Washington, DC: Latest 2025 Travel Guide

🏛️ Washington, D.C. Travel Guide


📍 Must-see attractions

1. US Capitol

  • The seat of the United States Legislature and an important building symbolizing democracy.
  • You can book a free guided tour to learn about how American politics works.

2. The White House

  • The official residence of the President of the United States, the exterior is a must-see.
  • If you want to visit the interior, you need to apply through your Member of Parliament, but it is also worth taking pictures outside.

3. National Mall

  • The heart of the city, stretching from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.
  • There are many large museums and monuments on both sides.

4. Lincoln Memorial

  • A huge statue of Lincoln sits in the center, and you can overlook the Washington Monument reflected in the pool.
  • This is where Martin Luther King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

5. Washington Monument

  • The 169-meter-high white obelisk is a landmark of the city skyline.
  • You can take the elevator to the top and overlook the entire DC.

6. Smithsonian Museums

  • Free admission! Includes the Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, the National Gallery of Art, and more.
  • You could spend days just exploring the museum.

7. Arlington National Cemetery

  • President John F. Kennedy's tomb is located here, and the guard changing ceremony is solemn and dignified.

8. Georgetown

  • A historic district with red brick buildings, boutique shops, restaurants and riverside views.
  • The famous Georgetown Cupcake dessert shop is a must-try.

🍴 Must-eat food in Washington, D.C.

1. Half-Smoke Sausage

  • Washington's signature street food: smoked hot dogs with hot sauce.
  • Recommended restaurant: Ben's Chili Bowl (local legendary restaurant).

2. Maryland Crab Cake

  • Located near the Chesapeake Bay, it is famous for its blue crab dishes.
  • Pan-fried crab cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, a must-try!

3. Southern Cuisine

  • Including fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, etc., which are very common in DC.

4. International cuisine

  • Washington is a multicultural city where you can find everything from Ethiopian cuisine and Vietnamese pho to haute French cuisine.

5. Dessert

  • Georgetown Cupcake's cupcakes are incredibly popular.

🚇 Washington, D.C. Transportation Guide

✈️ Airport

  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) : Main international flights, approximately 45 minutes from the city center.
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) : Closest to the city center, accessible directly by subway.
  • Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) : A little farther, but often has cheap flights.

🚇 City transportation

  • Metrorail : The most convenient mode of transportation, with color-coded lines (red, blue, orange, green, silver, and yellow).
  • Metrobus : It serves areas not covered by the subway and has frequent services.
  • DC Circulator : Suitable for tourists, cheap fares, direct access to attractions.

🚶 Walking & 🚲 Cycling

  • The National Mall area is very suitable for walking or cycling, and there are many attractions.
  • Capital Bikeshare public bicycles are available for rent.

💡 Editor's Note

  • Best time to visit : Spring (March–May) for stunning cherry blossoms and autumn (September–November) for pleasant weather.
  • Free Museums : Almost all Smithsonian museums are free, so remember to take your time to explore.
  • Safety Tips : Some areas in DC are quiet at night, so it is recommended that you focus your activities in the city center and tourist areas.
  • Accommodation suggestion : It is most convenient to stay in Downtown, near the National Mall, or next to a subway station.

👉 Summary: Washington, D.C. is a city steeped in history, art, culture, and delicious cuisine . During the day, immerse yourself in museums and monuments, and at night, enjoy the delicious food and beautiful scenery of Georgetown. Whether you're a history buff, a hipster, or a foodie, DC has something to offer!

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