Washington, D.C., United States

• Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States and one of the easier big American cities to visit alone. The monuments, the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art are free to enter, and the National Mall is flat enough to walk for days without much planning. Away from the Mall, the city breaks into distinct neighborhoods: Georgetown with its brick streets, Dupont Circle with its LGBTQ+-friendly cafes and bookshops, Adams Morgan with its bars and late-night food, and the rowhouse streets of Capitol Hill.
• Solo travel is common here. Government workers, students and diplomats fill the restaurants, so eating alone at a bar counter or a cafe table draws no attention, and most places serve food until at least 9 or 10 PM. English is spoken everywhere, and locals are used to visitors from all over the world.
• Safety changes more from block to block than from one neighborhood to the next. The central tourist areas, Dupont Circle, Georgetown and Capitol Hill are busy, well lit and patrolled. Some areas east of the Anacostia River and pockets of Northeast and Southeast have higher rates of violent crime and little reason for visitors to go. Street harassment and phone snatching are the most common problems, and violent crime against tourists in the main visitor areas is uncommon. Federal law enforcement and the National Guard have been deployed in the city in the past, so check current travel advisories and local news before you go.
• The Metro is the easiest way around, with buses, rideshare, bikeshare and scooters filling the gaps. Late at night, stick to busy stations and well-lit streets, and take a rideshare instead of walking long distances after the bars close.

English is the main language, and Spanish is widely spoken too. Interpreters are available by phone through 911 and at most hospitals if you ask. Dial 311 for non-emergency city services and for police reports that don't need an immediate response. Many of the city's embassies help their own nationals with lost passports and consular emergencies.

• Tipping is expected: 18-22% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a dollar or two per drink at a bar. Prices on menus and shelves do not include sales tax, which is added at the register.
• Dress is casual almost everywhere. Walking shoes and a layer for over-air-conditioned museums matter more than anything dressy. Government buildings and the Capitol have security screening, so leave large bags and sharp items at the hotel.
• People in the city are busy and somewhat reserved, though small talk is common. On the Metro and escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left. Political conversation comes up often, but you don't have to join in, and changing the subject politely is fine.

• The Metro rail system reaches most visitor areas and is easy to use with a SmarTrip card or a phone wallet. Fares depend on distance and time of day, and trains are fullest at weekday rush hours. Late at night, wait near the station attendant or the center of the platform, and ride in the car closest to the operator.
• Uber and Lyft are widely available and are the better choice late at night or when the nearest Metro station is far from where you're going. Check the plate and driver before getting in. Metrobus, Capital Bikeshare and scooters cover the gaps, and the free Circulator bus serves several central routes.
• The National Mall, Penn Quarter, Dupont Circle and Georgetown can all be walked in daylight. Distances between monuments are longer than they look on a map, so wear comfortable shoes and carry water in warm months. Georgetown has no Metro station, so plan on a rideshare, a bus or a 15-20 minute walk from Foggy Bottom.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Washington, D.C. with local guides and curated experiences.