Near the east coast of the USA lies Washington D.C., the capital of the United States. The city is the seat of government and thus the center of power of the country. Although Washington D.C. does not have a long history, the city still offers countless sights and it is clearly noticeable that history is being written in this place.
A planned city attracts the eyes of the world
![Washington Monument](https://reisemagazin-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Washington_527729869-380x253.jpg)
Washington D.C. – A city that gives you goosebumps
![Washington D.C., Capitol](https://reisemagazin-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Washington_1180121305-380x253.jpg)
Impressive memorials keep the history of the USA alive
![Washington, White House](https://reisemagazin-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Washington_526074640-380x253.jpg)
![Washington, Jefferson Memorial](https://reisemagazin-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Washinton_764799502-380x253.jpg)
Washington’s underrated sights
![Washinton, Library of Congress](https://reisemagazin-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Washington_615174374-380x249.jpg)
Washington D.C. – The seat of government as the capital of culinary delights
Visitors to Washington D.C. should not only go from sight to sight, but also make time for enjoyment. In recent decades, a lot has happened in Washington in terms of culinary delights, and the city’s gastronomic scene has long been worth a visit. Washington’s kitchens have long been home to world-famous top cuisines that invite you on a culinary trip around the world. There is not much left to see of the simple American cuisine with steaks and burgers in Washington, but much more there are French restaurants, top Asian cuisine, fine Latin food and overall a culinary variety at the highest level that can hardly be found in any other city. However, the delights in the noble restaurants also have their price and so the prices are significantly higher than the prices that are common in the USA. Even simpler restaurants have raised their prices significantly. It is important not only to see the prices of the card, but also to be aware that these are net prices and that you also have to pay tips for the service. Nevertheless, it is recommended to crown a visit to the capital with a good meal, because no matter what culinary preferences you have, you will always find the right restaurant in Washington D.C.
Holidays in Washington, D.C.: The most important information
The most important tourist resorts & excursion destinations
- The White House: The official residence of the President of the United States.
- The Capitol: Seat of the U.S. Congress and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.
- Lincoln Memorial: A memorial in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.
- Washington Monument: An obelisk in honor of George Washington, the first president of the United States.
- Smithsonian Institution: A group of museums and research centers, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History.
- National Mall: A large park in central D.C., surrounded by many of the most important monuments and museums.
- Jefferson Memorial: A memorial in honor of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States.
- Viet Nam Veterans Memorial: A memorial honoring U.S. soldiers who died in the Vietnam War.
- National Zoo: Part of the Smithsonian Institution, known for its panda bears.
- Library of Congress: The largest library in the world.
Important telephone numbers
- Emergency number (police, fire brigade, ambulance): 911
- Police (non-emergency): +1 202-727-9099
- Embassy of Germany in Washington, D.C.: +1 202-298-4000
- Tourist Information: +1 202-789-7000
German Doctors
- Dr. Wolfgang Grams: 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, D.C. 20007, +1 202-687-3600
- Dr. Jürgen Schreiber: 2141 K Street NW, Suite 608, Washington, D.C. 20037, +1 202-466-3006
Opening hours
- Shops: Usually Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00, Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00.
- Supermarkets: Usually daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Restaurants: Lunch from 11:00 to 15:00, dinner from 17:00 to 22:00.
- Banks: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Airport
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): The largest international airport in the region, about 42 km west of Washington, D.C.
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): The nearest airport, about 5 km south of Washington, D.C.
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): About 51 km northeast of Washington, D.C.
Post / Stamps
- Post offices: In all major districts.
Main Post Office: 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Stamps: Available at the post office, some kiosks and supermarkets.
- Costs for letters and postcards to Germany: Standard letter up to 1 oz: approx. 1.20 USD; Postcard: approx. 1.20 USD
Safety
- Crime: Washington, D.C. is considered relatively safe, but tourists should exercise caution, especially in less frequented areas and at night.
Keep valuables safe and do not carry large amounts of cash. - Emergency number: 911
Current
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Sockets: Type A and B (adapters for European plugs are required)
Tip
- Restaurants: 15-20% of the bill amount is customary.
- Taxis: Round up the amount or about 10-15%
- Hotels: $1-2 per day for cleaning staff
Customs
- Allowances for travellers from the EU:
- Alcohol: Maximum 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine.
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
- Other items: Goods with a total value of up to $800 are duty-free.
Other excursion destinations
- National Gallery of Art: An art museum with a large collection of masterpieces.
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: A museum that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust.
- Arlington National Cemetery: A military cemetery with the graves of many U.S. soldiers and famous people.
- International Spy Museum: A museum that sheds light on the history and techniques of espionage.
- Tidal Basin: A man-made basin that is especially visited during the cherry blossom season in spring.
- The Phillips Collection: A museum of modern and contemporary art.
- Newseum: A museum dedicated to the history of news and journalism.
- Georgetown: A historic neighborhood with charming streets, high-end boutiques, and excellent restaurants.
- Rock Creek Park: A large urban park with hiking trails, horseback riding, and historic sites.
- Dupont Circle: A lively neighborhood with many cafes, art galleries, and embassies.