Visit DC - The DON'Ts of Visiting Washington, DC

[@bronwynecg]

OMG as a DC area native I cannnot stress how important it is to STAND ON THE FRIGGING *RIGHT* .....

[@woltersworld]

I tried to spread the good word

[@arrgghh1555]

Isn't this like common curtsey for everywhere you go (except reversed in left drive countries)?

[@bronwynecg]

+Arrgghh nooooooppppppeeeeeeeee * *way* * too many tourists here do not know this and crowd around everywhere willy-nilly. It's so annoying when there's a rush >_< I tend to avoid the tourist trap areas during the summer cause who really needs the headaches...

[@Reddsoldier]

As a Londoner i know the pain as well. That and people who just stop while walking down the pavement without stepping to the side! They should just be rounded up and shot to the south bank with a cannon.

[@bronwynecg]

Reddsoldier I went to London about 25 years ago as a teen and I'm pretty sure I typified an idiot American teenager/tourist. Really fun times despite having nearly gotten hit by vehicles at the first couple of streets (whoops) :/ Lovely city just nobody really prepared us properly for it .....

[@PicassoBabyDC]

**Native Washingtonian watching for accuracy lol.**

[@anonymous_yo_mama6728]

Was it accurate?

[@CoolioXXX52]

@@anonymous_yo_mama6728 yes

[@alyzaen2134]

Sameee

[@SherriLyle80s]

Yep

[@junior3dc]

Agreed.

[@ericnathan9843]

Don't eat at any museum food. $9 for a big mac meal in the McDonald in air and space museum. If you must find some food that is fast and quick, take the metro to either union station or Pentagon City because they both have a food court. 😎🤗🤗😎

[@edisonwato]

Eric Nathan FYI there is a McDonalds one block away at 4th St SW and C. Also more food options at L’Enfant Plaza about three blocks away from Air and Space Museum.

[@papagramps1257]

Or just any food trucks that are located everywhere

[@rickniu4153]

I mean.. thats how much a big mac meal costs anywhere in Boston

[@feitraspace4801]

@@rickniu4153 and D.C. lol

[@liekevandijck3130]

A small sandwich at the Smithsonian museum is like $11,50

[@veronicavaquer6812]

As someone who lives in DC - I'm impressed with how you nailed DC. Your tips are dead on.

[@idk_bud]

..... As someone who lives in poverty blocks - I'm impressed with how you nailed unproductive government. Your tips are dead on.

[@papagramps1257]

Philip Angelo bro wtf

[@idk_bud]

@@papagramps1257 ... Never been to the hood ?

[@jordankelly4684]

Keep your ignorant ass in the hood where you belong Phillip.

[@nickperry5790]

Also, Don't be alarmed if a street randomly gets shut down and cop cars and SUVs come flying around the corner. Motorcades are daily life there.

[@LesserAndrew]

Good one. Just wait patiently, they disappear as quickly as they appear. MPD and USSS don't want to sit around blocking traffic any longer than necessary.

[@EliteKhajiit]

Generally speaking, the phrase "I've got a bomb!" is frowned upon.

[@TandaSandaBanda]

😂

[@pizzasteve5825]

Yeah capitol police especially

[@lovelyheiferdev]

That's for any American city.

[@pizzasteve5825]

@Maddock fitzsimmins hehe yeah

[@The_Otto_Von_Bismarck]

Could I say that in an airport?

[@beachbum0014]

You're in my city???!!! OMG, welcome! And yes, haha! Walk to the left, stand to the right! Also, don't stand right in front of the metro doors before they open, please stand to the side so people can get off first. Make sure to visit the neighborhoods, too (Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, Logan Circle, Columbia Heights, etc.)! DC isn't just the national mall and we have great restaurants and gorgeous rowhouses all over the city!

[@woltersworld]

We had a fun visit. And everyone we talked to in DC wanted us to STRESS the stand right walk left :)

[@TripHacksDC]

It's definitely worth venturing into the neighborhoods to see some of the non-Federal side of the city.

[@funghazi]

Thanks for making that repeated point about walking on the left, people joke about it but oh man people get annoyed quick.

[@gorymarty56]

Georgetown area is awesome

[@FoVic]

I know he's in D.C. Lmao this was a long time a ago too and be aware of skaters.

[@tempestfury8324]

Here's some for ya: Be respectful. These monuments are considered hollowed ground. If it's cordoned/roped off...don't pass the barrier! Don't wade in fountains! Don't litter! This is our nation's capital, please have courtesy and respect.

[@patricksheehan8157]

I agree with that to a point. If the Veterans could see little kids wading in the fountains I would imagine they would smile. At the same time of course be respectful. They gave their lives for those kids, I expect they would appreciate them just being kids.

[@lagavulin08]

*Hallowed. Except Arlington, that one might call hollowed grounds.

[@D.J.283]

I hate seeing kids climbing on statues so disrespectful.

[@markokelly2494]

Probably good advice in any nation's capital.

[@WashingtonDC20032]

Make sure you try the Fried Chicken Wings and Mumbo Sauce from the local Carry Out! ❤ We pride ourselves on good Mumbo Sauce.

[@lakersin556]

I've heard about this sauce, I'll definitely seek it out when I get to D.C.

[@thomasrj7390]

YES SIRRRRRR people sleep on our food bro check out our ethiopian too it's beautiful

[@jjamerican93]

Yes! And try out Ben’s Chili Bowl 😃

[@ddot879]

YASSS

[@deborahannhawkins]

I second that. ❤

[@karencrookedfingerscraft3408]

Don't even bother driving in DC! Take the Metro and bus it is so easy!!! Stay in Germantown, MD and take the Metro to and from DC. This is what my family has done for decades. PLEASE show respect at Arlington. Be silent, and men/boys take off your hats at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Thank you.

[@buckybarnes3803]

Karen CrookedFingersCraft thanks for the good advice Karen Wollstonecraft

[@boatlover1875]

In general I agree about staying outside the city. Germantown is a bit far and beyond the Metros direct reach. There are many hotels in the suburbs adjacent to Metro stops than can be very reasonable except during the highest seasons, even so cheaper than those downtown. Rockville, Alexandria, Silver Spring, Arlington, Rosslyn, Bethesda, Greenbelt and even several areas in DC (NW) on the Metro but nearer the suburbs. Of season, you can get great rates at inner city hotels.

[@borismarkov1141]

Just want to reiterate the advice to not go driving around in this city. The cities layout is purposefully confusing, all kinds of traffic cameras everywhere, no parking. Metro or Rideshare

[@brunoschenkman8951]

I agree with finding a hotel within walking distance to a Metro Station just outside DC. I like being opposite the river in Virginia. There are many choices of hotels situated along the Metro Orange/Silver Lines in Virginia which take you straight into the city centre. And if you are driving in from the south or west or flying into Dulles International, more convenient and saves you time and stress.

[@gorymarty56]

Exactly, plus hotels are cheaper in the burbs

[@russell28533]

I grew up and currently live in DC. It cannot be understated about the traffic. Especially from 7am to 10am.

[@stevenkelly9731]

Its like most large cities...drive if you want.

[@mamadouaziza2536]

Yeah, try driving in London or Paris.. Hell, Los Angeles becomes a parking lot most of the time because of the traffic.. I find DC's traffic much easier than those cities.

[@mamadouaziza2536]

@Nextmagen Really? I thought DC had a daytime population of nearly 1 million people? 600k residents in the city and well over 4 million in the metro area? The subway is the second busiest in the USA and DC has the second highest office space in the nation behind NYC and at one time in the early 2000s, the DC area was only second after the Los Angeles area in terms of traffic and shopping malls.. How can DC now suddenly become the least populated city?

[@keturah7749]

Tell me about it

[@ilovejuleslane]

I just use rock creek parkway

[@noefloresdmv]

For your own safety, Don't get anywhere near a SECRET SERVICE motorcade! Just get the hell out of their way. You can be arrested and/or injured if you get too close. Also, just keep in mind that you are under surveillance from the moment you enter the city to the point you leave.

[@AstarionWifey]

That’s kinda creepy wtf 😳

[@marcel693]

@@AstarionWifey There are eyes everywhere. at the top of the White House, on the roof. They follow you when you walk by

[@delta5-126]

@@AstarionWifey I mean DC is litteraly where the governing body of the US, Of couse it will be heavily defended so im not surprised.

[@hannahdyson7129]

Why would anyone want to do that anyway?

[@mikem5475]

That's a joke, you think there's enough manpower to watch thousands and thousands of people individually? No

[@ArinGokdemir]

Also: DO NOT HOLD OPEN THE METRO DOORS. It delays a good 1,000 people from getting where they need to go each time you do that

[@dickbuttkiss937]

lol I’m gonna hold up the metro for like a good 15 minutes to piss people off

[@kellyshand2216]

and they make everyone get off the train! Then you got 2 full rush hour trains pissed at some tourist. Fun times.

[@INTJosh]

@@kellyshand2216 Agreed. the doors aren't like elevator doors, they don't open back up automatically, only if someone is stuck, and they tend to break if you force them, and often that means the whole train goes out of service, so they offload everyone and now you have double the people on the platform so they can't all cram into the next train.

[@kellyshand2216]

@@INTJosh I know. I live here. I take the metro regularly.

[@tyto3948]

Standing on the right CANNOT be stressed enough! We love tourist BUT standing on the left might get a tourist hurt. Terrific video

[@33ajjose]

Congress Heights has nothing to do with congress. Enter at your own risk

[@str8up2daflo50]

Alex Johnson Shut tf Up

[@str8up2daflo50]

Alex Johnson oh yeah I was around there yesterday nothing at all to fear Southside

[@33ajjose]

Well it fucking don’t. Now what?

[@rellvilleterrace]

😂😂😂😂

[@christchild1711]

😂 😂 lol , dnt y'all do it

[@gracesaw]

don’t forget that there is REALLY good food very close to DC, like in Virginia or Maryland, and it can be cheaper

[@angelamitchel3984]

Grace Sawyer and visit Arlington, Alexandria, Tysons if looking for more local stuff :)

[@TripHacksDC]

These are some really fantastic DC Don'ts. I hope everyone who comes watches it beforehand so they know not to stand on the left (and many other things)! Thanks for including me for a few of these. Looks like you really enjoyed your trip!

[@woltersworld]

We had a great time. Thanks Rob for the fun tour of the monuments as well

[@tyishaallen5061]

Omg the Metro thing is the realest thing ever. But I would also stress this important thing. DON'T GET ON THE TRAIN WHILE PEOPLE ARE GETTING OFF, WAIT. Also saying excuse me when you run into people. Don't be rude and hold the door for the person behind you

[@mamadouaziza2536]

Its like that on all subways around the world

[@loveandlondon]

Don’t stand on the left - just like in London! ;)

[@TripHacksDC]

Yes! I'm thinking of putting it on a t-shirt or something.

[@drewlaroo4698]

Jess I can tell you that I haven't rode the tube ever in London but if I ever do I know as a fact to never stand on the left. Londoners are very passionate about not having to see so many people taken out on the left. Love your channel :)

[@sairahsheikh6509]

And NY!

[@emasinaa]

london sounds like a wonderful place

[@295g295]

> 6:56 < I thought in London England, maybe you would stand to the left, and pass on the right.

[@colormedubious4747]

As someone who grew up in the DC area, it was a total culture shock when I first visited a museum in another city and they actually had the sheer, unmitigated AUDACITY to attempt to CHARGE ME MONEY to enter their fourth-rate tourist trap! Take that, MoMA, you sleazy roadside snake farm!

[@robertmorris2056]

😆

[@aaronschaefer4167]

Exactly! 💯 😂

[@ninabee22]

As a DC native, I cannot thank you enough for this video🙌🏼

[@josephb1884]

As a resident of the DC metro area - All of these are gold, especially #1. Please be mindful of the people around you. Extra tip - Don't bring any bags to the White House tour. Secret Service will not let you bring them inside.

[@prdaisy2]

As a DC resident for two decades I’m so impressed with your tips. They are right on point. I’ll trust your videos. Stopping in the middle on the sidewalk drives me crazy so that for adding that one.

[@TheSaneHatter]

I lived in Northern Virginia for 4 years in the early 80's, and visited DC and all the other landmarks many, many times. This brought back a lot of memories. I will definitely endorse the idea of pacing yourself when you visit the museums. I've seen all three of the major branches of the Smithsonian, both with my family and with school/camp groups, and we NEVER tried to do more than one in a day. For pity's sake: in the Air & Space Museum alone (my hands-down fave), you see the Wright brothers plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, Yeager's X-1, and the Apollo 11 capsule hanging over your head, just entering the *lobby!* If the rest of the museum is that packed, how do you expect to hit that and all the others before sundown!?

[@samcramer9192]

COOOL

[@brunoschenkman8951]

Yes, in DC you can suffer from museum overload if you aren't careful.

[@coriiiiii2558]

Please keep in mind that it’s ridiculously insulting for outsiders to disrespect the culture of DC. I get extremely upset hearing non natives talk crap about historic HBCU campuses or live gogo music being played on street corners.

[@loudnink4465]

Chris L you wouldn’t even know the culture

[@coriiiiii2558]

@@loudnink4465 Thank you. I don't know what this man is on about

[@calebbalmo3466]

Chris L you need some mumbo sauce

[@MrEvanfriend]

DC has no culture. I'm not a native, but I moved to Northern Virginia, and commute to DC. Nobody is from here, everyone just moved here from everywhere else. DC is entirely soulless.

[@RO-qn5xd]

Evan Friend bahahaha “I live in nova but am not native and work with a bunch of transplants. My opinion on DC culture matters.” Clown 🤡

[@angbandsbane]

One don't on the Metro too is that you don't need to wait for the turnstile gate to close before you tap your metro card.

[@cmfaraday]

You nailed it on the Metro guides. As a native, here's a couple more: (1) Don't bring your firearm. DC has very strict gun laws. (2) Don't be mislead by the length of the National Mall. Walking from the Capitol to Lincoln Memorial is a couple of miles, so unless you're an avid hiker, break up your walking to manageable lengths. (3) Don't be afraid to ask for directions or help. We natives are used to lost tourists and can probably point you in the right direction. Try to pick someone, though, who looks helpful - a lot of workers rushing somewhere won't have time to talk.

[@Scipio488]

"(2) Don't be mislead by the length of the National Mall. " The importance of this cannot be overstated. My office is on the Mall so I have spent a lot of time. It will suck the life from you and even THE WILL TO LIVE if you think everything is close just because you can SEE it.

[@funghazi]

You make a good point about the bus tours. I'm a local and on a lark, took a DC Ducks tour from Union Station, totally worth it. Drove around the city, went out into the river, saw planes landing close up by the airport at Gravelly Point, got to see the city from a whole new vantage point. Highly recommended.

[@TripHacksDC]

This is the bus tour I usually recommend if people insist on one. Going onto the water is pretty unique. Kids love it.

[@EVILGOKU1986]

The duck tour was so cool, driving In the city on a boat was wild.

[@davidherb8224]

Gettysburg and Harpers Ferry are just 1.5 hours outside of DC too. Harpers Ferry is a really must see. The town, the history (think John Brown), the rivers, the gap where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers converge and the view from the overlook after you hike up there is breathtaking.

[@kmaher1424]

Anotger vote for Harper's Ferry. Famously historical.The natural beauty was a surprise

[@christydehner105]

As a native Washingtonian , I have to say that this is the best video for advice to tourists that I’ve seen.

[@eddiew2325]

hi christy did you know washington dc is the capital of the state of washington

[@anthrowahine]

Welcome to my adopted city! Spot on about everything, but you forgot one major thing, DC is full of nature! Don't forget to visit some of the natural parks (both National Parks beyond the National Mall and State Parks in Maryland and Virginia)! Rock Creek. The Nationa Arboretum, and Kennilworth Aquatic Gardens are great ways to enjoy nature in DC.

[@kutie216]

anthrowahine Don't forget the Great Falls & C & O canal! It may be technically be in "Maryland", but its right outside of DC and probably one of my favorite sights around here.

[@mamadouaziza2536]

I think people pretty much know DC is really a city inside of a huge green space, you can clearly see this when flying in and out of Nation Airport.

[@bryancorts5389]

Riverbend park is worth the stop

[@charlie2ism]

Isn't DC known as the city of trees?

[@Grimpy970]

THANK YOU for linking TripHacksDC! His channel is filled with so much valuable, highly specific content

[@geekforlife003]

Places to visit outside of D.C. proper: Air and Space Museum in Chantilly; Six Flags America in P.G. County; and National Harbor in Oxon Hill MD (opposite Old Town Alexandria VA - another great spot). Nightlife: U Street corridor between 5th and 16th; Dupont Circle (18th and Connecticut Avenue NW south of Q St. ); Adams Morgan (18th Street north of U Street NW); Georgetown waterfront (K St. after 30th NW); the SE/SW waterfront along Maine Avenue; Chinatown all around the Capital One Arena; and the H Street NE corridor between 3th and 14th. And that's just a start!

[@IdesofMarch223]

geekforlife003 Cleveland Park is a little gem if you’re downtown or in NW

[@armandaraghi2502]

DuPont and Adams Morgan = gay town

[@umakarunakaran4626]

Oh yeah, Old Town and The National Harbor are absolutely wonderful

[@ticklemebrown52]

Utilize the water taxi that leave from Southwest Waterfront to Arlington Virginia and the National Harbor

[@felixw8004]

When I visited D.C. in 2016, *I loved Washington.* We even were in the White House and the Chapitol. *It was amazing!*

[@901kingful]

Something to be aware of from a local. If you are driving to the city or metro there is free, yes FREE PARKING on sundays. I live in maryland on the red line and the best times to visit the city is on sunday, its way less crowded and much cheaper to get around.

[@cmarnold78]

Perfect! As someone who has lived in central DC for the last 8 years this is spot on. Love the first rule. We call them escalefters!

[@gmw143]

As someone who works and lives in metropolitan DC, you are right on point with everything you’ve mentioned in your video. I have a new level of respect that you really do know what your talking about. Listen to the man people. He’ll save you a lot of time and embarrassment. Thanks again for a great video

[@TripHacksDC]

The Wolters definitely know how to do their homework before they visit a new place!

[@hollieshuler8024]

Don’t be fooled into thinking, the Lincoln Memorial is just right there. It looks close because of it’s size. From the Capital to the Lincoln Memorial, it is a good 2 mile walk!

[@frenchsqueaky7762]

As a 8th grader going to DC in two weeks, I would like to personally apologize to anyone who gets stuck behind our group while we’re on our trip... xD

[@kyrawright5056]

Y’all piss me off so thankful for this apology

[@TriniLush7]

laurensawonder how did you guys make out in the city?

[@frenchsqueaky7762]

Coach Trini We did alright! As far I know we didn’t make anyone upset... We weren’t even in the District half of the time (we also went to Charlottesville and Gettysburg), and it surprisingly wasn’t that crowded when we went to see the monuments and memorials. So overall, we did alright. xD

[@jarcat2268]

I bet $10 you went to the pentagon city mall

[@christinepapio6929]

As someone who has lived and worked (and still do) in the DC area for 7+ years, this list is spot on! I had to chuckle when you mentioned the left and right on the escalators ... that is a pet peeve for a lot of locals who use the metro to get to work. Many tourists don't know this unwritten rule and end up being a bottleneck for people passing through.

[@peanutlover5998]

I live near DC, you can always tell the tourists from the locals, nearly every single tourist is either wearing a school uniform or a “I love DC” shirt.

[@woltersworld]

Eggplant Eggs or a wolters world shirt :)

[@gorymarty56]

Lol

[@milesfolley6840]

Not true. Some DC cats put DC tattoos, the city flag for example, on their body...

[@peanutlover5998]

Miles Folley True, but for most tourist, it rests solely with shirts

[@milesfolley6840]

Eggplant Eggs Eggplant Eggs maybe it’s circle because artists I’m around who are from DC wear I love dc shirts, or I’m from dc shirts, or etcetera here and there Tourists wear conventional stuff like what they get from that tourist spot across from the fbi building. And I am from DC. Usually the some who wear those shirts are people who want to perpetrate like they’re from DC.

[@RugbyNick6]

Here are some tips: 1. Go for bike rides on the trails 2. Check out the arboretum 3. Go to the Portrait Gallery and then get dinner at one of the great restaurants immediately around it. 4. Do the Lincoln Memorial at night and then walk over to the Vietnam, Korean, MLK, and FDR memorials. You don't need to see the Washington Monument up close and skip the Jefferson, he was an ass anyway. 5. Maybe skip Georgetown but go to Alexandria or the Hill. 6. Get out to eat on U St, Dupont, or Adams Morgan for a taste of DC. Do 14th St between Rhode Island Ave and Florida Ave for the gentrified DC experience.

[@HenggaoCai]

Compared to NYC, The metro is clean. However NYC subway system runs 365/24/7

[@conradsmith4696]

Also the Northern Neck of VA is a hidden gem, full of beautiful shores, cliffs and rolling hills of vineyards.

[@charlabowers1483]

Thank you for mentioning the stand to the right on the escalator rule. I commuted to DC for work for 8 years and invariably would see this rule broken especially during the summer touristy months. It drove me crazy. I rank it up there with seeing someone walk like a zombie while starring at their cell phone (like a zombie). Awesome tips.

[@derrickfox1698]

THANK YOU!!!! Mentioning #1 alone should get you a Nobel Prize.

[@laughsngasps]

I wish I could put this on a huge monitor at every metro station and some on the streets to soothe my dc native soul

[@GratiaCountryman]

If you’re having lunch, many office buildings have inexpensive food courts and cafes in the bottom of the building. Look for the office buildings next to the Metro stations. That’s one way to save money. Also, DC has good street food next to the office buildings, and if you go a little bit off the Mall, the prices on street food drop.

[@mrcarter1685]

Live in Washington DC don't take your a** in the hood Stay down town

[@MrOu83]

mr carter - So I guess Woolley Park, Cleveland Park, Tenyleytown, Friendship Heights, Black Gold Coast (upper 16th Street where the black elites live) are to be avoided? None of these places is in downtown D. C.

[@feitraspace4801]

Lmaooo come ti deanwood

[@C4RT1987]

Lol....no southeast for the tourists....no Minnesota ave? Dont deprive people

[@tgar1640]

feitras pace 😂 of all places

[@feitraspace4801]

@@tgar1640 wat u mean

[@CharlotteDrillsAndBeefs]

Native Washingtonian, 1. Don't go to lower SE. #2 Don't go to some parts of NE.

[@GROZNAYA]

I think it’s fair to say the DC across the Anacostia river (NE, SE) should be no-go, zones for tourists on foot. Georgia Ave NW used to be pretty bad as well, but the gentrification has made considerable inroads and left many of the worst DC natives element into smaller dispersed pockets living in project housing(some even have armed security).

[@HackleFlyer]

That part where u said "dont block the box" is pretty much the opposite of what every driver is this damn city does.

[@meganmulcahy7831]

Great tips! I work in DC and the 2 things I always tell people are don't bother trying to drive or commute in during rush our and never stand on the left. Wish I knew you all were out here I usually wall the Mall at lunch and would have loved to say "hi" but it's been crazy hot with heat index over 100 ugh. One thing I do always recommend for cheap eats at lunch are the food trucks they are all over and usually really good. While you all are out here you should consider stopping over to the sailing capital of the world Annapolis MD, it's worth an afternoon day trip. Hope you enjoy your visit to the DC area!

[@diamondc9165]

Don'ts:Don't go to southeast at night 🤣

[@daisywilkerson8463]

Preach❤️❤️

[@daughterofzion778]

Lol tru that's the best advice for people

[@SDEexorect]

dont got to southeast dc in general

[@papagramps1257]

This is exactly what I was looking for😂

[@tesmith47]

That is not entirely true, more accurately don't try to engage the underground economy stupidly.

[@wagnervictor3822]

Thank you. DC is really a great place, especially on 4th of July. I live in Brazil and was able to be in DC last year for the independence day. Great to recap the places and, if possible, to be there next year. My kids loved it. You americans have a great country.

[@Tom-bo3dp]

Get reservations for the African American history museum. They usually won’t let you in without a ticket

[@TripHacksDC]

It's really amazing museum. Same-day passes are available on the museum website every morning at 6:30am. Make sure to set an alarm because they go super fast!

[@timmmahhhh]

Good point, we tried going last summer and the wait for tickets was too long.

[@Tom-bo3dp]

Trip Hacks DC yeah I live in DC, so I tried going twice, but the second time they just let us in because it wasn’t busy, but in the summer it will almost always be

[@stevenkelly9731]

Don't forget Fredrick Douglas home.

[@stevenkelly9731]

@@TripHacksDC Fredrick Dougless Home on 15th st SE.

[@wvuwhat]

DO: If you fly into Dulles make it a point to hit Udvar-Hazy Air and Space, which is at the end of one of the runways, on your way in or out. They also have transport from Air and Space on The Mall. It's my favorite museum both within and outside of D.C. proper. Signed, A Local

[@yonathangonzalez6670]

Were you able to explore Chevy Chase? I’m a DC area native and love the variety of upscale restaurants in the area. There’s also the National Cathedral and American University campus. And what about Brookland? The Basilica of the National Shrine is truly a sight to behold! I’ve waited so long for a video about my city. Thank you so much, and God Bless!

[@kutie216]

Yonathan Gonzalez Chevy Chase is one of my favorite areas! The houses in that area are so beautiful.

[@tylerbalcom8420]

I’ve been installing, servicing and repairing elevators & escalators my entire life and you’re not supposed to walk on an escalator period. So that rule walk on the left stand on the right is non existing. Escalators can be extremely dangerous, even though they resemble stairs they should never be used as them. Just stand and ride.

[@jackruotolo1257]

Also, don't forget about Georgetown! A lot of people focus too much on downtown DC and the national mall. I stayed in DC for a weekend and found myself spending more time in Georgetown than the downtown and national mall. M street in Georgetown is full of great restaurants and shopping!

[@mattbalfe2983]

Another local tip, Georgetown cupcake is just overrated.

[@usstiger_cd4165]

Make sure to say which Smithsonian air and space museum you are going too.

[@SherriLyle80s]

Native born in the Metro area and worked in DC, and listen to him, this is all accurate! Also Arlington is in Virginia technically but it's right beside DC. Don't mix up the two.

[@michaelrogers5091]

I lived in DC almost 20 years and these all are SOOO true. Self-awareness goes a long way to avoiding a few. Smart ways of governing yourself in this world.

[@timmmahhhh]

Our first family trip to DC was in 2007 and one of my favorite free things to do was to go into the Tower of the Old Post Office. No lines like the Washington Monument and because it was a little away from the mall the photograph opportunities I felt were far better than the Washington Monument. The latter has been closed since the Tremors of 2011 made it structurally too dangerous to be open to the public. We went back in 2017 and I was disappointed to see a certain International Hotel move in to the Old Post Office, so I didn't try to see if it was still an option.

[@TripHacksDC]

The Washington Monument re-opened after the earthquake in 2015 (yay!) but then closed again in late 2016 (boo) in order to overhaul the elevator system. The Old Post Office Tower is still free and open to the public. Door is on 12th Street next to Starbucks. One of my personal favorite views.

[@timmmahhhh]

Trip Hacks DC Thanks for that info on the entry, strange the monument reopened, to close again. I remember talk thirty years ago to redo the monument, might be the time to do so now, especially with a few advances in the knowledge of how structures work now. 😉

[@TripHacksDC]

The elevator was pretty old and they definitely needed to do an upgrade. It runs continuously almost every day of the year.

[@wojo4hitz]

evancortez2 okay that makes me REALLY happy to know!!!

[@charlie2ism]

Oh, what a great find, this channel generally but specifically a vid about one of my favourite places! I had the great pleasure of living and working in DC for 12/13 years, and this has brought back some lovely memories. I lived in Foggy Bottom and walked to work and to the Mall and the monuments, etc. A really nice (free!) thing to do is to walk the towpath along the C&O canal in Georgetown. Cyclists use the same path but give you plenty of warning as they approach from behind. They call out to let you know which side they're passing on (so you know not to suddenly move into their way), which I wish they would do here in England. Here, you're lucky if they ring their little bell, let alone use their voice. One negative - something that probably occurs in many places, but I've only ever been subjected to this in DC, several times - is the smartly dressed street scammer. They approach you in a very friendly fashion and tell you how they're locked out of their vehicle and have left their wallet or briefcase, whatever, inside the vehicle and need a little cash in order to make a phone call and get help. This was in the 90s and probably doesn't play out exactly like this now, because most have cell phones. One woman actually asked me for money so that she could put gas in her car and visit her sick father in the hospital in Maryland. She was driving her car and stopped to ask me this, right in my own street. Also, one very professional looking guy, in a suit, shirt, and tie, even made the mistake of approaching me twice. The second time was a month or so after the first, and this time my parents were visiting from England. I just burst out laughing when this man said his piece (and of course I couldn't resist commenting on how careless he was to have locked himself out again), and my poor mother thought I was being really rude, until I explained. Anyway, DON'T be taken in by these scam artists and do enjoy this beautiful city, the city of trees.

[@autumnruns]

Next time, come out to Loudoun County (Virginia) - it's our wine country and it's really beautiful. Lots of breweries as well as a distillery!

[@robertreynolds9228]

I live in ashburn and i agree with you. Have a good day.

[@krisbenjaminrandolph7865]

The tours pick up again in the fall right after Late September and go to early November. Right after kids get back to school- the doors dip and then when they get settled they come back. December to March is really the only lull.

[@01olracman]

Don’t drive in dc with a firearm, you will go to jail

[@shofarsogood7504]

Thanks didn't know it was THAT bad. " good ol' freedom..."

[@GROZNAYA]

Unless you are in the ghetto. Might actually need the heat.

[@matthewwilding3069]

I was in DC at the same time as yall!! We drove from Houston and go about every 4 years and it was great. The escalator thing can not be stressed enough!!! Stand on the right... walk on the left. Also don’t expect the bigger more popular smithsonians to be an hour, it takes more like 2-3 hours.

[@kimmyw010]

Matthew Wilding from Houston?!! Omgggg sheesh. I know that was a long long long trip

[@AdamGeoff]

I absolutely love your channel. Even when you're telling people what not to do, you explain it in such a positive way that it encourages a person to travel there even more. It's so easy for people to become negative when explaining problems that might exist in a city, but you do a fantastic job of seeing the best in a place and encouraging people to take it for all it's worth. And just like that, I'm about to book my first solo trip to D.C.!

[@johnalden5821]

A lot of good tips and hacks packed into a concise video -- well done. One tip I would add, as a local: When you come to the mall, have a plan for lunch. The mall does not have restaurants, aside from the museum cafeterias and an occasional hot dog stand (those are decent options). If you want more distinctive and interesting food, you'll need to head north into downtown. Also, as a warning, finding a bathroom in a Metro station is an issue. There are no "public" restrooms, but if you ask the station attendants, they will escort you to the station bathroom, which is often in a non-public area. These bathrooms are pretty much for urgent situations, but they are there. Otherwise, keep in mind two sayings about DC. President Kennedy allegedly called DC "A city of Northern charm and Southern efficiency" (Americans will get the joke). A more direct saying: "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog." Which is to say Washingtonians can be friendly, but I wouldn't count on it.

[@magic5589]

Dear tourists to my lovely hometown of DC, I live in the heart of DC, and I understand you want to be vocal, but please don’t yell or scream on museums, it can be frustrating... very...

[@anthonyrynes5669]

I live in Vienna, VA and work in Washington and this is extremely accurate! The escalator tip is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!!!!

[@kavonnthomas2491]

Holy balls the first touched my heart. Like gtf out my way! Lol

[@mattbalfe2983]

As a local, one of my favorite things to do is to watch the sunrise at the Lincoln memorial if you're an early bird.

[@yesorlando05]

Mark, thanks so much for doing this video. Washington is one of my favorite cities in the World. Love it! It's so clean, beautiful, it's safe at night (stunningly beautiful and relaxing), and sooooo many things are free. Too, we stayed at an airbnb for a very low price and could walk everywhere. I just love DC. I'd love you to do a video on North Carolina. I find it a very underrated state to visit. From mountains to coast, there are a lot of things to do and see and very beautiful. Thanks for these videos.

[@woltersworld]

we actually went from DC to OBX so we will have an OBX video and a 5 eats of NC video coming out later this summer :)

[@yesorlando05]

WOW! My wife and I will definitely be looking forward to that one!

[@CoolioXXX52]

It's safe to stay at night

[@douglashenry6996]

Don't forget the "other" Air and Space Museum, the Udvar-Hazy Museum in Chantilly, VA near Dulles International Airport. That's where they keep the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Enola Gay, the SR-71 Blackbird (which set the transcontinental speed record on it's final flight from the west coast to Dulles), as well as most of the Smithsonian's big aircraft.

[@kyanamorsell1]

U Street for night life in DC. Lounges and bars

[@SherriLyle80s]

Also there are Speakeasys :D

[@lisaharris4694]

And Ethiopian food! 😋

[@Maryoomti]

I swear I only watched this video to see if he would put the “don’t stand on the left” AND IT WAS THE FIRST THING! Much appreciated!

[@jeffmorris8872]

Food is cheaper in the basement (food court) of the Reagan building!

[@NaptownRugger]

Jeff Morris Also USDA Cafeteria

[@billofrightsamend4]

I love visiting the old Aquarium in summer, Botanical garden in Fall and Spring. I recommend getting out of DC before sunset. If you want to go out to eat, eat around 3:40-4:40 because you will probably have to wait an hour to be seated any later than that, two hours in Maryland. Get a hotel in Virginia.

[@willstjjohn9481]

How i save money on hotels in dc is... Don't get a hotel in dc i always go stay at a hotel in rockville md or College Park MD save about 250 to $330 depending on hotel and always ride the metro marc or amtrak into the union station then go on different lines on metros depending where I'm going and always take the 24 48 hour bus they take you to all attractions and give history on there while riding along and if you take public transport like i do get your tickets 2 or 3 months ahead be way cheaper than when you buy that day or day before the trip and get way better seating if i order mega bus tickets from buffalo NY to dc tomorrow it'll be 75 one way if i order them for 3 months from now 25 one way $50 round trip compared to 150 around there for a round trip plus save the reservation at restaurants there's 99 + restaurants in the union station basement lol

[@kutie216]

Will StJjohn Yeah I live in College Park and the price difference from DC is HUGE, especially for alcoholic drinks! If you come to College Park again you can try looking for an AirBnb right by the CP metro station, but double check pictures of the neighborhood because you can usually tell safe neighborhoods/areas by how they are maintained. If you are with a group of people the price of an uber can be comparable to the price of 3-4 people taking the metro (during non-rush hour times). I'd also recommend stopping at a grocery store and grabbing snacks and water to bring to the hotel/airbnb and on tours because it gets expensive buying snacks and drinks. Hope you enjoyed staying in College Park! You can always walk around the University of Maryland campus which is beautiful! (I may be slightly biased because I'm a UMD student LOL)

[@EVILGOKU1986]

Visit Great Falls in either VA or MD. The National Harbor is close to D.C and it has nice sights and things to do at night. I reccomend coming in fall it's the best time weather, low tourist flow, the changing of the leaves and people are just more nicer during this time.

[@stevenkelly9731]

National Harbor👍

[@stuntmanmike29]

I'm going to DC in March for a medical conference. I've been watching yours and Rob's videos as homework. Thanks for the helpful information.

[@MomTeacherEtc]

Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you and your videos. For those of us who may never have the opportunity to leave the U.S., your channel has been a fun way to experience many places abroad in a way that feels very personal. ALMOST like being there! Random question just for fun: If you were asked you to relocate you and your family from where you currently live to a different state in the U.S. , which state would you choose, and why? Job opportunities, health care, physical landscape, people, etc. Thanks again for all you do!

[@DodgerFan209]

This video makes me wanna go to DC again. I love the district!

[@woltersworld]

DodgerFan209 we had a fun time. Our feet didnt like it so much :)

[@legionaryprimedecanus4081]

Also DONT go without stimpaks, the super mutants are easy to killbut this also applies to you

[@yunawong8119]

Also: Don’t confuse which airport you’re flying out of from DC.

[@IJustFiguredThisOut]

Watch out for pan handlers. You will run into them, even in places you wouldn't expect, like around the white house. Also, as soon as you get off the Metro at the mall, someone will most likely be there trying to sell you a map. If you want it then go for it, but there are free maps posted many places, as well as you can get the same thing free on your phone. And the most important thing I can tell you, I strongly encourage you to not even try and drive in DC. The streets are extremely confusing, it's not like others cities where it is a standard grid, there are streets going diagonally, straight, one ways, roundabouts, it's really tough to drive here, and dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Your best bet is to stay somewhere like downtown Silver Spring, and take the metro to DC. It is WAY easier and cheaper.

[@parata5679]

I always stay in Fairfax, and the Metro is pretty good

[@clairej]

Parata567 as a loudoun county native, I am offended

[@umakarunakaran4626]

Huh On the bright side you Loudouners will get metro soon. But to be fair it’s a lot faster to get to DC from Fairfax than from Loudoun

[@clairej]

Uma Karunakaran you’re right:)

[@furiousfajita1685]

My friend is in the video!!!! 2:41 he is one of the guys in the blue FFA shirts, there were a few hundred of us FFA members there that week for the Washington National Leadership Conference. That’s so cool!

[@kayelaine]

omg wow, i know you guys mentioned the colonial towns but outside of DC there is still great suburbs to visit in MD and VA!!

[@woltersworld]

Kayla Elaine there is a ton of stuff around you are right. I'm hoping to get back to DC to do a whole outside DC to do video

[@washingtondc9290]

Richard Yin Productions No It’s Not

[@kingroyalty-thelion1776]

@Richard Y PG county is full of DC natives and is the richest black county in America

[@slowerlane]

Especially Old Town Alexandria, National Harbor, and Great Falls Park. The official Marine Corps museum at Quantico, and coming very soon, the official U.S. Army museum at Fort Belvoir.

[@abbyphillips9433]

I loved these accurate don’t s! Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk or metro station, don’t walk on your phone, don’t stand on the left of the metro escalator, don’t go during rush hour if you can help it. You can eat on the metro if it’s something clean, you clean it up after and it doesn’t smell.

[@johnalden5821]

Actually, no, eating on the Metro is prohibited, whether you clean up or not. And trust me, a lot of people do not.

[@Pymmeh]

Replace "Metro" with "Tube" and this whole video applies to London.

[@EddyG0rdo]

Rich Adam London is a lot like DC in many ways.

[@feitraspace4801]

No dc don't get it twisted

[@saharagreene4080]

As a local and someone born and raised here, VISIT THE MUSEUMS!!!! Most of them are free and they have some of the most interesting things and artifacts there. There always a new exhibit to see :) also during the weekdays check online or the website for museums you would normally pay for and they might even have a period of time you can come in for free 😇👌🏾

[@jenniferchi5687]

Bahaha! When I clicked on this video, the metro escalator was the first thing I thought about 🤣

[@timardner5277]

Another thing about the heat of summer is there are plenty of places with AC to visit. It really helps give you a break from the heat.

[@mackyronni]

Georgetown is beautiful though I’m a bit biased (I’m a student there)

[@woltersworld]

Oh you aren't biased. It is beautiful :)

[@JCmud351]

I second that opinion. (Another biased student here.)

[@NaptownRugger]

Ugh, I avoid G-town like the plague. I went to school off MacArthur Blvd and have spent plenty of time in Georgetown, but it’s overcrowded and a pain in the ass to get through.

[@carolkemerer6204]

I am an eighth grader right now and I’m going to Washington DC in may and I can’t wait.

[@autotechxbox163]

Been to D.C. three times and still haven't been able to see everything.

[@TripHacksDC]

Even when you live here it's hard to see everything!

[@PLefevre95]

Same here!

[@kutie216]

I live 8 miles from DC and I also haven't seen everything lol

[@jeanjohnson8492]

Buy the Washington Post on Fridays. There is a pullout section that lists all of the events, coming events, exhibits, etc.