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District Of Columbia Holidays

It’s not hard to understand why Washington, DC is on so many people’s must-see lists. As the nation’s capital, sightseeing doesn’t get much more impressive – you’ll find world-famous monuments, renowned museums and of course, the White House.

Add to that a stroll along the Potomac River and some of the country’s most acclaimed restaurants and you have a wonderful short break or holiday destination.

The bright lights of Washington, DC offer much more than sightseeing. The city’s eclectic neighbourhoods, boutique and designer shopping, live music venues showcasing rock, jazz, R&B and reggae, sensational theatre productions and an array of eateries attract a young crowd looking for a cosmopolitan experience.

Top Tips

"If you are flying into Washington Dulles Airport, consider taking the Metrorail into the city. Trains run every ten minutes during peak hours and you get traffic-free access into the capital. This Silver Line Extension to the metro opened in November 2022 and costs just $6 per person. "

"Food lovers will be overwhelmed by the choice of restaurants and variety of global cuisines. For great steak, head to Bobby Van's Steakhouse (809 15th Street NW), a favourite of congressmen and visiting dignitaries. If you're looking for a atmospheric lunch, try Gordon Biersch (900 F Street NW) with its own micro-brewery on-site."

"Parking is very expensive and very limited, so leave your car at the hotel and take advantage of the Metro, which is one of the world’s most convenient, safe and clean subway systems. It is really easy to use - the routes and stops are clearly indicated on station maps and you can choose to purchase a single ticket, unlimited one day ticket or a weekly pass. Be aware that Georgetown doesn't have a Metro stop, the nearest is a pleasant 15 minute walk away."

"Make sure you include a visit to The Smithsonian institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex boasting 16 museums and galleries. Start at the Visitor Information Center at the Smithsonian Castle where you can map your course - you can see as much or as little as you like and it's all free."

"Whilst you're in Washington, DC, make a trip to Georgetown. It's the capital's elite region with great boutiques and restaurants. Georgetown also makes a perfect choice for those wanting to enjoy the delights of the city but stay in a more relaxed, slow-paced area. Our favourite hotels in Georgetown are Capella, which has incredible accommodations and offers the utmost in refined, personal service and The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, a converted historic building featuring exposed brickwork and a soaring smokestack."

"Even if you don't usually enjoy museums, you should include the International Spy Museum, showcasing the shadowy world of espionage and featuring a '50 Years of James Bond' exhibit, and Newseum, offering an in-depth look at the world of journalism."

"As you would imagine, Washington, DC is filled with amazing nightlife. The different districts house a variety of styles from casual pubs to high-end wine bars. An amazing array of brewery's are being established, and they have spurred a number of 'Brew Tours' being available for real beer lovers."

"The National Mall isn’t for shopping! Spanning 2.25 miles from the U.S. Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, it is home to many monuments, memorials and museums. Mainly pedestrianized, the best way to see its many iconic attractions is on either a bike or Segway tour - both of which are tremendous fun!"

The Neighbourhoods

The key neighbourhoods to check out are Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Penn Quarter, Chinatown and U Street, known for renowned museums, famous monuments, a booming food scene, diverse nightlife, and entertainment.

Take a leisurely stroll along the National Mall and you’ll discover the major monuments and memorials. Soak up the sun with a paddleboat ride in the Tidal Basin, lounge in one of the many parks and gardens, or explore the Georgetown waterfront.

If you’re looking for something a little more active, enjoy a run or bike ride along the many trails which exist throughout the city. Rock Creek Park has an 11-mile route and the Capital Crescent Trail follows a former railroad track along the Potomac River. You could also try your hand at kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding or ice skating.

A City for Sightseeing

You can find all the best things to do right here in DC, from concerts and cultural events to American history, free attractions and so much more.

It’s easy to ride the Metro or hop on a bike and explore all that the nation’s capital has to offer. Walk the halls of free Smithsonian museums, paddle on the Potomac and Anacostia rivers or sit back on a double-decker tour bus and soak up some history. Local shops, funky marketplaces and people-watching hot spots beckon by midday, as nighttime gives way to multi-course dinners and drinks from local breweries. However, you spend your time here, make it count.

D.C Shuttle Service - Six new stations. Endless possibilities.

As of November 2022, Metro celebrated the opening of the Silver Line Extension meaning customers are now connected to six brand new stations in and around the District of Columbia. This new extension now means getting to and from Dulles International Airport just got a whole lot easier.

The new service will depart every 10 minutes during busy periods, every 12 minutes during quieter periods, evenings and weekends and every 15 minutes during late-night hours.

Customers will enjoy traffic-free access to and from the airport along with complimentary Wi-Fi onboard.

For full details on the brand-new Silver Line Extension click here. 

 

Sightseeing in Washington D.C.

Turning a great holiday into lasting memories just got a whole lot easier. We have a wide range of day trips for you to consider, from relaxed tours to high-adrenaline activities. Why not jump on a guided sightseeing tour? They can be taken on foot, by bicycle, by boat, and even by Segway. We have a range of food and drink tours, showcasing some of the area’s best establishments. In addition, you’ll find admission tickets to museums, galleries, and aquariums and full-day tours to top locations in the area. We also offer a selection of private tours, perfect for those with limited time or travelling with family.

Our hope is that this selection will provide inspirational ideas to enhance your holiday. If you are interested in something which isn’t featured, tell us and we will do what we can to make it happen.

It is strongly suggested that you pre-book anything which is important to your holiday enjoyment to avoid disappointment, particularly if you are travelling in high season or it is an activity with limited availability. Also, having everything planned and booked will save you time and hassle when you arrive, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your holiday.

All of these trips can be included in your holiday quotation or, if you have already booked your holiday with us, they can be added to enrich your adventure.

Click here to view our digital sightseeing booklet for Washington D.C.

District Of Columbia Destinations

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