I’ve lived in Washington, DC, since 2014 (and in Baltimore before that), so to say I’ve lived here for a while is a fair statement. I have often had people reach out to me about visiting DC, asking for tips and suggestions, so I’ve created this list of things to know before visiting DC for the first time.
Throughout this list, I’ll share things I’ve learned and what I wish I’d known about DC before my first visit. Plenty of insider, local tips will be found in the article, and hopefully, it’ll leave you feeling more prepared to visit DC!
1. You will walk alot
Bring some comfortable walking shoes and get ready for some days where you will really get your steps in!
The National Mall is two miles long from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, so if you’re walking around, you’re likely to get a lot of steps in. Plus, museums are enormous; you could spend a whole day exploring museums like the National Gallery of Art or the National Museum of American History, so you can imagine the amount of walking involved.
In addition to good walking shoes, I highly recommend taking breaks throughout your day to stop at a cafe, restaurant, etc., to rest your feet. You can easily walk 20k steps a day on a trip to DC!
2. The National Mall isn’t a shopping mall
Speaking of the National Mall, it’s not a place to go shopping. Yes, I have had tourists ask me this exact question. I was standing with friends, and someone walked up to me and said, “Where are the shops?” and I had to tell them there were none here.
The National Mall in Washington, DC, is called the Mall because the term “mall” originally referred to a place for playing the game of pall-mall. By the mid-1700s, it had come to mean a tree-lined park where people went to walk, socialize, and play pall-mall, a game similar to croquet.
During the 1800s, it was sometimes called a “mall” but also just “the public grounds.” The term “Mall” became the accepted name in the 1900s. In 1902, the McMillan plan officially described it as “The National Mall.”
If you do want to visit a place to go shopping, check out Georgetown, Potomac Mills, Tyson’s, or Pentagon City. All these areas have tons of shops you can check out.
3. Parking can be very challenging
Parking in DC can be a major cause for stress on a trip. I really don’t recommend driving around DC generally and recommend you take the metro instead (more on that in tip #4). However, I know that’s not always possible, and you may still need to drive on your visit.
If you do decide to drive, there are some things you should know. I’m outlining all my parking tips for DC below.
- Every neighborhood, area, street, etc., can have different parking rules and multiple signs, which can be very confusing. Always read all the parking rules and pay for your parking. They do ticket, and often. They do tow, and often.
- It can feel like there’s lots of street parking, but it isn’t easy, and spots do go quick (not that it’s not doable, but people not from DC often talk about how stressful it is).
- Street parking spots go quick, and you’ll likely be stuck driving around for 15-30 minutes downtown looking for a place and paying $7-10 for street parking. The ParkMobile App makes it easy to pay for parking and keep track of how much time you have/parking rules.
- Parking is expensive in garages. Typical rates are between $10 and $20 an hour. Valet parking at many hotels will be $40-60 a day. I recommend using SpotHero and booking ahead of time for a better deal, although it is still more expensive. Many hotels outside of DC have free parking.
- Parking in DC on Sundays is free almost everywhere. There may be a few special places where it isn’t free, but I’ve never seen them. Generally, parking is free on Sundays without a time limit.
4. Take the metro
DC’s public transit system is still one of the best in the US and very easy to use. I highly suggest choosing somewhere to stay with metro access (and maybe a great view?!) so that you can easily get around.
While Lyft and Uber are readily available around the city, they are expensive. I was recently in NY and was shocked at how much more I spent on a trip in DC than in NY on Uber/Lyft.
The metro goes to all the main attractions and neighborhoods, so you won’t have trouble getting around. It also extends into Maryland and Virginia, so you can even ride it if you’re staying outside DC.
You can download the SmartTrip app onto your phone and add funds. You can also tap your phone when you enter and exit, so you waste no time trying to pay at a machine.
However, it does take a bit of planning, as trains sometimes run every 15-20 minutes, so you have to time things. Google Maps is very accurate with times and makes navigating the metro easier.
5. Escalator etiquette
This may feel like something small, but it does make you stand out as a local vs. a visitor, so it can be helpful to know. Plus, there’s no faster way to make a local mad than to block them when they are hurrying on their commute or to their next meeting.
Escalator etiquette is to stand on the right and walk on the left. It’s simple, effective, and easy to follow. You will see people in a rush to get somewhere, and it’s easy to just stay on the right and allow people to pass.
6. Avoid potential scams and bad food
You need a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) or a concessions contract to sell on the National Mall. However, you will see tons of people selling things in this area. This doesn’t mean you’ll have a negative experience and could find a good deal on something, but it can be not good. Below are some things to watch out for and consider.
- People often solicit signatures around DC for political matters. Some are legal, good causes, and others are data mining attempts. You may feel pressured to sign on the spot, but it’s best to be informed before signing. I always ask for a website to research and sign petitions online later.
- As you walk past, some people will offer a pamphlet, small trinket, etc., when you’re strolling past them. As soon as you take it, they’ll ask you for money. Say no thank you and keep walking!
- Technically, the food trucks on the National Mall are illegal. Does this make them all bad? No. However, this does mean they are unregulated, so approach with caution. I have friends who’ve gotten sick. They’ve done investigations and found dirty water used, plus food could be sitting all day. Approach them with caution!
7. Most museums are free, but not all
Smithsonians are free or just cost $1 for an online reservation. These museums are incredible, but there are tons of other excellent museums you do need to pay for. I recommend going to at least one paid museum on a trip to DC.
Here are some fantastic free museums in DC (in addition to the Smithsonians):
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Powerful exhibits on the Holocaust (timed-entry passes recommended).
- Library of Congress – Beautiful architecture, historic books, and exhibitions.
- U.S. Botanic Garden – A living plant museum with exotic plants.
- National Archives Museum – Home to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
- Dumbarton Oaks Museum – Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art in a historic estate. Gardens are not free*
Here are some museums worth paying for in DC:
- International Spy Museum – Interactive exhibits on espionage history.
- National Museum of Women in the Arts – Dedicated to female artists.
- Phillips Collection – Modern art, including Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party.
- National Building Museum – Architecture and design exhibits.
- Hillwood Estate and Gardens – Historic home with stunning art and fabrige egg collection.
Some of these museums have free days or discounts for students, military, or seniors.
8. Taking at least one tour to learn about history is worth it
It can be easy with so many free things to do in DC to feel like you shouldn’t book any tours or pay additionally for things, but I believe that because there is sooo much history and sooo many things to do, taking one paid tour is truly worth it.
Taking a tour can help orient you and provide context on American History, especially the US Capital, which can help put the rest of your trip into context. Choose a tour based on your interests, and it will definitely be worth your time!
Here are a few tours to consider:
9. Food and drinks are considered expensive
The free museums are fabulous, and it’s easy to save on activities when in DC, but you should budget ahead for food and drinks. This cost adds up very quickly and is expensive compared to other US cities.
The average daily cost for food for a mid-range trip is around $66 per person. This means a person usually spends $20-30 on lunch and $30-40 on dinner.
That said, there are some great cheap eats in DC to check out! A few of my favorites are Andy’s Pizza, Roaming Rooster, Falafel Inc., and Bullfrog Bagels. See all my favorite cheap eats in DC here.
10. The best food is in the suburbs
That said, there are some amazing restaurants in DC, but my favorite places to eat are in the suburbs. Not only are spots cheaper, but they are also extremely tasty and diverse.
- Want some fantastic Korean food? Head to Annandale
- Looking for good Peruvian chicken? Arlington
- Fancy a steak house? Tyson’s Corner
- Grab delicious Ethiopian food? Silver Spring
- Affordable, delicious crabs? Oxon Hill
There are tons of great foods outside the city, and it’s well worth venturing out for! Maybe I should do a guide to food in the DMV soon, too…
11. DC gets all the seasons, sometimes within just a few weeks
One of the reasons I have a love hate relationship with this area is the weather. On the one hand, I love that we get all four seasons and things; it’s incredible. We have the beautiful fall leaves in Shenandoah during Autumn and the gorgeous cherry blossoms in the spring.
On the other hand, it can go from 60°F and sunny on a spring day to 20°F by 9 pm. This literally happened the week I am writing this article. HA
So, when planning a trip to DC, consider the weather and plan ahead. You may need to dress for two seasons in one trip, especially if you visit in the spring or fall. It can also get really hot (over 100°F) in the summer and below freezing in the winter.
12. Many museums are free, but you may still need a ticket
Earlier, we discussed how many of the museums are free. However, many also get crowded, so a timed entry ticket is required. These tickets often cost a $1 fee on the Smithsonian or National Park’s website to secure.
While they don’t always require a timed entry pass, and you may be able to just walk in, you may also be unlucky. I’ve had both happen to me. I would recommend just getting the pass ahead if you can.
Here are some that have timed entry/passes:
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National Air and Space Museum
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo
- National Archives Museum
- Library of Congress
- US Capitol
- Washington Monument
13. Stay aware of your surroundings
Like any major city, Washington, DC, is a major city where you need to stay aware of your surroundings for safety. Generally, tourist areas are very safe; however, that doesn’t mean pickpockets don’t exist.
It’s best to practice basic safety precautions, such as avoiding distractions, keeping an eye on belongings at all times, and staying in well-lit areas at night.
14. There’s always a cool, unique event happening around the city
If you want a truly unique experience, consider some cool, free, or cheap events around the city. Locals love these events, and are a chance to connect with the city beyond the typical experience.
- Happy Hour at Heurich House: Happy hour in the garden of the historic Heurich House. It happens in the summer; check their event page for more.
- Third Thursday at the Philips: Free extended hours from 5–8 pm on the third Thursday of the month at the Philips Collection
- Live at the Library: The Library of Congress hosts this event every Thursday from 5–8 pm for various performances, workshops, discussions, and happy hour.
- Jazz in the Garden: The free jazz concert series runs from 6–8:30 pm all summer
- Tudor Nights: Tudor Palace offers an exclusive look at archived artifacts and art, complete with cocktails and bites.
- National Gallery of Art: Hosts artist discussions and concerts during regular museum hours and after hours events.
I hope these tips for visiting Washington, DC, help you plan an amazing trip! I am biased, but I absolutely love this city, and by keeping these tips in mind, you’re sure to have an amazing trip!
If you’re ready to start planning, here are a few posts to help.
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We love visiting the Smithsonian museums, but have missed some of your other recommended museums. Looking forward to checking these out on a future visit.