Washington, D.C. - Wikivoyage, the free collaborative travel and tourism guide - Washington (D.C.) — Wikivoyage, le guide de voyage et de tourisme collaboratif gratuit

For other places of the same name, see Washington.

Washington D.C. (The District, D.C.)
From top left: Healy Hall at Georgetown University, Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, African American Civil War Memorial.
Information
Country	United States
Region	District of Columbia
Watercourse	Potomac, Anacostia River,
Area	177 km²
Population	646 449 hab. (2013)
Density	3 652,25 inhab./km²
Population of the agglomeration	5 860 342 hab.
Postal code	20001–20098, 20201–20599
Telephone prefix	1 202
Spindle	Eastern Time, UTC − 05: 00, UTC − 04: 00, America / New York
Tourist information office	901 7th Street NW, 4th FloorWashington, DC 20001-3719. ​ 1 202-789-7000 ​
Location
38 ° 53 ′ 37 ″ N 77 ° 0 ′ 52 ″ W
Official site
edit

Washington, D.C. is the capital of United States. It is a planned city, designated specifically to house the federal government. It forms a federal district (District of Columbia or "DC") which does not depend on any state. Its history, beautiful architecture and excellent cultural centers attract millions of visitors every year.

Understand

Geography

Surrounded by the states of Virginia (to the southwest) and Maryland (to the southeast, northeast and northwest), Washington is located on the shore of the Potomac, at its confluence with the Anacostia River . The highest point in the District of Columbia is at Tenleytown at an elevation of 125 meters above the sea.

Story

Created in 1787 by the Constitution of the United States, the city does not emerge until the beginning of the XIX^e century. The city map is drawn by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, a French military engineer, but was withdrawn from the project because of his irascible character and took the original plans with him. It was not until 1901, 75 years after his death, that the plans were rediscovered, serving as the basis for the creation of the National Mall, esplanade running from the Capitol to Lincoln Memorial.

When Anglo-American War of 1812, the British troops marched on the American capital destroying, the August 25, 1814, the buildings of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Treasury. The reconstruction of the Capitol began in 1815 and ended in 1830.

From then on, the city experienced modest growth until the Civil War. But, this will give it its legitimacy as the American federal capital. The city will also be the refuge of many black slaves who fled from the plantations of the Southern States.

The two world wars offered the city both economic and demographic growth, until it reached 900,000 inhabitants.

Weather

The climate of the District of Columbia is a humid subtropical district, with marked variations between winter and summer. Thus, the summer can be very hot and humid with temperatures frequently exceeding 35 ° C. Winter is cold, with an average temperature of 2.3 ° C and frequent negative temperatures.

The city today

Washington stands out from other major American cities by its organization and its architecture marked by a neoclassical style and the absence of skyscrapers. The presence of numerous parks and wide avenues makes the urban landscape very airy.

For many years, the city was very dependent on government activities. Today, Washington has become more dynamic, with the presence of many companies (particularly in the arms industry).

Culture is also at the center of concerns since the capital hosts a large number of museums, performance halls and art galleries.

To go

By plane

There are three airports around Washington, D.C .:

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA : DCA)  (last update Feb. 2018)
• Dulles International Airport (IATA : IAD)  (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.1795-76.66841 Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (IATA : BWIICAO: KBWI)  (last update Feb. 2019)

There is a metro station at National Airport, from where you can take the Blue and Yellow lines. Take the Yellow line to go to town.

By train

It is possible to take Amtrak trains from Union Station to New York, Boston, Florida, Chicago and the Western United States.

Line type	Cities served
Acela Express	Boston - New Haven - New York - Philadelphia - Baltimore - Washington, DC
Capitol Limited	Washington, DC - Pittsburgh - Cleveland - Chicago
Cardinal	New York - Washington, DC - Cincinnati - Indianapolis - Chicago
Northeast Regional	Boston - Providence / Springfield - Hartford - New York - Washington, DC - Lynchburg / Richmond - Petersburg - Norfolk / Newport News - Virginia Beach
Silver Service / Palmetto	New York - Washington, DC - Charleston - Savannah - Jacksonville - Orlando - Tampa / Miami
Vermonter	St. Albans - Burlington - Springfield - New York - Washington, DC

The MARC trains from the Maryland Department of Transportation run to Washington on three lines.

Lines	Cities served
Brunswick Line	Martinsburg - Harpers Ferry - Brunswick - Barnesville - Germantown - Rockville - Silver Spring - Washington D.C.
Camden Line	Baltimore - Dorsey - Savage - Laurel - Greenbelt - Washington D.C.
Penn Line	Baltimore - BW1 Marshall Rail Station - Odenton - Bowie State - Seabrook - New Carrollton - Washington D.C.

The Virginia Railway Express runs from Virginia to Washington on two lines.

Lines	Cities served
Manassas Line	Broad Run - Manassas - Manassas Park - Burke Center - Rolling Road - Backlick Road - Alexandria - Crystal City - L'Enfant - Washington D.C.
Fredericksburg Line	Spotsylvania - Fredericksburg - Leeland Road - Brooke - Quantico - Rippon - Woodbridge - Lorton - Franconia Springfield - Alexandria - Crystal City - L'Enfant - Washington D.C.

By car

By bus

There are several options between Washington and new York. Greyhound, Washington Deluxe and other "Chinatown to Chinatown" companies offer fares as low as $ 20 AS / $ 35 AR. The MEGABUS company offers trips from Washington DC to several cities in the United States and Canada (Toronto) from 1 $ (~0,83 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 0.92 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 1.24 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 543.04 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021) for one way (http://www.megabus.com).

On a boat

Circulate

By car

Driving on the Beltway (I-495) is not recommended without the accompaniment of a regular "Washingtonian". The Beltway is congested, parking is scarce, and motorists are a little ... aggressive.

Fortunately, Washington has one of the best public transportation systems in the country. You can go almost anywhere from anywhere. Be careful and leave the car in a "Park And Ride" location.

Avoid the roads during working hours, which are a bit more extensive than elsewhere (from 6 h at 09:30 h, and of 15 h - 19 h). Travel at night, on weekends or midday. There are plenty of parking lots, but it's a bit expensive.

By public transport

The WMATA is the transit authority for the city of Washington. It ensures the circulation of 6 metro lines and also of some bus lines.

• Metro  5 h - 22 h (5 h - 21 h 30 weekends) To know that between 5 h and 9 h 30 and between 15 h and 19 h, the metro is in rush hour, which translates into higher fares as well as shorter transit intervals. There is no single price, the prices depend on the station of departure and the station of arrival. It can range from 2,15 $ (~1,78 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 1.97 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 2.67 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 1 167.53 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021) To 5,9 $ (~4,89 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 5.4 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 7.32 - price of 04/27/2021) (~ 3,203.91 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021) during peak hours, and 1,75 $ (~1,45 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 1.6 Fr. - course on 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 2.17 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 950.31 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021) To 3,6 $ (~2,98 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 3.3 Fr. - course on 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 4.46 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 1 954.93 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021) the rest of the day. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Bus Most lines start to run around 6 h and terminate their services between 19 h and 20 h. The most important lines, especially those serving the airports, run until midnight..  1,75 $ (~1,45 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 1.6 Fr. - course from 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 2.17 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 950.31 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021). –  (last update jul. 2016)

The transport tickets are in the form of rechargeable smart cards, identical for the bus and the metro. It is possible to add funds to the card in metro stations, as well as in buses.

To see

Monuments and buildings

• 38.889722-77.0088891 Capitol Free. – Tours are in English. For non-English speakers, the guide can give you a small explanatory booklet in French with essential information. Inside, you can admire the magnificent frescoes adorning the central dome, as well as statues representing each of the 50 states. (last update March 2018)
• 38.888611-77.0047222 Library of Congress Free. – The Library of Congress is the largest in the world with 138 million documents. The interior is magnificent, with very beautiful mosaics covering some rooms from floor to ceiling. You will also be able to observe the reading room, In addition, a Gutenberg bible is on display. (last update jul. 2016)
• 38.897669-77.036553 The White House (White house)  – It is the home of American presidents. Visits for US citizens are at the request of your representative to Congress. For foreign citizens, a request must be made at the embassy. However, it is very difficult to be allocated a place. However, you can take a tour of the residence, and at the same time see the Eisenhower offices and the building housing the Treasury Department. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 38.889475-77.0352444 Washington monument  – The view from the Washington Monument (170 m) is beautiful on a clear day, allowing you to see along the Mall, and as far as the Shenandoah Mountains. Entry is by "hour ticket", which is distributed on a first come, first served basis, and which are available free of charge at a National Park Service ticket office (15th Street). Better to visit early (opens at 9 h) and get their tickets before visiting one or three museums, and return later. Or better yet, book your tickets in advance online. (last update Feb. 2018)

Museums

• 38.888056-77.025 National Air & Space Museum Free. – The most visited museum in the world! It contains thousands of unique items, such as the Wright brothers' "Flyer" (1903) or the Apollo 11 "Columbia" command module. Free admission, like all Smithsonian museums. A shuttle (in front of the NASM) takes you by 30 min at "Chantilly" (Dulles airport), where there are huge hangars in which many planes, missiles, "aerial" memorabilia from World War II, the Vietnam War, Concorde, etc are displayed: an unforgettable visit (photographs recommended)! Unmissable museum. (last update March 2018)
• 38.8883-77.01666 National Museum of the American Indian Free. – The architecture of this museum is amazing, with large curves overlapping. Several exhibitions are available, retracing the history of the Amerindians as well as their participation in the various armed conflicts that involved the United States. (last update March 2018)
• 38.8913-77.02597 National Museum of Natural History Free. – Very interactive museum, with a very important collection of dinosaur bones. (last update March 2018)
• 38.8874-77.038 National Museum of American History Free. – This museum traces the history of the United States in all its aspects. Whether it's industrial revolutions, wars or even culture, it's all there. (last update March 2018)
• 38.89147-77.020019 National Gallery of Art  – This museum exhibits paintings, drawings and photographs by American and European artists. The paintings cover a period from the Middle Ages to the present day. This museum also has a garden where sculptures are displayed. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 38.883877-77.0254610 Spy Museum (International Spy Museum)  – The museum provides an interactive spy experience for its visitors. It brings together many instruments used by the secret services to deceive the enemy or to pass messages with in particular Bulgarian umbrellas, an Enigma machine, ... However, if you want to live the interactive experience, go to the museum early, this course having a limited number of places which runs out quickly. (last update Feb. 2018)

Art Galeries

• 38.8881-77.027411 Freer Gallery  (last update Feb. 2018)
• 38.888-77.026512 Sackler Gallery  (last update Feb. 2018)
• 38.895851-77.03987913 Corcoran Gallery  (last update Feb. 2018)

Parks and gardens

• 38.888-77.01314 United States Botanical Garden (US Botanic Garden Conservatory)  (last update Feb. 2018)

Monuments

• 38.891111-77.04777815 Vietnam Veterans Memorial  – A long black marble wall 150 m engraved with the names of 58,156 Americans who died or disappeared during the Vietnam War. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 38.889278-77.05013916 Lincoln Memorial  – Access is free for this memorial dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, inspired by the Athenian Parthenon. Inside is a statue of the president. A must see. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 38.881111-77.03666717 Jefferson Memorial  – White marble building dedicated to President Thomas Jefferson. (last update Feb. 2018)

Try to see the monuments at night when they are lit up. If you can see the Capitol at sunset on a clear day, you will be able to see some wonderful colors.

All museums belonging to the Smithsonian Institution (as well as the National Gallery of Art) are free and open on Sundays.

To learn

• Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Avenue NE. Well seen, this is the place for those who speak with their hands. http://www.gallaudet.edu

• Washingtoniana Division, Room # 307, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street, NW (across from Gallery Place Metro stop). Washingtoniana Division is the special collection division containing historical material related to both federal as well as "hometown" Washington, DC. Phone (202) 727-1213. For more information see: http://www.dclibrary.org/washingtoniana/index.html.

• Peabody Room, 2nd floor, Georgetown Branch Library, 3260 R Street, NW (corner of Wisconsin Avenue and R Street). Peabody Room is the special collection division containing historical material related to the history of Georgetown, established in 1751 as Georgetown, MD. Phone (202) 282-0214. For more information see http://www.dclibrary.org/branches/geo/peabody.html

To work

To buy

• Recommended shopping in the streets of Georgetown (M Street and Wisconsin Avenue) and Dupont Circle.
• In the United States, stores are generally concentrated in shopping centers (Malls), especially outside the city. Not to be missed in Virginia: Pentagon City Mall, near the Pentagon (across from Washington), which is very easy to access (metro: yellow line, Pentagon City stop, at 10 min downtown); Tysons Corner (huge but difficult to access without a car. Possibility of taking a bus from Falls Church on the Orange metro line); and the gigantic Potomac Mills south of Washington (accessible by car)

Eat

Cheap

• Dupont Italian Kitchen 1637 17th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036,   1 202 328 3222 Sunday to Thursday 11 h - 23 h ; friday and saturday 11 h - 1 h in the morning.  7 $ (~5,8 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 6.41 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 8.68 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 3,801.25 F CFA - price on 04/27/2021) To 15 $ (~12,42 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 13.73 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 18.6 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 8,145.53 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021). – This Italian cuisine restaurant offers a friendly atmosphere and a large terrace. The dishes are good and you can easily eat for less 10 $ (~8,28 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 9.15 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 12.4 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 5,430.35 F CFA - price on 04/27/2021). If you just want a drink, the establishment also has a bar. (last update jul. 2016)

Middle class

• Rasika 633 D Street, NW Washington, DC 20004,   1 202 637 1222 Lunch: Monday to Friday: 11 h 30 - 14 h 30. Dinner: Monday to Thursday: 17 h 30 - 22 h 30 ; Friday and Saturday 17 h - 23 h. Of 15 $ (~12,42 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 13.73 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 18.6 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 8,145.53 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021) To 50 $ (~41,41 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 45.77 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 62.01 - price of 04/27/2021) (~ 27,151.77 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021). – Although the room is a bit noisy, the Indian cuisine on offer is excellent, with a wide variety of dishes. Be careful with sensitive stomachs, however, many dishes are spicy. (last update jul. 2016)

Luxury

Have a drink / Go out

The best clubs and bars are concentrated in three main areas:

• Georgetown: the student district
• Adams Morgan: very cosmopolitan and lively, clubs rub shoulders with restaurants from all over the world
• Dupont Circle: the very trendy district, known for its bars and nightclubs

Housing

Cheap

Middle class

Luxury

To stay in contact

Maintain health

Manage the day-to-day

Diplomatic representations

Washington is the city that hosts the most diplomatic representations in the world.

• Algeria 2118 Kalorama Road, NW, Washington DC, 2008,   1 202 265 2800, fax : 1 202 986 5906, e-mail : [email protected] Monday to Friday 9 h 00 To 17 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• 38.92711-77.065911 Belgium 3330 Garfield Street, NW, Washington DC, 20008,   1 202 3336900, 1 202 3526428 (emergency number only for Belgians), fax : 1 202 3384960, e-mail : [email protected] embassy: Mon.- Fri. : 9 h - 12 h 30 and13 h 30 - 16 h, visa section: Mon.- Fri. : 9 h 30 - 12 h. – Strollers, backpacks and heavy handbags prohibited. (last update Feb. 2019)
• Benign 2121 Kalorama Road, NW, Washington DC, 20008,   1 202 232 6656, fax : 1 202 265 1996, e-mail : [email protected] (last update March 2018)
• Burkina Faso 2340 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 2008,   1 202 332 5577, fax : 1 202 667 1882, e-mail : [email protected] (last update March 2018)
• Burundi Suite 408, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 2007,   1 202 342 2574, fax : 1 202 342 2578, e-mail : [email protected] (last update March 2018)
• Cambodia 4530 16th Street, NW, Washington DC, 20011,   1 202 726 7742, e-mail : [email protected] Monday to Friday 9 h 00 To 12 h 00 and 14 h 00 To 17 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• Cameroon 3400 International Drive, NW, Washington DC, 2008,   1 202 265 8790, fax : 1 202 387 3826, e-mail : [email protected] Monday to Friday 9 h 00 To 16 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• Canada 501 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20001-2111,   1 202 682 1741 Monday to Friday 9 h 00 To 17 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• Congo 1720 16th Street, NW, Washington DC, 2009,   1 202 726 5500, fax : 1 202 726 1860, e-mail : [email protected] (last update March 2018)
• Ivory Coast 2424 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 2008,   1 202 797 0300, e-mail : [email protected] Monday to Friday 9 h 30 To 13 h 00 and 14 h 00 To 15 h 30. (last update March 2018)
• 38.9137-77.07792 France 4101 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington DC, 2007,   1 202 944 6000, e-mail : [email protected] Monday to Friday 8 h 30 To 17 h 00. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Gabon 2034 20th Street, NW, Washington DC, 2009,   1 202 797 1000, fax : 1 202 332 0668, e-mail : [email protected] Monday to Friday 9 h 00 To 17 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• Guinea 2112 Leroy Place, NW, Washington DC, 2008,   1 202 986 4300 (last update March 2018)
• Equatorial Guinea 2000 16th Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20009,   1 202 519 5700, fax : 1 202 518 5252, e-mail : [email protected] (last update March 2018)
• Haiti 2311 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 2008,   1 202 332 4090, fax : 1 202 745 7215, e-mail : [email protected] Monday to Friday 9 h 00 To 17 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• Israel 3514 International Drive, NW, Washington DC,   1 202 364 5500, e-mail : [email protected] (last update March 2018)
• Laos 2222 S Street, NW, Washington DC, 20008,   1 202 332 6416 (last update March 2018)
• Lebanon 2560 28th Street, NW, Washington DC, 20008,   1 202 939 6300 (last update March 2018)
• Luxembourg 2200 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20008,   1 202 265 4171 (last update March 2018)
• Madagascar 2374 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20008,   1 202 266 5525 (last update March 2018)
• Malawi 08 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20008,   1 202-721 0270, fax : 202-721-0288 – Competent for United States, the Canada, the Mexico, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Porto Rico. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Mali 2130 R Street, NW, Washington DV, 2008,   1 202 332 2240 Monday to Friday 9 h 00 To 17 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• Morocco 1601 21st Street, NW, Washington DC, 20009,   1 202 462 7979 Monday to Friday 9 h 00 To 16 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• Mauritius 1709 N Street, NW, Washington DC, 20036,   1 202 244 1491 (last update March 2018)
• Monaco 3400 International Drive, N.W.,   1 202 234 1530, e-mail : [email protected] (last update August 2019)
• Niger 2204 R Street, NW, Washington DC, 20008,   1 202 483 4224 Monday to Friday 9 h 00 To 17 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• Central African Republic 2704 Ontario Road, NW, Washington DC, 20009,   1 202 483 7800, fax : 1 202 332 9893 lindi see you friday 10 h 00 To 16 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• Democratic Republic of Congo 1726 M Street, NW, Washington DC, 20036,   1 202 234 7690, fax : 1 202 234 2609, e-mail : [email protected] (last update May 2018)
• Rwanda Suite 540, 1875 Connecticut Avenue, Washington DC, 2009,   1 202 232 2882, fax : 1 202 232 4544 monday to thursday 9 h 00 To 15 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• Senegal 2215 M Street, NW, Washington DC, 20037,   1 202 234 0540, fax : 1 202 629 2961, e-mail : [email protected] (last update March 2018)
• Swiss 2900 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20008-3499,   1 202 745 7900, fax : 1 202 387 2564, e-mail : [email protected] Monday to Friday 9 h 00 To 12 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• Chad 2401 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 2008,   1 202 652 1312, e-mail : [email protected] monday to friday 9 h 00 To 16 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• Togo 2208 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20008,   1 202 234 4212, fax : 1 202 232 3190, e-mail : [email protected] Monday to Friday 9 h 00 To 16 h 00. (last update March 2018)
• Tunisia 1515 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20005,   1 202 862 1850, fax : 1 202 862 1858, e-mail : [email protected] (last update March 2018)
• Vietnam Suite 400, 1233 20th Street, NW, Washington DC, 20036,   1 202 861 0737, fax : 1 202 861 0917, e-mail : [email protected] (last update March 2018)

Around

The Virginia and the Maryland are very close.