The Do’s and Don’ts of Washington DC

Travel Tips

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By Ryan Gargiulo

[box] Did you miss: DC Road Trip Part 4 – Sightseeing in Washington DC. If so, be sure to check it out![/box]

Washington DC - Do's and Don'ts

DO’s of Washington, DC

  • DO use the metro to get around Washington DC. It’s quick, efficient and will save you tons of money on parking
  • DO join a Segway Tour with City Segway Tours DC. It’s a really fun way to explore the city.
  • DO download the DC Metro Transit Android App on your smartphone. For IPhone/IPod users, check out Ride DC Metro.
  • DO check out some of DC’s best food trucks like Curbside Cupcakes, DC SlicesEat Wonky, and more.
  • DO check out Capital City Bike Tours if Segway Touring isn’t your cup of tea!
  • DO look into CouchSurfing in Washington, DC. DC seems to have a very friendly and active CS community. You’re bound to meet some very interesting people!
  • DO check out Airbnb if you can’t seem to find a place to stay or if you just want a fully equipped room and/or apartment to yourself.
  • DO spend a minimum of 3 or 4 days in DC if you’re really into history. Trust me, there’s more historical monuments, memorials, and museums here than you’ll know what to do with!
  • DO make a visit to the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial.
  • DO purchase a Metro Day Pass ($9) if you’re planning on hopping around the city all day. It will save you time and money.
  • DO stop in and say Hi to The President’s Neighbor. This poor thing has stood out front of the White House protesting 24 hours a day since 1981. No, really!
  • DO stop into the Newseum – a 250,000-square-foot museum of news!
  • DO try to spot the Secret Service on the roof of the White House!
  • DO hop on one of the more than 1,100 Capital Bikeshare Bicycles and cruise the city for 24 hours for only $5!

DON’Ts of Washington, DC

  • DON’T even think about driving in DC. Not only does the traffic suck but parking will burn a huge hole in your wallet!
  • DON’T wait to book your hotel last minute. DC hotels fill up fast due to all sorts of business related conferences going on in the city.
  • DON’T leave your unattended luggage on the curb in front of the White House. Yes, I witnessed someone leaving their luggage in front of the WH during my visit. Let’s just say the Secret Service wasn’t happy with this woman…
  • DON’T try to see all of DC in one day. There’s simply too much to see/do in this city. Two days is the bare minimum, three to four days is perfect.
  • DON’T pass up a private tour of the Pentagon if you know someone who works there and you have the opportunity to take the tour.

 Do you have any DO’s or DON’Ts to add to my list? If so, share them in a comment below!

 

9 thoughts on “The Do’s and Don’ts of Washington DC”

  1. Great advice! only one thing I would add to that is you have to eat a Bill Crosby Half Smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowel opposite U street station.

    Reply
  2. Just a heads up, the Bike share is $4.50 for those 3 hours plus the $7.00 ’24-hour membership’ fee = $11.50… not much but the system is a bit confusing. Theres also a $101 hold (per bike) on your card for up to 3 days after the bike is returned as a security deposit.

    Reply
    • Hey Adam, thanks for the heads up on the bike share. I didn’t realize there were those extra costs involved. It’s still a good deal and a great way to explore the city.

      Reply
  3. Ryan, I’m going to DC with my best friend, her husband and son and my 2 boys Labor day weekend. I can’t wait! Just sent your website info to her. We’ve already figured out what we are doing the 4 days we’re there and downloaded the apps. Glad you blogged about it. This is a huge help. I’ll be sure to post pics on FB for you to see. =)

    Jude

    Reply

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