traveldk.com

Following the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, security precautions have been strengthened in Washington. Visitors need a government-issued photo ID to enter most government buildings, some office buildings, and even some nightclubs. Visitors to public buildings, including the Smithsonian museums, are prohibited from carrying aerosol and non-aerosol sprays, cans and bottles, food, knives of any sort or other sharp objects such as razors or box-cutters, and mace or pepper spray. Large backpacks are also not allowed, but there is no standard definition of size. Handbags and briefcases will be searched. People have also been delayed or even arrested for remarks officials consider “inappropriate,” so don’t crack jokes about bombs or weapons.

The openness of the Mall can make distances look shorter than they are. If you start at the Smithsonian metro station, walk to the Lincoln Memorial, to the Capitol, and back to the Metro stop, you will have covered 5 miles (8 km). Whether in D.C.’s humid summer or windy winter, that can be a tiring hike, especially for children.

The city plan of D.C. arranges all addresses within four quadrants, centered on the dome of the Capitol. Numbered (north-south) and lettered (east-west) streets start on each side of the Capitol. There is a 1st St east of the Capitol and a completely different 1st St west of it. An E St lies north of the Capitol and a different E St south of it. To locate an address, the extension NW, NE, SE, or SW must be noted.

In July and August, temperatures range from about 85°F (30°C) to 95°F (35°C), but the real problem can be humidity. Walk slowly and drink lots of fluids – or visit at some other time of the year. Winters, especially January and February, are windy and raw. Snow and ice storms produce beautiful scenery around the monuments and gardens, but they can paralyze the city temporarily.

The greatest protection from street crime is alertness. Thieves depend largely on surprise. Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuables. Keep an accurate record of what’s in your wallet, including card numbers and phone numbers of credit card issuers.

Tourist zones are safe day and night, but if you want to go to a destination outside these areas, especially at night, ask at your hotel desk for their recommendation.

Traffic congestion can interfere with plans. Inside the city, traffic moves erratically and slowly. Getting into and out of the city in rush hour (about 6:30–9:30am and 4–7pm) may incur delays of 45 minutes.

Metrorail uses a farecard system in which the turnstiles deduct the cost of your trip as you leave the station. You must have a farecard both to enter and to leave, so don’t throw it away after getting on the train.

No matter where you park, don’t leave anything in the passenger compartment. If your car radio or CD player is removable, take it with you.

Washington has countless escalators, some of them among the longest in the world. Washingtonians often become angry when the way is blocked – allow people to get past you by standing single-file and to the right.