Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35–70 | $120–200 |
| Food | $20–35 | $45–80 |
| Transport | $5–12 | $15–25 |
| Activities | $0 | $10–30 |
| Drinks | $8–15 | $20–35 |
| Daily Total | $68–132 | $210–370 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Visa Waiver Program countries need an ESTA ($21) — apply at least 72 hours before travel
- Reagan National (DCA) is closest — Metro Blue/Yellow Line direct. Dulles (IAD) for international — Silver Line + bus or Uber ($50–70)
- BWI Airport in Baltimore is often cheapest — MARC train to Union Station ($8, 40 min) or Uber ($60–80)
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance essential — US healthcare costs are extreme without coverage
- DC is safe in tourist areas (Mall, Georgetown, Dupont). Standard city caution at night in SE neighborhoods
- Summer (Jun–Aug) is hot and humid (32–38°C) — stay hydrated on the Mall where shade is limited. Cherry blossom season (late March) is peak weather
Getting Around
- DC Metro (Metrorail) covers all major areas. SmarTrip card ($2 at any station). Fares: $2–6 per ride. Runs 5am–midnight (1am Fri/Sat)
- Capital Bikeshare ($8 day pass) has 700+ stations. Perfect for the Mall, which is too long to walk end-to-end comfortably
- The Circulator bus ($1/ride) runs popular routes including Georgetown to Union Station and the National Mall
Connectivity
- Free WiFi in all Smithsonian museums, most cafes, and Metro stations. Many public parks have city WiFi
- Cell coverage is excellent. US SIM: T-Mobile prepaid ($30/month unlimited)
- Download the Smithsonian app for museum maps and exhibits, and the DC Metro app for real-time train arrivals
Money
- Cards accepted everywhere. Food trucks increasingly take cards but carry $20 in cash just in case
- Tipping: 18–20% at restaurants, $1–2/drink at bars, 15–20% for rideshare. DC service workers depend on tips
- The free attractions mean your biggest expenses are food and accommodation — focus your budget there
Packing Tips
- Comfortable walking shoes — you'll cover 8–12 miles per day across the Mall and neighborhoods. The Mall alone is 2+ miles end-to-end
- Layers for spring/fall. Summer is brutal (hot and humid). Cherry blossom season (late March–April) is mild but unpredictable
- Small bag only — many museums and the Capitol have security screening. Large bags must be checked or aren't allowed
Cultural tips
Tipping Culture
Tip 18–20% at restaurants. DC has eliminated the tip credit for many workers but tipping remains expected. $1–2/drink at bars. Tip tour guides $5–10 per person, even on "free" walking tours.
Political Culture
DC is political — you'll see protests, rallies, and lobbyists. Locals work in government, policy, and nonprofits. Don't assume anyone's political leanings. Respectful curiosity about American politics is always welcome.
Museum Etiquette
Smithsonians are free but treat them with respect — no touching artifacts, no flash photography, and be mindful of other visitors. Some exhibits (NMAAHC slavery galleries) require quiet, reflective behavior.
Metro Etiquette
Stand right, walk left on escalators — DC takes this seriously. No eating or drinking on the Metro (actually enforced, unlike NYC). Let passengers exit before boarding. Keep backpacks off seats.
Cherry Blossom Season
Late March to early April is DC's most magical and crowded time. Book hotels months ahead. The National Cherry Blossom Festival brings millions of visitors. Peak bloom lasts only 4–10 days.
Food Scene
DC has evolved from a food desert to a culinary capital. Ethiopian food on U Street, crab cakes at Eastern Market, Jose Andres restaurants everywhere, and the half-smoke at Ben's Chili Bowl are all essential eating.
