Washington, D.C.
United States
- Safety rating
- 7.4/10
- Best time to visit
- Spring's cherry blossoms (late March to April) and crisp autumn are ideal, while summer is hot and humid. Winters are cold but quiet.
- Population
- 5.5M
Overview
The U.S. capital is a monumental city of marble memorials, world-class free museums, and leafy neighborhoods. Power and history meet a diverse food and cultural scene along the Potomac.
Top attractions
Walk the National Mall past the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, tour the Smithsonian museums, and visit the U.S. Capitol and White House exteriors.
Getting around
The Metrorail and bus system uses a SmarTrip card or contactless payment, and the Mall area is best on foot or by bike-share. Traffic is heavy, so avoid driving downtown.