Washington Travel

When to Go:
Washington D.C. has two delightful seasons: spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). In spring the city's ornamental fruit trees are budding and its many gardens are in bloom. By autumn most of the summer crowds have left and you can enjoy the sights in peace. Summers (especially in July and August) can be uncomfortably hot and humid. Plan your travel for the cooler mornings and late afternoons (advance planning can also reduce your time in queues); aim to be inside in air-conditioning during the midday heat; carry water; and wear hats, sun block and loose, light clothing. Winter weather is mild by East Coast standards, but the city has been known to shut down due to snow storms, especially in January.

Shopping Center:
In Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood you can find designer shops of every variety, offering clothes, antiques, and much more. Or you can take a quick drive to the suburbs and visit some of the biggest and best-stocked malls in the country. The Tyson’s Corner Center alone includes over 300 shops, with 120 more right across the road at the Tyson’s Galleria.

Opening hours:
Many shops are open Monday to Saturday 0900/1000-1700/1800 (with some malls open later into the evening) and Sunday 1200-1800.

Entertainment:
Storied venues like the 9:30 Club, Blues Alley and Bohemian Caverns are must-sees for music-minded travelers, while downtown lounges attract a chic and fashionable international crowd. Emerging neighborhoods like the Atlas District are also staking a claim with edgy nightlife.

Money
Most DC businesses accept cash, credit and/or debit cards and traveler's checks; for security and convenience, it is useful to have all three. A credit card may be required for renting a car or making reservations at some hotels.

Dining
Washington has come into its own as a culinary adventure with just about every type of restaurant imaginable. It is said that the best Ethiopian food in the country is available in the Adams Morgan neighborhood; downtown Washington has peerless Indian fare; while Asian, Mexican, regional American specialties, crab cakes and whatever else pleases the palate can easily be found within the city limits.