Washington DC Travel Tips: 10 Things to Know Before You Go to DC

Things you NEED to know BEFORE you go to Washington DC. DC is often referred to as "The District." You could easily spend a week in DC, especially if you want to see George Washington’s house in Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s house in Monticello. The City is laid out in a grid pattern with lettered streets running east-west, numbered streets running north-south. Diagonal streets - usually named after states - often intersect at circles (30 circles)
Dupont Circle is my favorite circle. Comprised of four quadrants (NE, NW, SE, and SW), which spread out from the U.S. Capitol.
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Getting in
There are three Airports -- none of them actually in DC
Reagan (DCA) -- right next to DC -- connected by Metro or $20 Cab Ride
Washington Dulles (IAD)
Baltimore-Washington (BWI)
Amtrak to Union Station
Or Drive
Transportation in DC
Walk
One of the 10 of the most walkable cities in the USA
Travel + Leisure rated D.C. as the third rudest city in America,
Metro
Smart Trip Card
Capital Bike Share
175 stations across the city
Sign up for a day, or three
Taxis/Uber plentiful
Driving: Beware -- traffic is miserable and oneway streets abound
Parking is expensive -- Use parking panda
Museums
Smithsonians are free
Most on the national mall
Air and Space has 2 locations -- one by Dulles
Newseum and Spy Museum are expensive
My favorite is the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
No reservations required September 5, 2017 through March 2, 2018
Washington Monument elevator is really cool -- but it’s often broken
Best gift shops are in the museums
Government Stuff
Capitol Building or the White House, make sure to book your tickets in advance.
Capitol tour, reservations online or through your Congressional representative or senator.
Capitol Visitor Center provides a limited number of day-passes starting at 9 a.m.
White House, reserve a few months before your trip. Thru congressional representative.
Time to visit
Cherry Blossom Season
Not the summer when all the school kids are there
And the Summer is oppressively hot and humid, especially in August
And maybe not when the govt is in full swing
I like Winter -- no crowds at all
Hotels
Can be really expensive, as can parking
My favorites are the Park Hyatt and the Mayflower
Stay outside of DC in Arlington or Alexandria for cheaper hotels
Just a short metro ride in to the city
Food
The national mall and monument area has almost no food
Union Station and Le’fant plaza good for lunch, or around the white house
Avoid the Chinese food in Chinatown -- it’s all really awful
But George Bush’s favorite Chinese restaurant is just 20 minutes driving outside of DC
Peking Gourmet Inn in Fall Church -- Awesome Peking Duck
My Favorites: Potbelly
My Favorites: Moby Dick House of Kabob
My Favorites: Ben’s Chili Bowl
DC is more than just monuments and the National Mall
Get out and see the real DC
Georgetown
Penn Quarter
Adams Morgan
Smithsonian Zoo
U Street
Walk the red line
Timecodes:
DC General: 00:27
DC City Layout: 01:37
Getting in to DC: 02:35
Transportation in DC: 03:59
DC Museums: 06:02
Government Stuff: 08:51
Best time to visit DC: 10:05
DC Hotels: 11:43
DC Food: 13:51
The Rest of DC: 18:20
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[@YellowProductions]

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[@sirstewart6907]

I'm a D.C. native and this guy absolutely nailed 99.9 percent of everything about D.C. I agreed with almsot everything he said. Trust him, he's right.

[@YellowProductions]

Aww... thanks Sir Stewart!

[@HeritageWaysKatie]

Sir Stewart very helpful video

[@thatnikkakris2339]

Sir Stewart factuals bro

[@King_Fadi]

He did not talk about how filthy and smelly metro stations are. He did not talk about how filthy the whole city is in general. He is did not talk about how the city (downtown) lacks basic tourist services like supermarkets and most important a variety of cost effective restaurants. He did not say that the city had been residentially taken over by scary African Americans. He did not say that you get many many crazy people riding the metro siting beside you.

[@willyandolya3741]

Cool!!

[@orgasmatron4296]

One thing I noticed immediately when I went to dc this past weekend for a day was that because most of the buildings are so low compared to nyc(a city that I'm right next to) is that you can see the sky so much more and it makes going on walks more enjoyable to see open sky with landmarks sprinkled in the distance

[@miragexl007]

New York... Ugh

[@tluva1020]

DC has a height limit on buildings

[@gopherb3985]

That's the craziest traffic I've ever seen! Paid a tour $90 to cart me & my wife around all day. Worth every penny

[@michaelschulman1549]

I am a DC Native. Live in MD. Try downtown Bethesda. Tons of great restaurants. Also Tysons Corner in Virginia has great shopping with two major malls. On Metro's Silver Line.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the extra tips Michael!

[@risakoiscoolwithm]

Michael Schulman That's what I was thinking!

[@King_Fadi]

The things you mentioned are great but from a tourists perspective they are miles apart. Commuting by metro to these places takes forever, taking an uber or taxi will cost a fortune.

[@charliedurham4248]

Taking my 10 year old to DC in April. This video is exactly what we needed

[@Gthangz]

Anyone else watching this from the DMV

[@Jarrysworl]

No?

[@angelicapineiro1804]

🤣

[@TripHacksDC]

Good tips. Even when the Washington Monument isn't closed, the observation tower at the Old Post Office is one of the best views of the city. Completely free!

[@YellowProductions]

Great tip on the Old Post Office observatory!

[@Bobab13]

Definitely the best WDC travel tips video on KZbin ! It's fun, full of useful info and most of all you don't spoil it !!! Thank you !

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Bobab13!

[@TaylorMMontgomery]

If you're watching this in 2019, you MUST go to The Newseum THIS year! It's closing at the end of 2019 because the building was sold, and there are no certain plans to move it to another building. So it might not be back in a while, or ever. Of all the things in DC, it was my absolute favorite. Also, the Crystal City area is great place to stay. Not too far, cheaper, there's even some great places to eat and a Target not too far away. Also, there is a Legal Sea Foods in Crystal City!

[@YellowProductions]

Too bad that the Newseum is closing

[@marvynngo1]

This video and your many other travel videos have been such a great help to my recent trip around the east coast. Thank you so much, sir. Keep the content going!

[@inkwadnito966]

One of your best tips was the last tips: walking along the metro line route. That’s kind of a brilliant idea!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks!

[@blancaleon5266]

I’ll be going to Washington DC and New York for my first time ever this week! All of these videos are so helpful thank you!

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome! Have a good time in NYC and DC Blanca!

[@sllonas]

Thanks for the information. This was really helpful and let me tell you that you've got good energy or vibe. Thanks from a Chilean visiting DC soon.

[@xochitlcroce3652]

Wao really you did a fantastic job! Can't wait to enjoy my trip. Using your tips!

[@IrishLincoln]

Great video. I lived in the NOVA area near The District for many years. Great advice and you really hit the nail on the head. Food changes constantly though (restaurants open and close here on a monthly basis) so check Google and make website checks. Uber isn't too bad here and the Metro really is the key to getting around if you are able. Awesome video. Have fun DC travelers!

[@abdulsattarrecany3871]

Thank you. I am thinking of visiting the DC area and this video gave me a better idea on how to plan visit.

[@paulstewart8228]

I’m going to DC in four days and I’m super excited thanks for the great tips

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome! Thanks Paul!

[@elizabethmarflak105]

Yellow Productions always has amazing info!! Watched all the videos for my Vegas and DC trip!

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome.. thanks Elizabeth!

[@MonicaGloHernandez]

Thank you! I am really looking forward to my trip to DC. Thanks to your video I am better prepare.

[@noahtakestheworld]

This video is super helpful! I also made a travel guide where I visited 50+ SITES in a MERE 4 days. It was exhausting but I now know what is the best thing to do! Especially if you are traveling ALONE!

[@Jimbodisfan]

I am a subscriber and love your videos. A friend of mine and I went to Washington D.C. twice (July 30-August 2, 2010 for a long weekend, and May 5-6, 2012 overnight) to see the Philadelphia Phillies @ Washington Nationals in Nationals Park. We rode the Amtrak Northeast Regional two hours from Philadelphia and stayed at the Comfort Inn and Suites on Baltimore Avenue in College Park, MD, and walked down Calvert St to the Metro station to get to the ballpark..

[@pickled51]

A good place for Italian Food is the Dupont Italian Kitchen, corner of "R" and 17th St NW. We have stayed at what used to be a Best Western on Fairfax Dr in Rosslyn, VA. along US 50. Free parking when it was a Best Western. Hotel had both traditional style exterior access rooms and a newer building with underground parking that contained interior access rooms. Just a few blocks from the Rosslyn Metro Station. We have also stayed at a Days Inn in the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue NW. Small rooms, but clean. Located just a couple of blocks north of the Red Line Van Ness/UDC Metro Station. Thanks Chris for another great video.

[@YellowProductions]

+Brian Dill Thanks Brian! And I'll have to check out the DuPont Italian Kitchen!

[@michelletodd4893]

So much info. Thank you. Going in october-ish.

[@Alliejen12345]

I’ve been solo traveling for years. I wish I had your videos when I started... great work

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Alliejen!

[@matx6487]

New subscribers. Great content for my second trip too DC, wish I had seen this video the first time. Thanks for the info.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for subscribing Mark!

[@mwadiyakin-malebo4135]

I was in DC four years ago from Canada and I love it. I love all the museums and historical. This time I want to see more like the Wax, Spy , Holocaust and Native museums.

[@jwillisbarrie]

Thanks for having captions for the Deaf. Thinking of going to Washington DC. Lots of great info.

[@davidwellwarth1552]

You are such a awesome guy, thanks for everything you do, I learn so much from your videos, great job!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks David!

[@creativeguy1138]

Been to DC several times in my life and watched this video anyway. Good stuff! :)

[@Color-Me-Petty]

Great video! You offered some excellent tips. We will arrive on September 17. I can not wait to explore what DC has to offer.

[@YellowProductions]

Enjoy DC! Thanks!

[@cosmoknight74geovlog]

Thank you so much. Will be heading there in a few months (need to rewatch this and take notes).

[@michellelopez5264]

This was awesome! Loved the new tips and recommendations, most other videos all say the same thing.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Michelle!

[@mattwright6249]

Very informative. Myself and another co worker are looking to book a vacation to the district. I have bookmarked this video

[@mdjhossain9442]

Tnx for your information...it's very helpful for me.

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure MD!

[@juvadeetaoha7988]

Thx so much for your informative video ... I‘ll be going in the end of June 2019 to Washington D.C. for 5 days and totally looking forward to see the places that you‘ve mentioned! 👍🏻

[@King_Fadi]

Be prepared for the real picture! Filthy filthy metro stations, a filthy city garbage in every corner, a homeless guy in every corner. Long expensive commutes everywhere. Museums are a waste of time, trust me go to Disneyland instead this place is shit

[@nimitro]

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to DC next week.

[@scottman895]

Great tips! I definitely agree with what you said about the traffic and parking in DC. I found it much easier taking the Metro into the District than parking in the District. One thing I'll add is that from BWI, you can take the MARC train from the airport all the way to Union Station (and back). I did that for a business trip a few years ago, and it was quite convenient and not very expensive. Anyway, thank you for the video! I need to visit the area again soon as I definitely did not get to visit everything on previous visits!

[@YellowProductions]

+Scottman895 Travel Good tip on the MARC train from BWI to Union Station. I've never done that.. I usually end up flying in to Dulles which will have the metro soon.. so that will be nice.

[@scottman895]

I have not flown into Dulles yet as I usually fly into either Reagan or BWI. I'm glad Dulles will soon have the Metro in case I decide to fly through that airport.

[@YJD23]

I've been traveling alone. I wish I had your videos from the beginning... great work.

[@Emerald214]

I'm a fan of Dan Brown's. I'm traveling there this November. Thank you for all the useful information. : )

[@badrmusa]

Wow this video is amazing man 👍

[@lukes7027]

Very very well narrated! Excellent photos, directions and information!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Luke!

[@dreamsylvia]

This video is so informative and helpful! Thank you very much!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Sylvia!

[@rahulchawla20]

Great video like always. Chris, you have been very helpful. I and my wife always plan our trips with the help of your videos. Thank you very much for your work. Love from Indians in China :)

[@YellowProductions]

Aww... Thanks Rahul!

[@HeritageWaysKatie]

Hello, this is my first video to watch of yours and I loved it. We have just sold our home and we’re about to full-time RV as we travel around the country and find ways to serve and encourage people. We will be in the DC area in a couple of months and this video was very very helpful. We have subscribed and look forward to watching more. Thank you. PS. Our channel also makes travel videos but we are certainly amateurs and admire your great work👍🏽

[@xkx6908]

Awesome,very informative..have been visited dc 10 years ago in February,yes quite cold still.

[@YellowProductions]

+ks x Thanks ks x!

[@crystalharrison5757]

Thx for the great tips because I am going to Washington DC the week!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Crystal!

[@crystalharrison5757]

Your welcome

[@kimsinspiredlife]

Thank you for Transportation information.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Kimberly!

[@Ashapplications]

Great content, thank you.

[@joesmama27]

Wow great vidoe thanks for all the info before my trip to DC!

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure Joe! Thanks!

[@jimmydyess4045]

Very informative...thanks!

[@ksai8434]

Very useful video .. I am planning to visit next month

[@joeyadams5438]

Thanks for the vid!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Joey!

[@risakoiscoolwithm]

Neat video! I miss DMV so much.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Risako!

[@eb3043]

Really informative-great tips. Thanks!! Taking my daughter for 4 days -leaving tomorrow!

[@YellowProductions]

Enjoy DC E B!

[@donutboy9576]

I liked the part when you judging Chinese food not good in China Town hahahaha! Very authentic and honest Creator! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔥🔥🔥

[@hannebun2083]

Very informative vids, it’s exactly what I was looking for!! New subbee here!!😄🙌

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks and welcome!!!

[@hectornavedoed.d.2940]

Great video. Thank you!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Hector!!!

[@americangirlNJ]

My 14 year olds are doing D.C. For 3 days as a class trip in June. Just sent them this link 🤗

[@YellowProductions]

+americangirlNJ Nice! I hope they have a great time!

[@roxan4817]

By the way. Great video!

[@mullerrich]

Metro is the name of the transportation system. It includes the rail system, much of it above ground, and busses. I enjoyed taking the Red line into the district and looking at the non-rush hour traffic creeping along. I got on at the Vienna stop to L'Enfant Plaza stop.

[@kulturstadtbanause-original]

Good tips. Thank you!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks!

[@prettyloubey8411]

Such a great video you rock

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks!

[@touzifatimazahra8964]

Thank you for the great informations :)

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure Touzi!

[@Melissa2087]

I went for 3 days a year ago and I could have easily spent longer but 3 days was a great fit

[@bogitwob]

Thanks, super informative!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Keith!

[@mariaestela72]

Excellent, I will be in D. C this weekend👍

[@YellowProductions]

Enjoy DC!

[@HiddeNinja89]

Watching this as I go to the airport

[@YellowProductions]

Enjoy your trip!

[@ashantedula5696]

Dude awesome Video. I live here and I learned a thing or 2

[@jutopnotch]

Just found your channel and it is amazing!!!!!! Thanks

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Ju! Welcome to Yellow Productions!

[@stevenmshawzy]

Great job in explaining what to do in D.C.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Steven!

[@skinnycroissant-bychefmarl2466]

Going to DC next week :)))) Thank you ! Very helpful tips !

[@YellowProductions]

Enjoy DC!

[@literaturewithjayneel]

nicely put

[@fr3ful]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. New suscriber 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@YellowProductions]

Welcome Rosario!

[@FilipinaVanLifeAubry]

Awesome video very informative

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Aubry!

[@MarniMota93]

Thanks Chris!!

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure Mariana! Thank you!

[@gkiltz0]

The local "subway" system is referred to as Metro because particularly once you get outside DC itself most of it is above ground. Also while EATING on the Metro is subject to a fine, you CAN vomit your guts out for free! People used to underground systems have reported motion sickness on the above ground parts of the system.

[@themagiicman182]

I would also recommend old town Alexandria and the Wharf as places to check out. Both on the waterfront but complete opposites as old town is historic and the wharf has been built up recently and has music venues, fish markets, bars/restaurants. Also the water taxi could be another cool option to get to these places( although I’ve lived here my whole life and have never taken it lol)

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the tips on Alexandra and the Wharf! I agree.. they are cool. The Wharf wasn't yet open when I filmed this

[@kelliewohlford2752]

Water taxi? I'm intrigued!!

[@sydneybraatz1015]

the BEST video on the district i’ve seen

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Sydney!

[@7xleto704]

From DC and Arlington, actually can get REALLY cold and windy--mostly in January and February

[@John572d4]

It can but DC has the mildest winters as compared to Nyc , Philly and Boston, often only a few inches of snow all winter.

[@evancortez2]

Another less popular, but excellent museum is the national postal museum next to Union Station, if you're into mail, the history of mail, the history of the postal service, then this museum will be fascinating to you

[@YellowProductions]

+evancortez2 Good tip on the postal museum!

[@kimberlyepps3730]

Also do online search for DC Parks and Recreation because you may find swimming pools and neighborhood parks to play and relax. The National Cathedral(small fee) and The Shrine both have tours. Abolitionist, Fredrick Douglas’ Home is great place to visit, as well

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the tips Kimberly!

[@joseluiscarreno5682]

thanks , is very good yours video

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks JoseLuis!

[@gkiltz0]

Actually National Airport is only accessible from Virginia but it's actually in DC. Most rivers the state line runs down the MIDDLE of the river, but the Potomac is different. the State line runs down the 100 year high water mark on the Virginia side. Once you put in all the modern flood control most of the land National Airport is built on is reclaimed from the river. it IS therefore below the 100 year high water mark, placing it in the District of Columbia. Some maps miss it, and a lot of people don't see the sign coming off the George Washington Parkway, but the "Welcome to Washington DC" sign IS there!

[@letsgoseeit457]

Thanks for making this video. I am looking for creative ways to grow my DC centric travel channel and I appreciate your remarks.

[@GideonJohn]

Great content!

[@thiagogregory1]

I love the way you talk

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Thiago

[@DaironFrias]

I like your video .... thanks

[@francescakeith3745]

Very uplifting and informative, thank you!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Francesca!

[@NothingMaster]

A great informative video, as always; albeit, I was a bit surprised that you didn’t say anything about visiting Georgetown!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Alex! I like Georgetown. Not sure why I didn't mention it here

[@NothingMaster]

@@YellowProductions: A superb and highly useful presentation, nonetheless, my friend. I know I gained some new insights; and I had lived in DC (Georgetown) for over a year, on a job assignment.

[@oscarruiz8526]

extremely useful, thanks

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Oscar!

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

You're my boy love your work

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Pete!

[@topnotchcoffee]

I think I’ve been to the Hyatt, but I can’t remember. It’s been 6 years since we last went to D.C., and it was a very short trip (I believe at most a school week or 5 days.)

[@nataliaspinelli9747]

Thank you!

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure Little Guava!

[@kimberlyepps3730]

Go to Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro, MD. You can take the Metro there from your downtown hotel.

[@chawlee]

Also found a lot of food trucks at L’Enfant Metro. Not sure what the yearly schedule is but found over a dozen food trucks in this area. Took the Wharf neighborhood Shuttle (free) From Hirshorn Museum (National mall).

[@YellowProductions]

Neat!

[@CnJWade]

Very good video! Subscribed!

[@YellowProductions]

Welcome Christa to Yellow Productions! :)

[@theilliad4298]

There has been 2 solid months of 90 + degree weather this year. I'm so glad it finally ended

[@YellowProductions]

Oooof! Hot!

[@gkiltz0]

Worth knowing: Dulles Airport is closer to the Technology Corridor! National could fit entirely within Dulles without hanging over When the weather is bad enough to be total IFR National only has ONE full IFR runway, So it becomes a one-runway wonder under IFR conditions. Dulles has 4 runways there is talk of building a 5th. The Concorde landed at Dulles It could not fly into National. No wide bodies at National Metro is actually under construction to Dulles. If you are going anywhere in Virginia except right in Arlington Alexandria, Falls Church or Northeastern Fairfax County Even once you get to Ft Belvoir although National is closer, the whole system is so FUBAR that the travel time is a wash! By the time you get to Woodbridge or Burke Dulles is quicker Farther, but quicker!!

[@edithsutterlin7019]

Recommend the Library of Congress to visit/ tours. Beautiful architecturally and great exhibits. If you have not visited there yet, you are missing out.