20 Essential Tips for a First Visit to Washington, DC

[@walk4718]

We stayed within walking distance of the 3rd last Metro station in VA. The hotel rate was super reasonable and the ride to the Mall was quick. We used the Metro Circulator to navigate the monuments and museums. If you are fortunate enough to score a White House visit, you’ll need to drive into DC. We found the least expensive parking at the Willis hotel, only a short walk to the White House.

[@clindsay3406]

At what hotel did you stay? We are planning a trip soon

[@drrsbr89]

it's THE VOICE again...very distinct! Great video!

[@ChadGallivanter]

Wow, thank you!

[@yourhandleshouldbe]

as a lifelong resident of dc i want to personally thank you for telling visitors not to drive here 😂

[@tbraghavendran]

Why? You guys drive. Why shouldn't the others do the same?

[@trey4048]

@@tbraghavendran Use your critical thinking skills.

[@Wifi_Cable]

@tbraghavendran People in DC only have cars so they can out of DC.​ The city is so easy to get around by doot/bus/train. Additionally DC driving is quite dangerous and difficult. You will only make your trip worse by trying to drive inside the city.

[@JedRayner]

@@tbraghavendrantake it from a former resident, driving in the District is already a nightmare for people who have lived and worked in the city for years. As a tourist you’d be fighting for your life, fighting for the very limited parking, and pissing everyone off (it’s not just a tourist problem, locals are sometimes the WORSE drivers). Just take the Metro and use buses. Convenient, cheap (WMATA fare hikes are killing me though), and frankly I love D.C’s transit system. I’m actually writing this from the Metro. It’s, in my opinion, one of if not the easiest Metro system to use and familiarize yourself with. Just don’t stand on the left side of the escalators, don’t take up the-often narrow-walking space on the platform if you’re doing a leisurely stroll down the station (I don’t like having to pass entire gaggles of tourists blocking platform walking space when I’m getting to work), and lastly, PLEASE for the love of all that is holy, don’t stand in front of the doors while people are trying to exit. You’re bottlenecking hundreds of people. Don’t let my rant discourage you from utilizing the District’s transportation system 😅. Just understand and be aware that people live and work here, and that residents have places to be, just like you, but those places are our work, home, and lives. I’m talking like I still live here, but I guess I do. In my heart.

[@Jacklewis1026]

Would never drive in DC Your transit system is amazing . Plan on getting a one day pass and making the most of it

[@ramochai]

I lived exactly in that area for 5 years. The good and the bad. DC has great things to offer but for me it was never a permanent location. I like cities with cozy downtowns that has a lot less car traffic and more pedestrianized squares, market places, alleys and malls.

[@helenogbonna3361]

First time I saw Lincoln memorial my heart raced

[@marmar71]

Metro absolutely does service the National Mall. The Smithsonian station is right on the Mall, and L'Enfant Plaza and Federal Triangle are just off it.

[@roddiesimmons8773]

For safety sake, make sure you find a seat close to the metro door on the end closest to the escalators.

[@Scipio488]

@@roddiesimmons8773 🙄

[@kaveman_4242]

The black community usually makes the place unsafe, especially for Asians :(

[@raizedbynerdz8718]

I would throw in a a couple tips. We knew where we would be looking at during our time and got parking pre paid for with parking panda.Now called spot hero. So you can reserve a spot in parking garages. With the mentioned bus ride you can also get trolley tours which you can get off and on at stops. Also, the drivers are well knowledgeable about the history of the city, so you can learn things as well and see other things maybe not on your list

[@eddavis9506]

This is one of the better Washington DC videos I’ve seen better detail 🎉🎉🎉

[@ChadGallivanter]

Wow, thanks!

[@musashimarc7536]

Thanks for the good tips in this video !

[@JohnCregoWorldMusic]

Just did a bus tour of DC. this past April which included Mt. Vernon. All I can say is, I was impressed. The two times that were very emotional were George Washingtons grave site and The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. I don't mind saying I welled up and got teary. Maybe being a Navy vet had something to do with it. It was well worth the trip and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

[@helenogbonna3361]

I’ve been around the end of the rest I think but I wanna see more sites

[@Cenlalowell]

Good tips I really appreciate it.

[@justiceforall007]

Subscribed when I saw "for the Gen X traveler".❤

[@kalendamaya100]

Excellent information! Our gals travel group plans to visit DC in the fall. You’ve given us lots of helpful and useful suggestions. Thank you!

[@eddiew2325]

My friend works at the something something institute

[@ChadGallivanter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dr.baotran8448]

Great video. Thank you.

[@clauderoxboroughiii4444]

For live music, a neighborhood called Adam's Morgan is good. For good food and walking, a neighborhood called Georgetown is good, especially ending at Tony & Joes on the waterfront.

[@kalamehmohabbat6491]

Thank you for this beautiful video

[@jackiepylaw7988]

What a good place to explore! Thank you ChadGallivanter

[@Top.Mallorca]

Beautiful city! Greetings from Mallorca Spain! Like 👍

[@billspruce8368]

What would I have added to the list... sports!! Depending on the time of the year, DC is home to multiple sports teams... the Capitals of the NHL, Nationals of MLB, and the NFL's Commanders. I always try to catch a hockey or baseball game if I am in another city and the schedules mesh.

[@澤田優衣-x1v]

^_^らららら

[@cheryl62022]

Great video. Also include a inside/outside tour of the Pentagon and the silent drill team at the marine barrack downtown

[@raimondasmarciulevicius7599]

Chad, thank you for your lovely invitation to visit Washington, DC. I will visit Washington, DC, when I will become a millionaire. Chad, we are brilliant, noble and strong together.

[@alantubbs5113]

The Metro stop at McPherson Sq. (on the Blue Line) is where you get off to see the White House, then walk SW or ask for directions. Bring a camera!

[@helgabullabong]

Love Washington. This brought back happy memories. So much to see and do there. Watching your video I realise I need to revisit. Cheers

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thanks Helga!

[@JoseDiaz-lj2mp]

Excellent! Thank you for your video!

[@ChadGallivanter]

You are welcome!

[@frankiecacafranca2313]

super helpful videos. thank you so much!

[@ChadGallivanter]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@StopSettlerViolence]

Being at the end of Gen X I would like to say, “Thank you for the shout out”

[@Toxic_Muk]

Im from a smaller city in the north east and driving here is super easy and there a ton of parking 2 what im usto up north tho i love the availability of the city

[@dayindayout77]

This guy has been watching Texas Country Reporter with Bob Phillips.

[@roselineantoine4307]

Good video. I am planning to go in July

[@Jacob-kq6wb]

Greatest ❤

[@peggymicsky8607]

The Cherry Blossoms are so pretty in the Spring. Fun, historical city but large with lots to see and tiring! Don't forget to visit Georgetown.

[@Mob-ze9nh]

Are beaches swimmable during the spring up there?

[@robnewman6101]

I had been to Washington D.C one time before.

[@harmoniedingui8476]

Sweet! I want to go to see the LoC!!! I would EXPLODE! 😂😂😂🤓 planning my trip

[@ChadGallivanter]

The LOC definitely one of our faves!

[@jeremysmith7708]

All good tips and recommendations save using Metro. Due to a train derailment in October 2021, nearly 60% of its rail trains are not in use causing significant headways between trains. Additionally, maintenance on the bridge than connects the yellow line from DC to Virginia and work to tie in a new station south of Reagan will result in significant disruptions along the Blue and Yellow Lines in Virginia in September 2022. Until these are addressed and Metro demonstrates it can safely return to pre-pandemic service levels, one should look for alternative means to travel within the District and surrounding areas in Virginia and Maryland.

[@maviswanczy8351]

Hello

[@davidmoser3535]

its all GOOD

[@infolover_68]

I miss being there again!!

[@WencesYahya]

Amazing very attracted my heart washington DC

[@christophermagnan4792]

I am surprised Embassy Row was not presented. The embassies coordinate open houses in the fall.

[@kckgirl78]

I drove in DC *once*…….never again. When I tried the METRORAIL system it was a wrap. I’ll always use public transportation in DC.

[@mercedesbryant3]

What about if traveling with a toddler in winter? Would you still suggest ditching a rental car?

[@sassycatz4470]

First off, there is a Metro stop right on the Mall unironically called, Smithsonian. Secondly, DC is proposing phasing out the Circulator in 2025, much to my unhappiness. I use the route that goes through Georgetown all the time. As for things you missed, there are estates to visit within DC's city limits, like Dumbarton Oaks and Hillwood. The latter is in the Van Ness neighborhood and is the former home of the heiress, Marjorie Merriweather Post. There's always events and exhibits there, not to mention the artifacts she collected. She was the mother of the actress, Dina Merrill. Also, when mentioning independent bookstores, I'm surprised you didn't bring up Politics and Prose, which has three locations. The main store hosts constant author appearances of some of the most famous authors and politicos who have written books. The main store is in Forest Hills, north of the Van Ness metro station. Surprised you didn't mention the Wharf which has some good restaurants, Arena Stage Theater, and The Anthem -- a place to hear live music. (By the way, in that same neighborhood, you can pick up a boat that will take you to Mt. Vernon. The cost of the boat ride to and fro also includes tickets to the estate.) Also there is some great theater in D.C. besides the Kennedy Center. There is Woolly Mammoth, The Harmon Shakespeare Theater and the Landsburg, The Folger, The Roundhouse, Fords theater, the Keegan, and many more. For some great boutique shopping get off at the King Street Metro in Alexandria and take the free shuttle to all the shops, dining, and some historical buildings.

[@badabing8152]

Surprised you think a 20 minute video is going to include every single location and every single store and every single bus stop and every single pigeon and every single rat and every single car and every single McDonalds and every single hobo.

[@sassycatz4470]

@@badabing8152 I certainly did.

[@shakinafrink7030]

Saw some of it 😢❤wish I could go back

[@名誉ために日本人天の祖先]

Thank you for your steady wisdom and down to earth leadership, american democrats, I only see victories for you and this is optimal. I am not taking this for granted. When I see congresspeople, shifting to the side to display democrat allegiances and assure the people in person that there is no damage to american equality (the senate does not live better than the normal american people) I am comforted by their explanation. They feel the time is to accentuate the intelligence and wisdom of Americans as individals. Not many fall for the deliberate attempts at disturbing morality and constitutional structure of the United States, those who innocently may have been ked astray as realized to be highly gullible and then educated. I am appreciating the brain's synergy with american lifestyles and cultural mixing in the US, I am aware of the high vibration wisdom and convenience caused by the closeness and peace of the cultures. I am grateful for USA government officials for politely reassuring liberal rule in an otherwise tumultous time, they are saying they were allowed to do so mostly by medical recommendations. Keep principle first, do not betray your UNITED STATES HOMELAND keep principle first Grateful for KAMALA HARRIS

[@jessicajones5742]

so cool place to visit there

[@jeffb.4800]

What kind of sunglasses are you wearing?

[@jerusalem7576]

Been there and I think a lovely City 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@estherdelgado1167]

Where do you recommend parking for a day? We’re visiting DC for the day. We would like to park and walk through the day.

[@PenToPictureProduction]

It's the nice voice and amazing videos

[@twoblink]

Wish this video was chaptered....

[@randallporter4835]

The District is awful in July. I am done it way to many times. Now I am going to do it in Late Sept.

[@paulcho1692]

I was going to go mid-July for a few days but thanks for this heads up

[@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094]

Why is it so bad then?

[@robertdavies3593]

@@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094 It's extremely hot and humid in July - August. The past few weeks has been around 95f with a heat index of ~105f. Which makes it miserable to be around walking / sight seeing in the area. Spring and Fall are by far the best times to visit.

[@a.sam.2976]

"The Exorcist" staircase is also in DC

[@loisaustin6200]

Georgetown.

[@bart2923]

Excellent

[@sinasofreitas]

Country house in the next few days later in this area is the best of luck with your friends and neighbours for their support and guidance on how much it would be a bit like the look of it, and a half hours ago save money on a daily basis of the year and the family are all well aware that the company has been sent by email to a few weeks ago by the time of booking and money are safe with us, but it was the only way.

[@strll3048]

Thank you.

[@ChadGallivanter]

You're welcome!

[@Чебурь-э7т]

ЭФБО-11-24 🤟🤙

[@simonerapple9751]

How do you organise a tour of WH if you are not American?

[@evaolson5541]

Check with your embassy

[@Marisol20101]

How about places to eat?

[@papagramps1257]

there are A LOT of good (but sometimes overpriced) fine dining resteraunts downtown around the white house but you can pretty much go anywhere in the city and there will be great small businesses everywhere. But popular places tend to be Ben’s chili bowl in U-street and pretty much anywhere in Georgetown

[@saje007]

Thanks! What about for some good pho or asian food or street food?​@@papagramps1257

[@sinasofreitas]

Very difficult to estay when I have importantion emprezario my finished document to behavior all conectionew agri some egois in dedicated other fans athores i'm rich chouse multimate and different types of people in my opinion the same time as the first one is the best way to go for it is the most important part in this area is the best way.

[@jamesstaal673]

Washington D.C. is one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. If you disagree, the gift of eyesight has been lost on you.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Agree!

[@TheLCarine]

merci

[@КириллКурбаков]

Скиньте ответы на вопросы по этому видео, мне чет впаду искать. МИРЭА, работаем

[@minasotah]

How dare you not mention the National Air & Space Museum. For any one with families it is a must visit.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Specific museums are not what this particular video was about, and you should know that through context. However, the Air and Space Museum IS mentioned in a follow up video I did about the best places to visit in DC.

[@giulianalongoni6950]

@@ChadGallivanter Ho guardato la lista dei video del tuo canale: complimenti! E grazie! Ci sono vari luoghi che ho visitato, e sono stata spesso in Florida: con i tuoi video imparerò ad apprezzare ancora meglio quanto ho visto. Sono innamorata di Washington e questo video mi piace tantissimo! Un caro saluto dal Veneto.

[@mitchellvancoppenolle5535]

Was that Darth Vader at 10:32

[@johnmaster3748]

I saw the same thing!

[@jenniewatson6596]

Yes

[@RealJMCproductions]

I’ll be safe in the tourist areas right? Just wanna be sure since I’ve heard a couple things

[@eddiew2325]

No you need to go to the hood

[@WaluyaDar]

Washington DC is the most famous city in the world.

[@nematoad]

No it isn’t lol

[@ThunderMan690]

Washington dc beach park

[@blaccfeather5803]

When you come to DC make sure you visit Southeast and Northeast, the foods are tasty 😈

[@helenogbonna3361]

I dunno it was this wide all I saw were food trucks

[@leiladesilva]

👏👏👏

[@名誉ために日本人天の祖先]

I am grateful for the Washington Post for publishing more anti Trump material, I am grateful to be aware that the Post staff appreciates being acknowledged and appreciates hearing feedback from the people. I wish with my heart and prayers that the paper continues to be unbiased and noncorrupted especially by corporate influence

[@eilidhmac117]

I am grateful for the next four years.

[@user_0400-v6k]

👍

[@kaveman_4242]

The need a Latin museum! It would be much better than the colored people museum

[@名誉ために日本人天の祖先]

Gratitude for the USA CONGRESS for severely regulating DT's potential presidential power and not ruling out a constitutional disqualification for office in January under the fourteenth amendment. You serve the American people by serving as a check on unregulated presidential power

[@johnhughes1196]

Don’t go unless you have a Federal agent to protect you.

[@chrisnapolion9568]

My ex wife lives there

[@wdai03]

Should I visit?

[@chrisnapolion9568]

Yes

[@Missybella92227]

@@wdai03 😂😂😂

[@layeqleyaqat99]

2024 I will come this year inshallah

[@名誉ために日本人天の祖先]

Grateful for Kamala Harris, amazing person amazing behind the scenes leader, I am grateful for all she has done for the USA that the public does not know about

[@eilidhmac117]

Oh yeah, 😂

[@theresajardin6947]

Id love to get married to a good one but too bad Canada haf their own doctors poiiosned me I only remember usa army I got a man there 10/19/87. Hahaha bikers

[@ЕвгенийЧебодаев-ю8м]

What law needs to be passed in order for the right laws to be passed? Yes?

[@dt8762]

The first thing you do is don't ever go.

[@andreakoch7620]

Another city that doesn't allow dogs on public transport... So funny they're trying to get people to use public transport, and then don't allow dogs haha! I'm not going anywhere without my pup. Looks like I'll have to drive after all

[@Dbb27]

Good.

[@domesticcat5069]

💬 😽

[@carleeroseterangi6923]

400 towns traveling worldwide chaos. Financially

[@martijnkeisers5900]

Best tip? Don't go, probably the most boring capital in the world..

[@jaykay1899]

What capitals are better do you think?

[@stokeslyon2963]

Screw Washington DC!

[@drock5404]

Don't visit

[@davidmoser3535]

DROCK!

[@AndrewHamilton517]

Any reason why?

[@papagramps1257]

@@AndrewHamilton517 ignore them, DC is a beautiful and great city to visit. They’re more likely a DC native like me that can be annoyed by the tourists clogging up the city, but regardless of that DC is an amazing place to visit with a lot of things to do/see

[@Whimper_forme]

@@AndrewHamilton517 he’s probably a local lol

[@jburr2468]

I have to. My son wants to go😢... Family is everything right.

[@JudenRick]

best tip, DON'T GO! the risk of violent crime is outrageous

[@BenThere_DoneThat]

Fox News Lies. Just ask Murdoch.

[@papagramps1257]

lmao that’s such an overblown deal. Yes DC has a lot of crime as so does every other city in the world, but as a tourist, if you’re staying in “touristy areas” or pretty much anywhere in NW or near the capital, 99% chance you’ll be fine

[@jaykay1899]

Oh come on don’t spread fear like that. I’ve never had a single issue in DC. Of course it exists but literally every city has sketchy neighborhoods somewhere. But don’t paint it out to be like it’s some war zone everywhere in DC lol

[@CarolineKitchen-jd3cg]

Should be locked away from the rest of the country with the key given only to the citizens ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!!

[@nualprapasn7861]

3Visit

[@irisseraphim]

White house is so small like an easy target

[@aerinellis1133]

Thanks for all the tips!

[@ChadGallivanter]

You bet!