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!