Washington, DC: 10 Shocks of Visiting DC

[@MB-qx9vn]

When I visited, I couldn’t believe how far apart everything was from each other. All the museum and most major landmarks are indeed on the main row, but it’s a MASSIVE area. Lots of walking! Definitely worth it, though.

[@ProfessorWolters]

seriously crazy big distances between sights that seem right next to each other

[@rickhodges4808]

Riding a bike is the best way to get around the Mall and surrounding area.

[@Ale502703]

Lol that is what I tell everyone every time they visit…

[@Ale502703]

@@rickhodges4808 also all the accidents i’ve seen between the Washington monument and the Capitol are bike accidents. You have like 30 seconds to turn, but it’s almost impossible to make it with all the pedestrians crossing, so a lot of bikers get hit

[@rickhodges4808]

@@Ale502703 I usually ride on the side streets along the Mall - Madison and Jefferson Drives. Both are very low traffic (except for the buses in front of Natural History) and one-way. But yeah, sometimes avoiding pedestrians is hard.

[@SensationallySilky]

Been here 23 years. And your #10 is why I moved here. Three hours in any direction opens you to a whole world of possibilities. I love it here.

[@lakiiamccall3051]

As a native, born and raised Washingtonian thank you for pointing out the the Metro escalator etiquette.😂 Please stand to the right! I used to work two blocks from the White House and this was a pain during the morning rush-hour when you're trying to get to the office on time. Also, the National Museum of African-American History and Culture's (NMAAHC) Sweet Home Cafe has the best food out of all the museums. There's even a recipe book you can purchase. The museum has three stories underground. I strongly suggest you set aside a full day and start from the bottom and work your way up. Stop for lunch halfway through and then head upstairs. And DC weather is best in the spring during the Cherry Blossom Fest and "early" summer. Another cool place is driving up to the Baltimore Harbour. It's a straight shot and only about 40 minutes from D.C.

[@shifuironbuddha4741]

Spoken like a true Washingtonian. Thanks for properly repping our city. DMV forever!!!

[@boxsterman77]

I too have been in DC coming on 30 years now. It's so cool to connect with someone who knows about the delicious food at some of the museums. Have you tried the American Indian Museum's fare?

[@dmfwlr264]

What up moe, or to us joe back in the day 😂. Good look speaking up. I was waiting for mention of (NMAAHC)..... still waiting....... deez bamas

[@laurahubbard6906]

Born and bred DMVer. What i always find shocks visitors is finding out people actually live here and that there's more to the area than the Federal Government.

[@dr.wolfstar1765]

If this dude thinks DC is a "not friendly city" I can't wait until he takes your advice and goes to Baltimore. Baltimore has to be up there in terms of hell holes of America

[@YankeeCountess]

I agree with you about the summer; first time I went to DC was in August of 2022, and it was 90+ degrees every day. But I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly I learned to navigate around the city via the Metro! One of the best public transport systems I've experienced!

[@johncochran5509]

I was raised in the Midwest (Kansas City) and have lived in DC now for 20 years (in the city itself, S.E. DC, close to the US Capitol, not the suburbs). First, thank you for suggesting that visitors explore beyond the National Mall and downtown when eating out, etc. As a local, I particularly appreciated your shout-out to Ivy City. That definitely showed you are current in your knowledge of the city. I do think, however, you are doing both your viewers and DC a real disservice in saying that DC is "not a friendly city" and that visitors will generally not find locals who are happy to give guidance and help. I just visited Kansas City, so I've been thinking a lot recently about the differences in culture between DC and the Midwest: In general, you might not get the immediate warmth and chattiness from people in DC that you will encounter in the Midwest or the South. That's particularly true in everyday business dealings, such as in restaurants, drug stores or car-rental counters, etc.: There's less "service with a smile" here. People can be more reserved. But I can guarantee your viewers that if they stop and ask for help, suggestions or guidance anywhere in DC, they will find friendly locals very happy to help. People in DC are extremely proud of their city, and particularly since DC gets a bad rap too often, people here love to show visitors what a wonderful, livable city it is.

[@webbsinferno3242]

I live in the DC area. You know how people afford to live here? They don’t live within the district. The live in the surrounding counties in MD or VA

[@andrew_owens7680]

If you go far enough. I saw a teardown in McLean, VA for $800,000. You had to pay $800k for half an acre or less and then you could build a house on that. In McLean, that was a steal.

[@SherriLyle80s]

Sort of. Yes. Either family owned a home in DC for generations or they live in VA or MD.

[@unclemayhem6696]

or...they’re politicians/government employees living off of the taxpayer’s money.

[@erics2983]

Definitely second that! The whole area is pretty expensive but the job market is pretty strong for the most part.

[@insertchannelnamehere8685]

@@unclemayhem6696 It's not just the Federal workers that make the job market strong here, we also have lots and lots of government contractors, like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Gruman, Bechtel, Booz Allen, MITRE, etc. which give even more jobs. Plus there's a pretty strong financial sector that's kind of built around the government with companies like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Capital One. And although you're right that it's taxpayer money, it is well spent for the most part. All of the projects the government pursues, from environmental studies to the research of new military equipment needs to be done by someone. And oftentimes, that someone will be in the DC area. Plus, the DC area is basically the center of the internet (70+ percent of things you send on the internet will pass through a data center here), and we have lots of tech companies as a result. What that means is we have an abundance of High paying jobs, so much so that 4/10 highest income counties in the US are in this area, and that's how people survive the insane cost of living.

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

the cleanliness of the city was a shock as in how absolutely magnificent the tourist areas are kept, like honestly might be one of the cleanest major cities in the u.s. definitely on the east coast

[@kevintyson1947]

As a DC native who lived in what's considered the "poor" neighborhoods, I can insure you that the tourist areas are the only clean parts of the city.

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

@@kevintyson1947 we stayed at ann air bnb in carver langston that was clean and the area seemed decent, our one lyft driver said 20 years ago we couldnnt even go in that neighborhood

[@kevintyson1947]

@@subparnaturedocumentary I have family that still live in that neighborhood now. It's actually still pretty dangerous 🤣. Shootings and robberies happen all the time especially at night. My sister desperately trying to move out of the area now. Yes, it's more gentrified than it was 20 years ago but don't let it fool u

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

@@kevintyson1947 ah ok, it really didnt seem too bad or run down at all though, i am from philadelphia though so my perspective might be different

[@jvohanian]

Oof, you are not kidding about summertime in DC - it is brutal! But yes, it is a beautiful city and region with lots to see and do.

[@melbaker9495]

It is miserable in the Summer. I would get up in the morning, shower and then walk a few blocks to work and be soaked and sweaty. Best time of year is April, early May and October when it's cooling off and the leaves have turned.

[@actual_doge3221]

I'm from Texas, my bro and I will be okay with the summer 'heat' and stay on the right side of metro!

[@TheSJCieply]

In DC, once you leave the touristy areas, things tend to cost a lot less for equivalent or better quality food, so it's not as bad as you might think pricewise. If you come, bring a bicycle (or take the bikeshare) and you'll be able to leave those parts.

[@arhil1024]

I work down in the National Mall area, whenever I see tourists, especially with families, I point them to the cheaper eateries that aren’t directly on that strip.

[@TheSJCieply]

@@CrayTom I guess where you are comparing it to. I don't notice a huge jump in price between DC and any of the surrounding areas (NoVA, Frederick, MoCo, etc.). It's not that much more than any other major city. If you are comparing it to the midwest or west virginia, then yes, maybe. But it's about the same as almost anywhere else I've lived, like Florida.

[@russbear31]

Another important tip for foreign tourists: It's almost impossible to tour the White House. (Tours have been put on hold anyway due to Covid.) If they ever resume White House tours only Americans can get a reservation for a tour. You must contact a congressmen for White House tickets weeks in advance. Due to the tight security, you must supply your Social Security number along with other forms of American ID to get a ticket. (The Secret Service does background checks to ensure you're harmless.) The whole process makes it nearly impossible for foreign tourists to enter the White House. A lot of foreign tourists are disappointed because they can't do a White House tour. It's one of the most famous buildings in DC, known throughout the world.

[@JohnSmith-dd8bf]

Don't worry foreigners, most Americans aren't allowed anywhere near the White House or congress building.

[@agnethapoopiehead]

Fun fact, if you know a staffer, they can take close families and friends for tour inside and arrange it as long as POTUS is not in the west wing working 😁

[@Originalman144]

I mean, this is not so bad. An American cannot go to the Presidential Palace in other countries for a tour. So this seems fair to me.

[@melbaker9495]

You really don't get to see much when White House tours are happening. It's worth checking out the soutside, just to be stunned at how small it is.

[@actual_doge3221]

@@Originalman144 I did not know that but it makes sense

[@laurenragle5228]

To help with the long walks around the mall, check out the DC Circulator. You can use your metro card and it's $1/ride to get around to different parts of the national mall - and to some other areas via other Circulator lines. 😊

[@blahblah2866]

The city center is mostly for tourists and office workers, this is why locals are kind of more reserved and hurried there; and yes, service and attitudes to casual interaction in general are more 'direct and professional and straight to the point' than 'overly friendly upon first meeting you', I find it's definitely an uncomfortable shock sometimes as a DC native going elsewhere in the country and having to strain somewhat personal conversations with cashiers etc. and 'stand right walk left' applies to sidewalks too. It's an active walking city like New York, the sidewalks and trails are often used for commuting and commuters just wanna get to work as fast as they can like anywhere else. As was alluded, the best areas to get a real local feel for the city are outside the immediate mall and downtown area- the swath from Georgetown over through Rock Creek Park to Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, Adams Morgan, Shaw, Columbia Heights.etc. and over to H St. and Capitol Hill are vibrant walkable urban rowhouse neighborhoods with a unique urban feel, tree-lined streets, sidewalk cafes, bookstores and corner groceries, and are the heart of the city's (surprisingly lively, at least pre-pandemic) nightlife. The next ring out is where older rowhouses peter out to 'wardman rowhouses', bungalows, apartments and ranchers and cape cods, and neighborhoods like Friendship Heights, Takoma/(Park) (likes to think itself as crunchy but no), Cleveland Park, Chevy Chase, Sherman Circle/Brightwood. Brookland, as well as in suburbs like Arlington, Alexandria (which also has a really cool colonial-era (pre-DC) urban core of its own) Silver Spring, Bethesda, College Park/Hyattsvile, are loads of decidedly non-touristy but really cool enclaves of immigrant communities and well-kept urban/suburban neighborhoods with loads of hidden gems often found in nondescript retail strips and strip malls and the tourist attractions in these areas are typically much less 'packed' than downtown. DC has become one of the nations best cities for food but it's all found outside the city center, and the scene is staggeringly multicultural: Annandale has an incredible concentration of excellent Korean food, great Ethiopian food is everywhere but especially in Silver Spring, Shaw and Alexandria, great Chinese food in Rockville, great Vietnamese food all throughout but especially Falls Church, Afghan food all throughout the northern Va suburbs, West African cuisines are scattered but concentrated in vaguely northeastern Md suburbs, and everyone has their particular allegiance for Peruvian Pollo a la Brasa and Salvadorian Pupusas. These immigrant cuisines are typically less watered down for the American palate than elsewhere in the country as they cater more directly to the diasporic population that settled in the capital, for example, DC has more ethiopians than any city outside ethiopia. Eastern Market is the last remaining old-school city market, and Union Market is newer and more upscale. DC suburbs have loads of ethnic groceries where the bulk of suburbanites actually grocery shop to save money as an alternative to overpriced Safeway, and restaurant prices go down as you get farther from the tourist center. Lastly, DC area parks are hidden gems, places like Great Falls, Huntley Meadows, Sligo Creek, Rock Creek, Scotts Run Falls, etc outside the tourist belt are great for taking a breather from the rat race

[@MrAtlfan21]

As a college student who has only just begun exploring the city this is incredibly helpful, any specific restaurant recommendations?

[@blahblah2866]

@@MrAtlfan21 If you've never tried Ethiopian food, Debab in Silver Spring. but There are too many good Ethiopian restaurants to list, especially in Silver Spring, and some of them have regional dishes in addition to the usual injera with doro wat etc. If you've never tried Uyghur food, Eerkins has multiple locations. In the basement of the Eerkins in Fairfax is Caribbean Corner, some of the best Jamaican food I've had. Ravi Kabob in Arlington for Pakistani Kabob (always get chickpeas). Also in south Arlington, Taqueria el Charrito Caminante for pupusas and tacos, and a classic old school dc style chili half smoke at Weenie Beenie (forever immortalized by the Foo Fighters song, Dave Grohl grew up nearby). The U St. Ben's Chili Bowl is overpriced, it's still wort a visit though for the history. Bukom in Adams Morgan for Ghanaian, Chez Dior in Hyattsville for Senegalese, De Ranch in Landover for Nigerian. For Afghan food: [as a rule seemingly written in stone, afghan food in the district proper is utter trash but it's god tier in VA] Arlington Kabob in Arlington (duh), Panjshir in Falls Church, Food Korner and Kabobistan in Annandale. Also in Annandale: honey pig for korean bbq, kogiya for expensive korean bbq, oegadgib and tosokjip for homey old school korean food, chicken pollo for pollo a la brasa (order with yuca!) a&j for dim sum and regional chinese (cash only!). The Eden Center is a strip mall in Falls Church with almost exclusively Vietnamese businesses and restaurants. Google reviews are your friend. The city is so enormous I have only been able to try a tiny fraction over the years of course and many have closed/changed over time due to the pandemic and how dynamic the city is in general (*sigh* rip sumahs and og pedro and vinnys) I've only mentioned a few of my personal favorites of the less pricey variety, I could keep going lol but: Washingtonian magazine/website has pretty good listings of restaurants in their year end lists (100 best restaurants, best cheap eats, etc. and its a good starting point, looking currently as well as many years back. Google reviews are fairly accurate in DC, I'd willingly try almost anywhere with a 4.1 or so or above. Most neighborhoods have something to recommend, and this is one of the few cities in the US where you can go to pretty much any neighborhood and randomly find excellent food. Even some local chain restaurants can be surprisingly good; Taco Bamba, Amsterdam Falafelshop, Bonchon (although quality varies by location). When they're in season try some Rappahannock Oysters (they're smaller and tastier than southern oysters), Chesapeake Blue Crabs, and if you're of drinking age there are so many great local breweries, distilleries and Dc sits at the foot of Virginia Wine country (roughly from north of Leesburg to south of Charlottesville) arguably the best wine region in the east. Another fun local quirk: In spring, businesses will make Cherry Blossom flavored everything in honor of the cherry blossoms!

[@Foo007]

Rockville resident and I second the great authentic Chinese food! A&J and Bob’s Shanghai are favorites…

[@anaclaudiabecker6636]

I live in Downtown Bethesda. I go all the time to tourist areas. But I am Brazilian 😂. And I notice that the locals don’t go. 😂. I go everywhere I love to walk and I love to go to different places. I really take advantage to live in the metropolitan area of Washington DC.

[@letitiajeavons6333]

I grew up in Montgomery and Prince George's County MD for the first 9 years of my life and that's how I learned to love ethnic food. I eat everything. I did have a vegetarian phase after I'd moved elsewhere, but I learned to love all sorts of ethnic food as a kid. I now eat some meat again but the D.C. area taught me to love ethnic food.

[@SherriLyle80s]

My hometown ❤️ Miss going to museums for free

[@woltersworld]

Glad I could make a video to take you back

[@jwilliams9334]

5:19 the National Mall is packed every day during the summer, especially during the weekend. That is peak tourism months. Nobody hangs around there in the cold. lol. It's like going to the park.

[@tippi410]

As a native Washingtonian, I approve of your insight ⭐️

[@randall517]

Im from the midwest and have lived here in the DMV area for 3 years and you are spot on about it not being a friendly city. The locals here almost seem shocked if you are talking to them or being friendly. I drive for lyft on the side and have really noticed it there.

[@mannyistheman2221]

Hey Randy, Many of the old locals are some of the most caring and compassionate people you can meet. My family is part of the old Washington DC establishment. My father was born in DC in 1943 and I was born here in 1981. Many old Washingtonians witnessed DC going from a wonderful safe place in the 50s to a war zone by the early 90s. Many old Washingtonians rember the riots of 1968. A lot of people who are part of the old Washington establishment witnessed a lot of very bad things happened. Many are good people but very cautious. I remember my childhood here in the 1980s and 1990s was very scary here. My family lived east of Rock Creek Park. It was not the place to be. Growing up here, my family and I had to go to the suburbs such as Montgomery County MD or Arlington, VA to find safe places to shop and do recreational activities. DC was called the murder capital in the 80s and 90s over crack cocaine. This is by no means all inclusive. But these are part of the reasons why a lot of the rank and file washingtonians are very cautious individuals. We had to live through some pretty bad times and we had to learn to be very careful who we associated with. There were a lot of people here who wouldn't hesitate to hurt you. Also there are much deeper issues that has created a lot of mistrust among the old Washingtonians. I just want to let you know that there are good people here but people here especially from here are not known for being friendly and are very cautious for good reason. In my time, being friendly to the wrong person could cost you dearly. They're alive wait. There are a lot of people here you try to be friendly and helpful too and they mistake your kindness as weakness and try to take advantage of you. But please know there are good people here who are more than happy to help and be supportive. I'm one of those people but I also know the importance of being very cautious. We also consider being overly friendly to be fake. Also being overly friendly, that's a warning sign that you're about to deal with someone who could harm you or try to rip you off. That is what DC was like and that has left a lot of emotional scars on along with the old Washingtonians. This is also another reason among others why people fled to the suburbs and got out of the city.

[@mannyistheman2221]

Hey Randy, I kind of had a similar problem when I went to college and Minnesota in the Midwest. I noticed everybody was really friendly up there but they weren't always being nice and that just drove me into a huge tailspin. I kind of understand how you feel being in DC. Well I want you to know that you're talking to a good person here who does care. I do understand more than you know.

[@TheFoodie101]

Same exact experience! Not a friendly, warm city.

[@jhansen4661]

Mark, as someone who lives in the NoVA and DC area, there is a warning about the National Mall I think you should add. Always be on the lookout when you are at the Smithsonian/ National Mall because there's people there who be finding ways to aggressively panhandle people. I've had a woman put a bracelet on me without my consent and she demanded a donation. I even remember some guy coming up to my dad years ago acting like he's a cop and giving us these smile stickers and also aggressively asking for a donation from him. So keep an eye out for anybody who's carrying anything because they'll give it to you whether you asked for it or not and demand a donation and even follow you around and harass you if you don't

[@mannyistheman2221]

Some of the panhandlers would get free museum guides from the Smithsonian and aggressively try to sell them. They eventually had to put the word FREE on them 🤔

[@paulleiby2901]

This is true of most major European cities too. It is actually much less prevalent in DC than we experienced in, e.g. Lisbon, Sevilla or Barcelona. One thing to bear in mind is the the major tourist attractions in DC are colocated with some of the most important government NGO and business centers in the country. The families getting off at the mall are riding with a lot of commuters., So as 'blah blah" says below "The city center is mostly for tourists and office workers, this is why locals are kind of more reserved and hurried there."

[@marynolan6627]

Fabulous city....my daughter lives there and there is so much to do. There is ALOT of walking involved though. Summer is super HOT! (I'm from a suburb of Chicago) Make sure you stay at least a week....so much to do!

[@gumerzambrano]

I visited Georgetown last December and all the food I ate was amazing. The bars and clubs were really fun as well

[@claritaturbo]

I remember growing up as a child, the spy museum admission was $8 and we were SHOCKED at the price! Later on, family visited us and we went again and were surprised that the price had been raised to $18. What a shock we got. I can’t believe it’s $25 now…

[@JonJon-nv1mm]

As a local in DC I have to say your research was spot on! Especially about the different neighborhoods like Ivy City or Cleveland Park. Subscribed! Going to check out your videos whenever I travel

[@Kevin_Finch]

There's a lot of strange stuff. Some enjoyable, some not so much. I lived in DC for about 12 years. Enjoyed figuring out all the tunnels below the Capitol. Also the Capitol subway that takes lawmakers from the office buildings and back. The Zoo is really wonderful. Driving is just insane, partly due to all the circles and squares. There is a lot of good food, you just have to know where to look. Many places in Adams Morgan have great food.

[@Kevin_Finch]

@@jonhart4563 No - built to try and get Senators and Representatives from their office buildings faster when votes are called.

[@polymerbitltd.8697]

It is always a pleasure to see your videos! Greetings from Switzerland.

[@andrew_owens7680]

Compared to Geneva, you'll find DC is cheap.

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@nastiasolntse]

Im so glad you mentioned the friendliness and lack thereof. I’ve lived in the area for the majority of my life and it’s definitely noticeable. I think it’s important to be on your guard but also remember to be helpful towards others! If anyone reads this and considers visiting DC I would definitely suggest getting a hotel outside of the city in maybe Rosslyn or Alexandria, the DMV is definitely an expensive area but you will get much better hotel rates and affordable dining right outside of city lines and the metro is accessible and usually runs well. Great video!!! You were spot on with everything

[@lola2837]

I agree! Stay in Alexandria so you can easily explore Old Town as well!

[@sebastianjoseph2828]

It's funny since to me DC is friendlier than New York or Boston, and way better than the infamous "Seattle Freeze" but I understand. I think a large part of it is that there are a lot of DC locals but also a significant number of people that come here in politics, law, or business and intend to move in 4-8 years so they never put down the same roots. I absolutely love the city though- if you're looking for grandiose and historical it's everywhere, but there are a lot of quieter neighborhoods and great food options the further out you go.

[@salag13]

I’ve been all over Europe, but my first solo trip was to DC 6 years ago. It’s the trip that really sticks out in my mind.

[@salag13]

Also, Gettysburg is a great day trip.

[@victorzyang]

Thanks for sharing. Loved your tip #9 on how fast DC changes. I've only been here for 5 years and two ENTIRE neighborhoods were built in Navy Yard and Trinidad with brand new shopping and resturaunts!

[@tfowl]

I once came into work on New York Avenue a few years ago and counted 18 boom cranes building apartment buildings as I passed over the MARC train bridge... I have been working in DC since 2013 and the area surrounding this part of DC has basically been built up at an insane rate in recent years. It's amazing to think.

[@victorzyang]

@@tfowl Hopefully DC doesn't become like SF where there isn't enough housing. We are running out of space!

[@dennisking7872]

@@victorzyang It's been moving in that direction for quite some time.

[@Sockcucker96]

I visited this city quite a while ago, and loved it. The sights are really wonderful and the main thing, as Mark points out, is how spacious the city is.

[@TripHacksDC]

Glad to hear you had a good trip!

[@teo2975]

violent crime is double what it was ten years ago

[@migatronn]

Harpers Ferry is an epic spot. My favorite place to teach people how to kayak in white water.

[@craigcavaliere6744]

Took a family trip this past March. It was fantastic. We stayed outside of the city in Maryland in a hotel which has free breakfast, kitchen, and sometimes served dinner. Brought lunch with us and ate on the Mall. Took the Metro to get to DC. Would love to go again.

[@lissafoster]

Fall and spring are beautiful time to come here. Northern Virginia and Maryland are beautiful area to visit too while you’re in DC.

[@Jimbodisfan]

Good morning from New Jersey, near Philadelphia. My friend Dave and I visited DC twice (May 5-6, 2012 and July 30-August 2, 2010) to see the Philadelphia Phillies play the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Neither of us drives a car. We took Amtrak from Philadelphia 30th Street Station to Union Station in DC, a two-hour ride. In 2010, going down, we sat near Larry Anderson, one of the Phillies' announcers. We stayed at the Comfort Inn in College Park, MD, down the street from the University of Maryland's main campus and five blocks down Calvert Street from the Metro station. I think there was an Applebee's on one side of the hotel and a diner on the other. We took the Metro wherever we went. It's clean and takes you to a lot of places, but it can be expensive because fares depend on time of day and distance traveled. Great for tourists but many locals complain, because they use it to go to work or to home, not to go anywhere fun. We had a great time though.

[@kosmiqfood3893]

I actually found DC to be BEYOND friendly.

[@anaclaudiabecker6636]

In restaurants, hotels and museums they are nice to you. But on the streets nobody talk to you. The locals don’t even look to your face 😂. I say that because I live in the metropolitan area of DC. And yours neighbors are even worst, they walk in front of your house and they avoid to look to you, they don’t say hi. Lol. I don’t like it but unfortunately the way it is.

[@t-genius6122]

next time come to southeast in areas around Anacostia or 37th or the shell station those places suprisingly have the most endearing locals😊

[@csw_bcba]

I was just about to comment about all the cool things to do within an hour or two of DC proper when you delivered #10. We live smack between DC and Baltimore, and we are absolutely spoiled for choice. Mountains, beach, city, country, and so many museums in between. Don't forget the Goddard Visitor Center and National Cryptologic Museum.

[@mattbalfe2983]

Also right down the way from Goddard is the college park aviation museum

[@TheMattLeighton]

Pretty good list!

[@Eth3reality]

Nice to see you're here :) Was just at the Hirshhorn a few hours ago!

[@bronwynecg]

Also as a DC area native I would strongly recommend taking a day to hop over to National Harbor just across the river. Plenty of restaurants and shopping and gambling. You can ride a boat over from Alexandria or Georgetown...

[@evelyngrammar]

Yes, the heat in the summer is oppressive. And I like it hot!

[@woltersworld]

Melting... melting hot

[@movieworldtvpeopleplacesthings]

Very different indeed... Thank you for the informative video. Nice sharing...

[@SK-zd4yx]

As someone who has lived in the DC area for over 20 years, you’re pretty much spot on with your comments. In the city center where most monuments, tourists, and government buildings are, no, we’re not the most friendliest 🤪 because we gotta get to work, dealing with bureaucracy b.s., running to meetings, and dealing with the swaths of tourists. I can tell you, we don’t mean it and can’t help it sometimes. Once you’ve done the touristy stuff, get out into the DC neighborhoods ! More friendly, laid back, tons of places to eat and shop. As far as the cost of living, yes indeed crazy expensive. Most salaries reflect the increased cost of living, but still a little tough for those just starting out career wise here. It’s best to visit in early spring or in the fall. You’ll pass out in the summer, even us locals don’t want to venture outside 😂

[@名誉ために日本人天の祖先]

I am still seeing Buddhist monks around the metro stations in Washington DC, they are persistent, that's for sure. I am grateful that their fate is holding these signs of the Buddha marked with information on wisdom of ultimate reality causing happiness based on truths. It is attracting good energy. There have not always been this many real Buddhist monks in this area.

[@sunandsage]

There's very limited parking in DC and LOTS of traffic. I would seriously recommend staying someplace close to a railroad station and taking the train into the city.

[@ecurewitz]

There’s a subway that takes you most places you would want to go. Don’t bother with a car

[@ecurewitz]

@MN Mitchell ok, it’s been a while since I’ve been to Dc

[@fvvillenasvlog6347]

Wow host it's a great place ☺️🥰 thank so much for sharing this with us.

[@neilwieland1876]

Hahaha loved the note on Rob with Trip Hacks DC - yes he is very helpful!

[@woltersworld]

love my Rob!

[@clairebrainard9707]

I've lived in D.C. for many years and recommend visiting in the fall and spring. On the rare occasion that I go down to the national mall I make sure I bring a large water bottle that I can refill and snack bars/snacks.

[@amapparatistkwabena]

DC is a wonderful city. After having spent 6 years in Asia and the last 6 years in Europe, it’s great to land in America-in the capital city, no less. Things are expensive in comparison to most cities in the US, but after living in Switzerland for the last few years, I feel like besides eating out, everything is pretty reasonable. Perspective, right?

[@dr.kikipsychnp5731]

I love DC. Lived there in the early 80s. It wasn’t that great but going back to visit, it’s awesome

[@aan3]

@Wolters World you made it to DC :) It is a nice city. It's actually two cities in one. There is the government side which gets all the attention. Than there's the ordinary side of the city where the everyday residents live and don't think much of the federal government. Especially when you move away from the national mall area and the immediate downtown. I'd also recommend visiting Arlington VA and Silver Spring MD for a non touristy view of DC.

[@sophie3869]

It's more like three cities: the government side, the hip gentrified side, and the older low-income side

[@robertpavey5615]

At the age of 40, I am finally going to the U.S of A, later this year. Flying from London Stansted, via Reykjavik to BWI. That first fact made me thump my table with joy. Can't wait to get Stateside!

[@jimb5796]

I traveled to DC back in September and you are right, the National Mall is dead at night. I was at the Capitol around 8:30pm one evening and I could not believe how dead it was. I had a very hard time finding an Uber ride.

[@commonusername_generated]

Washington D.C. has everything from celebrity chefs to Michelin starred restaurants. It is common to find highly rated Zagat restaurants too. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit the city hard and many restaurants were forced to closed due to the pandemic. We have chains, dive bars, and affordable places too. Just go beyond the mall.

[@anaclaudiabecker6636]

I live in Downtown Bethesda. I take advantage of this free museums we can go. The only problem nowadays is the park. Lol. You have to pay to park on the streets. Before in the museums area to park on the streets used to be free. And the gardens on DC, Maryland and Virginia are so beautiful too.

[@lala_arneezy]

As a DC/NoVa native, you hit it right on the nail. Great job! My favorite place to go eat when I’m down at the monuments is Ollie’s Trolley. It’s a little bit of a walk, but so worth it.

[@sassycatz4470]

It's closed now.

[@evermarquez7506]

I agree with you mark good city to visit, been here many times

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@seaninherts]

Thanks for making the content - really appreciated. in DC NW for work. Yeah, you are SO right…. The SHOCK!!! $7 for a loaf of not great bread - everything is SO expensive. Everyone wants tips for non-tip stuff, such as Starbucks and some other coffee shops for counter service. Georgetown is beautiful. Went to a hand crafted chocolate place. $45 for a TINY box. My goodness, it is the MOST expensive place I’ve been in my life - much more expensive Han NEW YORK, LONDON, PARIS etc :) I do love DC though.

[@eddie_saunders]

One thing that always surprises me is the amount of relatively low key events going on. Travelled once for a beer festival it was ok, got back to the hotel area and there was a huge beer festival going on right on my doorstep, that was far more fun! Went to a cider fest one time, and right next door was a world food event, to be honest, the cider fest wasn't the best, but the food festival rocked!

[@TripHacksDC]

Food and drink festivals are always kind of a gamble. The only way to know if it's going to be good or not is get a ticket and try it out!

[@SecondLineVideo]

I went to DC recently and took a train up to NYC for a day trip what an awesome experience! I plan on going back and maybe going to Philly for my day trip this time

[@gerryz1839]

Welcome to my home town to the Wolterses! I hope that you can be here during the spring, when we have one decent week of weather and maybe some cherry blossoms.

[@woltersworld]

That would be cool. Still given got a chance yet though. One day.

[@rickhodges4808]

@@woltersworld The secret is that in spring, the whole city is lit up with tree blossoms of all kinds, not just cherries and not just the ones near the Mall. The weather is usually great too.

[@frednich9603]

Two of my favorite people! Take a tour from Rob if you are visiting DC.

[@woltersworld]

Rob is a great guide

[@TripHacksDC]

Mark Finley would know! He took (and won!) the Monumental Trivia tour 😀

[@hankdickson7688]

Also the Smithsonian cafes are expensive for lackluster food

[@sassycatz4470]

Not the American Indian Museum. Yes, it's pricey, but the food is really good.

[@davidherb8224]

It is incredible how gorgeous the National Mall is at night. The monuments will inspire you even more than during the day and you'll avoid the heat. Also because everything is so far apart, make sure to go to the bathroom before you start. There are restrooms at some of the major memorials but as you said, they are far apart. Many of them close after 8 pm too. The Lincoln Memorial restrooms are open 24/7 and I believe so are the restrooms at the Jefferson Memorial... but in-between at night, good luck.

[@columbaiona3081]

I spent 2 weeks in DC in September and the people there were friendly enough - no bad experiences at all. I agree the Metro is the best way to get around and IIRC you can also use your card on the bus routes too. DC is expensive mind but I thought what the hell just enjoy yourself and worry about it after you get home.

[@lawrencephelps3181]

Life long DC resident. Agree...hot as hell in summer. Lived on Capitol Hill for a few years. Walked to Metro everyday for a year and saw the same people. Never said a word. Same on Metro. Little conversation and avoid eye contact. For better food, head for the Virginia suburbs. Most DC food is "much ado about nothing".

[@ecurewitz]

Personally, I like the hot weather, a few years back I intentionally went in July, it hit 106 at Arlington National cemetery, it was great

[@MsRaindropps]

Omg yes! I watched all of Robs videos about DC but I still went on July 4th. As an asthmatic it was a horrible mistake bc of the heat and humidity. Everything appeared to be within a walking distance from our hotel but boy was it quite a walk! We uber eats most of the time bc the surrounding restaurants were just ok. I can’t wait to go again when its cooler out bc it really is a great place to visit.

[@brendapayne6603]

Try to go in early or mid October. My two trips there were in October and the weather was comfortable then. It was rainy on some days during the second visit, but that was nice too. Rob is right about people on the escalators. I consider pushing past people like that to be rude so that is a negative thing about WDC. I would like to visit the DAR museum the next time. I never thought about it before. I have a negative impression about the DAR organization because of Marian Anderson, but that was long ago. I could go now.

[@TripHacksDC]

July is rough. Every single day in July is guaranteed to be extremely hot. I think you'll have a better time in a cooler month.

[@mournblade1066]

Yeah, I've lived my entire life in central Pennsylvania. I can tell you that the people in New York City and Philadelphia are friendlier than the folks in D.C. Make of that what you will. Pittsburgh has friendly people.

[@SensationallySilky]

Can confirm, as a Pittsburgh area native. But I think it's because of the transient nature of people here - they come from all over the place to lobby or work for the Feds and it changes people. I often hear people say it's hard to make friends here but thanks to meetup groups and the like I've done well.

[@sjhanksaz]

We visited the monuments one evening and your right. We were starving and there were no restaurants to eat at

[@woltersworld]

Nothing at all. It always surprises me even when I already know it. Nothing.

[@pkjlr77]

Great to see Rob from Trip Hacks DC get a mention, he is definitely worth a follow for all things DC related. His videos helped us a lot when we visited in 2019, wish we had taken a tour with him, will definitely look to do that if we ever go back.

[@woltersworld]

Rob is a great guy. We have a couple more DC videos coming with him (spoilers)

[@TripHacksDC]

Hope you can make it back across the pond at some point!!

[@pkjlr77]

Yeah fingers crossed Rob, meant to say another you tuber to recommend to you is Honest Guide Prague with Janek Rubes, could be worth watching for some tips 👍 Wolters World, what a legendary channel by the way, one of the first travel you tube channels I started following 👍🙂

[@libertyann439]

I've live in DC since the 90s. The transportation is great. I enjoy the seasons especially spring and fall with the colors. The fireworks on the 4th are awesome and Capitol Hill has a small-town neighborhood feeling. This is a dog lover's town, fur babies everywhere. And you can get plenty of work as a dog walker. I miss going to the House and Senate buildings to see everything in real time. Parties, receptions, lectures and events. With covid and January 6 there's no telling when the public will be allowed to return. And of course the galleries to see votes in congress are off limits too. It was much more user-friendly before 9/11 but there's still a lot to love about this place. I'm glad to see a positive perspective. People put this place down and know nothing about it.

[@emildelosreyes8090]

If you happen to visit DC in Fall, drive to Skyline drive it is beautiful and worth the trip.

[@erics2983]

Love the Alexandria mention!! I live right near King Street and it really is a cool place people don’t think about much when they visit DC. Glad you got to stop in!!

[@FreeRoamBaltimore]

I've been visiting DC every Saturday for almost a whole year and still have plenty of places to go see.

[@yalelaw]

love the energy in the video

[@Kangasconrad]

My last DC trip was 2016 and i remember seeing a TON of food trucks. Probably because of the lack of restaurants. I also traveled by way of Virginia, so we parked at a train station outside of Dc as to not deal with driving s

[@funghazi]

There's not much in the way of restaurants down by the monuments, but the food trucks are very solid, lots of good food you can get from those trucks.

[@cody.flowart]

lack of restaurants? you uhh may want to take a look at google lmao

[@funghazi]

@@cody.flowart Oh, there's plenty of great restaurants in DC, but the area right around the Mall is full of office buildings and doesn't have a whole lot of food on offer, especially on evenings and weekends.

[@rickhodges4808]

There are a huge number of restaurants in the DC area, but not enough near the Mall, so food trucks fill the gap there.

[@Alleynetaylor]

I am from DC. Been gone decades. Still struggle with people not staying to the right, anywhere. Walmart especially. Thank you - I thought it was just me and very well may be here in TN.

[@hakimnuraldin5468]

Hey, I'm from DC and live in TN now, too! I like it here, but DC will always be my home.❤

[@TheOriginalCryptoPimp]

Who cares. Worry about something more important. Y'all make life complicated

[@alfalfabillenjoyer4878]

It's awesome how you're able to travel so much. I wish I could be so lucky.

[@woltersworld]

We are blessed

[@alfalfabillenjoyer4878]

@@woltersworld Absolutely.

[@torycook1215]

What happened in the last 6 years? When I was in Washington DC in 2016, there were surprisingly & absolutely no homeless to be seen. Our tour guide said they had all intentionally been housed in public housing or some kind of buildings to get them off the street of our national capital. What has changed since??

[@agnethapoopiehead]

I wished I had known you were in DC, I would signed you up for a tour inside the WH bc I work there! Cherry blossom season is for sure when the most tourist is EVERYWHERE - it’s so crazy! It’s true, the living cost is for sure so expensive. I heard staffers from Capitol Hill barely make a living which is so unfortunate. But our salaries are pretty good mainly bc three match it with the cost of living.

[@0osha]

1:44 Spy museum offers Groupons frequently for as low as $10. And that's about how much it should cost. Any museum in D.C. that isn't free, isn't with visiting!

[@woltersworld]

Great tips! Thank you

[@denisefromdc1796]

No, people in service professions aren't particularly nice. If you don't act like a jerk, residents will help you. I'm a Midwesterner who has lived here for 35 years and there are a lot of nice people here. I love that you showed my favorite Salvadorean restaurant, Las Placitas. Delicious!!!

[@tigersforlife6767]

Elsewhere in the city food isn't bad price-wise. I would suggest leaving the Mall for cheaper food in Navy Yard or Capitol Hill.

[@mattbalfe2983]

There's a lot of good ethnic choices in Silver Spring right by the metro too.

[@genethrowe8205]

If you take metro to the zoo, get off at Cleveland park and walk downhill to the zoo, which is halfway between Cleveland park and woodley park. When you leave, walk downhill to woodley park! Your legs will thank you!!!

[@unclemayhem6696]

Nice video. George Washington’s gravesite @8:05

[@woltersworld]

So true on that on comment that was about to turn into spam. I blocked them so hopefully it doesn't happen. But... I'm sure their "friends" will be back.

[@erikat5678]

I’m from the Washington DC area. Georgetown, Arlington and Alexandria have the trendy restaurants. There is the I street and H street corridors; DuPont Circle, Chinatown near F and H streets and 7th street. But if you are on the National Mall, no good food, nothing but museums and monuments. It will be expensive. You can stay in Arlington with nice restaurants and take the orange line straight to the Smithsonian stops, but if you try to stay downtown near the monuments, it will cost you!

[@eitherorbooks]

Lived in DC 7 years. I'm really surprised you said things seemed far away. To me DC is so small when you don't take the metro and see how close the downtown stops are, you can walk everywhere. The closest place to eat well by the museums imo is Penn Quarter. Thanks for telling people not to stand in the way of the escalators! DC is friendly on par with most east coast cities, but we have to put up with an extremely high amount of tourists and rowdy foolish protesters of all political varieties, many of which don't respect the locals by crowding sidewalks and metros with bad self awareness. Hence the coldness and yelling at escalator blockers. For anyone visiting - enjoy, but please remember this is our home not just a place for sightseeing and politics.

[@joegibbskins]

You have to remember most people don’t walk in this country anymore. I’ll often walk from my condo in Columbia heights to the Georgetown waterfront or the mall, or even the Southwest waterfront and it can all be done in an hour to an hour and a half. It’s a very small city, but a lot of people drive everywhere and parking is hard in the tourists areas and then they have to walk a couple of blocks to see things and they get sore

[@xouvagurlxo]

I lived in downtown DC for around two years. The cost of living is high. The pace of work is heavy. People are chronically stressed, however to have an out going social lifestyle is encouraged. People are extremely rude and it is hard to break in socially. However, I was in love with this city, there is something so special about actually living there. There are several different areas within the city that have such unique energies and GREAT food. I highly recommend checking out more of the city than just the mall and Constitution Avenue sights. City Center and Logan Circle were my two favorites.

[@theorderofthebees7308]

One shocker for native nyc folks is that the Metro is not like subway in New York - while in New York City folks pay 2.75 one way to travel as far as they wish - in DC the metro prices changes depending on how far you are traveling traveling some place close is one price super far is another that can really be shocker for a native New Yorker

[@jhansen4661]

If you're a tourist going around DC get the day or a weekend pass. If you just want to see one thing in DC then go for the single ticket

[@melbaker9495]

The Metro is more of a hybrid local subway AND regional light rail train. Unlike my home in San Francisco, which had a light rail/bus system for San Francisco and BART (identical to METRO) that serve short in city trips and regional trips, METRO was built to serve both needs, hence the extra cost. New York is pretty unique in setting a flat price for it's extensive subway system.

[@lordtrill7731]

Born and raised in DC.. The death stare is real😅😅

[@MrDEWaters]

The thing that shocked me most was that PARKING DOES NOT EXIST. I took the subway but even there it was hard to find a parking spot. Mount Vernon and Monticello were very impressive.

[@amphetamean66X]

DC people are friendly you just have to be a little deeper in the city where the locals actually live. Please just walk on the right wherever you go. The Mall is great for museums. For food and night life stuff check out Adams Morgan, H Street Corridor, and U Street. Georgetown is good for shopping and checking out the Exorcist stairs.

[@PigIA]

1:53 Born in raised in DC. You have to make a lot of money to live here

[@wncjan]

On one of my first visits to DC we walked 15 miles around town in 105 degree. When we returned to our hotel, we had flat feet. One hour later we walked 2 miles back and forth to eat dinner. 😅😅😅

[@Jtaime03]

Union Market in NoMa is a great upscale food hall that has reasonable-for DC, prices.

[@Eugenisimaaa]

Love your videos!!!! do you know if is there luggage storage for passangers arrriving to DC’s Union Station? Thanx!!!

[@sunandsage]

It might be best to save Williamsburg for another trip because it's not that close to d.c.

[@mattbalfe2983]

Going to Baltimore or Annapolis for a day is more realistic even Richmond.

[@MAB_Canada]

What shocked me when I went to DC as all the security checks on entering pretty much EVERY building. One time we wanted to go into a food court at the base of an office building and had to go through the equivalent of airport security, including showing our passports and going through a scanner (both us and my handbag! Afterwards we found out the building held the HQ for the post office🤦‍♀️

[@vbrown6445]

All of this security was put in place after September 11th, when DC was one of the original targets for one of the planes. And around that time, quite a few letters containing deadly toxins were sent to lawmakers/politicians in DC and other parts of the country via mail. We wish things could go back to pre-2001 relaxed security, but that's not likely to happen-- just like in airports all over the world.

[@rickhodges4808]

@MN Mitchell And the Library of Congress does bag searches when you leave, not just when you enter.

[@rickhodges4808]

@MN Mitchell I think the difference is you can actually get a book in your hands in the library so it would be easy to sneak it out. You can't even touch the art.

[@luisstransport]

Great video Mark

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@leens4190]

Loved this video as a native Washingtonian. Summertime is beautiful, but packed and humid. Top tip: come in the Fall or early Spring, dress in layers and plan out which neighborhoods you want to visit each day. Enjoy!

[@mclark87nz]

Yes you're correct about the tidiness of the Metro. I found it better compared to New York, but the last time I was in New York was 2014. Still is less crazy at New York as New York is just busy busy busy.

[@TheMeganDaily]

I literally experienced all of these same shocks!

[@TripHacksDC]

Whoa. Great minds think alike?

[@jcdvt1]

I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 2017. You really get a feel for how big it is when you are having to run the whole thing! 😂