Holidays to Washington DC

Washington, DC travel guide

• When is the best time to visit Washington, DC?

  Located in the humid subtropical climate, Washington, DC benefits from four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are pleasantly cool, with winter bringing an annual average snowfall of 37cm and occasional blizzards. Summers are hot and humid, often resulting in thunderstorms and the effect can be felt more in the city with the buildings of concrete and steel. Consequently, spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when days are cool but bright and enable you to make the most of this very walkable city.
  
  Take a look at our climate a chart below.
  

• Washington, DC attractions

  From the White House to breathtaking artworks to gentle nature walks in DC’s stunning parks, sightseeing in Washington is a pleasing mix of history and beauty.

  Begin to familiarise yourself with DC by heading directly to the National Mall, a grand open park area in the centre of the city. The Mall makes sightseeing in DC simple, since many of the major tourist sights and monuments can be found herel, including the US Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool and the Holocaust Museum.

  The location of so many iconic moments in history - not to mention movie scenes - The White House has been the official residence of all the presidents except Washington. A tour inside these hallowed white walls is too good an opportunity to miss, but you’ll need to arrange well in advance to secure a free tour of the White House; tickets must be reserved through your embassy. Once inside you’ll get to see such areas as the ballrooms, the State Dining Room and the entrance hall, though not, alas, the oval office! After your visit check out the White House Visitor Centre, at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets or, if you didn’t get a ticket for the President's residence, opt for a tour of the Capitol Building, which can be taken on a walk-in basis.

  With so many statues and memorials in Washington, you’ll be spoiled for choice. But make a special effort to investigate the Lincoln Memorial, with its arresting Greek temple-like architecture. The Gettysburg Address is inscribed on the memorial’s south wall and Lincoln's second inaugural speech on the north. Also, fact fans, the memorial steps were the site of Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream…’ speech.

  If you’re keen on art and historical objects, you could easily spend your entire holiday exploring the famous Smithsonian Institution, Jefferson Drive. The world’s largest museum and research complex, the Smithsonian consists of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities and is home to millions of artworks and objects. And, rather wonderfully, admission is free.

  Once you’ve had your fill of stone and marble, head to the Tidal Basin, a partially man-made reservoir between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel, filled with a grove of beautiful Japanese cherry blossom trees. Offering wonderful views of the Washington Memorial, the Tidal Basin is home to the popular Cherry Blossom Festival in spring.

  Great Falls Park, on the Potomac River, is an 800-acre area of spectacular natural beauty, popular with locals and tourists. Take a picnic, go hiking, or even rock climbing and horse riding or just take a leisurely walk and check out the stunning 20 foot waterfalls.

• Top 5 places to visit in Washington, DC

  White House

  Visit the White House and live out your West Wing fantasies!

  National Archives

  See the Declaration of Independence in the National Archives

  Smithsonian Institute

  Explore the Smithsonian - the world’s largest collection of museums

  International Spy Museum

  Hunt for clues at the International Spy Museum

  On yer hike

  Go for an urban hike in exhilarating Rock Creek Park

• Washington, DC shopping

  Eastern Market

  Built in 1873, Eastern Market is a favourite farmers’ market and flea market for locals. With delicious local produce, make sure you try the crab cakes and blueberry pancakes. On weekends, take a look at the arts & craft fairs showcasing local painters, sculptors, jewellers and more, perfect for a souvenir of your stay.

  Georgetown

  One of the oldest and most exclusive neighbourhoods in Washington, DC, stroll by the many shops along the row of 200 year old restored houses. With boutiques, antiques and up-and-coming shops, there’s something for everyone

• Washington, DC food and drink

  With all the wining and dining that goes on amongst DC’s politicians, it’s no surprise that Washington, DC boasts its fair share of great eateries and bars.

  Treat yourself to a classy meal at a high end restaurant found, in the main, downtown in DC's West End. All the best known and most sophisticated restaurants can be found in Georgetown, where you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the power diners of this Federal Capital. There’s plenty of choice here, at a price, from French-inflected American dining to delicious steaks and lobsters straight from the coastal waters Maine. Many of Georgetown’s restaurants turn to bars in the evening – head to M Street for a great range of watering holes where office workers come to loosen their ties, and share a round or two with tourists.

  For a more cool and cutting edge dining experience, visit Dupont Circle, where the trendy people hang out and take advantage of the areas incredible restaurants, mostly high end, with Mediterranean/New American cuisine, Tuscan, organic, steak, and sushi.

  For Latin American food and an array of shops, bars and restaurants, Mount Pleasant is a good option. Or head to Little Ethiopia, home to more than 200,000 Ethiopians, and the hub of some great restaurants serving affordable and delicious African cuisine.

  A Washington, DC tradition, the hot dog stand is not a low-rent street food to be avoided, here, it’s elevated to a must-try food experience. You’ll find them everywhere, especially around The Mall - and if you can’t see one, just follow your nose! The pork sausages come with extra bite, served with chili sauce and have a lovely, sweet/smoky flavour unique to the city.
  
  

• Washington, DC - what's on when?

  Washington, DC is not only known for being the hub of American politics, but it is also infamous for its festivals and parades. Experience patriotic events throughout the year and learn about the history of one of the biggest countries in the world.

  January - Washington Auto Show

  Over 700 new models of vehicle fill the Washington Convention Centre, with giveaways, entertainment, contests and kids' activities.

  February - Washington DC International Food & Wine Festival

  Celebration of wine, food and culture at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Centre, with over 60 industry partners.

  March - National Marathon

  A 26.2 mile race that takes in all the major Washington monuments along the way through various neighbourhoods.

  April - Filmfest DC

  This festival showcases a range of arthouse films from around the world across various Washington venues.

  May - National Train Day

  Displays of antique trains, historic train cars, model trains and rail equipment at the Union Station.

  June - DC Jazz Festival

  Up to 80 performers across over 35 venues across the city, complete with family-oriented events and some legendary musicians.

  July - Capital Fringe Festival

  Hundreds of innovative performances from dozens of alternative artists with original theatre, dance and spoken word at a dozen venues.

  August - Shakespeare Free For All

  Free performances of one particular Shakespeare play each summer, held at the Sidney Harman Hall, and via a ticket lottery.

  September - National Book Festival

  Over 100 writers make presentations of work across many genres at this free festival in the National Mall.

  December - Russian Winter Festival

  Traditional Russian music, art activities, shopping and dining at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens.

• Washington, DC travel advice

  Do you need a visa for Washington, DC?

  Everyone travelling into America must have completed the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, or ESTA for short, a US Customs & Passport Control entry requirement. US Immigration may well refuse you entry at border control if you do not complete the online form