8 things to know before a trip to Washington, DC

26.03.2024 - 23:31 / lonelyplanet.com

Washington, DC, is surprisingly easy to navigate – this is, after all, America's first planned city, laid out according to a grid system and intentionally filled with leafy parks and town squares. That said, a little pre-trip planning goes a long way here, especially if you're hoping to check out its museums and government buildings, many of which have strict rules.

But don't get us wrong – this place is a dream to explore, and with the help of the following tips, it's one you're guaranteed to fall in love with.

There are various reasons why the timing of your visit is an important factor. To start with, DC gets incredibly hot and humid during the later summer months. August and September are the warmest, while you'll enjoy cooler weather (and lower prices) in early spring and autumn. Another reason to visit in spring? The city's famous cherry blossoms have filled the city with color since 1912, when Japan gifted the American people Sakura trees as a symbol of friendship. These trees – many of which can be found on the National Mall – generally bloom between mid-March and early April.

Washington, DC, is an incredibly walkable city once you've got your bearings, but it's also easy to underestimate just how hot and muggy it can get in the summer. Additionally, the sheer number of monuments, galleries and museums in DC can be a little overwhelming initially. Book a coach tour and you'll not only get a fantastic insight into the city, but you'll be ferried between its main landmarks in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. The hop-on, hop-off Big Bus tours operate five routes, including ones that focus on the National Mall. One-day tickets start from $54 for adults and $45 for children aged between three and 12 (children under three ride for free).

America's capital has a neat, organized layout that is pedestrian-friendly, and this calls for a decent pair of shoes. Take the National Mall: it's easy to underestimate its size, but this monument-filled park is actually two miles long. Similarly, some of the city's museums are absolutely enormous, like the National Air and Space Museum, where exhibits – including the world's largest collection of historic aircraft – fill a building the same length as three city blocks. 

DC is one of America's more expensive cities, but you'll get much more bang for your buck if you book accommodations outside the downtown core. Consider neighborhoods such as historic Georgetown or the waterfront Navy Yard district. Another option is to base yourself in Arlington, Virginia, an urban county just across the Potomac River. Hotel rooms here are much cheaper, and the city's fast, efficient metro network makes it easy to get to downtown DC via its yellow and blue lines.

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