Sightseeing!
Sightseeing
I think the Lincoln memorial is the heart of the USA.
Get up 20 minutes before sunrise, grab a coffee, use the free parking at the Washington mal till 7.30 and enjoy the sunrise sitting on the steps of Lincoln memorial.
697 locals recommend
Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NWI think the Lincoln memorial is the heart of the USA.
Get up 20 minutes before sunrise, grab a coffee, use the free parking at the Washington mal till 7.30 and enjoy the sunrise sitting on the steps of Lincoln memorial.
The national mall is the number one place you have to see in DC.
It holds the war memorials of the first and second world war, Korean war and Vietnam war.
It holds the Lincoln memorial and the Washington monument which is open to visitors again after being under repair for several years.
After passing the White House to your left you will get to the museums of the Smithonian Institut with the Air&Space museum being the most popular one.
The mall leads directly to Capitol Hill. To be able to access the Capitol you have to book a tour at least one day ahead and print out the tickets, which your host can assist you with.
1111 locals recommend
National Mall
The national mall is the number one place you have to see in DC.
It holds the war memorials of the first and second world war, Korean war and Vietnam war.
It holds the Lincoln memorial and the Washington monument which is open to visitors again after being under repair for several years.
After passing the White House to your left you will get to the museums of the Smithonian Institut with the Air&Space museum being the most popular one.
The mall leads directly to Capitol Hill. To be able to access the Capitol you have to book a tour at least one day ahead and print out the tickets, which your host can assist you with.
Finally a day without responsibilities I took the bus (16c,g or h) to the next metro station and the yellow line to DC. Got out at "Archives" and strolled down Pensylvania Avenue to the "Newseum". Took a left there and passed several DC courthouses. I found my way to the SAAS, passing the Shakepeare Theater Company and the Capital one stadium. Finally, the Smithonian American Art Museum!
Portraits of important men and women shaping US-American history. Beautiful landscapes prior to industrialisation. I loved it! I'll be back for sure!
Took the yellow line at the side of the museum, changed to the bus at Pentagon City Station. Grabbed a late lunch at Giants and couldn't stop myself treating me with a coconut pie from the Pie Company opposite Walter Reed bus station.
Here I am, waiting for my son to come back from school - next time I'll take him!
179 locals recommend
Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th Street NorthwestFinally a day without responsibilities I took the bus (16c,g or h) to the next metro station and the yellow line to DC. Got out at "Archives" and strolled down Pensylvania Avenue to the "Newseum". Took a left there and passed several DC courthouses. I found my way to the SAAS, passing the Shakepeare Theater Company and the Capital one stadium. Finally, the Smithonian American Art Museum!
Portraits of important men and women shaping US-American history. Beautiful landscapes prior to industrialisation. I loved it! I'll be back for sure!
Took the yellow line at the side of the museum, changed to the bus at Pentagon City Station. Grabbed a late lunch at Giants and couldn't stop myself treating me with a coconut pie from the Pie Company opposite Walter Reed bus station.
Here I am, waiting for my son to come back from school - next time I'll take him!
How to get around
Coming in by bus to Union station is a good oportunity to go walking in DC right away.
If you have big luggage, though, and want to drop it off first, I recommend taking a ride to your Airbnb.
Uber, Lift or taxi are all convenient and safe to use in DC.
Later it will be convenient to use public transport. You will get a smart card to use in bus/metro from your host for the time of your stay.
Union Station