Washington%2C D.C.

The capitol of the United States, Washington D.C. (District of Columbia) boasts a veritable cornucopia of sites to see, events to attend, and people to meet. The diaspora spans practically every nationality and ethnicity: said diversity evident in the food, sight-seeing destinations, and events available in the D.C. Metropolitan region.

Capitol Hill

• The Capitol- The public may tour the Capitol, see a House or Senate Session, observe a Committee hearing. For American citizens, guided tours of the Capitol may be reserved through representatives of Congress, and are conducted by congressional aids. Ticket information
• Supreme Court
• Library of Congress
• National Botanical Gardens

National Mall

Smithsonian Museums

• Postal Museum'- Located across First Street from Union Station, the Postal Museum is one of the most overlooked museums of the Smithsonian. It's more than mere stamp collections; it's an unique lens through which to view American history and technological innovation.
• National Museum of the American Indian- The building is among the newest additions to the National Mall. Its architecture is unlike any other structure in the District, comprised of organic curves and naturally rough surfaces, rather than the smooth columns of Roman style architecture or more modern angular constructions seen throughout downtown D.C.
• National Gallery of Art- The East Wing contains modern art, including works by Andy Warhol.
• Air and Space
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
• Arts and Industries
• African Art
• Freer and Sakler Galleries
• The Castle
• Natural History
• American History- (Closed for renovation until Summer 2008)

• National Archives
• Navy Memorial
• Holocaust Museum
• Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Potomac River Basin

• Washington Monument
• Jefferson Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• WWII Memorial
• Roosevelt Memorial
• Vietnam Memorial

Arlington National Cemetary

• JFK: The Eternal Flame
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: The Changing of the Guard

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

• • Millennium Stage
• Watergate Complex
• National Zoo
  • Pandas

• Embassy Row
• National Cathedral
• Eastern Market
• International Spy Museum
• Rock Creek Park
• Kenliworth Aquatic Gardens
• National Arboretum
• Frederick Douglass House (Anacostia)

Hot Spots

• Dupont Circle
  • The intersection of Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts Avenues and P and 19th Streets, Dupont Circle is a hub of activity. Restaurants, bars, cafes, bookshops, fashion boutiques, galleries and other places of interest about. The following is a short list of the many places to visit in the area.
    • Brickskellar
    • The Big Hunt
    • Kramerbooks and Afterwords
    • Teaism
    • Soho Tea and Coffee

• U Street
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
    • Since 1957, there has been no better place to find for chili burgers and half-smokes than at Ben's Chili Bowl. Bill Cosby said that it's his favorite D.C. eatery.
  • Coppi's Organic Italian
  • Bohemian Caverns
  • 9:30 Club
• 14th Street
• Chinatown
• Adams Morgan
• Georgetown
• Capitol Hill

Tips for using public transportation

Metro

Rail: The most important thing to remember when using Metro is to stand on the right. It is always rush-hour on the Metro, and the left side of escalators is for riders who are on the move. If you are carrying large pieces of luggage, pushing a baby carriage, or bringing a bicycle on Metro, use the elevators. These items are not welcome on escalators. Standing on the left is a sure sign that you are a tourist, and will not only be a hazard but also greatly annoy fellow Metro riders.

Taxi Cabs

The system used to determine fares for D.C. cab rides is based on zones. A zone map, as well as a schedule of fares and extra charges (extra charges include: multiple passengers, rush-hour, gas price increases, and multiple stops), passengers' and drivers' rights, and identification for the driver are required to be displayed prominently in all taxicabs.

Washingtonians have many stories of cab drivers trying to charge for more zones than the ride actually covered, or taking detours through extra zones in order to increase the fare. Not all cab drivers will attempt this trickery, but it is useful to know your route before hailing a cab. Sometimes walking a few blocks down the street will reduce your fare by a zone. The D.C. City Counsel is currently (Summer 2007) processing legislation that will likely change the system from zones to meters, whereby mileage will determine fares.

Many D.C. taxi drivers are not from America, some having arrived very recently and others having lived in the U.S. for decades. They often talk on the phone while driving, and you may hear dialects from Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, or any number of other countries. D.C. taxi drivers frequently are politically savvy, and rides often consist of conversations regarding politics and world events.

Seasonal Events

• Cherry Blossom Festival
• Smithsonian Folklife Festival
• Capitol Fringe Festival