Washington D.C,  Capital of USA

Currency: US Dollar

Language: English

Tax Refund: The United States of America does not have a national or federal sales tax system, which means that the government does not levy a sales tax. But instead each states have their own sales tax that is being levy to the resident and tourists. The sales tax varies. For example, Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon do not levy a sales tax, while California has the highest state sales tax rate at 7.5%.

Transportation

The city have a Metrorail which consists of 6 lines that runs throughout the city,. It is clean, safe and useful. Expect it to be crowded during peak hour. Peak fares are in effect Monday thru Friday from 5-9:30AM and from 3-7PM. Off-peak fares are in effect at all other times. Fares range from $2.25 to $6.00 for peak and off-peak period fares range from $2.25 to $3.75. A SmarTrip Card is used for travel and cost $2.

Besides that there is also the Marc that runs between DC, Union Station to Baltimore Camden Station or Penn Station. It connects the areas of different suburbs, especially in area around Maryland. From D.C, it cost about 5 USD to go to College Park and 8 USD to Baltimore on a one way ticket. It is easily possible to travel from Washington to Baltimore.

Attractions:

White House

Nothing more need to be said about this place. This is the official residence and office of the United States of America. You must definitely see this famous building once in a lifetime. Tours are also available and for foreign citizens you can summit a request through your embassy in Washington.

Library of Congress

This is the world largest library in the world and certainly one of the most gorgeous in the world as well. It is located just next to the Capitol and Supreme Court. It is open from 9.30am to 4pm on Mon, Fri and Sat. 8.30pm to 9.30pm on Mon, Wed and Thu. The main reading room is a must see. A free guided tour is also available, first come first serve.

Diplomatic Reception Rooms @ Department of State

Located in the Harry S. Truman Building, this place is the office of the Secretary of State. It is currently possible to tour have a look of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms where much Diplomacy have been conducted. Tours are offered daily, every weekday at 9.30am, 10.30am and 2.45pm. Reservations are required 90 days in advance. The tour is complimentary.

Capitol Building

This iconic domed classical building house the Senate and House of Representative. It is an important part of America politics. The place is open from Mon to Sat, 8.30am to 4.30pm. Visitors are welcome to enter the building through the Capitol Visitor Center. You can also visit the historic areas of the Capitol on a guided tour. Reservations are recommended 90 days in advance.

National Mall, Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool

The long grassy landscape park in the heart of the city, here it is home to iconic monuments including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. It’s also flanked by Smithsonian museums, and its lawns and pathways. This is a popular place for joggers.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

This famous museum, located in the National Mall hosed exhibits from dinosaur to displays of rare gems. This is also the topic and filming location of the Night at The Museum Movie. It is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm and free to enter.

National Air and Space Museum

This museum is dedicated to space travel and aviation. It is surely worthy of a visit. It is open daily from 10am to 5pm and free to enter. It is located just on the National Mall.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

This is where the US Dollar are printed. The free visit, takes about 40 mins. It is open from 9am to 2pm on weekdays Tours are available and you can literally see loads of money being printed, legally.

George Town

The district towards the west of the city centre. This place is not only home to the famous Georgetown University, it is also a fancy living area in Washington D.C. The neighbourhood is extremely charming, decked with cobblestone streets and fashion and design shops. Check out the university campus while in the area.

Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle is a popular residential neighbourhood with lively dining and nightlife. You can find many coffee shops, dance clubs and restaurants. Check it out while you are in town. Worthy of a visit and a late afternoon walk.

US Pentagon & Arlington

The impressive five sided headquarters of the US Military that we have always seen in movies, it is located just across the Potomac River. Easily accessible via the Metro. It is possible to take a tour of the building and you have to book it way early in advance. Tours are available from 10am to 4pm weekdays and from 12pm on Fri. It is about 60 mins long and you have to present your identification. You may also have a look at Arlington which is just next to the Pentagon.

Shopping:

Shopping at Pentagon

Just next to the Pentagon, you can find numerous shops and restaurants. Just in this small enclave, you can find Fashion City Mall and Crystal City Mall. Here you have Shake Shack, Costco, Macy’s as well.

Eastern Market

A traditional market in Washington since 1873 selling farmers produce and prepared food, it is lively and gets crazy with the local crowd. Housed in a traditionally building, it is open 7am to 7pm from Tues to Fri and from 7am to 6pm on Sat and 9am to 5pm on Sun. The Tues farmers market and weekend market is especially popular. It is an affair that you shouldn’t miss.

Union Market

Union Market is DC’s one-stop spot for all things foodie. From oozing grilled cheeses to warm pockets of bao and gooey bread pudding, it’s impossible to leave this local marketplace in a serious food coma. If you’re in DC, make sure to head over to Union Market for the famous Korean inspired tacos or Red Apron’s stand for anything chorizo. It is open from Tues to Sun from 11am and 8am on weekends till 8pm daily

Maine Avenue Fish Market

1100 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA

Near the wharf, this place is a seafood heaven, they sell all kind of seafood and you can ask them to be cook on the spot. The stuff here are fair but the quality is definitely the best. It is open daily from 7am to 9pm.

Restaurants:

Red Apron Butchery

Union Market, 5th Street Northeast, Washington, DC

The best source for meat produces in DC, it may be only a butcher shop in union market but they serve some of the best sandwiches and meatball in town. It is closed on Mon and open on Tues to Fri from 11am to 8pm, Sat from 9am to 8pm and Sun from 9am to 7pm.

Mason Dixie Biscuit Co.

Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

The famous stall in union market that is famous for their biscuit and fried chicken, they serve up great homely food that will sure warm your heart. A must visit to grab something, it is open from 9am till sold out from Wed to Sun, so be there early.

Smoke & Barrel

2471 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

One of the best barbecue restaurant in DC, it is located slightly out of the city. The smoke meat is absolutely great. It is a little out of the city but the nearest metro is only a 15 Mins walk away. Many of the popular items are subjected to availability. It is open for dinner daily from 5pm to 11pm on Sun to Thu and till midnight on Fri and Sat, furthermore brunch is also serving on weekends on Sat and Sun. Choose from Dry, Wet or Muddy rub.

Ted’s Bulletin Family Restaurant

505 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

This place serves up classic hearty eats all day in the art deco style restaurant with occasional classic film screening. Their specialities include the classic buttermilk fried chicken and also the grilled cheese. The milkshake also deserves a try. It is open from 7am to 10.30pm on Sun to Thu till 11.30pm on Fri and Sat.

Boundary Stone

116 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

A neighbourhood bar and restaurant that serves up bar food and whisky, the settings is extremely nice and vintage. It is known for being one of the best bar in town. The place also have frequent promotions. It is open from 4pm to 2am from Mon to Thur, 12pm to 3am on Fri and 10.30am to 3am and 2am on Sat and Sun.

DCity Smokehouse

203 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

One of the best BBQ spot in D.C. serving great sandwiches and plates, the pit smoke wings here is especially good. It is open from 5pm to 12am on Mon and from 11am to 12am from Tues to Sun. The racks here are absolutely divine, their meats are all smoked with cherry and hickory wood.

Founding Farmers

1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA

A super popular eatery in town where they dish out comfort cuisine at this rustic chic restaurant, it is also located near the White House. It is open from 7am till late daily, with min until 10pm on Mon and Sun. Prices are fair and portions are huge. The lemon scallop and plank salmon came recommended.