National Geographic Traveller (UK)
WASHINGTON, DC
9AM
BREAKFAST AT UNCONVENTIONAL DINER
It looks like a traditional American diner of the sort where the waitresses say things like, “Want me to warm that up for you?” before filling up your coffee mug. But as the name suggests, this establishment near Mt Vernon Square is anything but trad. The morning menu nods to the Middle East with sweet potato shakshuka and Lebanese fried rice, as well as the Mexican hangover favourite pozole, a soup with such a kick that you’ll have sweated out last night’s booze by the bottom of the bowl. unconventionaldiner.com
10AM
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY Washington is a museum town if there ever was one, and visitors to the US should spend a couple of hours in the one dedicated to American history. It’s not only about wars and revolutions here, though. The museum incorporates American pop culture into its displays as well, exhibiting Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, one of Prince’s famed ‘cloud’ guitars and the Batmobile. Admission is free. americanhistory.si.edu
1PM
LUNCH AT GHION ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT Ethiopians make up one of the largest immigrant communities in the city. Ghion, which is located in an area that’s brimming with Ethiopian spots, serves traditional stewed vegetables and meat on platters, layered with spongy injera bread. Eating Ethiopian is a classic Washington, DC dining experience. ghionethiopeanrestaurant.com
2PM
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
Admission is free, so it’s easy to nip into the National Gallery to glance at a few paintings and sculptures. Rivalling The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for one of the greatest art collections in the country, the National Gallery, which opened in 1941, is a fascinating place to wander around. The collection includes works by El Greco, Albrecht Dürer, Raphael, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Joan Miró, Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and Jasper Johns, among many others. nga.gov
Getting there & around
American Airlines, Delta, British Airways, KLM, Virgin Atlantic and Air France all fly direct from London to Washington, DC. aa.com delta.com britishairways.com klm.com virginatlantic.com airfrance.co.uk
Average flight time: 8h20m.
The city’s metro is quick and easy to use. Single trips start at $2 (£1.50), while a three-day unlimited pass costs $28 (£21.50) and a seven-day unlimited pass $58 (£44.50). The city’s bike-sharing programme, Capital Bikeshare, is an inexpensive way to get around. A ride costs $1 (£0.75), plus 5 cents per minute (about 4 pence), or $8 (£6) for an unlimited day pass. Uber and Lyft are also available. uber.com lyft.com capitalbikeshare.com
When to go
Washington, DC is humid; spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit. The average summer high is 31C, dropping to a low of -4C in winter.
Places mentioned
Bluejacket brewery. bluejacketdc.com One Eight Distilling. oneeightdistilling.com
Republic Restoratives. republicrestoratives.com
Open Kitchen DC. facebook. com/openkitchendc
Dolan Uyghur Restaurant. dolanuyghur.com
Immigrant Food. immigrantfood.com Ben’s Chili Bowl. benschilibowl.com
Where to stay
Mayflower Hotel, Downtown. From $322 (£234). themayflowerhotel.com JW Marriott, Penn Quarter. From $300 (£218). marriott.com
More info
Visit Washington, DC. washington.org Visit the USA. visittheusa.co.uk
How to do it
offers a five-night stay in Washington, DC, from £909 per person, including return flights on British Airways and accommodation. americaasyoulikeit.com