great map. is a pdf, so you can print it as large as you wish

IMO, the very best map for walking around any city definitely is Streetwise. It is laminated plastic and quite detailed but costs around $6-7.

However, if you don't have the time to look or can't find one of those, I tend to like GoingAway's suggestion of the free map in the free Washington Flyer magazine which you will find on racks scattered around the airports.

^^^ Thanks.

Well, this isn't a timely post, but the best maps I've found are in the back of the Washington Flyer magazine, found for free at DCA and IAD (and presumably BWI). they have two pages of the most widely traveled places in D.C. for tourists with a metro map. Easy to tear out and carry around. On the page is a metro map.

And on two other pages is a decent basic driving map of the area.

I agree that for most tourists this map should be just fine. (Most hotel rooms should have a free magazine with similar maps as well.) The downtown DC area is very easy to negotiate and the free maps are just as good as the ones you pay for as they focus on the same areas. The maps posted at the Metro stations are also very good. The Washington Post's Visitors Guide should be of help in planning a trip.