What are the top 10 things to do for first time in D.C.?

I will be in DC June 19-23. I have never been there and am really excited to go. I have a reservation to the capital. I heard that the Washington Monument you need to be there by 7:30 am to get tickets. Is this true?


What about good cheap food?


For a first time visitor to the city what would be some of your favorite things to do or suggest?

What are the top 10 things to do for first time in D.C.?
I am a 15 year old boy. My school just went to DC this November so I think I can give you the best answers. I really enjoyed the monuments. Lincoln, Jefferson, White House, Capitol, Washington Monument. Wait in line to go up the Washington Monument. I was dissapointed that we didn't and really wanted to. Go to the Capitol and get the full tour. It is extremely interesting and they teach you a lot of neat tricks about the building and show you where some famous mens desks were. Arlington Cemetary is amazing and it is almost un-American to go w/o viewing changing of the guards. Look in your family history and see if there is anyone in your family buried there and find their grave. Mt. Vernon was cool but it is a one time thing. It is kind of boring when the old ladies are talking to you but when you get to go on your own is when it gets fun. Don't go there w/o a schedule you won't have as much fun. Smithsonians are ok i didn't really care for air and space but i really wished natural history would have been open. Just look around and walk everywhere you will see more stuff and get to cherish it more. Have Fun!





It was really fun and it was also my first time. You have four days to work w/ that is amazing we only had 2 and a half. have fun
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hope this helps!!
Reply:be there earlier than 7 am- long lines. see the spy museum %26amp; it takes days to see the Smithsonian buildings which are all free. The old post office tower is free %26amp; is the 2nd tallest in d.c. DO THE DUCK I was on the sitting duck %26amp; got to drive it while in the river. do "Georgetown". the streets are usually blocked off to cars for the security of some big shot so bring the camera all the time. Just ride the bus %26amp; see the layout of the town. The train station is cool. I had $.75 breakfast at the hostel on 11th %26amp; K st. %26amp; there are BK %26amp; mickey d's all over. The Holocaust Museum is good, if you can take it
Reply:You can get same day tickets at the Monument - the booth opens at 8:30 AM, and it is good to get there early. However, if you go on a weekday you might be able to show up later. You can also pay a fee and reserve the tickets ahead of time.





There is a lot of places to find cheap food in Washington. Spend some time checking out the food court in Union Station. Go to Adams Morgan or Chinatown and try an inexpensive ethinic eatery (Meskerem's or Fasika's ethiopian in Adams Morgan and Eat First in Chinatown are standouts)





First time visitor?


You're starting in the Capitol, so far so Good.





Walk Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House to experience a little of L'Enfant's Plan and to visit all the stuff on the way (Archives, Navy Memorial, Old Post Office, Freedom Plaza).





Walk the Monuments and Memorials, Washington Monument, Constitution Gardens, WWII Memorial, Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, Korean War Veterans' Memorial, LIncoln Memorial, FDR Memorial, Jefferson Memorial. You can do this in the evening, when the lit up memorials ae just beautiful, and when the rest is closed.





Go to one of the Smithsonian Museums, depending on your preferences. I really like Air and Space, the American Indian Museum, Natural History, while the American History Museum is closed, but there are also wonderful Art Museums and of course the National Zoo.





Visit the National Gallery of Art.





Visit the Holocaust Memorial.





Immerse yourself in some DC nightlife - see the 6 PM free show at the Kennedy Center, or go to one of the many plays - DC is a huge theatre town, and half price tickets are available daily at Ticketplace, at 407 Seventh Street, NW.


Visit a Jazz club in U street or a rock or folk club in Adams Morgan.





Visit a neighborhood - Adams Morgan, Chinatown, Shaw, whatever, to see how everyday Washington lives.





If you have time, go to a Garden - the Arboretum, Hillwood, or maybe the Enid Haupt Garden on the Mall.





That should give you a start.
Reply:Top 10 -





* Spy Museum - great new attraction!


* Smithsonian Native American Museum - excellent site!


* "" Air %26amp; Space - lots of history!


* Union Station - great international food court and shopping too!


* Postal Museum - next door to Union Station - great info


* memorials - most impressive - WWII and FDR


* Washington Monument - tickets are free but you can get reserved timed tickets for a modest fee at ticketmaster.com


* National Cahedral - don't miss the Children's Chapel


* Eastern Market on weekends - again, great food, crafts and international flair


* Check out the Washington DC Convention and Visitors Bureau - for special events during your visit - great festivals abound in the district!


Enjoy!
Reply:See the monuments at night. There is less of a crowd and they are still as gorgeous as ever. Also see them during the day to get a different view of them. I don't really know about getting tickets to the Washington Monument


You might want to go to the National Zoo.


For a meal and shopping go to Union Station.


Don't be afraid to ride the metro, it will get you around DC rather quickly and inexpensively, but also walk and see the sights as well. Enjoy your trip!