It depends how many museums and sites you can cram into your days. Washington DC is home to 19 Smithsonian museums alone, and that’s not even including the Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History, which are also must-see attractions. Oh, and then there’s the White House. Aim for at least a week if you can as that will give you time to go at a slightly slower pace.

Washington DC is a relatively safe city for visitors. Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Penn Quarter and Foggy Bottom are regarded as some of the safest areas to stay. Georgetown boasts some historic options and high-end boutique hotels, while more budget-friendly spots can be found a little further afield.

If there’s one thing you need in Washington DC, above all else, it’s comfortable walking shoes! You spend a lot of time walking in between sites so make sure you’re prepared. A refillable drink bottle is also a great addition to save you buying single-use plastic.

It’s pretty hard to beat springtime in Washington DC. Picture blue skies, no humidity and gorgeous blooming cherry blossoms bathing the city in soft pink splendour. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs for a month and is a celebration of culture, art music and more.

The hardest thing about visiting Washington DC is trying to narrow down the list of what to do. For those with limited time, be sure to check out the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, Washington Monument, the Smithsonian Space Museum and National Gallery of Art, to name just a few!

Take a tour of the White House (tip, you’ll need to book well in advance) get a hefty dose of history and culture skipping between the many (many) Smithsonian Museums, take a peek at the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives, eat your way around the city, which includes plenty of Michelin starred dishes and delights, sip from the source at one of the many breweries or distilleries, visit giant pandas at the National Zoo and pay your respects at the Arlington National Cemetery. If you are politically inclined, you can even watch the Supreme Court in action if your visit coincides with the sittings from October to April. There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Washington DC, the hardest part will be trying to fit it all in.

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