don't define it.  It’s the nation’s capital, and arguably one of the most powerful places in the world, yet DC is often overlooked in favor of seemingly more glamorous US cities.  But scratch the ostensibly dry surface and you’ll find a city far more diverse than one might think; not surprising, considering that all of the embassies and consulates are here.  It's impossible to list Washington's must-see sights in a paragraph, but certain places simply cannot be missed.  The Smithsonian Institution, with its myriad museums and galleries, provides something of interest for every visitor, from the arts to aerospace engineering and everything in between.  Beyond the majesty of the National Mall, plenty of lesser-known DC institutions lie a bit off the beaten track.  Washington’s music scene has long been lauded for its originality (everything from go-go funk to hardcore punk has heavy DC roots; Fort Reno’s outdoor concerts are a summer tradition).  Changing administrations make for prevalent transience (it's actually quite difficult to find many people in DC who are born-and-bred natives), yet there are certain venerable city establishments – like Ben’s Chili Bowl, where Presidents have been known to dine – that stand the test of time.  And Washington continues to grow and evolve – visitors can sample exquisite Ethiopian cuisine in the city’s revitalized U Street Corridor neighborhood, wander through small, privately owned art galleries in Dupont Circle, or sip ale at Columbia Height’s new Commonwealth Pub.  One of the many things that DC has in its favor is that it's a very walkable town, so visitors can fill their days with activities in several different neighborhoods without traveling unreasonable distances.  And Washington is imminently family-friendly, with plenty of events and activities that will please kids of all ages.

Where to Go in Washington DC