Washington, District of Columbia

Districts

Virtually all of DC's tourists flock to the Mall, but the city itself is a vibrant metropolis that often has little to do with monuments, politics, or white, neoclassical buildings.

• Downtown (Mall area) — the most famous area of DC, featuring monuments, museums, the White House, and the Capitol
• Capitol Hill — the Capitol, Supreme Court, Congressional Offices, Library of Congress, restaurants full of intense political discussions, and a young, upmarket residential neighborhood
• Penn Quarter — DC's theater district, the spy museum, and fine dining
• Chinatown — Lots of great authentic Chinese food and the Verizon Center
• Columbia Heights — ethnically and racially diverse neighborhood, undergoing rapid gentrification, which has some surprising restaurants and great bars
• Dupont Circle — DC's center for gay culture is full of restaurants and is probably the city's trendiest spot for nightlife
• Adams Morgan — the party really gets going in this racially mixed neighborhood around 2AM on Friday and Saturday nights; at all other times it is a great place to sample cuisines from Africa, the Middle East, and South America
• U Street Corridor — A very happening part of the city home to bars galore, Howard University, "Little Ethiopia," and most of DC's best jazz clubs
• Embassy Row — Massachussetts Ave is lined with embassies housed in impressive DC mansions.
• Foggy Bottom — home to the Kennedy Center, IMF, World Bank, and George Washington University
• Georgetown — prestigious neighborhood that boasts trendy chain shops, bars, and clubs, as well as Georgetown University
• Southeast — Rumors are flying around that this enormous, largely African-American and residential district may be the next target of the wave of gentrification spreading across the city; home to Navy Yard and the Nationals' Stadium currently under construction.
• Southwest — Home to the Waterfront and Fort McNair, just "behind" the Mall
• Northeast — Home to Catholic University, the National Arboretum, RFK Stadium, and the hippest up-and-coming nightlife district around H St

Understand

A city of many names Washington, D.C. is known to locals as simply DC and it is rare to hear it called anything else within the district. If you call it Washington, you may be misunderstood—this term is usually reserved for the Federal Government residing in the capital, as opposed to the city itself. Lastly, the full title Washington, D.C., and the official name, District of Columbia, are rarely used unless the speaker is either trying to clearly distinguish the city from the state or is a bureaucrat.

Washington, D.C. was established in 1791 by an act of the infant United States Congress. To avoid a dispute between the various states and regions about which city should be the capital of the new nation, Congress established a brand new city, outside any existing state. The District of Columbia was carved out of Virginia and Maryland, and the new city was built (the land ceded by Virginia was returned to that state in 1846 and now comprises Arlington County and much of the City of Alexandria). Designed by architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant according to Enlightenment-era rationalist philosophy, Washington (named after the country's first president) was envisioned as a kind of Socratic wildlife refuge for America's new philosopher-kings.

Fast-forward two hundred years, and you'll see that the Founding Fathers' vision has been partially fulfilled. Washington, D.C. is a very diverse city of native residents and recent arrivals from across the nation who come to serve as employees of the many federal government departments and government contractors. As home to federal decision-makers, the city's attention is sometimes on topics unique to the city such as advertisements for military technology from large defense contractors vying for brainshare among Pentagon employees. But perhaps most of the capital's time is taken up with lobbying and litigation; DC is It is a very "young" city, with a large percentage of the population under 30.

Relatively few residents have lived here all their lives. Most recent census figures report that about 50% of the population has relocated in the past 5 years. Virtually all cultures, languages and religions are present and accepted. Spanish-speaking Washingtonians are overwhelmingly Central American, mostly from El Salvador. Most of DC's African immigrants hail from West African origin, but there are also significant and visible Somali and Ethiopian communities. Significant and growing numbers of South Asian and Middle Eastern inhabitants are present. Most of the city's native born population is comprised of African-Americans, who are in turn a clear majority within the District. Just outside the city limits, DC's immigrant population is even more notable—a full two thirds of the metropolitan area's residents were born in another country. Few cities even in the American "melting pot" can match DC's international character.

Home to the somewhat dysfunctional US Federal government, DC is also a comically and occasionally dangerously dysfunctional city. DC's city government, itself underfunded and enjoying a bad reputation for corruption, is subject to overrule by the U.S. Congress, a body in which its residents have no voting representation. To make things worse, the US congress often intervenes in city government while subordinating local concerns to national, partisan squabbles. Hence, many of the District's license plates sport the bitter slogan "Taxation Without Representation." Moreover, DC does not belong to a state, so its municipal government is required to provide all the services that would normally be provided by state governments, but does so on a much tighter budget. In addition to the problems caused by its political status, DC also suffers from some very serious cultural divides within its population. DC is simultaneously inhabited by some of the most privileged and underprivileged US citizens and the ideals of a temporary governing, professional population often conflict with the needs of this real-world metropolis' permanent residents. Another hugely important cultural divide is the general rift between the city's poor east, which is largely African-American, and its wealthy west. This divide is causing some tension today as a rapid wave of gentrification is riding in the wake of young professionals, whose tight budgets drive them to move into poor neighborhoods in search of low rent.

Center of African American Culture

In many ways DC was and remains a significant and outstanding center of African American culture at least as important as Harlem (NYC). It is home to Howard University, one of the most important historically black colleges. It is the hometown of many significant Black figures of history and culture, including Fredrick Douglass and Duke Ellington.

Center of "Deaf" Culture

Washington DC is hometown to Gallaudet University, one of the only universities in the world with a primary mission to educate the hearing impaired.

Planning your visit

Before heading to Washington DC, you may want to check out what events will coincide with your visit. Showing up during a "Million Man March" or a similar event may affect your ability to visit attractions that you want to see, as well as impact dining, transportation and such. The period from Thanksgiving to shortly after New Year's is a period when many of the government bodies have little activity, resulting in fewer official visitors, elected officials, and their staff members being in town. This translates to lower room rates, more congenial taxi drivers and no waiting at museums. On New Year's Eve at the Old Post Office they lower a new commemorative stamp at midnight.

Get in

By plane

Washington, D.C. is served by three major airports.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA), located in Arlington, Virginia on the west bank of the Potomac River just south of the city, is the closest and most convenient. Walkways connect the concourse level of the B and C terminals to the Washington Metro rail platform; the walk from the A terminal to the metro takes 5 to 10 minutes. To get downtown (10 minutes), take the Yellow Line toward Mt Vernon Square/UDC. For destinations to the west, take the Blue Line toward Largo Town Center. A taxi trip to downtown costs about $15.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IATA: IAD), is located at Dulles (pronounced Dull-ess), Virginia, 26 miles west of downtown DC. To get into the city, the most convenient option may be the Washington Flyer coach, which operates every half hour to and from the West Falls Church Metro (Orange Line). It takes 20-25 minutes and costs $9 one way or $16 round trip. The Metro rail service from West Falls Church to downtown DC takes another 20-25 minutes. The cheapest option is the 5A Metrobus, an express bus which makes stops at Herndon, Tysons Corner, Rosslyn (Blue and Orange Lines) and downtown L'Enfant Plaza (Green, Yellow, Blue, and Orange Lines). It generally departs every 40 minutes on weekdays and hourly (though not on the hour) on weekends and takes 50-60 minutes to the city; the fare is $3 each way. Ask the people at the information booth in the lower level of the airport terminal, near the baggage claim, which bus will be coming sooner. They also can direct you to the bus stop. (5A timetable and map (pdf)) A taxi trip to downtown costs about $50.

Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (IATA: BWI), is in Maryland and is 30 miles north-east of DC and 10 miles south of downtown Baltimore. Metro operates the hourly B30 express Metrobus to the Greenbelt Metro Station (Green Line). It boards on the lower level outside the International Pier. The fare is $3 each way and it takes about 30 minutes. The driver does not provide change. The Metro rail service from Greenbelt to downtown takes another 25 minutes approximately. There are also train services from BWI Rail Station (see next section). A taxi trip to downtown Washington costs about $60.

By train

Amtrak services arrive from all over the country, particularly the Northeast Corridor (Boston-to-Richmond). All stop at downtown Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, on Metro's Red Line -- a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol steps. A few lines also stop in adjacent Alexandria, VA, very close to King Street Metro, on the Yellow and Blue lines. If you are coming from the south, it might be easier to stop there, depending on your destination.

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) also provides rail from the southwest, starting in Virginia suburbs of Manassas and Fredericksburg, for those who do not wish to drive into the metropolitan area.

From BWI Airport, a free "Amtrak/MARC" shuttle bus runs from the airport terminal to the BWI Rail Station. MARC local rail operates weekdays to New Carrollton (Orange Line) for $5 each way, or Washington Union Station (Red Line) for $6. Amtrak provides access to Union Station (from $13; 30-35 minutes) and to nearby Alexandria, Virginia near the King Street Metro station on the Blue and Yellow lines (from $27).

By car

Washington, D.C. is primarily served by I-95 from Baltimore, MD or Richmond, VA. I-95 South is particularly bad on Friday afternoons and any time people are likely to be going to the beach. Other interstates of note are:

• I-495 is the DC Beltway (or simply "the Beltway"). The Beltway is reviled across the nation for its traffic congestion (particularly during rush hour, when it rivals the Cross-Bronx Expressway in New York City as the most miserable highway in the United States). On the East side of the city, I-495 follows I-95. Particularly bad spots include:
  • the inner loop (clockwise) between I-66 and I-95 and also approaching the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in the morning rush (Virginia)
  • the outer loop (counterclockwise) between I-95 Springfield and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge during the afternoon rush (Virginia)
  • the outer loop (counterclockwise) in Maryland between I-95 and I-270.

Again, only travel on the Beltway during rush hour if you absolutely, positively must.

• I-270 connects from I-70 in Frederick, MD to I-495 in Bethesda, MD
• I-395 connects downtown with the I-495/I-95 interchange in Northern Virginia.
• I-295 connects downtown with I-495/I-95 at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Southern Prince George's County, MD.
• I-66 starts at the western part of downtown and goes 75 miles west, ending near Front Royal, VA.
• Route 50 traverses the city from east to west, heading east toward Annapolis, MD and Ocean City, MD (the latter by way of the Bay Bridge), and west across the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge into Northern Virginia and parts west.
• The Baltimore-Washington Parkway (also "B-W Parkway") starts at I-295, crossing central Maryland, passing near Baltimore-Washington International Airport and terminating in Baltimore.

Inside the beltway, I-66 is HOV-2 only eastbound from 7AM to 9AM and westbound from 4PM to 6:30 PM. The HOV-2 restriction applies to the entire highway, not just specific lanes. US-50, US-29, and the George Washington Parkway are the alternatives.

Interestingly enough, while MD/DC 295 (the Baltimore-Washington Parkway) will take you from Maryland right into the city, it doesn't allow you to directly connect to the Southeast-Southwest Freeway westbound. You can exit at Pennsylvania Avenue Eastbound and follow the throngs making illegal u-turns to then be facing westbound (towards downtown) or proceed to Howard Road and then cross the Anacostia River on South Capitol Street, which takes you to the Southeast-Southwest Freeway. I-295 Northbound does connect to the Southeast-Southwest Freeway Westbound. The converse is also true: the Southeast-Southwest Freeway Eastbound does not connect to DC 295 Northbound- it only connects to I-295 southbound. To gain entrance onto DC 295 Northbound, stay left on the Southeast-Southwest Freeway and exit onto Pennsylvania Avenue, which will then let you turn left and enter 295 North.

By bus

• Greyhound - The stop for Washington, D.C. is at 1005 1st St NE, which is a few blocks north of Union Station (where you can catch the Red Line Metrorail). Current fares are around $20 (or $35 for a return ticket) from New York City. There are other Greyhound stations located in Silver Spring, Maryland and Arlington, Virginia.

A number of independent bus companies run between New York City and Washington DC.

Get around

City layout

The city is split into four quadrants centered on the Capitol Building: NE, NW, SE and SW. City roads are laid out in a grid, with east-west streets named for letters (to "W", then alphabetically two-syllable words, Adams - Webster, then three-syllable words, starting with Allison) and north-south streets named for numbers, all going "up" as you travel outward. For example, there is an M Street on the north side of town, and another M Street on the south side, both crossing from the east side to the west side. Likewise with 6th Street, running from north to south on both the east and west sides. The boundary lines between the quadrants are as follows: North Capitol Street between NE and NW, East Capitol Street between NE and SE, South Capitol Street between SE and SW, and the National Mall between SW and NW. To identify which side of town and which end of the street, the quadrant is included at the end of any proper street address. Addresses are also usually very specific to the grid, and rarely have custom names. For example, the White House is properly "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW". The Northwest quadrant is the largest and home to most items of interest to visitors, although a few major tourist locations fall into the other three quadrants (e.g. Union Station and the Supreme Court fall in NE, the Tidal Basin and Bureau of Engraving and Printing are in SW and the Library of Congress is in SE)

Speaking of avenues, these are named mostly after the 50 states, and cut at various angles across the grid (several of them lining up on the White House or the Capitol, to draw attention to these democratic symbols). Many major intersections, especially those involving avenues, meet at circles named after historical figures.

The grid has a few peculiarities which are the legacy of Pierre L'Enfant's 18th century plan for the city. There is no J Street, since at the time L'Enfant considered the letters I and J to be essentially the same letter and not two distinct letters as they are today. (It is a myth that he had it out for statesman John Jay.) In the English language, the use of the letter J began to take its modern form in the 1600s but remained commonly interchangeable with I until the mid 1800s. Addresses on I Street are often written "Eye Street" to avoid confusion with the number "1". Addresses on the first block of cross-streets crossing North, South or East Capitol Street are referred to as being on the "unit block" of those streets. Certain of the streets reflect the courses of present-day waterways: rivers (the Anacostia Freeway), creeks or creek valleys (Rock Creek Expressway, Beach Drive), and canals (Clara Barton Expressway [traveling along the C&O Canal], MacArthur Boulevard [running over of the Washington Aqueduct]).

Please also note that a few streets are one-way for specific hours of the day, in order to accommodate rush-hour traffic, and others will repurpose lanes during rush-hour periods for the same purpose.

Public transportation

Washington has one of the best public transportation systems in the country. The hub-and-spoke rail system is integrated with an extensive bus system, with all lines converging in downtown D.C. A car is often a hindrance in the District, particularly for tourists; public transportation is often the fastest way to get around.

New, red "DC Circulator" buses provide the cheapest way ($1) to travel crosstown along D.C.'s major axes: East-West from Union Station past the Convention Center to Georgetown and North-South from the Convention Center through the National Mall to the Southwest Waterfront.

For more extensive coverage, use the "Metro", operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Its five intersecting "Metrorail" subway lines stop in most major neighborhoods, with the notable exceptions of Georgetown and Adams-Morgan. Since parking downtown can be scarce and expensive (up to $15/day) and parking violations AGGRESSIVELY enforced, many attractions recommend using the Metro, and WMATA publishes a pocket guide indicating which line and stop to take for various landmarks. In addition, WMATA devotes a section of its website to visitor resources. Most parts of the Metro system are extremely safe, reliable, and amazingly clean, particularly the areas where there are tourist or government activities. Even late at night, much of the system is safe and reliable, although trains may run only every 20 minutes. Interestingly, the locals never refer to it as the "subway" or "underground", as is customary in the cities of New York and London, respectively, instead preferring the term "metro," usual in other countires around the world. Calling it such is guaranteed to earn you strange looks from any Washingtonian in earshot. (Note, many people in Washington are not from Washington, rather they were born in another part of the country or the world.)

Since most of the Metrorail system is built deep below Washington, the average rider must take at least two escalators to reach a train. To allow for the most safe and efficient travel on the escalators, it is accepted practice that one stand on the right side of the escalator to allow others to walk on the left side. Failure to do so will often draw dirty looks and rude comments from the average Metro rider who is not on vacation and may be in a hurry. Standing on the left and blocking others from walking can also create an unsafe situation where there is a backup of people attempting to exit the train platform. Visitors should also make sure to keep walking when exiting the train so that others behind them may also exit safely in the short amount of time that the doors remain open. Additionally, the doors of Metro trains do not automatically open like the doors on an elevator when they strike something. Attempting to hold the doors open can result in personal injury, particularly to children. Holding train doors can also break the doors of the train and cause the train to be deactivated resulting in extensive delays.

The cleanliness of the Washington Metro is something in which its riders take considerable pride, to the point that rules regarding such are usually self-enforced. If you should happen to board the train with a cup of coffee or a sandwich, don't be surprised if someone asks you to toss it out at the next station. The police will normally ask a person to dispose of any food or beverage.

• Red Line - forms a long "U" from suburban Montgomery County, Maryland through downtown. Attractions on the Red Line include the Union Station, the Verizon Center, the National Zoo, the National Basilica and Cathedral of St. Matthew Our Apostle. The Red Line's Wheaton station boasts the longest escalator in the Western Hemisphere.
• Yellow Line - links the Washington Convention Center to Alexandria via the Verizon Center, the 14th Street Bridge and Reagan National Airport. On weekdays between the hours of 9:30AM - 3:00PM and 7:00PM - close, as well as all day on weekends, the Yellow Line will go as far north as the Fort Totten station.
• Green Line - forms a "C" which swings through Prince Georges County from Greenbelt (and its BWI Airport shuttle) past the University of Maryland, the gentrifying U Street and Columbia Heights districts, the Southwest Waterfront, and historic Anacostia.
• Blue Line - an "S" that meanders from Largo Town Center near FedEx Field (home of the Washington Redskins) to RFK Stadium (home of the Washington Nationals and the D.C. United), under the Potomac to Arlington National Cemetery, and south to Reagan National Airport and Alexandria.
• Orange Line - Runs from Fairfax County suburbs (and the Washington Flyer Dulles Airport shuttles at West Falls Church) along the Wilson Boulevard entertainment corridor, through downtown, and out again past RFK Stadium to New Carrollton (with onward connections to MARC and Amtrak).

Metrorail's Hours of Operation are as follows:

• Monday-Thursday: 5AM to Midnight
• Friday: 5AM to 3AM
• Saturday: 7AM to 3AM
• Sunday: 7AM to Midnight

When riding late at night, it is advisable to be aware of when the last train leaves each particular station (this will be clearly stated at each station and is also given on WMATA's website), and make sure you do not miss that train (you must also take into consideration any transfers you will need to make). However, unlike in some other systems, all trains continue to the end of their respective lines (usually until well after Metro's stated closing time), so you need not worry about a train stopping before it reaches your destination.

Parking is available at many suburban stations, particularly at the terminus stations, and costs a flat rate of $3.50 (as of January 3, 2006) at most lots, though a few cost slightly more. It is important to note that weekday parking at a Metro lot requires a "SmarTrip" card, which is a special rechargeable debit card. Cash, credit cards and checks are not accepted for parking. One must purchase a SmarTrip card for $10 at a vending machine (SmarTrip machines are located at all stations with parking). The card itself costs $5 and it is dispensed pre-loaded with $5 in value (hence the $10 cost). The SmarTrip can also be used to pay Metrorail and Metrobus fares, and to make paperless transfers from one to the other. If you park at a Metro lot on a weekday, make sure you purchase a SmarTrip card and not a regular farecard. Only the SmarTrip cards with microchips will be accepted by the parking gate. Parking on weekends and holidays is free.

As stated above, for ease of use, one can use the same SmarTrip card to pay for both the Metro trip and parking. In fact, at a few stations (though certainly not the majority), you can only get the reduced Metro customer parking rate if you use the same card (specifically New Carrollton, White Flint, and Twinbrook). Unfortunately, use of a SmarTrip card currently precludes customers from taking advantage of unlimited ride passes (which are mentioned below), though Metro has plans to eventually enable unlimited ride capabilities via SmarTrip.

If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing throughout the city, the Metrorail One Day Pass is a great deal - for a flat $6.50, you are afforded unlimited rides throughout the Metrorail system (the pass is valid after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays or all day on Saturdays and Sundays until closing (on Fridays and Saturdays, this means 3 a.m. of the following day). A "short-trip" 7-day pass is $22, but restricted to $2.20 rides during peak hours. An unrestricted and unlimited 7-day pass is $32.50. Note that you can only buy unlimited ride passes at the blue Passes/Farecards machines in each station, and not from the standard brown Farecards machines. Likewise, the blue machines are the only ones that accept credit and debit cards, but you can buy any farecard or pass type from these machines (including adding value to SmarTrip cards), so there is no real reason to use the standard brown machine unless you need to skip a long line. Furthermore, unlike in most other transit agencies, Metrorail passes are not valid for travel on Metrobus (nor is the fare structure identical).

Metrorail fares are based on distance, starting from $1.35. Peak fares are in effect on weekdays from (5:10 a.m.) to 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., during which time the maximum fare is $3.90. At all other times, lower fares are in effect, with a maximum of $2.35. Because the fare is based on distance, each passenger must have his or her own farecard (whether paper or SmarTrip) and use it both when entering and exiting the system. If the value on the card is insufficient to exit, it can be recharged using "Exitfare" vending machines.

If you have rented a bicycle, you can also take your bicycle on Metrorail outside of peak hours (weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), but you must use one of the end doors of each car (the center doors have stickers with a reminder for bicyclists to use other doors). All buses in the Metrobus system are also equipped with bicycle racks on the front.

The "Metrobus" system has a flat fare system of $1.25 for most routes, or $3 for express routes. Certain routes feature discounted fares. An all-day pass for Metrobus is $3 and valid until 3:00 a.m. on regular routes or for $1.25 on express routes. Metrobus accepts SmarTrip for payments and transfers, but does not accept Metrorail paper farecards or passes. To save money on your metrobus trips, you can also get transfer slips from other Metrobuses or from Metrorail (at your station of ENTRY) that allow you to take another bus within a two hour period at a discounted rate.

Taxi

Taxi cabs do not use meters, but charge fares based on zones traveled -- plus such surcharges as one dollar during rush hours (7 - 9:30 a.m. and 4 - 6:30 p.m.) and $1.50 for each additional passenger. This can cause a lot of confusion and tourists often think they're being ripped off. To be prepared, you can always ask about the fare in advance, calculate the correct fare with the online Taxicab Fare Calculator or view D.C.'s Taxi Cab Zone Map. Taxi drivers in DC have been known to charge fees that are not warranted to unsuspecting out of town visitors. Taxis in DC do not use a uniform topper system, so the light being on means absolutely nothing. Also, drivers can pick up additional fares even if there is an existing fare in the car.

During snow emergencies, D.C. taxis are permitted to charge extra fares, which is usually double the standard fare. From time to time, the D.C. City Council may also temporarily increase taxi rates to accommodate exceptionally high gasoline prices.

For taxis to/from D.C. suburbs, it is often better to call a suburban taxi service from where you're going to be picked in D.C. (if time permits) than to use a city cab. This is because D.C. taxi drivers are not always familiar with suburban directions or how much to charge to locations outside of the city. Many DC taxi drivers will also refuse to leave the city.(See local phone books for suburban options.)

There are ten taxis in DC that are pilot testing a meter system, so if you board a taxi with a meter, you won't be paying that charge. For years, taxi drivers have fought the meters by saying they make more on the zone system.

The taxi system in DC is centered on the government institutions. All federal buildings in the downtown area are located within one zone. This means crossing the entirety of the central city is extremely cheap, but if you cross the zone boundary your cost will go up. A 2 block ride across a zone boundary cost about $2.00 more than a 20 block ride across downtown.

By car

Downtown Washington's roads are well-signed and organized on a relatively predictable grid, but driving in the District is somewhat of a challenge even for native Washingtonians. The streets were laid out by Pierre L'Enfant as "multiple-sourced diagonals on a grid with interspersed circles for good measure". This layout was initially conceived not only for aesthetic reasons, but also as a defensive measure to confuse invading armies. Many major intersections are formed into circles. The larger circles can be harrowing for inexperienced drivers—Dupont Circle links five roads running in ten directions with two traffic rings (with Massachusetts Avenue NW running in the inner circle) and an underground bypass for Connecticut Avenue NW. The situation is compounded by some of the nation's consistently worst traffic. Roads are often closed depending on time of day, level of security, threat level, dignitaries in the area, presidential movements, parades, etc. Some roads change direction partially or completely based on the time of day, and may only indicate with a simple sign, rather than the signal lights that accompany many direction-change lanes in the U.S. The Metro system is an acclaimed public transport system that serves the majority of popular sites within and around the city and can be a much more rewarding experience. At triple intersections of streets, there is usually a traffic circle or roundabout. (Note: traffic may or may not flow through these circles like in a roundabout, depending on the particular circle in question, so don't try to drive them that way. Dupont Circle is notoriously confusing, with inner and outer rings, and Connecticut Ave underneath.)

Weekday parking can be scarce and expensive, up to $25 for the day. The city RUTHLESSLY enforces parking regulations to a near-comical degree. Don't think you can ignore tickets if you're a tourist from far away; the city has hired collection agencies in the past to go after unpaid tickets and threaten the credit records of folks who ignore citations. Fines double or increase by a $100 late fee if not paid by the stated due date (usually 15 days). Park in a garage, for street parking often expires at rush hour. Parking in a rush-hour lane is a $100 fine, if you are lucky, or you may be towed. Neighborhood parking is often available as well, although D.C. has parking zones, and parking in a zone for more than the alloted time (2-3 hours), will also result in a ticket. Parking patrols either chalk the tires, or will record license plates to enforce this.

Partly as a means to combat heavy rush hour traffic, a significant number of intersections and other locations are monitored by traffic cameras--either for red-light violations or for speeding. Drivers may wish to make note that some tickets around federal buildings, embassies, and parks, if issued by police other than the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, are federal violations. In addition to the Metropolitan Police Department, Washington DC also has Secret Service Police, FBI Police, Park Police, Capitol Police and DC Protective Services that can stop and issue citations.

Driving in D.C. can be summed up in one word: Don't. Parking tickets, direction changing streets, congestion, backups, delays, red-light and speeding cameras, parades, protests, etc, are all good reasons to take Metro. Saturday and Sunday are a bit better. The memorials are open until late at night and on weekends; museums are usually open on weekends too.

Local opposition prevented the construction of interstate highways through Washington; the two freeways that feed into the city from Virginia, I-66 and I-395, both terminate quickly. Washington and its innermost suburbs are encircled by the Capital Beltway, I-495, which gave rise to the expression "Inside the Beltway."

Also, be aware that several of the Washington DC area roadways have one-way restrictions during certian times of the day.

Rock Creek Parkway has one-way restrictions during:

• Traveling Southbound from Connecticut Avenue is one way from 6:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on weekdays.
• Traveling Northbound up to Connecticut Avenue is one way from 3:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Canal Road has one-way restrictions during:

• Traveling Southbound from Maryland from M street is one way from 6:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on weekdays.
• Traveling Northbound up to M street from Maryland is one way from 3:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Washington boasts several scenic drives:

• Pennsylvania Avenue from 14th Street NW toward the Capitol
• Rock Creek Parkway, which follows Rock Creek, then the Potomac to the Lincoln Memorial
• Reservoir Road from Georgetown to the Clara Barton Parkway, continuing to the Capitol Beltway
• Embassy Row, Massachusetts Avenue from Scott Circle to Wisconsin Avenue
• the George Washington Memorial Parkway, which follows the Potomac on the Virginia side

Please note: cellphone use while driving inside the District of Columbia (without hands-free equipment) is subject to a $100 fine for the first offense.

See

Washington, D.C. is home to the three branches of the U.S. Federal Government. As such, there are many federal buildings and monuments worth seeing. The majority of sights in DC are in the Downtown area around the National Mall. The White House, or the President's house, is home to one of the most powerful people on Earth. The U.S. Capitol building houses both legislative bodies, the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Smithsonian Institute offers several free museums displaying everything from aircraft to dinosaurs.

Itineraries

• Washington (D.C.) in four days

Do

There are regular festivals throughout the year. As many of them happen on the Mall, see the Downtown section. Some highlights include:

• National Cherry Blossom Festival (late March/early April)
• A Capitol Fourth (July 4th)
• Smithsonian Folklife Festival (late June and ending around July 4th)
• National Zoo is a wonderful afternoon activity.

The District is also home to many large parks that offer hiking and biking. Many of the downtown parks are crowded with football and ultimate frisbee players.

Learn

• American University
• Catholic University of America
• Corcoran College of Art
• Dumbarton Oaks library and collection offers resources in Byzantine, Pre-Columbian, and Garden and Landscape studies.
• Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Avenue NE. The nation's leading and the world's only university for the deaf.
• Georgetown University
• George Washington University
• Howard University
• Institute of World Politics
• Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
• Joint Military Intelligence College
• Peabody Room, 2nd floor, Georgetown Branch Library, 3260 R Street, NW (corner of Wisconsin Avenue and R Street). +1 202 282-0214 Peabody Room is the special collection division containing historical material related to the history of Georgetown, established in 1751 as Georgetown, MD.
• National Defense University
• Potomac College
• Regent University
• Southeastern University
• Trinity University
• University of the District of Columbia
• Smithsonian Institute, The Smithsonian Institute offers classes to members.
• Washingtoniana Division, Room #307, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street, NW (across from Gallery Place Metro stop). +1 202 727-1213. Washingtoniana Division is the special collection division containing historical material related to both federal as well as "hometown" Washington, D.C.

Work

Certain career fields find a natural home in D.C. While everyone knows this is where politicians go, you can also find a fair share of diplomats, lawyers, lobbyists, journalists, NGO directors, defense contractors and civil servants. Many ambitious young people come to Washington for an internship, and the student-aged population peaks in the summer.

With so many high powered career types out to change the world, the need for child care is obvious. Nannies provide child care to many of Washington's elite; the city has the highest proportion of in-home child care in the country. US citizen nannies are especially sought out as government types carefully follow employment law to avoid problems with security clearances or negative publicity. Wages for legal US residents with experience can top $800 per week, room and board included. Several nanny placement agencies exist in Washington, they provide help for exasperated parents and a lucrative career for women young and old who love children.

Buy

Upscale

The Chevy Chase shopping district is Washington's upscale fashion district found near the Friendship Heights Metro stop, straddling the D.C.-Maryland border within two blocks of the Red Line station of the same name. It is home to many high-end stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gucci, Dior, and Versace in and around the Mazza Gallerie and Chevy Chase Pavilion shopping centers, as well as a concentration of day spas.

Georgetown is well-known for its variety of mid-range to high-end retail shops that line M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, NW. The Georgetown Business Improvement District's website (noted above) has the most comprehensive list of retailers.

The Shops at Union Station include a variety of retail operations selling clothing, stationery, and shoes, among other things.

The downtown Verizon Center/Chinatown area has experienced a recent boom of late. Along 7th Street, NW between H Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, numerous new restaurants and stores have opened creating a bustling shopping district. Adjacent to the Verizon Center, a new bowling alley and multiplex cinema have also opened.

Tourist Items

Around the Capitol Building and the White House, there are shops that sell souvenirs (postcards, t-shirts, etc.). There are also many street vendors near the tourist destinations, such as along the National Mall, which will hawk similar items.

The Smithsonian museum shops sell many souvenirs that are more upscale and diverse than those sold by street vendors and tourist shops, but they are usually more expensive, as well. The National Building Museum's shop has a notable shop that focuses on modern design.

Books

Kramerbooks and Lambda Rising are notable local bookstores and Dupont Circle institutions; the Dupont Circle area also includes numerous art galleries and lesbian/gay/bisexual oriented retailers. Second Story Books carries used books, prints, and music in its Dupont Circle store; it also has two stores in Maryland.

Olsson's Books and Records is "Washington DC's oldest independent book and music stores," with six stores, including locations in Dupont Circle, Penn Quarter, and National Airport.

Chapters, located downtown near 11th and E Streets NW, describes itself as "A Literary Bookstore" that "caters to serious, uncommon readers."

Capitol Hill Books is located next to Eastern Market. It is housed in a small, old rowhouse, but is jam-packed with used books on every imaginable subject. For a delightful surprise, be sure to open the cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Politics & Prose is a notable bookstore with frequent lectures and book signings, but it is located about a mile north of the Van Ness-UDC Metro Station, far from most tourist sites.

The two major national chairs, Borders and Barnes and Noble, have a number of locations. Of most interest to visitors are the Barnes and Noble downtown at 12th and E Streets NW, the Borders near the White House at 14th and F Streets NW, and the Barnes and Noble in Georgetown on M Street.

Eclectic & Vintage

Along the U Street corridor, many independent boutique stores, vintage clothing shops, home furnishing stores, and antique retailers have sprung up. Most shops can be found along U Street, NW between 12th and 18th Streets, with a few south of U Street along 14th Street.

Adams Morgan is better known for its nightlife, but it has an active shopping scene during its daylight hours. Included among the small shops are vintage clothing shops, cooperatives of independent local designers, international grocery stores and importers (especially catering to the Central American and African populations), shoe stores, and antique home furnishings. To make an afternoon of it, stroll from the U Street Metro (stopping by the shops that line the U Street Corridor) to 18th Street, then head north (uphill) into Adams Morgan.

Eastern Market is open every Sunday for antiques dealers, secondhand book dealers, and local artists, photographers, and craftspeople to showcase their wares. It also hosts a local farmers' market and indoor food vendors selling fresh meats, pastas, produce, and cheeses sporadically throughout the week and every weekend.

Eat

Washington has a little bit of everything, from really good inexpensive ethnic takeout (no problem getting Ethiopian or Afghani or Jamaican food here) to high-dollar lobbyist-fueled places that will cause your credit card to burst into flames.

Budget

• Smithsonian Dining - The larger museums have cafeterias and cafes of varying prices and quality - in general, you get what you pay for.

• Old Post Office Pavilion food court - Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th St NW. Close to the National Mall.

• Mitsitam Café at the National Museum of the American Indian, 4th St. and Independence Ave., S.W., on the southeast corner of the National Mall. Slightly more expensive than most museum cafeterias, but well worth it, the café features Native foods found throughout the Western Hemisphere.

• Union Station Food Court - on the bottom level of Union Station, located NE of the National Mall. Metro stop: Union Station. The food is nothing special, and the setting is noisy and crowded, but the prices are often cheaper than what is available in nearby museums.

• Vace's Pizza - Arguably the best pizza in D.C. Located near the Cleveland Park metro at 3515 Connecticut Avenue. There are no tables or delivery- Carry out only. A wide selection of Italian meats, cheeses and olives. Whole pizza or by the slice.

• Ben's Chili Bowl - A great local joint. The half-smokes, burgers, and chili are decent, but you really come here for the vibe and the history. Located at 1213 U Street, N.W.

• Chinatown - H Street between 5th and 7th is all that remains of D.C.'s now-gentrified Chinatown. It still has some good, cheap places to eat, most notably Chinatown Express, Eat First, and Full Kee. Capital Q has excellent barbeque at similarly cheap prices.

• Rockland's Barbeque (Glover Park) - Voted best BBQ in the city numerous times. Traditional pit BBQ. Offers many traditional southern sides like homemade style mac and cheese and collard greens. Also offered grilled vegetarian options. Wide selection of small production hot sauces and BBQ sauces. Wiscosin Ave./Calvert St. NW.

• Five Guys - Has often appeared on The Washingtonian's best of "Cheap Eats" list. Five Guys offers fresh-ground hamburgers from beef that they boast is never frozen, as well as some fantastic fries (have them add cajun spices at no extra charge for an unforgettable experience). A variety of toppings are available at no extra cost. They also offer hot dogs and other fast food fare like hot dogs. See their online menu to see their full offerings. They have franchised, but originally started in the northern Virginia area, where they are still based. Notable locations for visitors are in Georgetown (1335 Wisconsin Ave NW), Chinatown (808 H Street NW), Dupont (1645 Connecticut Ave. NW), and downtown (13th and F Streets NW, the Shops at National Place).

Mid-range

• 2 Amys, Macomb near Wisconsin in Cleveland Park. The best pizza in DC, perhaps anywhere. Party atmosphere and be ready for gourmet price tag. No reservations, so be prepared to wait--waits are typically shorter at lunch than dinner. 3715 Macomb St. NW 202-885-5700.

• Sala Thai, Dupont Circle branch at 2016 P Street NW, +1 202 872-1144; Cleveland Park branch at 3507 Connecticut Avenue NW, +1 202 237-2777. Thai food.

• Marrakesh, 617 New York Ave, N.W. +1 202 393-9393. Moroccan Cuisine, belly dancers, eat with your hands. I found the food to be excellent, the serving staff to be good, and the atmosphere to be wonderful. The seven course meal is the only food served. There are some minor choices for main dishes, or if you want a vegetarian meal. The website lists the current meal choices. Be sure to check out the back hallway with pictures of all the famous visitors. http://marrakesh.us

• Jaleo, 480 7th Street NW, +1 202 628-7949. Many credit this loud, happy restaurant in the Penn Quarter for the current boom in Spanish tapas bars. Serves tasty tapas and wonderful sangria.

• Hank's Oyster Bar, 1624 Q Street NW, +1 202 462-HANK. Small, cozy seafood restaurant. Fried clams, lobster roll and beer.

• Fin, 1200 19th St. NW, +1 202 530-4430. A very nice looking seafood restaurant with great food. Recommendations: the oyster sampler, grilled calamari. their maki tuna. This restaurant is very reasonably priced. Worth calling and asking about their happy hour as it features specials like oysters for very low prices.

• Hotel Washington, 515 15th Street NW, +1 800 424 9540 . The top level of this hotel features a restaurant that provides an unmatched view of the Washington Monument and the White House. You're so high and close that federal police will watch you eat through their binoculars from neighboring rooftops. The food isn't spectacular and the line to get a seat is long, but it's definitely worth it. Try going during non-peak times.

• Pasta Mia, 1790 Columbia Road NW, +1 202 328-9114. Rustic, wonderful homestyle pastas. Watch out for the lines around the block.

• Pasta Plus, 209 Gorman Ave. Laurel, MD 301-498-7878 About 20 miles north of DC, on the way to Baltimore. Without qustion the best authentic Italian food for the price in DC. Like eating at the owner's kitchen table in Valle San Giovanni Italy. Don't miss.

• Bangkok Bistro (Georgetown area). Excellent upscale Thai restaurant with creative setting.

Splurge

• 1789 Restaurant, 1226 36th St. NW. Elegant dining near Georgetown University.
• CityZen, 1330 Maryland Avenue SW., +1 202 554-8588,. Contemporary multi-course tasting menus by acclaimed chef Eric Ziebold at the city's sparkling Mandarin Oriental hotel. Expensive.

• Olives, 1600 K Street NW., +1 202 452-1866. Mediterranean/Italian style, steak and chop house featuring olive tapinades. Valet parking. Full bar. Noisy bistro-type atmosphere.

• Marcel's, 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., +1 202 296-1166. Self described French cuisine with Flemish flair. Expensive. Quiet, elegant atmosphere.

• Michel Richard Citronelle, 3000 M Street NW., +1 202 625-2150. World famous French-themed cuisine in Georgetown. Jacket required for dinner. Very expensive.

• minibar by josé andrés, 405 8th Street NW. +1 202 393-0812. Mr. Andrés' wild culinary ride. This six seat restaurant within a restaurant dishes up everything from cotton candy foie gras to lobster injection to beet tumbleweed. Expensive.

• Butterfield 9, 600 14th St. NW (Metro: Metro Center), +1 202 289-8810. Chef Michael Harr creates the most intriguing and nuanced food in town. Expensive.

• Tenpenh, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW +1 202 393-4500, Tastes and textures of the Far East influence the cooking here. Refreshingly eclectic dishes and startlingly new sauces. Expensive.

• Sequoia and Tony & Joes, Both at 3000 K St. NW, in Washington Harbor, Georgetown, Spectacular views of the Potomac and the Kennedy Center, with outdoor seating. People come here for the scene (especially in the summer), not the food.

Drink

Adams-Morgan

• Bourbon, 2321 18th St NW, Branch of the Glover Park location. Open Mon-Thu 6pm - 2am, Fri-Sat 6pm - 3am, and Sat-Sun 11 am for Brunch. Offers a good collection of its namesake liquor. Try the low-fat alternative grilled ostrich burger if you are feeling a little adventurous.
• Madam's Organ Restaurant & Bar, 2461 18th St NW, Su-Th 5PM-2AM, F-Sa 5PM-3AM. Live music every night - mainly blues but also jazz and folky stuff. Tuesday night is acoustic Delta blues. It has an atmosphere, with its stuffed animals, appliances and nick-nacks hanging from the walls and ceiling. Cover charge usually $3.
• Pharaoh's Rock N' Blues Bar & Grill, 1817 Columbia Rd NW. Live blues at the weekend.
• Tryst, 2459 18th Street NW, Very hip café/bar that has good food as well. The atmosphere is very friendly and encourages you to just hang out for a while. Free wireless Internet access during the week.
• Chloe, 2473 18th Street NW, Adams Morgan takes a stab at high end nightclubbing.
• Millie & Al's, 2440 18th Street NW, Adams Morgan can be a bit much at times, too many drunk young things, too many shiny nightclub shirts, too many silly cocktails. Seek refuge at this dive bar that has been on 18th Street for over 30 years. Try the pizza and don't miss dollar beers on Wednesday.
• Angles Bar and Billiards, 2339 18th Street NW, another fine spot for fleeing the nightclubbers.
• Common Share, 18th Street, NW just north of Florida Avenue, at the southern end of Adams Morgan. If you really want to avoid the nightclub crowd, this is a good place to go. Loud music, nonexistent decor and very cheap ($2) beer.
• Reef, 2446 18th St., NW. Multilevel bar with rooftop deck offering great views of the neighborhood. As its name suggests, there is an aquatic theme, and aquariums separate booths on the second floor.

Sleep

It's worth noting that Washington is a relatively small city, acreage-wise, and it's very easy and quick to stay in the close-in suburbs and take mass transit into town. You can save meaningful cash this way; suburban hotels are often substantially cheaper and D.C.'s hotel tax is an eye-popping 14.5%. Parts of Arlington and Alexandria, Va., as well as Bethesda and Silver Spring, Md., have easy subway access into the District.

Budget

• Comfort Inn, Offers a portal to four Washington DC area hotels.
• Days Inn Connecticut Avenue, 4400 Connecticut Avenue, ph #202-244-5600.
• Hotel Harrington, 436 11th Street, N.W. (corner of 11th & E Streets, N.W.), +1 800 424-8532.

Mid-range

• The Carlyle Suites, 1731 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, (Short walk to DuPont Circle Red Line Metro.) +1 202 234-3200, (Toll free: +1 866 468-3532, TTY: +1 202 518-5000, Fax: +1 202 387-0085, Email: reservations@carlylesuites.com). They call themselves "Washington's official art-deco hotel."
• Courtyard Embassy Row, 1600 Rhode Island Ave NW, ''+1 202'' 293-8000. A boutique-style hotel located in DC's Inner Circle.

• Georgetown Inn,, Wisconsin Ave., Georgetown.
• Hotel George,, 15 E Street NW. +1 202 47-4200,.
• Hotel Helix, 1430 Rhode Island Avenue NW. +1 202 462-9001.
• Hotel Madera, 1310 New Hampshire Avenue NW. +1 202 296-7600.
• Hotel Rouge, 1315 Sixteenth Street, NW. +1 202 232-8000.
• L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, 480 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Ph. +1 202 484-1000, sales@lenfantplazahotel.com. A downtown Washington D.C. hotel located on Capitol Hill, within walking distance to the Smithsonian, National Mall, Metro, and other attractions.
• Latham Hotel,, M Street, Georgetown.
• Marriott Residence Inn,, 2120 P Street, near Dupont Circle, +1 202 466-6800.
• The Quincy, 1823 L Street NW, Tel +1 202 223-432. A small luxury hotel located in the Farragut North area of downtown Washington DC, offering a variety of extended stay suites, meeting rooms, and vacation packages for both leisure and business travelers.
• Topaz Hotel, 1733 N Street, NW. +1 202 393-3000.
• Windsor Park Hotel, 2116 Kalorama Rd NW, 1-800-247-3064. A classic Washington, D.C. Victorian boutique hotel.
• Woodley Park Guest House, 2647 Woodley Road, NW, Ph. 202-667-0218, Toll free 1-866-667-0218, info@woodleyparkguesthouse.com. An elegant Washington DC bed and breakfast.
• Wyndham Downtown Washington Hotel, 1400 M. Street, +1 202 (202) 429-1700.
• Wyndham City Center Hotel, 1143 New Hampshire Avenue NW, +1 202 775-0800. Near Georgetown and Dupont Circle areas - just minutes away from the city's landmark attractions.

Splurge

• Embassy Suites Hotel, 4300 Military Rd. NW, 1 202 362-9300, in the upscale Chevy Chase shopping district, Friendship Heights Metro stop. Minutes from Georgetown & Dupont Circle.
• Four Seasons, 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Georgetown.
• Hay Adams Hotel, 16th and H Street NW, Tel +1 202 638-6000 (Fax: +1 202 638-2716. Reservations +1 800 853-6807.), Small, luxurious, historic five star luxury hotel, views of the White House.
• Hilton Embassy Row, 2015 Massachusetts Avenue NW, +1-800-695-7460", Dupont Circle Hotel, two blocks from Metro, near monuments, White House
• Jurys Washington Hotel, 1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW,1 202 483-6000, Embassy Row, luxurious, convenient, restaurant views Dupont Circle, across from the Metro stop.
• Mandarin Oriental,, 1330 Maryland Ave. SW.
• Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert Street NW (at Connecticut Av.). Phone: (888) 444-OMNI (6664), Offers a resort-like hotel experience in the heart of D.C. Located in the scenic Rock Creek Park, and is near the National Zoo. Features high-speed wireless Internet access, an outdoor heated pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and over 100,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel was built in 1930 and has hosted several Presidential Inaugural Balls.
• Ritz Carlton Georgetown,, 3100 South St. NW, Georgetown, Luxurious, convenient, short walk to Washington Harbor restaurants.
• Ritz Carlton Washington, DC, 1150 22nd St. NW, in the West End.
• Willard Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Luxurious, historic hotel near the White House and the Old Post Office.
• Westin Embassy Row,, 2100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, near Dupont Circle.
• Westin Grand,, 2350 M St. NW, in the West End.
• Embassy Circle Guest House,, 7528 Morningside Drive, NW, +1 877-232-774, Luxurious, historically restored bed and breakfast along Embassy Row at the intersection of Dupont Circle, Sheridan/Kalorama, Georgetown and Downtown, 5-minute walk to the Dupont Circle Metro Station, a 10-minute walk into Georgetown, and a fifteen-minute walk to the White House.
• Renaissance Washington DC Hotel, 999 Ninth Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 +1 202-898-9000. A distinctive luxury hotel in DC's Penn Quarter.

Contact

• Washington, DC Convention & Visitors Bureau

Stay safe

Washington, D.C. is covered by many law enforcement agencies. The main force is the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), which has jurisdiction in most of the city. You will also see many federal officers, usually assigned to a specific institution, among them:

• United States Park Police (patrols the Mall, Rock Creek, and other federal park lands)
• United States Capitol Police (patrols the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas)
• Metro Transit Police Department (patrols Metro trains and buses)
• United States Secret Service (around the White House and embassies)
• Federal Protective Service (scattered)

You will also likely encounter U.S. Marshals and Military Police, and a countless number of smaller official and private security forces.

For major events and protests, the MPD has a central command center where they can monitor actions through a network of cameras. For exceptionally large events (but not protests) such as Fourth of July Fireworks, they are likely to set up security zones where they can screen attendees.

While Washington rivaled New Orleans for the Murder Capital title of America in the early 1980s-1990s, violent crime has since fallen dramatically; what remains is concentrated in the residential areas of outer portions of Northwest east of 16th Street NW, Northeast and Southeast D.C. beyond the Capitol Hill neighborhood (especially those portions south and east of the Anacostia River), and inner areas of Northwest more than two blocks north of Massachusetts Avenue east of 7th Street. While these are general areas of concentrated crime in Washington there is no good way to predict the more random acts of violence within this city. As recently as 2007 there have been murders in Georgetown, one of Washington's most expensive and prestigious areas. With "hot areas" of violence in such close proximity to historic and otherwise very safe areas it is best to stay in a well lit environment at night and to travel in groups if possible especially as much of the more affordable nightlife exists in areas closer to Southeast and inner northwest.

Also advised is that you do not drink tap water in Washington, as unsafe levels of chlorine and lead have been found in tests of water provided to many parts of the city.

Cope

Visitors to many buildings must pass through metal detectors and have their bags or packages inspected by hand or X-ray. Additionally, some buildings altogether ban mobile telephones and recording devices such as film or digital cameras, camcorders, and cameraphones. The visitor may be advised to carry a small bag to collect such items prior to screening, and to check them if necessary.

Please take security personnel seriously by not challenging their instructions or making jokes about the situation. Saying the word "bomb," even in jest, may cause you to be placed on increased scrutiny. You give implied consent for your property and person to be searched when entering a government building or public event (sports, music). If you are not comfortable with the searches, you can always elect to not enter.

Smoking and food and drink of any kind are prohibited on Metro trains and buses, a rule strictly enforced with fines and occasionally even arrests.

Get out

Northern Virginia

• Alexandria - City located south of Arlington along the Potomac River. The main street of Alexandria's Old Town is King Street. Old Town's cobble stoned steets have nearly 4,000 buildings dating from the 1800s and 1700s, with some dating back to the 1600s and is filled with shops and good restaurants. Some tourists use Old Town (or other parts of Alexandria) as a "home base" for D.C. trips and it's a popular weekend destination. Tour boats that go north to D.C. and south to Mount Vernon leave from Old Town. Many hotels in the area run free shuttle buses to the King Street Metro.
• Arlington City and county directly across the Potomac river from Washington and part of the original area of the District of Columbia. Today it is home to the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and the DEA. The Metro system seamlessly integrates Arlington with Washington; it can be cost advantageous and more convenient to stay at an Arlington hotel when visiting Washington DC.
• Arlington National Cemetery is located adjacent to the Pentagon. Closes at dusk. This national military cemetery includes John F. Kennedy's tomb and the house of General Robert E. Lee. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. If you really want to experience the cemetery, which is enormous and hilly, spring a few bucks for a Tourmobile tour. There is also a large parking garage here that is a good place to dump your car and then catch the subway or Tourmobile into D.C.
• Fashion Centre at Pentagon City - 1100 South Hayes St., Arlington. A large upscale mall, accessible via the Pentagon City Metro station.
• Great Falls Park is an impressive national park with several fast moving waterfalls of the Potomac River and hiking trails, minutes from the beltway. Kayaking and rock climbing. Accessed from the Maryland and Virginia sides off I -270.
• George Washington Memorial Parkway runs along the Virginia side of the Potomac River between Mount Vernon and Great Falls. The section near Old Town Alexandria is pleasant for walking, jogging or cycling on paths paralleling the main motorway as far as Reagan National Airport. For the motorist, there are scenic turn-outs along the Parkway north of the airport, all the way to where it meets the Beltway at its north end.
• Manassas National Battlefield Park, near the outlying suburb of Manassas, preserves two major battlefields of the US Civil War. Visitor center ($3 fee, Park Pass applies) open 8:30-5 7 days; walking and driving tours of First and Second Manassas battlefields, respectively. A nice escape from the city hubbub, particularly in fall and spring (walking the grounds in the summer heat and humidity can be an ordeal).
• Mount Vernon was the home of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The mansion overlooks the Potomac River.
• Pentagon is just across the Potomac River from downtown D.C. in Arlington. While lingering is not recommended for security reasons, you should know it is the largest government office building in the world, and covers 6 zip codes (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Joint Staff, and Department of Defense). Group tours are still available by advance arrangement, but the military no longer hosts other tours. It is considered the height of bad taste in Washington to stop your car on the road near the 9/11 attack site and take pictures (not to mention that you'll attract security attention and endanger yourself as traffic whizzes by). Also note: do not take photos anywhere on site - you may face a 4 hour interrogation by the Pentagon Police and will probably be asked to delete the images. On a lighter note, the interior courtyard is irreverently referred to by employees as "Ground Zero," as it was ostensibly the target of a number of Soviet missiles during the Cold War.
• Reston Town Center - Hyatt Regency Reston - a collection of nice restaurants and shops.
• Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - National Air and Space Museum. 14390 Air & Space Museum Pkwy. Chantilly, VA 20151 +1 202 357-2200. Located near Dulles International Airport, this museum houses many air/spacecraft, including the SR-71 "Blackbird" spy plane, the Concorde supersonic jet and the space shuttle "Enterprise". Parking is available for $12/vehicle.
• Tyson's Corner Center - McLean - two malls Tysons I & Tysons II (not connected), Tysons II is more upscale - Tysons I has a larger selection of stores.

Suburban Maryland

• Bethesda - Hyatt Regency Hotel - Metro stop - suburb with shopping, downtown restaurants, the United Artists movie theaters, and a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Within driving distance are:

Montgomery Mall, I-270 & Democracy Blvd., Bethesda - Marriott Hotel and Corporate headquarters Democracy Plaza - - upscale shopping - California Pizza Kitchen restaurant - food court.

White Flint Mall, 11301 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda - metro stop 3 blocks away -upscale shopping - Cheese Cake Factory restaurant - food court.

• Chevy Chase - Embassy Suites Hotel - Friendship Heights Metro stop - nearby suburb with an upscale mostly shopping district near the Friendship Heights metro stop. (On the Maryland/DC border).

• Great Falls Park is an impressive national park with several fast moving waterfalls of the Potomac River and hiking trails, minutes from the beltway. Kayaking and rock climbing. Accessed from the Maryland and Virginia sides off I -270.

• Mormon Temple - Kensington. Must see the amazing annual Christmas light display. A funny bit of inside-Washington lore: Graffiti artists often paint "SURRENDER, DOROTHY" on a highway overpass near the temple, which from a distance looks like Emerald City in "The Wizard of Oz."

• Silver Spring - suburb with the American Film Institute's Silver Theatre, as well as restaurants and retail. Home to Discovery Communications.