All 17 institutions (16 museums and the National Zoo) are completely free of charge, providing a great opportunity to explore as many as possible while you’re in the city. There are plenty of other museums as well, including the International Spy Museum and Planet Word – both are newly opened, interactive museums which are a great addition to a DC itinerary.
The best way to see any city is by taking a walk through its neighbourhoods, and DC has a wide variety to explore. Georgetown is DC’s oldest, outdating the city itself, and the cobbled streets and waterfront views have history hidden on every corner. Dupont Circle has long been the LGBTQ+ centre of the city, with vibrant nightlife and a farmers market each week. Don’t forget to head down to The Wharf, and sample the great collection of restaurants and hotels that make up DC’s newest neighbourhood right on the Potomac Rive
What’s a trip to DC without experiencing the vibrant range of cuisines the nation’s capital has to offer. For an authentic taste of DC, and to experience the true heart of the community, Ben’s Chili Bowl should be on every DC bucket list. Ben’s has been a constant in the U Street community for over 70 years, still owned and run by the founding Ali family Stop by and grab a half-smoke (a half-beef, half-pork hot dog topped with homemade chili), sit shoulder-to-shoulder to a DC local and enjoy celeb spotting on the photo gallery wall. .
Ethiopian food is a must in DC, and authentic local spots serving authentic recipes can be enjoyed, thanks to the city being home to the largest Ethiopian population outside of Ethiopia. Find Michelin-starred restaurants across the city, as with the most starred restaurants in the US per capita, DC is a Michelin-starred city. Local DC chef Jose Andres’ hotspots are not to be missed.
DC’s packed calendar of events mean that you can find a festival or event whatever time of year you choose to visit the city. Watch the city turn pink during The National Cherry Blossom Festival each spring, the US’ largest festival celebrating the bloom of the flowering cherry trees which frame the tidal basin. These trees were a gift from Japan in 1912, and symbolise friendship and peace between the two nations. In May, visitors can experience Passport DC, a unique free festival where the embassies along Embassy Row open their doors and put on a variety of cultural festivals.
Looking ahead to 2025, Washington, DC will host World Pride in partnership with Capital Pride, celebrating 50 years of Pride in DC. This will be immediately followed by DC hosting part of the FIFA Club World Cup as this takes over the USA.
Washington, DC is very accessible from the UK and Ireland – with flights from LHR and DUB, fly with British Airways, United and Aer Lingus direct to Washington Dulles International (IAD). For alternative airlift, fly into Baltimore Washington International (BWI) or connect through the US via Ronald Regan Washington National (DCA). Once you arrived in DC, the recently-extended Silver Line on the Metro can take you directly from IAD into Metro Center, connecting you across the Metro network. Ubers, Lyfts and other private car hire options are widely available across DC – hiring a car while you are in DC is not recommended as parking is expensive if it is available at all, so public transport and taxi options are always best.
Representative contact
– Lucy Bairstow, Senior Account Manager
Lucy.bairstow@finnpartners.com
Social Media handles:
– Facebook – Visit Washington, DC
– Instagram – @visitwashingtondc
– Twitter/X – @washingtondc
URLs of resources and training platforms
– Website
– Training Platform – Special Agent Academy
– Events Calendar
– Itinerary ideas
