Powerful moments are yours to discover in the United States Capital City. The city’s most famous landmarks are clustered in and around the National Mall, spanning from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol and the White House. Flanked by dozens of museums and memorials, summer evenings on the Mall is the perfect spot to catch open air concerts, movie screenings or jazz performances. In the winter, locals and visitors glide on the National Gallery of Art’s skating rink.
DC has evolved into a fascinating, lively world capital, known for its vast green centers, urban spaces, sweeping memorials and majestic neoclassical architecture. With quaint tree lined neighborhoods such as Georgetown, it’s the perfect city to stroll around and inhale its history.
Washington DC Information
Population: Approx. 600,000 (City) 5.4m (Metro)
Time Zone: UTC -5
Languages: English (official), Spanish, Native American
Currency: American Dollar ($USD)
Currency Exchange: Purchase your USD cash and traveller’s cheques here before you leave Australia
Electricity: 110v - 60Hz
Washington DC Climate
Spring and fall are mild, with low humidity, while winter brings sustained cool temperatures and annual snowfall averaging 16.6 inches (420 mm). Average winter lows tend to be around 30°F (-1°C) from mid December to mid February. Summers tend to be hot and humid, with daily high temperatures in July and August averaging in the high 80s°F (about 30°C)
Washington Dulles Airport
Name: Washington Dullas International Airport (IAD)
Address: 1 Saarinen Circle, Dulles, VA, USA
Distance to city: 42km (26 miles)
Partner Airline: Virgin America operates from Concourse B
Airport Hotel: We recommend Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
Car Rental: Mates rates on all car hire with our preferred partners
Transfers: We recommend Super Shuttle to get you anywhere in the Washington area. Proceed to the curbside of all Terminals to purchase tickets from the driver.
Taxi: Taxis depart from the lower level of the main terminal.
Washington Plaza Hotel
3 Stars
The nine-story Washington Plaza Hotel is four blocks from the White House, five blocks from the MCI Arena, and approximately five miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. A metro stop is nearby. This location is also a mile from the FBI Headquarters and the Washington Monument, less than two miles from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial, two miles from the Jefferson Memorial, and three miles from Washington National Cathedral.
Washington Court Hotel
4 Stars
Located on Capitol Hill; 2 blocks from Union Station and 3 blocks from the US Capitol Building, The Washington Court Hotel places you in a convenient location to explore the sights and sounds of Washington D.C. Remodeled in 2009, The Washington Court Hotel features a new chic, contemporary design and a continued devotion to superior customer service.
The Westin Washington D.C. City Center
4 Stars
Located in the heart of the US capital, the Westin Washington DC City Center is a vibrant hotel that captures the capital city's dynamic spirit. This central location makes it easy to enjoy the world-renowned buildings and historical monuments found throughout the city. Washington Convention Center is just five blocks to the east and the White House is five blocks to the south. The city's vibrant nightlife comes alive after dark with an abundance of restaurants and entertainment options. Shops and nightclubs are four blocks to the west on Connecticut Avenue. This location is served by two metro stations: McPherson Square on the Blue/Orange lines and Farragut North on the Red line.
St Gregory Luxury Hotel & Suites
4 Stars
The St. Gregory Hotel is located in the heart of the business district within three blocks of Georgetown and approximately five miles from the Reagan National Airport and 27 miles from Dulles International Airport. One can walk to the Kennedy Center, White House, Dupont Circle, and Metro Red, Orange, and Blue Line. Dunbarton Oaks and the National Mall are one mile away.
The Churchill
3.5 Stars
Built in 1906, the Churchill is a short walk from Dupont Circle and fashionable Embassy Row, a mile from Georgetown, and approximately 35 miles from Dulles International Airport. This location is also three blocks from the Phillips Collection, four blocks from the Metro, six blocks from the Adams-Morgan neighborhood, a mile from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, two miles from the White House and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, three miles from the Washington Monument and National Mall, and seven miles from Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Capitol Skyline
3 Stars
Stay at this Washington DC hotel located approximately half a mile from the US Capitol and offering newly renovated rooms plus a courtesy shuttle to downtown sights. The Capitol Skyline is conveniently located by Washington DC area attractions including the US Capitol, National Mall, Smithsonian Institute and the Navy Yard.
Dining
Chart House
From the amazing waterfront views of the Capitol to the unparalleled cuisine, Chart House offers impeccable service and an engaging atmosphere with frsh seafood and succulent steaks.
ARIA
Reminiscent of a Trattoria in a Tuscan village, Aria offers a dining experience that is authentically delicious.
Nick’s Riverside Grill
A fixture of the Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Nick’s Riverside Grille is a family-owned restaurant serving favorite American fare.
Smith and Wollensky
Smith & Wollensky is acclaimed for their legendary USDA Prime dry-aged beef. Seafood, veal, and lamb round out a hearty menu, along with lighter options at lunch.
Shopping
DC’s downtown has welcomed a wave of development in recent years, including the arrival of new shopping destinations. Downtown is also home to Macy’s, Filene’s Basement and dozens of nationally-known retail outlets. Chinatown’s Gallery Place development includes popular shops like Urban Outfitters, Aveda and City Sports.
Take a walk down F Street to sample gourmet cheeses at Cowgirl Creamery or shop for hip fashions at H&M or Zara. Stock up on stylish home furnishings at West Elm or browse 7th Street’s galleries for showpieces by emerging artists.
