Welcome to Washington, D.C.'s Travel and Tourism Guide

Washington, D.C. is much more than the capital of the United States. It is a city full of history, restaurants, culture, and famous sites. Millions of people from around the world travel here every year because the city inspires and delights its visitors. Tourists can learn about historic events and people at the various Smithsonian Institution museums, listen to jazz and opera at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, ponder art exhibits at the National Gallery of Art, or sip coffee at an outside café in Georgetown. Washington, D.C. wasn't always a bustling metropolis. In fact, squabbling between northerners and southerners about where the nation's capital should be located threatened the city's existence in the 1790s. George Washington suggested this area to appease both sides; however, the District of Columbia didn't become a major city and tourist attraction until the early 20th century. Today, tourism is the city's second-largest industry, and each of its 15 major neighborhoods offer guests a plethora of opportunities. Visitors should stay a few days in Washington, D.C. so that they can have plenty of time to explore this amazing city.

Visiting Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is only 67 square miles, so finding a parking space can be difficult. It is recommended that tourists use the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's metrobus/metrorail system to reach attractions. Guests can park their cars at a number of parking garages that are in the metropolitan area. Nearly all the major attractions (some of which are either closed or offer limited tours because of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001) are clearly marked at metro stations and on color-coded maps. The trains and buses are also comfortable and reasonably priced. Tourists can purchase one-way, all-day, or weekly passes for both forms of transportation.