Is Washington DC the Best Tourist City in the United States?

A lot has been written about the inner workings of DC.

Countless movies and television shows have been set in this city, but what most people don't know is that Washington DC is home to a thriving tourism scene.

When you first step foot off your plane into Washington DC, you'll immediately feel a sense of intimidation.

Washington DC is a town, where politicians and white collar workers rule. But, despite all of the sneaky and sniveling people that make their living here, there's another side of DC, filled with food, camaraderie and an unbelievable sense of culture. The following are some of the best things that DC has to offer.

The Monuments/Museums

Washington DC was built for walking.

The amount of monuments and museums (dubbed The National Mall) that are located in such a small, concentrated region is incredible. The sheer size of DC is enough to discourage anybody, but, if you focus on a couple of areas and plan ahead of time, you’re guaranteed to maximize your time there.

All throughout the National Mall, the Smithsonian Institution has multiple museums scattered around a 1.9 mile region.

When you’re in DC, be sure to, at least, visit all the major attractions such as The National Museum of American History, The National Air and Space Museum, The Lincoln Memorial, The Jefferson Memorial, and The National Archives.

Capitol Building

The number one thing that everyone should do while vacationing in DC is to visit the US Capitol. It may look like a postcard from the outside, and completely off limits on the inside, but, not many people know you can actually take a tour of the building.

Open from 8:30 to 4:30 on Mondays to Saturdays, taking a tour of the Capital is 100 percent free. This is an entertaining and shrewd way to take the weight off your feet for an hour and a half. Although it does take about five minutes to make a reservation, it’s assuredly worth the wait.

Teddy Roosevelt Island

For a lesser known monument, you should definitely visit Teddy Roosevelt Island.

It’s one of the least populated areas in DC, and a great way to take 30 minutes to an hour to sit back and relax while the world passes you by.

Surrounded by trees and bushes, and only accessible from a bridge off of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, the island is mainly used as a natural park.

With trails and a plaza that has a statue dedicated to America’s 26th president, Teddy Roosevelt Island is a must-see site when you visit DC.

The Food

After a couple of hours walking around DC, you’re bound to work up an appetite and due to the city's incessant hustle and bustle nature, there is a multitude of fast food eateries that don't provide that intimate experience you look for as a tourist after a long day out.

However, there's certainly no shortage of 'sit down' restaurants that are popular among both locals and tourists alike.

1.) Ted's Bulletin

One of these 'sit down' restaurants is a lovely little outlet named Ted's Bulletin.

"Ted's" is an art deco inspired diner, known for their version of the pop tart, also named "Ted's Tarts", and all around familial, old school atmosphere.

There are two different locations for “Ted’s,” if you’re so inclined to stop in. One is located right on Pennsylvania Avenue, just an eight minute walk from Capitol Hill and four minute bus ride. The other and most convenient location is nestled in downtown DC, where the closest metro station (U Street Station) is only a six minute jaunt to the restaurant.

Ted’s is probably DC’s most recognizable and popular restaurants, and if you’re ever near one of these two locations, it should definitely be a priority.

2.) Pizza Uno

As an alternate option, if you're looking for a way to escape the DC crowds and the summer heat while looking for food that’s no hassle, there's a pizzeria smuggled into DC’s largest metro station, appropriately named ‘Union Station’ called Uno Pizzeria.

Specializing in deep dish pizzas, the Chicago based company outgrew the Chicago city limits when it started in 1943 and brought one of their restaurants to DC.

For a quick and easy, yet quality pizza place on a budget, stop by Union Station for some R&R.

3.) Ben's Chili Bowl

On the other hand, for those of you who aren't ones to sit back and relax and want to see the city of DC and its monuments as quickly as possible while still eating quality food, should visit Ben's Chili Bowl.

Founded in 1958, Ben’s Chilli Bowl is a historically recognized casual bistro located 9 ½ minutes from the National Mall.

Their menu is simple: chili dogs (they call them half-smokes), and fries. Although you can order from an extended menu, that includes turkey dogs, veggie dogs, and an assortment of other vegetarian options, “Ben’s” main attraction is their half-smoked chili dogs—a local favorite.

Other honorable mention restaurants include Farmers Fishers Bakers, Pinstripes, Busboys and Poets, Georgetown Cupcakes, Good Stuff Eatery.

Sports

The Washington DC sports scene is unlike anything you will ever see.

There are a lot of people who live in DC and they tend to gravitate to the five major sports that are available to them: Basketball, Soccer, Hockey, Football, and Baseball.

The teams that play their sport in DC are the Washington Redskins, the Washington Nationals, DC United, the Washington Wizards, and the Washington Capitals.

All of their stadiums/ arenas are within close proximity to each other and the largest distance between the farthest ones are only about 18 minutes.

Whatever sport you’re into, there’s no doubt that whatever you choose you will have a great time and experience a great atmosphere

In conclusion, DC is a wonderful town. It’s filled with several different things to do, see, eat and experience. If you happen to be ever in the Washington DC area, it’s surely a vacation that you’ll never forget.