Washington D.C. Travel Forum

I've heard that the SE and NE sections of D.C. are to be avoided- what about the area around Catholic Univ. of America? We'd like to see the National Shrine, but is the area around there safe enough?

I took the metro out to Catholic U a couple of years ago to visit the National Shrine. The Monk sitting across from me advised me to be mindful and walk directly to the University campus. It was not the best part of town, bu tI did not feel particularly unsafe. I would go in the middle of the day in the middle of the week when there are lots of people around. The church was very much worth the visit.

David

I was just in DC for 2 1/2 months from Feb to April and went to the Shrine twice. I took the Metro, got off at the Catholic U stop, walked to the Shrine, and then walked to the Monastery that is in the same area as well. I walked thru residential areas and did not feel unsafe at all. It was in the middle of the day both times, into the late afternoon. No trouble, no problems at all. Be sure to make time for the Franciscan Monastery. It's extremely interesting and has beautiful grounds.

Many students attending CUA use the metro which is the mainstay of DC commuters. It is safe and the most resonable way of getting around. Having said that , it cannot hurt to be cautious, esp. if you will be travelling alone at odd hours.