Like many capital cities around the world, Washington, D.C. sees its fair share of visitors.
But even if you’re going to be a tourist, you don’t have to look like one.
Living in Washington, D.C. last summer, I had to learn how to negotiate the city and live like a local. Here are some things I wish I had known before taking the plunge.
Getting Around
App and Away: If you’re trying to avoid sticking out as a tourist, an easy way to navigate the city without looking lost is to ditch the paper map and go digital. If you’ve got a smartphone, you can download one of any number of apps designed to help you get around. Explore D.C., an attraction-based navigation tool, and DC Rider, an app to help plan transit trips, are just a couple of the free options out there. Do as much plotting as possible before unplugging from the charger, as all
the activity can drain your battery fairly quickly; you may want to stash that paper map in your back pocket, just in case.
Managing the Metro: Traffic is taken to an extreme in D.C., so the Metro – the area’s underground subway system – is typically the best and fastest form of transportation. To avoid added confusion on the platform, it’s best to study the map before entering the station. That way, you can give yourself time to plot your course and determine which of the five color-coded lines you want to take. Tickets can be purchased inside the stations, and depending on how long you’re in town, different passes are available. But be careful not to ride during rush hour if you can avoid it – fare prices rise and cars fill up quickly. Also, while there may be no distinction in other parts of the country, in D.C. there are two speeds for riders of the Metro’s wide escalators. It’s unspoken, but well-known to locals, that the left side of the escalator is reserved for those eager enough to walk up and down, while the right side is intended for those wishing for a more leisurely ride.
Moonlit Monuments: The nation’s monuments are a sight to behold, no matter the time of day, but they really stand out after the sun goes down. Maps can make the monuments seem closer together than they actually are, so one good way to ensure you see all of them is to take a bus tour. Even though it’s quite a touristy activity, only the smart tourists know to go this route. Old Town Trolley Tours offers a “Monuments by Moonlight” tour that drops you at numerous stops for those sought-after photo ops, but make sure to reserve your seats in advance.
Where to Go
Master the Museum Scene: While an intensive one-day museum tour is desirable, it’s also rather unlikely. There are more than a dozen museums and galleries flanking the National Mall alone, and even more scattered throughout the city. To really immerse yourself in each attrac
tion, two or three stops per day is a good goal to set. Consider researching the museums ahead of time to figure out which ones you’d most like to see – and where they are in relation to one another. While deciding, you may also want to check the admission costs. Some attractions, including most of the Smithsonian Institution’s 17 museums and galleries, are free to the public. Other destinations, such as the journalism-focused Newseum, can cost upward of $20 (though the price is worth it for the building’s sixth floor terrace alone; it provides a stunning view of the Capitol building).
Seeking Out Souvenirs: Souvenirs can be found on every corner in D.C., but they’re not all of great quality. Though a sidewalk vendor on the National Mall might seem like an easy place to pick something up, first try browsing the museums’ gift shops. Often, these stores will sell items relating to the exhibits on display, which can serve as unique reminders of your experiences. There’s also an official White House Gift Shop where you can find an abundance of gifts related to the nation’s capital.
Check, Please: The city is home to some incredible chefs, and as such, restaurant reservations are basically required on Friday and Saturday evenings. You’re almost guaranteed a long wait without one, especially in historic restaurants such as Old Ebbitt Grill or Martin’s Tavern, where JFK is said to have proposed to Jackie. A reservation for the hugely popular tradition of Sunday brunch is also recommended, but it’s worth the trouble – many restaurants serve bottomless mimosas as a way to sweeten the deal. But if your table is planning to split the bill for a meal, you’ll have to request separate checks. It’s rare for a restaurant or bar in the district to ask you otherwise.
Extra Advice
Beat the Heat: Many locals will be quick to tell you that Washington, D.C. was built on a swamp. Though this hasn’t been proven, it certainly feels that way in the summer months. Humidity reaches almost unbearable levels in July and August, and even area residents try to limit their time outdoors. If summer is the only time you can visit, you may want to trade some outside activities for air-conditioned indoor attractions.
Cupcake Haven: If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the district offers some of the best cupcakes in the country. Perhaps the most famous is Georgetown Cupcake, at which the TLC reality show DC Cupcakes is set. The store offers favorites such as red velvet and chocolate ganache, but also throws in specialty flavors that change daily. While the Georgetown location can often accumulate a line around the block, the less well-known Bethesda location (just outside of the district in Maryland) is often considerably less crowded.
Rose Davidson is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
