Travel Tips for Washington, D.C., United States

Cost: € (affordable)

Safety: 5/5 for solo female travellers

Despite what I had seen on TV or read in books, I hadn’t heard or researched much about Washington, D.C. before I visited. As a result, I was quite open-minded about what to expect when I travelled there.

I did enjoy the city’s art scene, as well as its many cultural attractions. Even if you’re not in to history, the city is pretty impressive. It’s very easy to get around, as the streets are labelled with numbers and letters. So it’s kind of impossible to get lost.

I would recommend visiting the city for 3 days and I feel it is quite safe for solo female travellers. However, while I did enjoy the city and its many attractions, I don’t think I will be in any rush back.

How to get there

As I was already in New York City, I travelled via Amtrak train and the journey took about 3 hours and 45 minutes (one-way). You can get the train from Penn Station in NYC to Union Station in Washington D.C.

If you’re coming from Ireland, you can fly direct from Dublin to Washington D.C via Aer Lingus or United. The flight will take just over 8 hours.

Language, Currency & Weather

English is the most commonly spoken language in Washington D.C. and the currency is the US Dollar.

In my opinion, the best time to visit Washington D.C is autumn, as the weather is pleasant and mild.

Summer in Washington D.C is very warm and humid (mainly July), with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. The weather can make it hard to walk around and explore. In winter, temperatures can drop to -1 degrees Celsius, so if you’re travelling around this time then it’s important to bring warm clothing. 

Public Transport

The public transport system is called the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and it includes Metrorail, Metrobus and the DC Circulator. 

To pay for your trips, you can use a SmarTrip account, with either a reloadable plastic card or mobile pay. They can be bought at Metro stations.

To get to and from the airport, you can hop on the metro (the silver line runs to Washington Dulles International Airport).

I must say I didn’t use Washington’s public transport system all that much, as it is a very walkable city.

Where To Stay

Accommodation is pretty reasonable in Washington D.C., and it is possible to find good deals. I stayed in the city centre, which was amazing as I was very close to all the top attractions.

If you wish to stay in the city centre too, I would recommend Hotel Lombardy or citizenM Washington DC Capitol.

If you’re on a budget, I would advise you to look at Generator Hotel Washington DC (a great spot for a decent price), or HighRoad Washington DC.

Where To Go & What To Do

As the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. is quite a distinct city that’s steeped in history. In my opinion, one of the best ways to experience the city is on foot or by bike. It’s also important to note that most of Washington D.C.’s attractions are free of charge.

My top spots to visit were The White House and the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Hill, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the World War 2 Memorial, the Pentagon and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

I would also recommend booking a cruise along the Potomac River, as this is another great way to take in all the city’s sights. If you have time, there is the option to book a full-day cruise to see George Washington’s Mount Vernon and explore the estate and grounds.  

What & Where To Eat

I would recommend going to Ben’s Chili Bowl to try a half-smoke, which is a hot dog. The sausage is half-beef and half-pork, it’s smoked and served with onions and chilli sauce. This was one of the best things I have ever tasted.

While in the city, I visited J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse and Founding Farmers DC for dinner, as well as Opal for brunch. There are lots of Irish pubs around Washington D.C., and while I wouldn’t usually be an advocate, I would recommend trying at least one of them for a pint of plain!

Have fun in Washington D.C.!