Washington

United States·North America

Currency

USD

Language

English

Timezone

New York

Continent

North America

Our guide

Discover Washington

Washington was drawn before it was built, and it shows: the National Mall lines up its monuments over three kilometres, from the United States Capitol in the east to the Lincoln Memorial in the west, with the Washington Monument between them. The Smithsonian museums border that lawn and are all free — the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of Natural History foremost. The US National Archives display the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and the Supreme Court of the United States occupies a marble temple opposite the Capitol.

When to go

Late March and April for the cherry trees given by Japan in 1912, whose bloom lasts about ten days and draws a considerable crowd. September and October are quieter and just as pleasant. Summer is hot and stifling — the city is built on former marshland and you can feel it. Winter is cold but the museums are empty.

Getting around

The metro is clean and covers the centre and the airports well. The National Mall is walked, but it is longer than a map suggests: end to end is an hour without stopping. Bike share helps span it. Many sites need a free but compulsory online booking — the Washington Monument and some museums in particular.

Where to eat

Maryland blue crab is the regional product, served as a cake or steamed. The half-smoke, a local sausage thicker than a hot dog, is the city's street speciality. Ethiopian immigration, among the largest outside Africa, has given a whole quarter of restaurants where you eat with your hands off injera bread. Five halal addresses are listed.

Good to know

The US dollar is the currency, tax is added at the register and a tip of 18 to 20 % is expected. The Smithsonian museums are free, which changes a trip's budget entirely. Security checks are routine at federal buildings: allow time and carry no bulky bag. And summer justifies starting early and sheltering in the middle of the day.

Smart Planning