Discover Washington DC
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Washington DC.
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Must-see attractions in Washington DC
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 18 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
The capital of the United States of America, Washington, is located in the District of Columbia and strategically bound on one side by the Potomac River ( giving it access to the sea) and bordered by the states of Virginia to the southwest and Maryland to the northwest, northeast, and southeast. Washington DC is a city of green parks, wide tree lined streets and very few skyscrapers, giving it a European air. It is also a city of museums and national monuments. The city is divided into four quadrants- northwest (NW), northeast (NE), southeast (SE) and southwest (SW).The federal district was named the District of Columbia, Columbia being named
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Halal restaurants in Washington DC
Washington DC’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 26 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
washington-dc1789
Cuisine: American.
washington-dcBlue Duck Tavern
Cuisine: American Opened in 2007, the Blue Duck Tavern has already been heaped with accolades. The open kitchen with wood-burning oven is surrounded by simple Americana décor like wooden Shaker furniture, and quilts hanging from the wall. Some of the tables face the outside fountain and a prairie-like garden. The real star however, is the food. Artfully presented, traditional American fare includes everything from oysters and crab cakes to smoked trout, rabbit and prime aged NY strip roast. Pastries and breads are made from scratch. Save room for the award-winning apple pie.
washington-dcCharlie Palmer Steak
Cuisine: American / Steakhouse A muted blue and orange color scheme and a bold, award-winning modern menu with an all-American wine list is what makes this restaurant a power magnet.
washington-dcGerard’s
Cuisine: French Dine at Gerard's Place for elegant French cuisine that's among the best in the city. The dish that made the restaurant famous, poached lobster with Sauternes sauce still appears on both the lunch and dinner menus ($62!), though slightly reinvented: fresh mango, lime, piquillo peppers, and spinach are its sidekicks now. Diners may order a la carte or choose a $30 prix-fix menu at lunch or the $87 chef's tasting menu at dinner. The dining room itself is small, seating only 50 at a time, and somewhat modest in design. And this is a quiet restaurant, not a place to get rowdy. You're here for the food and quiet conversation. Hours are from Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm; Mon-Thurs 5:30-9pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-9:30pm. Reservations are recommended.
washington-dcNora
Cuisine: American Set in a quaint carriage house on one of DuPont’s beautiful corners, Nora’s is famous for serving made from organic and fresh ingredients. The dining room is hung with vintage quilts, and adorned with antique pieces. Those who are unable to get in at this DuPont circle favorite can try Asia Nora on the edge of Georgetown.
washington-dcBombay Club
Cuisine: Indian The most popular item, and the spiciest on the menu, is the green chilli chicken. The speciality of the restaurant is the tandoori items including tandoori salmon, chicken tandoori, and the lobster Malabar. The Bombay Club is known for its vegetarian offerings (try the black lentils cooked overnight on a slow fire) and for its Sunday champagne brunch, which offers a buffet of fresh juices, fresh baked breads, and assorted Indian dishes. Slow-moving ceiling fans and wicker furniture accentuate the colonial British ambience. A pianist plays nightly. One of DC's top Indian restaurants, this place is popular with movies stars such as Harrison Ford and Bruce Willis.
Washington DC masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Ivy City Masjid
2001 Galludet St. NE Washington,DC 20002 Phone: (202) 529-3100
Masjid Al Islam
4603 Benning Rd., SE, Washington,DC 20019 Phone: (202) 581- 1616
Muslim Law Students Association of Georgetown Law School
600 New Jersey Avenue NW Washington, DC 20001-2022
Muhammeds Mosque
3160 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC(202) 506-6940
Where to stay in Washington DC
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
washington-dcFour Seasons
A popular place with celebrities, the Four Seasons is located in posh Georgetown neighborhood, just at the start of the M St strip. The hotel provides impeccable service minus the arrogance. With bright, airy rooms and comfortable furnishings, great original art and views of Rock Creek Park, the hotel charms its guests into visiting again. The hotel also has two restaurants, The Terrace Garden and the Seasons restaurant. In room facilities: A/C, T.V. WiFi, hair dryer, iron, robes, hi-tech cd player, and a 32 inch plasma TV.
washington-dcHay-Adams Hotel
This Renaissance- style hotel across from the White House is within easy walking distance of just about every Washington landmark. But the ambience of a bygone era that is prevalent in the hotel might make you stay right in your room! The Hay Adams is named for two 1880s mansions that once stood on the site that hosted the political and intellectual elite of the city. In House facilities: A/C, TV w/pay movies, 2-line phone w/dataports, free Wi-Fi, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe, robes, slippers, umbrella, CD player. Facilities: Restaurant (American), bar, access to local health club ($15 per day), 24-hr. concierge, complimentary morning car service, complimentary 24-hr. business center, 24-hr. room service, same-day laundry service/ dry cleaning.
washington-dcMandarin Oriental
A popular hotel in Washington, all rooms are done according to the concept of Feng Shui. The interiors are a blend of Asian elegance and traditional style. Silk bed tapestries adorn the rooms which have beautiful views of the city monuments and the Potomac Tidal Basin. In room facilities; A/C, flat screen TV, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe, robes, DVD player and WiFi (12$/day) Facilities: state of the art spa, Asian Café, and Asian restaurant, children under 12 stay free in parents room.
washington-dcThe Fairmont
Large and roomy guest rooms in muted earth tones with comfortable furniture. Those facing the inner courtyard have small balconies. The large and open lobby is a fine spot during inclement weather while tables set amongst the verdant courtyard are perfect for an evening cocktail. Staff is relaxed and helpful without being fussy. Many of the city’s monuments are located walking distance of the hotel. The hotel also has up to date facilities such as wireless Internet, fitness facility, restaurant. Children under 18 years of age stay free.
washington-dcGeorgetown Suites
The hotel offers friendly service, clean, bright, and spacious lodging and up-to-date amenities. It has two locations, each within a block of the other.The main building is on 30th Street and quite near Georgetown’s nightlife hub. In the morning, an extensive breakfast featuring everything from waffles to fresh pastries, is laid out here. The second property is on 29th Street (known as the "Harbor Building"). Continental breakfast is served there too, in the lobby. Accommodations at both locations have living rooms, dining areas and fully equipped kitchens. About half of the units are studios and half are one-bedroom suites. Glass-topped tables, chrome-framed chairs, and pastel-striped fabrics figure prominently in the hotel. This building also has two penthouse suites which have their own terraces overlooking the rooftops of Georgetown. In house facilities: A/C, TV, 2-line phone w/dataport, free Wi-Fi, full kitchen (w/fridge, coffeemaker, microwave, and dishwasher), hair dryer, iron, safe. Facilities: Small exercise room, business center w/computers and free Wi-Fi, coin-op laundry, same-day laundry service, dry cleaning, 2 rooms for those w/limited mobility, both w/roll-in showers.
History and today in Washington DC
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
Annual Temperature
Low High Jan -5 6 Feb -2 7 March 3 12 April 6 18 May 12 24 June 13 28 July 20 32 Aug 19 29 Sep 15 26 Oct 9 19 Nov 4 13 Dec -2 8
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Fast Facts
Location: Eastern Coast of USA on the north bank of the Potomac River within the District of Columbia, an area bordering the state of Maryland. Country Dialing Code: +1 City code: 202 Emergency Numbers: 911- This number that can be dialed for free from any phone (even a pay phone) to obtain assistance . Telephone Directory services: 411 is the number for directory assistance, though a charge will apply; 1-800-Free-411 is the number for free. Directory assistance (though callers will listen to ads). Population 572,059 Languages spoken: English Time Zones: GMT/UTC -5 (Eastern Time) Washington DC observes Daylight Saving Time, April – October. Average January Temperature: -4 º C Average July Temperature: 30 º C Annual Rainfall: 110 mm Electrical Plugs: 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the two, flat-pin type, though three-pin plugs are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter, which can be purchased in most major Weights & Measures: Imperial Currency: US Dollar, Code: USD, Symbol: US $, currently, 1US $ = 3.673 UAE dirhams
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National Holidays
New Year’s Day - January 1 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - the third Monday in January Inauguration Day 20 Jan 2009 - (every four years) President’s Day - the third Monday in February Memorial Day - the last Monday in May Independence Day - July 4 Labor Day - the first Monday in September Thanksgiving Day - the fourth Thursday in November Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - December 24 and 25 New Year’s Eve - December 31
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When to go
The official tourist season starts from April through September but if comfort is a priority then the best time to visit the US capital is in Spring ( March to May) and Fall (September to November). A word of advice is to buy advance tickets to popular attractions beforehand because the queues can be very long.
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Washington DC Residents
In 2006, the population distribution was 55.5% African American, 34.5% Caucasian, 8.2% Hispanic (of any race), 5.1% other (including Native Americans, Alaskans, Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders), 3.4% Asian and 1.5% mixed (two or more races).[53] Even though they comprise the city's largest ethnic group, Washington has a steadily declining black population due to many African Americans leaving the city for suburbs. At the same time, the city's white population has steadily increased, in part due to effects of gentrification in many of Washington's traditionally black neighborhoods. A 2007 report found that about one-third of Washington residents are functionally illiterate, compared to a national rate of about one in five. However, while one-third are functionally illiterate, 45% of D.C. residents have at least a four-year college degree, the fourth-highest rate in the nation, which further illustrates the social divide present in the city. Residents who practice Islam make up 10.6% of the population.
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Visa Information
The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides both nonimmigrant and Immigrant visa services only to the citizens and residents of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and certain citizens of Iran, citizens and residents of Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm al Quwain. For questions related to visa and consular issues at the Consulate General in Dubai, please send an email to [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the Consulate General web site at http://dubai.usconsulate.gov.
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Washington DC History
Originally designed by the French architect Pierre L’Enfant in 1791, it is hard to believe that its stately buildings once stood on a marshy swamp. George Washington created this special district as a federal power hub to avoid the problem of establishing the capital city in any one state, but it was a further six decades before it took on the shape of a capital city. Pierre Charles L’Enfant, a French-born architect, engineer, and city planner first arrived in the American colonies as a military engineer with Major General Lafayette. On August 23, 1814, British forces burned the capital during the war of 1812. Initially, the British approached the city hoping to secure a truce, but were fired upon, which ultimately led to the sacking of government buildings. The Capitol, Treasure, and the White House were gutted. The town’s ailing infrastructure was overhauled in the 1870’s by territorial governor Alexander “Boss” Shepherd, but it took another century to fulfill L’Enfant’s original vision of a world-class capital.
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Washington DC Today
The capital of the United States of America, Washington, is located in the District of Columbia and strategically bound on one side by the Potomac River ( giving it access to the sea) and bordered by the states of Virginia to the southwest and Maryland to the northwest, northeast, and southeast. Washington DC is a city of green parks, wide tree lined streets and very few skyscrapers, giving it a European air. It is also a city of museums and national monuments. The city is divided into four quadrants- northwest (NW), northeast (NE), southeast (SE) and southwest (SW).The federal district was named the District of Columbia, Columbia being named after Christopher Columbus. Washington DC is also called the city of neighborhoods, as each neighborhood has its own cultural identity. The Adam Morgan neighborhood stands out as an eclectic mix of international restaurants, sidewalk cafes, ethnic stores and late-night entertainment. This area boasts the largest display of expressive art in the city. Walk through this neighborhood and you will be assaulted with sights, sounds and aromas from across the globe. The most tragic of events in the nation’s capital occurred on 11 September 2001, when a hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon. Since then, barricades, police and security checks have changed the city’s façade. After the federal government, tourism is the capital’s primary industry with over 15 million tourists exploring the city each year, mostly during autumn, spring and summer. Winter is best avoided due to bitter cold and wet weather. Back in the 1990s, Washington DC was known as the “murder capital” of the United States with the number of murders reaching a peak in 1991, but the level of violence declined drastically in the 1990s.
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Shopping in Washington DC
Explore 16 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
washington-dcFilene’s Basement
If you aren't from the east coast, you probably haven't had the privilege of shopping at Boston-based Filene's, a bargain-hunter's paradise devoted to men's and women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Unlike discount stores like Ross Dress for Less and TJ Maxx, designer duds are the norm rather than the exception at Filene's. If you look hard enough you can score anything from Prada to Armani at rock-bottom prices.
washington-dcAlex
Whether you go for cutting-edge looks from the latest designers or vintage Balenciaga and Dior, this jewel box of a shop encourages you to develop personal style via the new and the semi-new designer consignment stock.
washington-dcMacy’s
Centrally located in downtown, Macy’s is a department store that offers everything from men’s and women’s clothing to cosmetics and house wares. Address: 1201 G St. NW, Downtown, Washington, DC Phone: 202/628-6661
washington-dcNeiman Marcus
A high end department store where you literally burn money. Located on Friendship Heights, the carefully selected merchandise includes clothes, furs, precious jewelry, crystal, and silver. Only American Express, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman credit cards are accepted.
washington-dcSaks Fifth Avenue
Saks is a Washington institution with a wide selection of women's European and American couture clothes. Other attractions are the shoe, jewelry, and lingerie departments. The smaller men's store is down the road in the Mazza Gallerie shopping center.
Signature sights in Washington DC
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Washington DC
Plan around 15 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
washington-dcChinese new year celebration
Chinatown is witness to the joyous celebration that takes place on Chinese New Year’s Day. The celebrations include an annual parade of marching bands, lion and dragon dancers, clowns and other entertainers.
washington-dcMartin Luther King Jr. Day
On the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed with a wreath laying ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial where orators recite King’s “I have a dream” speech. Local choirs and military color guards are also part of the proceedings. Commemorative events take place at various sites in the city honoring the civil rights leader. This month is also celebrated as Black history month, dedicated to black leaders.
washington-dcOrchid Show
Held in mid-January at the U.S. Botanic Garden, this show is a visual treat for flower lovers.
washington-dcRestaurant Week
Mid-January, the city puts on a gourmet festival called Restaurant Week with more than 100 of Washington DC’s finest restaurants offering three course lunches at a discount.
washington-dcAbraham Lincoln’s Birthday
Washingtonians honor Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday on 12 February with a Presidential wreath laying ceremony and a dramatic reading of the ‘Gettysburg” Address at noon at the Lincoln Memorial on Constitution Avenue. Concerts by military bands also form part of the celebrations.
Washington DC tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
washington-dcBicycle Tours
Bike the Sites tel: (202) 842 2453 website: www.bikethesites.com
washington-dcBoat Tours
Take advantage of the Potomac river and cruise down it and enjoy the monuments.
washington-dcBus Tours
OnBoard Washington DC Tours
washington-dcDC by Foot
website: www.dcbyfoot.com This is another outfit offering free walking tours of the sights that incorporates a well-balanced blend of history and entertainment.
washington-dcSpies of Washington Tour
Tel. 703/569-1875 Website:www.spiesofwashingtontour.com
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Washington DC travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
