The Place for Government Per Diem Rate Hotels

City Overview

Capital of the most powerful nation in the world, Washington, DC draws in visitors with its impressive monuments, extraordinary museums and open-plan European feel. The range of hotels is vast and provides ample choice for government travelers seeking hotels offering both federal per diem rates and military per diem rates in Washington.

Washington, DC's elegant National Mall and its stately buildings were once a marshy swamp but now its green parks, wide tree-lined streets and neighbourhoods make it a chic place to live. For many, the power and politics give it a heady mix and now DC has come of age with a truly excellent restaurant, bar, club and cultural scene, the city is a magnet for those who want to be where it is all happening.

Washington, DC craves the international spotlight and for the time being the arrival of the Obamas at the White House is putting the city on the map. The most tragic of events in the nation's capital occurred on 11 September 2001, when a hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon. Since that time, barricades, blocked-off streets, police and security checks have given parts of the city a different facade.

Getting Around

Airport

Airlines offering flights to Washington from the UK include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United, US Airways and Delta.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Tel: (703) 572 2700.
Website: www.mwaa.com/dulles
Washington Dulles International Airport is located 42km (26 miles) west of the city and operates both domestic and international flights.

Airport facilities
These include a USO Lounge to serve military personnel, plus several bureaux de change, ATMs, visitor information, duty-free, shops, restaurants and bars. Facilities also include parking for 25,000 vehicles, and several car hire companies including Avis, Dollar and Hertz. A new underground AeroTrain system now transports passengers from the main terminal to the gates.

Transport to the city
The Washington Flyer Coach Service (tel: 1 888 927 4359; www.washfly.com) operates a regular service linking Dulles with West Falls Church Metro station (journey time - 25 to 30 minutes). Metrobus (tel: (202) 962 1234; www.wmata.com) has a regular express service linking the airport to downtown. Washington Flyer Taxi Cabs (tel: (703) 572 8294) depart from the lower level of the main terminal (journey time - 30 to 45 minutes) and cost from $55-61 to DC. SuperShuttle buses (tel: 1 800 258 3826; www.supershuttle.com) operate a 24-hour service to downtown (journey time - 50 minutes).

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Tel: (703) 417 8000.
Website: www.mwaa.com/reagan
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is located 5km (3 miles) south of the city along the Potomac River. The airport's three terminals serve over 60 domestic destinations and several international ones.

Airport facilities
These include bureau de change, ATMs, visitor information, a USO Lounge to serve military personnel, car hire (Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and National), shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.

Transport to the city
Metrorail lines (tel: (202) 962 1234; www.wmata.com) link the airport to downtown. SuperShuttle buses (tel: 1 800 258 3826; www.supershuttle.com) operate a regular service to downtown (journey time - 30 minutes). Taxis to downtown normally cost between US$11-22.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
Tel: (410) 859 7111.
Website: www.bwiairport.com
The airport is located 55km (34 miles) northeast of downtown Washington and serves both domestic and international airlines.

Airport facilities
These include bureaux de change, ATMs, visitor information, a USO Lounge to serve military personnel, several car hire companies including Alamo, Avis and Hertz, duty-free, shops, restaurants and bars. There are two Travelex Business Centres.

Transport to the city
SuperShuttle buses (tel: 1 800 258 3826; www.supershuttle.com) operate a request service to downtown (journey time - 1 hour). MTA/MARC trains (tel: (410) 539 5000; http://mta.maryland.gov) connect the airport with Union Station Monday-Friday  (journey time - 40 minutes). BWI Express Metro bus service (tel: (202) 962 1234; www.wmata.com) provides a direct connection between the airport and the Greenbelt Metro Station. Amtrak trains (tel: 1 800 872 7245; www.amtrak.com) run a regular service from the airport to Union Station. The taxi fare to downtown costs about US$90.

Approximate flight times to Washington, DC
From London is 7 hours; from New York is 1 hour 10 minutes; from Los Angeles is 5 hours 30 minutes; from Toronto is 1 hour 30 minutes and from Sydney is 22 hours.

Trains

Rail Services
Amtrak services cover long-distance routes from Washington, DC, while MTA/MARC trains connect with points in Maryland. Train services operate Monday to Friday 0500-2400. The vast Union Station is on 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, and its extensive facilities include restaurants, shops, ATMs and left-luggage. The ticket office (tel: 1 800 872 7245) is open 0430-2200 weekdays and 0500-2200 weekends. Tickets can also be purchased from the 24-hour Quik-Trak ticketing machines.

Rail Operators
Amtrak (tel: 1 800 872 7245; www.amtrak.com) operates long-distance services to and from Washington, including regular departures to Philadelphia (Acela Express), New York and Chicago. MTA/MARC (tel: (410) 539 5000; http://mta.maryland.gov) operates local services, including to Baltimore and other towns in Maryland.

Connections
From Philadelphia is 1 hour 35 minutes; from New York is 3 hours 45 minutes and from Chicago is 16 hours 40 minutes.

By Road

The minimum driving age in Washington, DC is 16 years and traffic drives on the right. Freeway driving speeds are 88-113kph (55-70mph). The speed limit on all roads within the DC area is 40-55kph (25-35mph). Technically overtaking should only be done on the left lane, although, in reality, cars on a five-lane highway often pass on both sides.

At traffic lights, right turns on the red light are permitted if the way ahead is clear.

At crossroads without traffic lights, the four-way stop system means that it is first come first served, or if two cars arrive simultaneously, the one on the right has the right of way.

All traffic must stop when school bus hazard lights are flashing.

Visitors must possess a full national driving licence to drive in America.

International Driving Permits are not required for UK licence holders. The American Automobile Association (AAA) (tel: 1 866 636 2377; www.aaamidatlantic.com) can provide information and may offer reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries.

Emergency breakdown services
AAA (tel: 1 800 222 4357/AAA HELP).

Routes to the city
I-66 heads west into Virginia; I-50 to Annapolis in Maryland; I-95 to Baltimore, Richmond, Philadelphia and New York; and I-270 to Maryland and beyond.

Driving times to the city
From Baltimore is 50 minutes; from Richmond is 2 hours and from New York is 4 hours 45 minutes.

Coach services
Greyhound long-distance buses operate from the 24-hour Greyhound bus terminal, 1005 First Street, NE (tel: (202) 289 5141; www.greyhound.com). Facilities in the station are limited, with food outlets and a gift shop selling snacks and newspapers. Peter Pan Bus (tel: 1 800 343 9999; www.peterpanbus.com) also connects Washington, DC with many cities throughout America. The service operates from the same bus terminal.

Local Transport

Public Transport

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (tel: (202) 962 1234; www.wmata.com) operates the city's Metro, an efficient and comfortable system of rail and buses, which operates throughout the city.

Five subway lines (red, orange, blue, green and yellow), known as the Metrorail, cover the city, extending into Maryland and Virginia.

There is a one-day Metrorail Pass, which is valid after 0930 or all day at the weekend. A Seven-day Fast Pass offers unlimited rail travel. There is a flat fee (exact money only) on the bus system. A Metrobus Weekly Pass allows unlimited travel on the buses.

Another convenient way to get around town is the DC Circulator (tel: (202) 962 1423; www.dccirculator.com). For US$1, it is possible to go from Union Station to Georgetown or to the National Mall. The Georgetown Metro Connection bus (M Street Line) goes from Rosslyn Metro Station to Dupont Circle Metro Station via the heart of Georgetown.

Taxis

Taxis in Washington, DC have been metered since May 2008. By law, passengers must wear seat belts. There are extra charges for each additional passenger and for luggage carried in the trunk. Tips of around 15% of the fare are expected. Cab drivers are entitled to pick up other passengers en route if those people are travelling in the same direction. Washington taxi providers include Diamond Cab Co. (tel: (202) 387 6200), Yellow Cab (tel: (202) 544 1212) and Mayflower Cab Company (tel: (202) 783 1111).

Driving in the City

Washington, Dc's streets are laid out in a basic grid pattern, divided into four quadrants. Streets running north-south in the centre are numbered while letters designate east-west streets. Unless otherwise indicated, right turns on a red light are permitted if it is safe to proceed. One must also be alert to confusing traffic circles and one-way streets.

Parking restrictions apply during rush hours and some weekend hours. Meter parking is available for up to three hours, although it is normally free on the weekend apart from areas such as Capitol Hill and Georgetown, when only Sunday is free. In some neighbourhoods, it is possible to park for a two-hour period (although parking in residential neighbourhoods is usually reserved for residents). Though spaces tend to go quickly, free all-day parking is available along Madison and Jefferson drives in front of the Smithsonian museums, as well as south of the Jefferson Memorial in East Potomac Park.

Car Hire

Insurance is compulsory when hiring and it should also be confirmed that there is adequate Loss Damage Waiver and personal liability insurance. The minimum rental age is generally 25 years but, for a costly surcharge, some companies will hire cars to drivers aged between 21 and 24 years. Customers must be in possession of a valid driver's licence.

Most car hire companies have offices in the city, including Alamo (tel: (202) 842 7454; www.alamo.com), Avis (tel: (202) 467 6585; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: (202) 289 5374; www.budget.com) and Hertz (tel: (703) 471 6020; www.hertz.com).

Bicycle Hire

It is probably best not to attempt to cycle around Washington, DC, as the traffic is so heavy. However, there are plenty of enjoyable rides along the Potomac River and around the major sites where it is possible to avoid the traffic.

Better Bikes (tel: (202) 293 2080; www.betterbikesinc.com) delivers bicycles to hotels and will provide a map, helmet, backpack, lock and roadside assistance if necessary. A refundable deposit is necessary to ensure the bicycle's safe return. Bike the Sites, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (tel: (202) 842 2453; www.bikethesites.com) also do bike tours.

General Information

Location

District of Columbia, USA.

Time zone

GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).

Electricity

110/120 volts AC, 60Hz; American-style flat two-pin plugs are standard.

Average January temperatures

2°C (37°F).

Average July temperatures

25°C (78°F).

Annual rainfall

884mm (34.8 inches).

Things to do

Sightseeing Overview

Any visit to Washington, DC warrants a few days of your time to discover the almost endless monuments and museums as well as the neighbourhoods.

The grand formal vista of the National Mall contains many of Washington, DC's most important monuments and institutions. The Mall is particularly striking during the spring blossoming of the Japanese cherry trees and in the winter with the Christmas trees and lights. 

Most dramatic are monuments like the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Capitol that seem to glow against the night skies. The White House is another must-see for tourists.

Government buildings, townhouses, restaurants and speciality shops merge seamlessly around Capitol Hill and Foggy Bottom, while the elegant 18th- and 19th-century townhouses, chic restaurants and shops in Georgetown attract influential residents.

By contrast, bohemian Adams Morgan is an eclectic mix of international restaurants, pavement cafés, ethnic stores and late-night entertainment. Across town, Chinatown, with its colourful Friendship Arch, is the centre for oriental speciality shops and restaurants. 

A favoured recreation ground for city dwellers is Rock Creek Park in the northwest of the city. The creek itself passes through the heart of the park, which also has bicycle, bridle and jogging paths. 

Since 11 September 2001, the Pentagon, the country's heart of national and international security, is no longer open for public tours, but if it is intrigue you seek, visit the International Spy Museum. It chronicles the history and schemes of spies and espionage.

Tourist Information

Destination DC
901 Seventh Street, NW, Suite 4001
Tel: (202) 789 7000.
Website: www.washington.org

Although this is the official Washington, DC tourism site, information cannot be obtained in person here.

Washington, DC Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center
1213 K Street, NW
Tel: (202) 638 7330.
Website: www.dcchamber.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1630.

Visitors may also see SAMs (safety and maintenance personnel), who are specially trained hospitality workers dressed in red and blue uniforms. They operate throughout Washington's downtown area to provide a service to visitors by giving directions and helping to find area attractions, restaurants, hotels and shops.

Passes

There are no tourist passes currently available.

Attractions

National Archives & Records Administration (NARA)
Although the archives house more than 3 billion records, the ones that visitors flock to see are the Charters of Freedom - the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights which are encased and displayed in a large marble rotunda. They are difficult to read, but then again they are the 200-plus-year-old originals. The Public Vaults contain fascinating documents such as George Washington's handwritten letters, materials and evidence from famous investigations, such as the Kennedy assassination, and recordings of debates on Prohibition in 1918 and reinstating the Draft in 1940.
Constitution Avenue between Seventh and Ninth Streets
Tel: 1 866 272 6272.
Website: www.archives.gov
Opening hours: Mon-Tues and Sat 0900-1700, Wed-Fri 0900-2100.
Admission charge: N.
Disabled access: Y.

Library of Congress
Housing the world's largest library containing collections of rare American history materials and more than 144 million items, including copies of the Gutenberg Bible and a copy of the musical score of the ‘Star Spangled Banner', the library itself is embellished with murals, stained glass windows and statuary. Exhibitions change regularly. There are daily guided tours of the 19th-century Thomas Jefferson Building. Public tours of the library are available Mon-Sat (1030, 1130, 1330, 1430 and 1530). On Saturday there is no 1530 tour.
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Tel: (202) 707 8000.
Website: www.loc.gov
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0830-1630 (Thomas Jefferson Building); Mon and Wed-Thurs (0830-2130), Tues and Fri-Sat 0830-1700 (John Adams Building).
Admission charge: N.
Disabled access: Y.

Newseum
The Newseum highlights the history of the media. Visitors can visit more than a dozen galleries to learn the history of news and how the past century's important world events have been reported. A broadcast studio, an interactive newsroom and the largest section of the Berlin Wall outside of Germany along with an East German guard tower are exhibits worth exploring. Some of the dramatic events in journalism are recreated in A4-D Time Travel Adventure film.
Sixth and Pennsylvania Avenues, NW
Tel: 1 888 639 7386.
Website: www.newseum.org
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700.
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.

Restaurants

Expensive

Blue Duck Tavern
The Blue Duck Tavern continues to be heaped with accolades. The open kitchen with wood-burning oven is surrounded by simple Americana décor like wooden Shaker furniture and quilts hanging from the wall. The real star, however, is the food. Artfully presented, traditional American fare includes everything from oysters and crab cakes to pheasant and braised beef rib, and the menu identifies where the main ingredient is sourced.
24 and M Streets, NW
Tel: (202) 419 6755.
Website: www.blueducktavern.com

Equinox
With a mid-Atlantic menu featuring seasonal and regionally inspired meals using organic ingredients grown within 160km (100 miles) of the restaurant, Equinox's proximity to the White House attracts an esteemed clientele, including the Obamas. The creative American food includes line-caught swordfish steak with sweet Maine shrimp. Dine in the buzzing atrium, right on the street, or in the quieter main dining room.
818 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Tel: (202) 331 8118.
Website: www.equinoxrestaurant.com

Nora
In a dining room hung with vintage quilts, diners will find some of Washington, DC's most creative dishes. And somehow restaurateur Nora Pouillon does it while making sure that everything is organic. The menu changes daily but you can't go wrong with the miso soup or any of the seafood main courses. 
2132 Florida Avenue, NW
Tel: (202) 462 5143.
Website: www.noras.com

The Jockey Club
Rub shoulders with politicians and Hollywood royalty in a restaurant which has been an important part of the Washington, DC scene for much of the time since opening in 1961. Closed for several year, the revamped restaurant reflects its original style but with a modern slant. The menu still serves Jockey Club classics such as Dover Sole Meuniere but also serves innovative herb and marspone ravioli.
2100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Tel: (202) 835 2100.
Website: www.thejockeyclub-dc.com

Vidalia
Named after a type of onion so sweet it can be eaten like an apple, award-winning Vidalia makes sure that this unique vegetable figures prominently on the menu. The kitchen specialises in Southern fare, so diners should not miss out on favourites such as crab cakes and their famous shrimp and grits. There is complimentary wine tasting every Tuesday from 1730-1830.
1990 M Street, NW
Tel: (202) 659 1990.
Website: www.vidaliadc.com

Moderate

Brasserie Beck
Styled to look like a European train station, this Belgian bistro boasts luxuriant, dark walnut tones, a 10-seat chef's table and several clocks which reflect the time of some of chef/owner Robert Wiedmaier's favourite destinations. This casual, friendly and sometimes raucous restaurant is getting quite a reputation for its selection of over 100 different Belgian beers and its steamed apple and curry mussels.
1101 K Street, NW
Tel: (202) 408 1717.
Website: www.beckdc.com

Founding Farmers
Owned by a collective of American farmers, all the ingredients served here are sustainably farmed using the produce from family farms, ranches and fisheries. The freshness of the food makes signature dishes such as Yankee pot roast absolutely mouth-watering helped by the generosity of the portions. Its green credentials extend to the use of reclaimed wood throughout and recycled paper for the menus.
1924 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Tel: (202) 822 8783.
Website: www.wearefoundingfarmers.com

Mr Smith's of Georgetown
A Georgetown institution, with its antique mirrors, lamps and piano bar, for over 40 years, regulars come here for the hearty home cooking from burgers to chili and fish and chips. The hidden garden buzzes with the sound of conversation and is open all year, heated by fireplaces and an electronic roof covering in winter.
3104 M Street, NW
Tel: (202) 333 3104.
Website: www.mrsmiths.com

Old Ebbitt Grill
Situated around the corner from the White House, this comfortable little pub with lots of dark wood and polished brass has served presidents since 1856 and is a Washington, DC institution. The food is not what one would find at a state dinner, however, but the menu changes daily and uses the freshest local produce. Visitors come for the staples, such as humongous hamburgers, or belly up to the oyster bar.
675 15th Street, NW
Tel: (202) 347 4800.
Website: www.ebbitt.com

Zaytinya
The Mediterranean cuisine at Zaytinya excels. Tuck into the mouth-watering mezze, small plates of seafood, meat or vegetables. Save room for Turkish delight, a walnut ice cream creation with, among other things, caramelised pine nuts. The décor is simple with huge windows and white walls.  Zaytinya only takes limited reservations so take a chance and join the hustle and bustle at the bar with others waiting for a table.
701 Ninth Street, NW
Tel: (202) 638 0800.
Website: www.zaytinya.com

Cheap

Ben's Chili Bowl
The sign over the grill says 'Home of the Famous Chili Dog', which should give a clue as to what to order at this popular eatery. The chilli half-smoke was voted Washington's signature dish. Formica counters lined with red vinyl barstools are a throwback to the 1950s when it first opened, but then again, posh interior design is not the reason why patrons like comedian Billy Cosby frequent it and the Obamas have popped in.
1213 U Street, NW
Tel: (202) 667 0909.
Website: www.benschilibowl.com

Meskerem
The streets of Adams Morgan are lined with Ethiopian eateries, but none as enjoyable as this one set on three levels and decorated with colourful murals and traditional musical instruments. Diners sit at low tables and tear off little pieces of injera (sour-dough pancakes) with which they can sample a wide range of chicken, lamb and vegetable stews. Guests should not forget to sample the homemade honey wine.
2434 18th Street, NW
Tel: (202) 462 4100.
Website: www.meskeremethiopianfood.com

Pizzeria Paradiso
Whether the choice is a traditional favourite, such as quattro formaggi (four cheeses), or the popular Atomica (tomato, salami, black olives), the thin, crunchy crust is always a winner, cooked in a wood-burning stove that has pride of place. Pizzeria Paradiso moved up the street in 2009 and added a Birreria Paradiso serving microbrews and handcrafted beers. There is also a second location in Georgetown.
Dupont Circle, 2003 P Street, NW
Tel: (202) 223 1245.
Website: www.eatyourpizza.com

Night Life

The nightlife in the centre of Washington, DC is not so developed as in other cities because few people live in the centre of the city. As a result, bars tend to be the busiest in the early evening. Most entertainment is to be found in the surrounding neighbourhoods, such as Capitol Hill, Georgetown and Adams Morgan.

Details of what's on when and where in Washington, DC can be found in the Washington City Paper (www.washingtoncitypaper.com) or the Washington Post entertainment guide (www.washingtonpost.com/gog/dc-visitors-guide.html).

Bars

Busboys and Poets
A Washington bar with a difference, Busboys and Poets is a space to drink in, hear poetry and discuss politics - very popular with the locals.

2021 14th Street, NW
Tel: (202) 387 7638.
Website: www.busboysandpoets.com 

Capitol City Brewing Company 
Another favourite in Washington, DC is Capitol City Brewing Comapny, a microbrewery with a good selection of beers and some food.

1100 New York Avenue, NW and 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Tel: (202) 628 2222.
Website: www.capcitybrew.com

Round Robin & Scotch Bar
The Round Robin Bar is a popular meeting place for the movers and shakers of Washington, DC. Most US presidents have come here at one time or another, and it is the place where Henry Clay introduced the Mint Julep to Washington patrons.

Willard InterContinental Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue
Tel: (202) 628 9100.
Website: www.washington.intercontinental.com

Tune Inn
Join the regulars at the dive bar, Tune Inn, a DC institution.

331 ½ Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
Tel: (202) 543 2725.

Clubs

Eighteenth Street Lounge
Dress up to get into Eighteenth Street Lounge in a restored mansion where the DJs spin an eclectic mix of bossa, acid jazz, hip hop and dance.

1212 18th Street, NW
Tel: (202) 466 3922.
Website: www.eighteenthstreetlounge.com

Fur 
Once an old warehouse, Fur is now an upscale mega club with top DJs and multiple dance floors.

33 Paterson Street, NE
Tel: (202) 445 4926.
Website: www.furnightclub.com

Heaven and Hell
Grunge, techno, indie, retro and dance music are all on offer at Heaven and Hell, which has regular live music, happy hours and a famous 1980s night every Thursday.

2327 18th Street, NW
Tel: (202) 667 4355.
Website: www.clubheavenandhelldc.com

Love
Each floor of Love has a different vibe: the first floor sports a large island bar; the second features hip hop artists; one flight up is a tropical-themed deck; and the indoor/outdoor fourth floor is a private party spot for high rollers and celebs.

1350 Okie Street, NE
Tel: (202) 746 1736.
Website: www.lovetheclub.com

Live Music

9.30 Club
Washington, DC's long established 9.30 Club attracts an impressive name list of live bands, many of which are international.

815 V Street, NW
Tel: (202) 265 0930.
Website: www.930.com

Blues Alley
Blues Alley is the nation's oldest surviving jazz supper club. Well-known names have appeared here and patrons can enjoy the show without ordering dinner.

1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Tel: (202) 337 4141.
Website: www.bluesalley.com

HR-57
HR-57 is where you will find some of the best jazz on offer in Washington, DC.

1610 Fourteenth Street, NW
Tel: (202) 667 3700.
Website: www.hr57.org

Madam's Organ 
Madam's Organ, in the Adams Morgan neighbourhood, features soul food, along with live R & B, jazz and bluegrass music.

2461 18th Street, NW
Tel: (202) 667 5370.
Website: www.madamsorgan.com

Shopping

Washington, DC is a very affluent area with numerous shopping malls and districts. The Georgetown neighbourhood is a popular shopping destination because of its charming streets.

Markets
There are several farmers markets in the DC area. Some are year-round like the DC Farmers Market near Capitol Hill, 1309 Fifth Street (Tuesday and Saturday 0700-1730, Sunday 0700-1400), and others are seasonal, such as the Fresh Farm Market at Foggy Bottom (April to November every Wednesday 1430-1900) and on Vermont Avenue, near the White House (mid-September to end October every Thursday 1500-1900).

Shopping centres
The Shops at Georgetown Park is a 19th-century styled mall situated at M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Under a huge skylight and surrounded by an elegant Victorian interior of chandeliers and wrought iron, there are about 100 shops and cafés with prices definitely not aimed at the bargain hunter.

Downtown is Union Station on Massachusetts Avenue, which has shopping on two levels with over 100 outlets. You can find more upmarket shopping at the Mazza Gallerie on Wisconsin Avenue, along the border with Maryland, which is a multi-level shopping centre, housing trendy Neiman Marcus.

Key areas
Rather like Georgetown, the historic streets of Old Town, Alexandria, have a good selection of shops. The Adams Morgan neighbourhood offers an interesting international mix of clothing, jewellery, CDs and books. In particular, the shops along 18th Street, NW, between Florida Avenue and Columbia Road, are good for browsing.

The shops in the various Smithsonian Institution Museums stock a fascinating collection of gifts, crafts, books, jewellery and toys. Shops linked to the museums are open daily 1000-1700. The new waterfront complex, National Harbor, just minutes from DC on the Potomac, is a day out with its shops and restaurants.

Shopping hours
Many shops are open Monday to Saturday 0900/1000-1700/1800 (with some malls open later into the evening) and Sunday 1200-1800.

Tax information
Washington, DC has a sales tax of 5.75%, which is added to the purchase price at the point of sale. There is no system for visitors to claim the tax back.

Events

Black History Month
February
Celebrates diversity, and is dedicated to black leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr
Throughout Washington, DC
Website: www.smithsonianeducation.org/heritage_month

St Patrick's Day Parade
March
Impressive parades.
Constitution Avenue
Website: www.dcstpatsparade.com

National Cherry Blossom Parade and Festival
March-April
Spectacular parade with carnival floats and marching bands.
Constitution Avenue
Website: www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

White House Easter Egg Roll
April
Egg rolling.
White House lawn
Website: www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll  

Filmfest DC - Washington International Film Festival
April
Various theatres throughout Washington, DC
Website: www.filmfestdc.org

National Barbecue Battle
June
Free food samples, cooking demonstrations and competition between local and national BBQ restaurants.
Pennsylvania Avenue
Website: www.bbqdc.com

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
June-July
A music, song and dance celebration to contemporary traditions.
National Mall
Website: www.folklife.si.edu

Independence Day
4 July
Day-long concerts and activities including parade and fireworks over the Washington Monument.
National Mall
Website: www.july4thparade.com

Adams Morgan Day
September
Live music, international food, cultural demonstrations and dances.
18th Street NW between Florida Avenue and Columbia Road and at Marie Reed Elementary
Website: www.adamsmorgandayfestival.com

National Christmas Tree Lighting Pageant of Peace
Early December
The president lights the giant National Christmas Tree.
The Ellipse, President's Park South

History & Culture

Perhaps the most famous theatre in Washington, although not necessarily for its performances, is Ford's Theatre where Abraham Lincoln was fatally shot in 1863. The city offers a multitude of other choices for theatregoers, as well as music lovers. During the summer, there are regular free outdoor concerts throughout Washington, DC, for example in Georgetown, near the Washington Monument and by the US Capitol.

TheWashington Post (www.washingtonpost.com) lists the most up-to-date information. The main outlet for discounted, day-of-show tickets is Ticketplace, 407 Seventh Street, NW (www.cultural-alliance.org/tickets/today.html), Wednesday to Sunday. Tickets for individual performances can also be purchased from Ticketmaster (tel: (202) 397 7328; www.ticketmaster.com).

Theatre, Music and Dance

Arena Stage
Several Broadway hits have started off their life at the Arena Stage. While the theatre is being extended in readiness for reopening in the fall of 2010, performances are taking place at the Lincoln Theatre and Crystal City, Arlington, VA.
1101 Sixth Street, SW
Tel: (202) 488 3300.
Website: www.arenastage.org

Ford's Theatre
Perhaps the most famous theatre in Washington, although not necessarily for its performances, is Ford's Theatre. It is the theatre where John Wilkes Booth fatally shot Abraham Lincoln in 1865. It is now a venue for musicals, multicultural and family plays and is also open from 0900-1700 for guided tours and historic talks. As a tribute to Abraham Lincoln, the plays and musicals at Ford's Theatre highlight the diversity of American life.
511 10th Street, NW
Tel: (202) 347 4833.
Website: www.fordstheatre.org

The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has six theatres and has performances by the Washington Ballet and the Washington Performing Arts Society. It is also the home of the Washington National Opera and the National Symphony Orchestra. Tickets for many performances are hard to come by and are therefore rarely discounted. However, it is worth ringing the theatre box office on the day to check the situation. 
2700 F Street, NW
Tel: (202) 467 4600.
Website: www.kennedy-center.org

The National Theatre 
The National Theatre, one of America's oldest continuously operating theatres, puts on pre-Broadway shows or Broadway hits that are on tour.
1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Tel: (202) 628 6161.
Website: www.nationaltheatre.org

Warner Theatre
Touring Broadway shows and family entertainment, including comedy, dance and music concerts can be seen at the Warner Theatre. The Washington Ballet, performing both at the Warner Theatre and at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, has a vast repertoire of both classical and contemporary performances.
513 13th Street NW
Tel: (202) 783 4000.
Website: www.warnertheatre.com

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