Travel tips · Washington, D.C. · United States
Washington, D.C. travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ralf Roletschek ( talk ) - Infos über Fahrräder auf fahrradmonteur.de Wikis in der Ausbild, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Washington is a government town with a constantly changing population of officials, diplomats, students and interns, layered over a long-established Black community that gave the city its nickname 'Chocolate City' and its own music, go-go. Conversation often turns to work and politics, but locals are used to visitors and generally helpful with directions.
Key facts
- Language
- English
- Currency
- USD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and there are drinking fountains on the Mall and…
- Emergency
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
Things to know
- On Metro escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left; blocking the left side is the quickest way to annoy commuters.
- Expect airport-style security checks at museums and federal buildings; pack light and avoid bringing items such as knives or aerosols.
- Keep voices low and photography respectful at memorials and at Arlington National Cemetery, especially near graves and ceremonies.
- Tipping is expected in restaurants, bars, taxis and hotels; it makes up much of service workers' pay.
- Eating and drinking are not allowed on Metro trains and in stations.
- Book Washington Monument ahead: Entry to the top is by timed ticket booked online, with a small service fee; tickets for spring and summer go quickly.
- Book United States Capitol ahead: Reserve a free tour slot online in advance; same-day availability is limited in spring and summer.
- Book National Air and Space Museum ahead: Free timed-entry passes have been required since the museum's phased reopening; check the Smithsonian site before you go.
- The Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery of Art, the National Zoo, the Capitol tour and the Library of Congress are all free.
Tipping
Tip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and a few dollars per bag for hotel porters and per night for housekeeping.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The District | Washington, D.C. itself, as opposed to Maryland and Virginia |
| The Beltway | The I-495 ring road, and by extension the political world |
| DMV | The region: D.C., Maryland and Virginia |
| Go-go | Washington's home-grown funk-based music |
| Stand right, walk left | Metro escalator rule |
What to wear
Weekday downtown dress leans towards business wear, but sightseeing is casual. Comfortable shoes are essential for the long distances on the Mall, and light clothing and a hat help in summer.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and there are drinking fountains on the Mall and in the museums.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is available in Smithsonian museums, public libraries and many cafés; US prepaid SIMs and eSIMs are easy to buy.
- Time zone
- America/New York
The Mall and main visitor neighbourhoods are well policed and generally comfortable, but phone snatching and pickpocketing occur on busy Metro platforms and at large events. In summer the bigger risk is heat and humidity on the shadeless Mall: carry water and take breaks inside museums.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check United States's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Washington, D.C.?
Tip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and a few dollars per bag for hotel porters and per night for housekeeping.
+Can you drink the tap water in Washington, D.C.?
Tap water is safe to drink, and there are drinking fountains on the Mall and in the museums.
+What plugs are used in Washington, D.C.?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Washington, D.C.?
English.