Washington DC Decoded: Travel Hacks For Visiting The US Capital

Millions of tourists visit Washington DC Decoded: Travel Hacks For Visiting The US Capital DC every year to visit its iconic landmarks and world-class museums. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in US history and politics. However, it’s important to plan ahead your trip so you don’t get caught out by the costs and the crowds. Below are a few tips that can help you to negotiate the US capital affordably, conveniently and stress-free. 

Book your White House tour in advance

It’s possible to take a tour of the White House! However, you will need to secure your tour in advance – no less than 21 days before your desired date – and will have to submit a request through your member of congress (for security reasons). Make sure to bring your ID and be prepared to leave bags at the entrance.

Find accommodation in the right location

The best place to stay in DC depends on whether you value accessibility or affordability. There are short-stay hotels and extended stay hotels near the Smithsonian museums that can reduce time spent traveling to attractions. However, finding accommodation on the outskirts could be much cheaper (just factor in the extra cost of transport to reach the sights). 

Grab yourself a Metro SmarTrip Card

DC has a robust public transit system made up of subways and buses. With a Metro SmarTrip Card, you can tap and pay as you go instead of having to queue up for tickets. And it can be cheaper! You can load up a physical card or use the app. 

Embrace the free attractions

You don’t have to spend a lot of money in DC. In fact, the Smithsonian’s 19 museums are all free to enter (although it’s worth arriving early to beat the queues). It’s also worth noting that while it’s possible to book paid tours of the National Mall’s memorials, there are also many free tours – or you can explore it yourself by foot. 

Wear the right footwear

Washington DC Decoded: Travel Hacks For Visiting The US Capital On the subject of walking, make sure that you pack some comfortable footwear. The popular walking route of the National Mall is longer than many visitors realize: 2.5 miles! You’ll also do a lot of walking in the museums. So prioritize function over fashion when choosing shoes. 

See monuments at night

A lot of people think that they have to visit the national monuments during the day, but you can actually explore them at night. There are less crowds, the temperature is cooler and the monuments/pathways are well lit. It could also be a unique way to see the sights.

Explore the food, music and sports

There’s more to DC than museums and monuments. The city also has a great food scene, an array of live music venues and a rich sports culture. Plan to spend some time exploring this side of DC. If you’re on a tight budget, hit the food trucks around Farragut Square, look out for free festivals like the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and hunt online for discounts on sports stadium tours. More details to WORLD US MAGAZINE visit.