Travel Guide

Washington, D.C.

United States

Best time to go: March–May, September–October

Sights

National Mall – The green expanse between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, lined with monuments.
Smithsonian museums – Air and space, natural history, art – admission is free.
Lincoln Memorial – The seated Lincoln statue overlooking the Reflecting Pool.
United States Capitol – The seat of Congress with its great dome.
Library of Congress – A magnificent reading room in one of the world's largest libraries.
Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin – In spring thousands of cherry trees, a gift from Japan, burst into bloom.
Georgetown – Brick houses, shops and a waterfront on the Potomac.

Half-Smoke – The local sausage with chili, a U Street classic.
Ethiopian cuisine – Injera with stews – the city has a large Ethiopian community.
Crab Cakes – Crab cakes from neighbouring Maryland.
Union Market – A food hall with lots of small stalls.

Mount Vernon – George Washington's estate on the Potomac.
Arlington National Cemetery – A memorial with the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Shenandoah National Park – Skyline Drive over the Blue Ridge Mountains, colourful in autumn.
Annapolis – A sailing town on Chesapeake Bay, home to the Naval Academy.

When to go: March–May, September–October
Getting around: The Metro with a SmarTrip card or contactless; the National Mall is easy on foot or by shared bike.
Tipping: 15–20% is expected in restaurants.
Power: Plug type A/B, 120 V – pack an adapter for Swiss plugs.
Currency: US Dollar (USD)

Create a trip plan and the Travel Guide comes with it – with a map, ideas to suggest and saved for offline use.

General tips without guarantee – please check opening times and prices locally.