Originally Posted by
Will Fly Småland
What about safety when walking around on foot? The usual big city precautions aside, should I be worried that I might accidentally get into areas where one shouldn't be walking around?
I have made periodic visits to D.C. for 25 years. I find that the standard big-city precautions are fine.
In addition, as everyone else has already said, it is best to skip using a car if your aim is to visit downtown D.C. Driving can be frustrating with traffic, construction, security closures, and one-way streets; and parking is expensive and often hard to find near tourist attractions.
Originally Posted by
GUWonder
DC and the nearby Arlington area is a great area and most frequently a great area for Priceline/Hotwire hotel bookings. Cabs are relatively cheap and a good supplement for Metro and other public transit use.
When I visit D.C. for a day or two I often stay in the Rosslyn and Crystal City neighborhoods across the Potomac River in Virginia. On weekends they are much cheaper than staying in downtown D.C., and by picking a hotel near one of the Metro stations I can travel from my room to the National Mall in 25 minutes.