Washington DC Hotel & Travel Destination Guide

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Country Code: US
Source: Fastcheck Arrival Guides

Population:
572,000

Currency:
US Dollar, $1 = 100 cents

Opening hours:
General opening hours for shops are 10am-7pm/9pm Mon-Sat. Noon-5pm/6pm Sunday. Some shops are closed on Sundays.

Tourist information:
DC Chamber of Commerce Information Center
Address: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Ronald Reagan Building
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30 pm, Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm, closed on Sunday. Fall and Winter hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm.
www.dcchamber.org

Washington DC

Think BIG in Washington - as soon as you arrive in DC you’ll be knocked over by the scale of the place. America’s capital wants you to know where you are and the city goes all out to impress in terms of grandeur and size. Drama and scandal bubble under the surface while the streets are abuzz - hip and happening events, museums, restaurants and clubs around every corner. The principles of Equality, Justice, Life and Liberty are still upheld but DC is, above all, a trendy and international town. Welcome to Washington!

Washington DC City

Washington is a city of contrasts. While it might be best recognised in its political role, DC wants the world to know that it has much more to offer than governmental gossip and diplomatic deals. Divided into districts, each neighbourhood represents another distinct feature that adds to the diverse characteristics breathing life into the city.

While isolated Georgetown is bustling with new, trendy boutiques and restaurants, Shaw, once the site of racial tensions and riots, is undergoing a revitalisation programme to make it a hot destination for African-American heritage tours. Downtown might offer theatres, galleries and the best Chinese food in the Chinatown restaurants, while the New U district, where Duke Ellington once played, is the in vogue neighbourhood for hearing live music. And amid all this let’s not forget the political and military monuments and memorials along the National Mall. It is in this area that you’ll also find the wonderful Smithsonian complex of museums.

The city is a melting pot of cultures and communities, which has had a fantastic influence on restaurants in particular. Whatever your culinary preferences, DC can cater to them, be it French, American or Ethiopian. Spread out across the city all the choices are on offer. And this is Washington’s key - despite being crammed with different tastes, smells, sights and

Things to See and Do in Washington DC

Washington D.C is the capital of patriotic monuments and symbols of political power. Home to influential institutions including Congress and the White House, the city also boasts some of the best museums and art galleries in the world.

National Gallery Of Art
The National Gallery is home to one of the most expansive art collections in the world. Both the Neo-Classical West building and more modernistic East building, reflect the range and quality of the works within.
Address: 4th St & Constitution Ave NW
Underground: Archives-Navy Memorial
Phone: +1 (202)-737-4215
Tickets: free
Internet: www.nga.gov

The Mall/monuments
The Mall comprises the main stretch of significant sights in Washington. Among these are the National Gallery and Sculpture Garden, in addition to an abundance of Smithsonian institutions (see The City), including the National Museum of American History. Monuments include memorials to Presidents Lincoln and Roosevelt, as well as those remembering veterans of the Vietnam and Korean wars.
Address: The National Mall
Underground: Smithsonian

National Museum Of American History
This is Washington’s patriotic tribute to all things American, detailing events in U.S history from The Civil War to the assassination of JFK.
Address: 14th St & Constitution Ave NW
Underground: Federal Triangle
Phone: +1 (202) 357 2700
Tickets: free
Internet: www.americanhistory.si.edu

United States Capitol
Rising up from the Mall, this impressive monument symbolises steadfast American democracy. The Capitol is regarded as an important museum as well as bearing testament to America’s governmental prowess.
Address: Independence Mall, between 1st and 3rd Sts and
Independence and Constitution Aves, SW
Underground: Capitol South
Phone: +1 (202) 225 6827
Tickets: free
Internet: www.aoc.gov

The White House
A trip to Washington would not be complete without visiting the world’s most recognizable residence. Witness the comings and goings and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the man himself. Due to heightened security internal tours are not possible though there is a Visitor Center offering a ‘virtual’ tour.
Address: 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Underground: McPherson Sq
Phone: +1 (202) 208 1631
Tickets: Visitor Center free
Internet: www.nps.gov/whho

Arlington National Cemetery
Not many cemeteries would list among a city’s top 10 sights, but Arlington is an exception. Catch the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns where soldiers keep a 24 hour watch in honour of the unidentified dead from WWI, WWII and the Korean War.
Address: Arlington, VA
Underground: Arlington Cemetery
Phone: +1 (888) 868 7707 +1 (703) 607 8052
Tickets: free
Internet: www.arlingtoncemetery.net

National Air And Space Museum
Here children will be in their element. Airplanes and spaceships from Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed to WWII spitfires are on display along with re-enactments of the first landing on the moon and educational workshops. Also hosts an IMAX cinema, simulators and Planetarium.
Address: 4th St & Independence Ave SW
Underground: L’Enfant Plaza
Phone: +1 (202) 357 2700
Tickets: free
Internet: www.nasm.si.edu

Georgetown
Unique Georgetown has a reputation for great shops, the trendiest restaurants and quaint cobblestone streets. It’s the place to be in DC and is a haven for the city’s students. A trip to this charming part of Washington is a must.
Underground: Foggy Bottom-GWU and then bus 50c

Dining in Washington DC

Regarded as one of the culinary capitals of the world, Washington offers a fantastic variety of cuisines and dining experiences. Washington’s eclectic mix of nationalities demands an array of tastes to suit all backgrounds. Neighbourhoods and districts boast their own signature fare - head to Georgetown for trendy hotspots, Adams-Morgan to sample East African ‘wat’ (simmered veg or meat in sauce), or Downtown for great seafood (soft-shell crab is a speciality). Dinner service stretches from 6pm-11pm and tips of at least 15% are expected. It’s advisable to book ahead for popular places, especially at weekends.

Citronelle
This restaurant is renowned for its creativity with food. Described as French/Californian, dishes include scallops with cauliflower couscous and venison with chestnut risotto. Jackets are required for dinner and you are advised to book ahead.
Address: 3000 M St, NW
Underground: Foggy Bottom-GWU
Phone: +1 (202) 625 2150
Internet: www.citronelledc.com

Meskerem
There are simpler Ethiopian venues along this stretch but Meskerem provides the best package, with a lively bar and exciting food. Use your hands to sample meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes, served with ‘injera’, an East African bread.
Address: 2434 18th St, NW
Underground: Woodley Park-Zoo
Phone: +1 (202) 462 4100
Internet: www.meskeremonline.com

Pizzeria Paradiso
Undoubtedly the most authentic Italian pizza in Washington. Made for healthy appetites, pizzas are large and topped with the freshest ingredients.
Address: +1 (202)9 P St, NW
Underground: Dupont Circle
Phone: +1 (202) 223 1245
Internet: www.eatyourpizza.com

Bistro Du Coin
French to its core, this bustling bistro oozes Parisian charm. Delicious ‘frites’ and ‘escargots’ are rushed through the heaving dining room to hungry customers. Dishes are rich and portions generous but the food is second to none.
Address: 1738 Connecticut Ave
Underground: Dupont Circle
Phone: +1 (202)-234-6969
Internet: www.bistroducoin.com

Jaleo
Jaleo receives critical acclaim for its Spanish tapas. Opt for simple paella or more exotic eggplant flan, one possibility on a menu of more than 40 tapas dishes.
Address: 480 7th St, NW
Underground: Archives-Navy Memorial
Phone: +1 (202) 628 7949
Internet: www.jaleo.com

Bistrot Lepic
Known for its restaurant and wine bar, Bistro Lepic is a firm favourite in Georgetown. Choose between the cosy, intimate 1st floor and downstairs restaurant, for either appetite whetting ‘Appeteasers’ or a fish and seafood dominated main menu.
Address: 1736 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Underground: Foggy Bottom-GWU, then Georgetown shuttle
Phone: +1 (202) 333 0111
Internet: www.bistrotlepic.com

Komi
An extensive wine list is just one of the appealing features which has won Komi so many local fans. Presenting a Greek-inspired menu, concoctions from mascarpone-stuffed dates to tzatziki with white truffle paste will stimulate the taste buds.
Address: 1509 17th St, NW
Underground: Dupont Circle
Phone: +1 (202) 332 9200

Sushi-ko
It’s just a five-minute cab ride from Georgetown to Washington’s best and first sushi joint.
Address: 2309 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Underground: Foggy Bottom-GWU
Phone: +1 (202) 333 4187
Internet: www.sushiko.us

Mie N Yu
A world of cultures come together at Mie N Yu, where, whatever your mood, there will be something to satisfy it. Oriental, Middle Eastern, American, North African and Mediterranean offerings are available here, presented in ornate dining areas. Turkish Tent anyone?
Address: 3125 M St, NW
Underground: Foggy Bottom-GWU
Phone: +1 (202) 333 6122
Internet: www.mienyu.com

Washington DC Cafes

For a quick hot dog or something more substantial, Washington’s deluge of cafés will more than cater to the requirements of its visitors. The city’s student population promotes a café culture ensuring there is something for everyone.

Ben’s Chili Bowl
Hot dogs galore at this local neighbourhood haunt. With the likes of Duke Ellington eating here over the years, this colourful diner is a favourite for simple tastes and great atmosphere.
Address: 1213 U St
Underground: U Street-Cardozo
Phone: +1 (202) 667 0909
Internet: www.benschilibowl.com

Cascade Café
After trawling museums for a morning, stop at the National Gallery’s café for a welcome break. The view here is of a man-made waterfall flowing over a cascade in the gallery’s concourse.
Address: East Bldg, National Gallery of Art, 4th St & Constitution Ave, NW
Underground: Archives-Navy Memorial
Phone: +1 (202) 216 2480
Internet: http://www.nga.gov/

Café Milano
See and be seen at Georgetown’s hottest lunch spot. Simple, authentic Italian dishes are served alfresco by bossy waiters.
Address: 3251 Prospect St
Underground: Foggy Bottom-GWU
Phone: +1 (202) 333 6183
Internet: www.cafemilanodc.com

Market Lunch
For seafood lovers this café hidden in the Eastern Market (see Shops) is a must. The legendary soft-shell crab along with oysters and other fishy fare are served here, in addition to a weekend-only brunch.
Address: 225 7th St, SE
Underground: Eastern Market
Phone: +1 (202) 546 2698
Internet: www.easternmarket.net

Full Kee
Head to Chinatown for cheap but mouth-watering bowls of steaming soup and noodles.
Address: 509 H St, NW
Underground: Gallery Pl-Chinatown
Phone: +1 (202) 371 2233
Internet: www.fullkeedc.com

Happy Hour
Happy Hour in Washington is practically an institution. Bars across the city advertise and promote that one joyous hour when punters can get beverages for half the price, or often even less. Look for posters and flyers to get the low-down on the best deals. Usually between 4pm and 8pm, beers, cocktails and snacks are sold for as little as $1.50.

Washington DC Bars and Nightlife

Student life and an established city Happy Hour make DC’s bar scene a happening affair. Cocktails flow freely particularly in the two main drinking areas, Georgetown and Adams- Morgan.

Washington lights up after dark - rave till the early hours or sip exciting cocktails in cosy surroundings. The following nightspots (and several more of course) provide all this and more.

701
Featuring the extravagant Caviar Bar, 701 is DC’s vodka specialist. To accompany the wide range on offer, connoisseurs can sample an assortment of Russia’s best roe.
Address: 701 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Underground: Archives-Navy Memorial
Phone: +1 (202) 393 0701
Internet: www.701restaurant.com

Brickskeller Inn
This underground bar is a beer lover’s paradise. More than 900 international varieties are on offer including lagers, creams and shandies.
Address: 1523 22nd St, NW
Underground: Dupont Circle
Phone: +1 (202) 293 1885

Clyde’s
Georgetown regulars have been frequenting this Washington institution for almost 40 years. Once a student watering hole, it now boasts more sophisticated décor to match its upscale clientele.
Address: 3236 M St, NW
Underground: Foggy Bottom-GWU, then Georgetown shuttle
Phone: +1 (202) 333 9180
Internet: www.clydes.com

Pharmacy Bar
Previously a local chemist, old medicine bottles still litter the shelves and pills are scattered beneath glass tabletops. Just what the doctor ordered.
Address: 2337 18th St, NW
Underground: Woodley Park-Zoo
Phone: +1 (202) 483 1200

Reef
New on the Adams-Morgan scene, Reef’s rooftop deck draws a young, social crowd. The main indoor attraction is the centralised bar and huge colourful fish aquariums.
Address: 2446 18th St, NW
Underground: Woodley Park-Zoo
Phone: +1 (202) 518 3800
Internet: www.thereefdc.com

Tombs
This is Georgetown’s most popular student/lecturer hang-out. Tutorials are forgotten in a relaxed and noisy atmosphere where pitchers of beer are washed down with the latest college gossip.
Address: 1226 36th St
Underground: Foggy Bottom-GWU then Georgetown shuttle
Phone: +1 (202) 337 6668

9:30 Club
Take in some indie-rock with both regular acts at 9:30’s warehouse-based venue. The club attracts up to 1200 revelers at weekends to appreciate up and coming and established musical talent.
Address: 815 V St, NW
Underground: U Street-Cardozo
Phone: +1 (202) 3 930 930
Internet: www.930.com

18th Street Lounge
Intimate and exclusive, dress to impress at this hip hop venue. Housed in a mansion the interior is polished and the dance floor crammed with well-heeled regulars.
Address: 1212 18th St, NW
Underground: Dupont Circle
Phone: +1 (202) 466 3922
Internet: www.eslmusic.com

Air
On a warm summer night, there is no better place to dance than in the open-air. From June to October the huge courtyard becomes a jam-packed mass of writhing people, moving to hip hop, disco and R&B.
Address: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Underground: Federal Triangle
Internet: www.airclubdc.com

Madam’s Organ
Adams-Morgan’s most raucous blues and jazz club attract a fun crowd. Look for a wall painting of ‘Madam’ herself to find the entrance, all bosoms and red hair. Redheads are served half-price beer inside.
Address: 2461 18th St, NW
Underground: Woodley Park-Zoo
Phone: +1 (202) 667 5370
Internet: www.madamsorgan.com

MCCXX111
Look out for George Clooney among the glamorous guests at this dazzling club. MCCXX111 has a reputation for attracting DC’s elite. Dress to the nines and dance the night away in style.
Address: 1223 Connecticut Ave, NW
Underground: Farragut North
Phone: +1 (202) 822 1800
Internet: www.1223dc.com

Platinum
Party animals pack three floors at Downtown’s hottest club. DJs mix depending on the night and the themes, which include ‘Latin’ and ‘College’. Check the website to get on the Platinum guest list.
Address: 915 F St, NW
Underground: Metro Center
Phone: +1 (202) 393 3555
Internet: www.platinumclubdc.com

Shopping in Washington DC

For a serious shopping spree Georgetown is probably the most famous area for a bit of retail therapy, but many DC neighborhoods have enough boutiques, markets and designer stores to make the city a shopper’s paradise. Malls are generally located in more suburban areas but their popularity ensures they are easily accessible. These 4 shopping districts are recommended.

Georgetown
The ‘daddy’ of places to shop in DC, Georgetown has something to keep everyone happy. This is where most of the big chains are located - Zara, Urban Outfitters, H&M and Victoria’s Secret are based here and despite Georgetown’s cobbled street charm, retail development is ongoing. Seek out Barnes & Noble’s wonderfully old-fashioned flagship store where book lovers will be in their element. For designer fiends Ralph Lauren is among several high-class stores scattered about the neighborhood. There are plenty of smaller, more alternative boutiques in addition to an abundance of music, art and antique shops to keep bargain hunters busy. Look out for Georgetown’s largest gallery, Creighton-Davis (3222 M St, NW), and Village Art & Craft (1353 Wisconsin Ave, NW) for funky, ethnic jewelry and knick-knacks.

Downtown And Chinatown
Downtown is DC’s department store centre, with Hechts. One of the largest branches of H&M is soon to be opened here and this area is set to become a consumer’s heaven. Downtown Washington borders Pennsylvania Avenue, the direct route between the White House and the Capitol. A few central malls including the Old Post Office Pavilion and The Shops at National Place are both a quieter alternative to the suburban giants further out of town. Wafts of sweet and sour pork are also likely to drift by in the downtown area since you are just round the corner from Chinatown.

Friendship Heights
Next stop Maryland - in the far north-west of the city the swanky Friendship Heights area is home to some of the most exclusive retail outlets in DC. Along with designer stores including Banana Republic and the furniture manufacturer Pottery Barn, the Mazza Gallerie mall is another upscale establishment featuring a variety of costly boutiques. Neiman Marcus fashion is based here while a short walk further along Wisconsin Avenue will get you to Tiffany, St-Laurent Rive Gauche and Cartier.

The New U District
The New U District is the new home to some of the trendiest shops in the city. You’ll find the quirky, the kitsch and the truly bizarre spilling out of second-hand and alternative boutiques along U Street and 14th St, NW. If you’re tired of seeing the same brands again and again elsewhere, look for gems like Home Rule (1807 14th St, NW), selling original variations on regular home wares, and Pulp (1803 14th St, NW), for unusual and funky gifts

Hechts
DC’s answer to New York’s Macy’s - this huge department store sells everything from furniture to fashion items for all ages.
Address: 1201 G St, NW
Underground: Metro Center
Phone: +1 (202) 628 6661
Internet: http://www.hechts.com/

Eastern Market
Besides delicious fresh produce, the Eastern Market also sells soaps, candles, pottery, jewelry and almost anything else you can think of. There’s also an irresistible flea market just across the street.
Address: 225 7th St, SE
Underground: Eastern Market
Phone: +1 (202) 546 2698
Internet: http://www.easternmarket.net/

Georgetown Park
A former power generation plant, this lovely old building houses an assortment of art, home furnishings, kitchenware, fashion and electrical goods shops in an airy and spacious environment.
Address: 3222 M St, NW
Underground: Foggy Bottom-GWU then Georgetown shuttle
Phone: +1 (202) 298 5577
Internet: http://www.shopsatgeorgetownpark.com/

The Fashion Centre At Pentagon City
160 shops including Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch. There’s also a cinema and food court in this expansive downtown mall.
Address: 1100, S Hayes St, Arlington
Underground: Pentagon City
Phone: +1 (703) 415 2400
Internet: www.simon.com/mall

Potomac Mills Mall
Perfect for the thrifty buyer, Potomac is the East Coast’s largest discount outlet mall. Comprising a staggering 250 shops, it is a half-hour drive south of DC.
Address: Woodbridge, Virginia
Phone: +1 (703) 490 5948
Internet: http://www.potomacmills.com/

Union Station
Souvenirs galore, Union Station is a DC landmark as well as a mall complete with multiplex cinema, hundreds of shops, a food court, and an influx of souvenir boutiques.
Address: 50 Massachusetts Ave, NE
Underground: Union Station
Phone: +1 (202) 289 1908
Internet: www.unionstationdc.com

Washington DC Hotels

Luxury Washington DC Hotels

Four Seasons Hotel
The Rock Creek Park located Four Seasons has won endless awards for its style and service. Brimming with antiques and boasting a world-renowned spa, luxury is the order of the day.
Address: 2800 Pennsylvania Ave, NW>
Underground: Foggy Bottom-GWU then Georgetown shuttle

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Willard Inter-continental
This historic hotel has been host to a plethora of famous visitors. Martin Luther King wrote his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech here and other distinguished guests include Calvin Coolidge and Lincoln. The Willard still draws a politically influential crowd.
Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Underground: Federal Triangle

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Hotel Monaco
Combining classic architecture and modern interiors, the Monaco is among Washington’s best boutique hotels. Funky art deco blends with the old-fashioned for a unique feel.
Address: 700 F St, NW
Underground: Gallery Pl-Chinatown

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Good Value Washington DC Hotels

Latham Hotel
Perfectly situated for Georgetown exploration, the Latham also houses the first rate Citronelle restaurant (see Eating) and sports a roof sundeck and pool. Treat yourself to one of the two storey ‘carriage house’ suites.
Address: 3000 M St NW

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Embassy Inn
Boutique and yet budget, the Embassy offers a surprising mix for visitors looking to save pennies. 38 tastefully decorated rooms fill this elegant house complete with original mosaics and a marble staircase.
Address: 1627 16th St, NW
Underground: Dupont Circle

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Cheap Washington DC Hotels

Hotel Harrington
This is an affordable option for the centre of town. The Harrington caters for families, with large suites going at reasonable rates. Popular with school groups the hotel is not for those seeking peace and quiet.
Address: 436 11th St, NW
Underground: Federal Triangle

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