20 Essential Tips for a First Visit to Washington, DC
The seat of American government, bustling Washington DC is home to the touchstone by which all other museums are judged as well as monuments and memorials that tell the story of the nation’s rich history.
A DC trip can be easier on the budget than other destinations across the country because so many attractions within the city are free.
If you plan on spending time in the District and you’ve never been here before, we’ve put together a list just for you. In this episode, we share with you 20 essential tips for a first visit to Washington DC.
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Visit DC - The DON'Ts of Visiting Washington, DC
What tourists should not do when they visit Washington, D.C. From safety issues for car break ins, to overdoing it with the amazing free Smithsonian museums, to not being able to find a restaurant in the District, there are a number of Don'ts of visiting Washington, D.C. This video covers what tourists, travelers and visitors to the US capital should know before they visit DC so they can have the best visit possible.
Filmed in Washington, D.C.
Copyright Mark Wolters 2018
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO WASHINGTON DC
Today we share the things to know before you go to Washington DC including when to go to Washington DC and the best time to visit Washington DC. We share tips on getting to Washington DC and how to get around Washington DC, all in this Washington DC Vacation Guide. We share typical prices in Washington DC and how to save money in Washington DC, perfect for those wanting to visit Washington DC on a budget. We also share the best things to do in Washington DC, perfect for those planning a trip to Washington DC.
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Chapters
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00:00 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO WASHINGTON DC
00:28 BEST TIME TO VISIT WASHINGTON DC
00:56 GETTING TO WASHINGTON DC
01:46 GETTING AROUND WASHINGTON DC
02:52 TYPICAL PRICES IN WASHINGTON DC
03:43 SAVE MONEY IN WASHINGTON DC
04:28 BEST THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON DC
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Washington, DC: 10 Shocks of Visiting DC
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So many free and great things to see and do in Washington, DC! But oh my, if they are not free, they are really expensive! Here we go through tourist information on Washington, DC. Things that surprise and perplex tourists about their visit to DC. Whether it is the looks they get on the metro or how the city is constantly changing in regardes to museums and the restaurant scene. The culture shocks of visiting Washington, DC. and please check out part two with Rob from Trip Hacks DC.
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24 Hours in Washington DC: Visiting 17 Attractions in One Day
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Washington DC is the national capitol and a fantastic place to explore. You could spend a month in the area and still not see everything. My dad and I only had one day, and we spent it seeing as much as we possibly could for this video. Here is how we spent 24 hours and let me know what you think in the comments
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:48 Founding Farmers
1:23 White House & Lafayette Square
3:23 National Christmas Tree
3:39 Washington Monument
5:18 WW II Memorial
6:35 Korean War Veterans Memorial
6:57 Lincoln Memorial
8:25 Sponsor
9:25 National Museum of American History
11:11 Ben's Chili Bowl
12:31 National Museum of Natural History
14:00 National Gallery of Art
15:00 US Capitol
15:45 US Botanic Garden
16:48 Tidal Basin
17:21 Jefferson Memorial
18:20 FDR Memorial
19:16 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
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D.C. Food Tour | Top Foods To Eat in Washington D.C.
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Washington DC Travel Guide 2023 - Best Places to Visit In Washington DC USA- Top Tourist Attractions
Washington DC Travel Guide 2023 - Best Places to Visit In Washington DC USA- Top Tourist Attractions
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and also known as D.C. or just Washington, is the capital of the United States. It is a federal district, not a state, and is located on the east coast of the United States between the states of Maryland and Virginia. The city is home to many national landmarks and monuments, such as the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. It is also home to the U.S. Congress and the Supreme Court.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and also known as D.C. or just Washington, is the capital of the United States. It is a federal district, not a state, and is located on the east coast of the United States between the states of Maryland and Virginia. The city is home to many national landmarks and monuments, such as the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. It is also home to the U.S. Congress and the Supreme Court.
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BEST things to do in WASHINGTON D.C. (Travel Guide)
this is THE big Must See items in Washington DC and set ourselves a challenge to see them all. We failed.
Washington DC is bigger than you think and these are the top things to do (and eat) in Washington DC from The National Mall to Ben's Chili Bowls.
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BEST things to do in WASHINGTON D.C. (Travel Guide)
Chapters:
00:00 - Getting into Washington D.C (Bikes vs DC Metro)
00:49 - Our MUST SEE list
01:13 - The Capitol Building
02:15 - Library of Congress
04:00 - Botanical Gardens
04:57 - Smithsonian natural history museum
06:09 - Bens Chili Bowls (Our #1 Recommendation)
08:28 - The White House
10:25 - Washington Monument
11:18 - National Archives aaaaaand ice cream trucks?
12:31 - Korean war memorial
13:16 - Vietnam war memorial
13:53 - Lincoln Memorial
14:49 - Final thoughts on Washington D.C and what we missed!
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TOP 10 Things to do in WASHINGTON, D.C. | DC Travel Guide
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Here are the Top 10 things to do in Washington, D.C.
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:30 10. Washington Monument
1:31 9. Lincoln Memorial & Other Memorials
2:58 8. United States Botanic Garden
3:48 7. Museums
5:03 6. The National Mall
5:56 5. Arlington National Cemetery
7:00 4. Smithsonian's National ZOO
7:42 3. The White House
8:41 2. United States Capitol
9:44 1. Georgetown
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WASHINGTON DC TRAVEL GUIDE: 11 Things to Know Before You Go
Everything you need to know to go to Washington DC. Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States, and it is home to many important historical landmarks and government buildings. Some of the most famous attractions include the White House, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, and the Washington Monument. They can also learn about American history at t
✅ You might enjoy more videos from my Washington DC travel series here:
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00:00 1. All about Washington DC
01:45 2. Orientation
03:20 3. Getting In to DC
05:51 4. Getting Around DC
09:30 5. Weather in DC
11:54 6. Where to Stay in DC
14:29 7. What to Eat in DC
19:24 8. Where to Shop in DC
20:49 9. Museums in DC
22:33 10. Government Attractions in DC
26:12 11. Things To do in Washington DC
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Rick Steves: For the Love of America, VOTE — And Vote for Joe Biden
While I freely share my political opinions on this page, I’ve tried to stick to issues and have not explicitly supported one candidate…until now. Today, I'm voicing my support for Joe Biden.
My politics are pretty clear. I have a European-style appreciation for good governance, and I see government as a way for a citizenry to work together for the collective good. Americans are often told there are two choices: big, bad government or good, small government. But Europe has taught me that there's a third option: big, good government.
I love capitalism (and I’m pretty good at it). And I believe capitalism needs a chaperone, in the form of thoughtful regulation that protects the rights of individuals from the priorities of corporations.
I believe education and health care are as important as our military when it comes to budget priorities to make us safe and strong.
I also understand that, as a country, even in good times, we will always have people on the left and on the right when it comes to debating the role of government. And I believe that the only way to govern effectively is to respect those differences and find workable compromises.
I miss a Republican Party that I can respect. (I voted for Ronald Reagan in 1980.) While I’m a liberal, I love sparring with (and learning from) a principled conservative. For me, the greatness and strength of our country and our democracy is possible only with real, independent journalism and strong governmental institutions led by caring, committed, non-partisan public servants. But our president has identified those very pillars of American life — what he calls fake news and the deep state — as his worst enemies.
As a traveler and a student of history, I've seen how strong societies can fray. And I fear for our democracy. It’s more fragile than we realize. And it is at risk.
That's why, this year, I believe our choice is more fundamental than partisanship. Four years ago, Donald Trump pledged to Make America Great Again. When I survey our national life today, it's clear to me that we've lost so much more than we've gained in that time.
If we truly want to make America great again, we need to elect Joe Biden to the White House on November 3. Please join me.
Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.
Why We Travel: To Connect with Our World - Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide - Travel Bite
Part 5 of 5, this clip celebrates how, by traveling thoughtfully, we can connect with different cultures and end up building bridges rather than walls. #ricksteves #ricksteveseurope #whywetravel
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Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.
Rick Steves' No-Travel Tips
Europe has re-opened to travelers...except Americans. It seems that the USA's quarantine skills just aren't up to snuff. And, judging from the new coronavirus cases sweeping our country, we have a lot of room for improvement. If you want to flatten our curve so we can head back to Europe, the recipe is simple: Self-isolate at home as much as possible. If you're out in public, socially distance. And be sure to wear a mask.
In the meantime, it seems that we may be stuck at home for a while longer. If you're like me, more than 100 days of staying close to home is wearing thin (even though it's just as important as ever). Sometime during the haze of quarantine, I started brainstorming ways that travelers can bring a little bit of Europe into our daily lives during this crisis. This video offers a few suggestions.
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5 Things American Tourists Shouldn't Wear in Europe
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Please Note: Young People Wear Many of These Styles Throughout Europe. These tips are geared toward 35+ year old travelers. Thanks for watching!
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Heading to Europe & Not Sure What to Pack? Here are a few things that my fellow US travelers may want to avoid packing if they are traveling to Europe.
1. Baseball Caps: Europeans in general do not wear baseball caps, especially backwards. You would be better served to wear a more traditional hat. You will see an occasional NY Yankee hat, but why not buy the fancy hat you always wanted instead?
2. Athletic Wear: Europeans tend to wear athletic wear to do sports, not to wear around town. There is a trend of more athleisurewear in Europe, but it is not to the extent that there is in US.
3. Khakis: the omnipresent US male pant choice is not something you will see too often in Europe. Go for colored pants or jeans. If you want khaki like pants wear Chinos instead of Dockers. The pants you will see are a thinner cut or skinnier fit than in the US.
4. Oversized US University Sweatshirts.
5. Sport Shoes or High Heals: US sport shoes and white socks are not quite as popular in Europe as they are in the US. You may be better off with Urban Street shoes like Vans instead. Also, women should be careful with high heels as with all the cobblestone it is easy to hurt your ankles.
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What Shoes to Take to Europe
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One Day in Washington DC (Georgetown, National Mall Monuments, & trying Half-Smokes!)
Hello from the capital of the United States! We had a fun day exploring DC including grabbing coffee in Georgetown (the oldest neighborhood in DC), walking 9 miles around the National Mall with Kona, trying half-smokes at a historical institution, and more!
⌚Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:52 Georgetown (& Coffee)
03:00 National Mall
11:10 Ben’s Chili Bowl
14:20 The Yards
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Hi y’all! We’re Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) living on the road in our self-converted sprinter van! You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (we're a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature.
We help travelers spend less time (and stress!) planning their trip and more time enjoying it! Our detailed travel guides, YouTube videos, and travel resources share the must-visit local eats, popular and off the beaten path sights, and tons of tips to make planning your next adventure a whole lot easier.
Note: We’ve linked a handful of items so you can see exactly which products we take with us. Full disclosure--if you click on these links and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too!
50 Best Places to Visit in the USA - Travel Video
Comprised of 50 states, the USA occupies an area that’s only just marginally smaller than Europe. It’s in this vast country that you will find an unbelievably diverse array of natural landscapes, cityscapes, people and cultures. From the tropical islands of Hawaii to the desert landscape of the Grand Canyon, as well as the multicultural cities such as Chicago and New York City, you’ll never be stuck for destinations to discover. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in the USA:
Rick Steves' Europe Preview: The Heart of England
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode or watch it on The heartland of England has sights that put the Great in Britain — its venerable universities, its royal heritage, and reminders of its industrial might. At Oxford and Cambridge, we'll see where kings and prime ministers studied. At Blenheim Palace — Winston Churchill's birthplace — we'll connect with English aristocracy. At Ironbridge Gorge, we fire up memories of the Industrial Revolution. And all along the way, we'll be driving on the left and polishing our pub etiquette.
Visit for more information about this destination and other destinations in Europe.
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Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.
What Does It Take to Be a Rick Steves Tour Guide?
After sharing the fun of our annual guides' summit, we wanted to answer the most common question we hear: What does it take to be a Rick Steves tour guide?
To be honest, we don't have a set procedure. We have about 130 lead tour guides. Most are Europeans, but plenty are Americans. Many are already professional guides working with (or fleeing) other tour companies. Some are friends of our company who have been with us since they were kids, packing boxes in our mailroom.
For an insight into the way our guides are managed, here's an interview with Steve Smith. Steve was one of our very first guides (#4, to be specific), and now he oversees our entire team.
How did Steve start? Back in the 1980s, he was nicknamed pack man for the phenomenal way he sold our suitcases and backpacks. He's our in-house Francophile, who single-handedly established our France program (co-authoring my France, Paris, and Provence guidebooks, and turning this sandwich-munching Viking into a person with a love of France). And all along, I count him as one of my best friends.
With this short interview, I'd like you to meet Steve Smith.
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Rick Steves on Israel and Palestine Today
In the last month, I’ve traveled to both Denver and Palo Alto to share my experiences in the Holy Land and help raise money for Bright Stars of Bethlehem, a nonprofit that promotes peace and justice in Palestine through Bethlehem’s Dar al-Kalima University of Arts & Culture. Policymaking in the US and the Middle East has been impulsive and erratic lately, making it more important than ever for American citizens to reach out and gain a little context on the Holy Land — and that was the focus of my talk.
I put this report together after traveling to the Holy Land to produce a public television special, which you can stream at — but I’d say it’s more important to watch this hour-long talk, recorded at Grace Lutheran Church in Palo Alto. While the production is simple, the content is both timely and important.
We don’t need a one-sided narrative about the Holy Land told by someone dug-in on this complicated issue. To understand this situation, we need a “dual-narrative” approach that respects both sides. And that was what I shared in this talk: the lessons I learned by walking with caring people on both sides of the wall that divides this land.
Rick Steves Goes to Washington, D.C.
Over the last 15 days, 1,319 of you have responded to my annual Christmas challenge: Help Bread for the World with $100 or more, and I'll send you a free gift — and I'll match your donation 2-to-1 (contributing $200 for each $100 given, up to $700K).
Together, we’ve already raised over $177,318 to empower Bread to speak up for hungry people in Congress — and if I can inspire just 1,727 more of you to join in, we’ll hit our million-dollar goal:
There are plenty of great opportunities to be generous and make a difference. This initiative leverages your hard-earned charitable dollar powerfully for these reasons:
• It’s advocacy. (I love advocacy — as you’ll learn in this little clip I made with Bread a few years ago.) Every dollar given ends up generating $100 in helpful developmental aid and more compassionate trade policies via our government.
• I’ll match it 2-to-1. It’s very simple: You give $100, and Bread for the World gets $300.
• I’ll send you a cool thank-you gift, on my dime. Choose either my European Christmas gift pack or my 20-Year Anthology DVD Box Set. (You'll receive it before Dec. 25.)
• Together, we'll give a voice to hungry people in our country and around the world.
We've all seen news footage of desperate people at our southern border, and I imagine caring Americans are wondering what they can do to help. Here's an opportunity that, dollar for dollar, has a huge love-thy-neighbor impact. Learn more at — and please let your loved ones know about this challenge as well. Imagine: As an extended family of caring (and traveling) people, together we can empower Bread for the World’s work with a million dollars.
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