Washington D.C. Travel Forum

I'll be staying at Westin 1400 M Washington DC for 3 to 4 days. What are the places that I should go to within walking distance ? What are the areas that I should avoid as I am travelling alone ? Any tips and hints to help making my vacation safe and memorable will be very much appreciated.

There is so much to see / do , it would depend on your interests.

1400 M street is close to the hot-spots, bars,restaurants, etc and the Orange Line metro station which will quickly take you to the Smithsonian Museums.

it is within walking distance to the White House If you are an avid walking person, you need not resort to the metro or taxi at all, there are dozens of museums and monuments re .

it is a short taxi ride to the Washington monument, FDR memorial, Lincoln memorial, Jefferson memorial, holocaust museum and dozens art galleries,

Enjoy

You don't say when you will be visiting, but there are often events on or around the mall- don't forget the Vietnam memorial, too. If you are American, you can contact your congresman or representatives and often get to visit their offices, if that is of interest to you.

There is a lifetime of things to do and see in DC. The museums are primarily along the mall, look at the Smithsonian web site to for ideas. Walking up around the capital is always pleasant, I like visting the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. Secuity is tight when entering govornment buildings so be prepared for metal detectors and X-ray machines (about like the airport.) The White house is impossible to get into with lots of advance planning. The metro is a great way to get around, at least to the places that it goes to. Taxis are not expensive, don't miss places like the National Cathederal or Georgetown if you want to see them, just because they are off the Metro line, a $10 taxi ride will take you most anyplace.

David

If you in downtown area, an easy and inexpensive way to get around is to use the DC Circulator - go-around bright red bus lines operatted by metro.

From metro web site - "The DC Circulator is a new bus service operating in the heart of Washington DC. Three routes serve the center city; a North/South route travels between the Washington Convention Center and the Southwest Waterfront everyday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, an East/West route travels from Union Station to Georgetown everyday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and a Smithsonian/ National Gallery of Art route makes continuous loops around the National Mall everyday between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM."

" Schedule and fares
DC Circulator buses serve each stop every 5-10 minutes from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
The Circulator fare is $1.
Payment options include exact change, SmartTrip™ card, tickets from a multi-space meter, Metro transfers and passes. "

Thanks for your advice. Is the Metro safe for riding as I'll travel alone?
Is there a nearby Metro station near where I stay ?

The 'circular bus' sounds very economical and efficient. But I also learn that there is the 'Trolley Tour' as well, though more expensive. Can anyone share some experience with either the 'circular bus' or the 'Trolley Tour' with me?

Thank you.

You'll be near the Foggy Bottom metro stop on the Blue/Orange line, so you'll be able to hop on the metro and see the sites. You can buy an all day metro pass for $7.80 which is a lot, but less than a trolley tour. An all-day pass will allow you to get off at any stop and get to most sites relatively easily. The metro is pretty safe-- as with anything, be aware of your surroundings and be careful late at night, but otherwise I wouldn't worry.

If you get off at the Smithsonian or Archives-Navy Memorial stops you'll have easy access to the Mall, which includes the Capitol building, Washington Monument, and Smithsonian museums (Air and Space, Natural History, National Gallery, National Archives). All of the museums are great, depending on your interests. Other worthwhile DC sites include the Zoo (Woodley Park metro stop)or the newly-opened Newseum (Archives stop).

If you stick to the touristy areas of town (mostly in Northwest), you'll be fine as far as safety goes.

Public transport in DC is much safer than other cities, you are more concerned about safety than I would be. Once you get to DC , you will easily be able to judge for yourself and can then opt for a taxi if you must.

You will see lots and lots of commuters (and tourists), all ages and origin, using the metro. Metro is the mainstay of DC ! Since the downtown portion of metro is underground, you cannot find out from outside until you go in !

I cannot see any one spending more than $10-12 a day if they choose to use the metro or the DC circulator.

If you go by the trolley, you will be spending 25.00 and you will get to see all the salient features but you will not have any time left to explore DC