Washington DC: What to Know Before You Go

The single most useful thing to know about Washington is that its famous sights are farther apart than they look. On a map the Mall seems like a pleasant stroll, but from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial is about two miles (more than three kilometres) of gravel paths with little shade. Plan the day in sections, and let the Metro or a bike-share do the rest.

How the city is laid out

The Capitol sits at the centre of a grid, and the city is split into four quadrants (NW, NE, SW and SE) around it. The same address can exist in more than one quadrant, so always check the letters. Lettered streets run east to west, numbered streets north to south, and diagonal avenues named after states cut across both, meeting at circles such as Dupont and Logan. Most sights are in the Northwest quadrant or on the Mall, but Capitol Hill, Eastern Market, Navy Yard and the Wharf lie in the Southeast and Southwest.

Entry rules and ESTA

Travellers from visa-waiver countries need an approved ESTA before flying. Apply on the official US government site at least 72 hours before departure. The fee roughly doubled in September 2025, and lookalike sites charge extra on top. Everyone else needs a visa.

The Metro

Since 2025 you can tap a contactless bank card or phone at the Metrorail faregates. Tap in and tap out, because fares depend on distance and time of day. Trains are clean, air-conditioned and the stations are vast concrete vaults, a sight in themselves. Stand on the right on the long escalators.

What to book

The museums are free, but some need planning. Washington Monument tickets are released online 30 days ahead and again the day before, and they go fast. Book a free Capitol tour on the official visitor centre site. The Smithsonian guide explains which museums need timed passes. White House tours have to be requested well in advance through a member of Congress, or for foreign visitors through their embassy. Since the East Wing was demolished in 2025 to make way for a ballroom, tours follow a shorter route and can be paused at short notice.

Tipping and tax

Sales tax is added at the till, not shown on the price. In sit-down restaurants a tip of 18 to 20 percent is expected. Some restaurants add a service charge to the bill, so check before tipping twice. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Plugs are the flat two-pin American type, on 120 volts. Tap water is safe to drink, and there are water fountains in every museum. Our 3-day itinerary puts it all in order.