Walk the halls of free Smithsonian museums, paddle on the Potomac and Anacostia rivers or sit back on a double-decker tour bus and soak up some history. [230], The District of Columbia Public Charter School Board monitors the 52 public charter schools in the city. [126][127] However, 19% of residents were below the poverty level in 2005, higher than any state except Mississippi. [162] The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, George Mason Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the District of Columbia War Memorial are around the Tidal Basin. From bike shops practicing safety measures to great trails, and virtual cycling classes too, this... They’re fun, they’re portable, they’re crazy delicious. Washington, DC 20001-3719 The label Dischord Records, formed by Ian MacKaye, frontman of Fugazi, was one of the most crucial independent labels in the genesis of 1980s punk and eventually indie rock in the 1990s. On September 9, 1791, the three commissioners overseeing the capital's construction named the city in honor of President Washington. When the district closes at 7 p.m. and you have a curfew, you think of what your palate is craving and that is Insomnia cookies. Washington, DC Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. [73], Summers are hot and humid with a July daily average of 79.8 °F (26.6 °C) and average daily relative humidity around 66%, which can cause moderate personal discomfort. [79] Flooding of the Potomac River, however, caused by a combination of high tide, storm surge, and runoff, has been known to cause extensive property damage in the neighborhood of Georgetown. [236], There are 1,500 miles (2,400 km) of streets, parkways, and avenues in the district. [70] Winters are usually chilly with light snow, and summers are hot and humid. [155] Many organizations such as law firms, defense contractors, civilian contractors, nonprofit organizations, lobbying firms, trade unions, industry trade groups, and professional associations have their headquarters in or near Washington, D.C., in order to be close to the federal government. See what Yelp Elites are getting excited about in Washington this week. The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is a public land-grant university providing undergraduate and graduate education. [180] Arena Stage opened its newly renovated home in the city's emerging Southwest waterfront area in 2010. Washington is one of 13 cities in the United States with teams from all four major professional men's sports and is home to one major professional women's team. See all InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C reviews, “We could walk to the Smithsonian, and even the Washington Monument (but that was a pretty long walk).” See all Labyrinth Games & Puzzles reviews, “When I graduate from Howard and start getting honored for my films, I want to become a Sankofa sandwich!” A locally elected mayor and a 13‑member council have governed the district since 1973. Election of the Attorney General", "Building the Best Capital City in the World", "District of Columbia Structural Imbalance and Management Issues", "Poor Management, Federal Rule, Undermine Services", "Congress creates board to oversee Washington, D.C.", "After 10 years, D.C. control board is gone but not forgotten", "Trump's July Fourth event and weekend protests bankrupted D.C. security fund, mayor says", "General Election Results—District of Columbia", "Individuals Living or Working in U.S. [244] Several approaches to resolving these concerns been suggested over the years: Opponents of D.C. voting rights propose that the Founding Fathers never intended for District residents to have a vote in Congress since the Constitution makes clear that representation must come from the states. [91] He based his design on plans of cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Karlsruhe, and Milan that Thomas Jefferson had sent to him. [214], The district is not a state and therefore has no voting representation in Congress. [145], In addition to the district's own Metropolitan Police Department, many federal law enforcement agencies have jurisdiction in the city as well—most visibly the U.S. Park Police, founded in 1791. We’ll see you soon. [146], Washington has a growing, diversified economy with an increasing percentage of professional and business service jobs. [33] Confirming the fears of pro-slavery Alexandrians, the Compromise of 1850 outlawed the slave trade in the district, although not slavery itself. The axes bounding the quadrants radiate from the U.S. Capitol building. See all The Red Hen reviews, “Lobster ravioli, grilled calamari, and the changing seasonal menu and cocktails are wonderful sexy and creative” [217], A 2005 poll found that 78% of Americans did not know residents of the District of Columbia have less representation in Congress than residents of the fifty states. It is Amtrak's second-busiest station with 4.6 million passengers annually and is the southern terminus for the Northeast Corridor and Acela Express routes. The city's local government, particularly during the mayoralty of Marion Barry, was criticized for mismanagement and waste. [228] DCPS has one of the highest-cost, yet lowest-performing school systems in the country, in terms of both infrastructure and student achievement. [148] The Washington Metropolitan Area's gross product was $435 billion in 2014, making it the sixth-largest metropolitan economy in the United States. The coronavirus pandemic has affected events, attractions and other businesses throughout the Washington, DC area. In 1791, President Washington commissioned Pierre (Peter) Charles L'Enfant, a French-born architect and city planner, to design the new capital. See all Le Diplomate reviews, “You have a card on the table and when ever you want meat you turn it over to green side and meat is delivered.” “I recommend the Keren Special to try a little bit of everything and really enjoy your experience of Ethiopian!” [66] The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation maintains the city's 900 acres (3.6 km2) of athletic fields and playgrounds, 40 swimming pools, and 68 recreation centers. Legal. [32], In the 1830s, the district's southern territory of Alexandria went into economic decline partly due to neglect by Congress. Don’t see a business in our collection that should be added? [256] An 1889 law prohibits overhead wires within much of the historic City of Washington. more, Things to Do in Washington DC, DC - Washington DC Attractions. This is attributed in part to immigrants who are not proficient in English. [237] Due to the freeway revolts of the 1960s, much of the proposed interstate highway system through the middle of Washington was never built. Washington, D.C. has been a member state of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) since 2015. What are the top attractions to visit in Washington DC? The Washington Post, founded in 1877, is the oldest and most-read local daily newspaper in Washington. cities. Waszyngton (ang. Washington, D.C. is overwhelmingly Democratic, having voted for the Democratic candidate solidly since 1964. See all Park Hyatt Washington reviews, “This is a 5-star hotel overlooking the White House and it was truly a 5-star experience in the nation's capital.” [238] The interstate highways that continue into Washington, including I-66 and I-395, both terminate shortly after entering the city. If happiness had a smell, it would probably smell like donuts. Pros: Imagine endless pots of sizzling meats, smoky sauces, bubbling soups, and gorgeous veg. Things to do near Willard InterContinental. See all The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. reviews, “But since moving back to DC in 2008 I hadn't visited the hotel for awhile, though I've lunched at Urbana.” [177] American march composer and Washington-native John Philip Sousa led the Marine Band from 1880 until 1892. Loved our room and the view of the Washington Monument peaking over the White House visitor center.” [228] The district is also home to 92 private schools, which enrolled approximately 18,000 students in 2008. [33] The city of Alexandria was a major market in the American slave trade, and pro-slavery residents feared that abolitionists in Congress would end slavery in the district, further depressing the economy. [138] Washington was once described as the "murder capital" of the United States during the early 1990s. [65] Other National Park Service properties include the C&O Canal National Historical Park, the National Mall and Memorial Parks, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Columbia Island, Fort Dupont Park, Meridian Hill Park, Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, and Anacostia Park. [233] The District of Columbia Public Library operates 25 neighborhood locations including the landmark Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.[234]. [99], The architecture of Washington varies greatly. Washington, DC. D.C. residents elect a non-voting delegate to the House of Representatives (D.C. At-Large), who may sit on committees, participate in debate, and introduce legislation, but cannot vote on the House floor. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera, and the Washington Ballet. [102] Georgetown's Old Stone House was built in 1765, making it the oldest-standing original building in the city. See all Barcelona Wine Bar reviews, “Went here for dinner with a couple friends and we shared the Proper Burger, Banh Mi and truffle mac and cheese.” [38], The Twenty-third Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1961, granting the district three votes in the Electoral College for the election of president and vice president, but still no voting representation in Congress. He enlisted Scottish surveyor Alexander Ralston to help lay out the city plan. assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The district regained control over its finances in 2001 and the oversight board's operations were suspended. Plan your trip to the nation’s capital by checking out all the things to do, places to eat and ways to stay. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 202-789-7000 / Fax 202-789-7037, 11 Great Spring Hotel Packages in Washington, DC, Discover DC's Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries, 20+ Hot Restaurants to Try Now in Washington, DC, What's Open, Reopening, Closed and Canceled in Washington, DC, The Best Things to Do at Washington Nationals Winterfest. City leaders have criticized the height restriction as a primary reason why the district has limited affordable housing and traffic problems caused by suburban sprawl. The best day trips from Washington DC according to Tripadvisor travelers are: What are the most popular things to do in Washington DC with kids? $280. List of National Historic Landmarks in Washington, D.C. National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington, D.C. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, from all four major professional men's sports, St. Elizabeths East Entertainment and Sports Arena. Time to bust out the white tablecloth and fancy dishware... Bring the local fine dining experience into your own home by ordering from these DC establishments featuring a Michelin star! By 2012, the city's network of marked bicycle lanes covered 56 miles (90 km) of streets. [250] Construction is also finishing on an additional Metro line that will connect Washington to Dulles airport. [63], The National Park Service manages most of the 9,122 acres (36.92 km2) of city land owned by the U.S. I was looking for a hotel in a great location with awesome reviews and Hotel George fit the bill.” As someone who has spent part of my childhood in Rome, I tend to be pretty critical of Italian food, and the food was solid. Baltimore/Washington International Airport is 31.7 miles (51.0 km) northeast of the district in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. District voters choose three presidential electors in accordance with the Twenty-third Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1961. The Act devolved certain Congressional powers to an elected mayor and the thirteen-member Council of the District of Columbia. [23] Many of the stones are still standing. My favorite was the snickerdoodle but it probably should have been cooked a little longer. [72] On average, the first day with a minimum at or below freezing is November 18 and the last day is March 27. [204] There are 37 Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) elected by small neighborhood districts. Many stores and other buildings were burned; rebuilding was not completed until the late 1990s. By 1790, the Southern states had largely repaid their overseas debts from the Revolutionary War. Follow this collection to stay updated on the top 10 restaurants in Washington each week. [123], A 2007 report found that about a third of District residents were functionally illiterate, compared to a national rate of about one in five. [198][199], Some community and specialty papers focus on neighborhood and cultural issues, including the weekly Washington Blade and Metro Weekly, which focus on LGBT issues; the Washington Informer and The Washington Afro American, which highlight topics of interest to the black community; and neighborhood newspapers published by The Current Newspapers. For the U.S. state, see, Federal capital city and federal district in the United States, Interactive map showing the border of Washington, D.C. (click to zoom), For the capitals of the United States before the founding of Washington, D.C., see, Related United States and geographic topics. The city is full of historic places, but U Street stands out for its unique position as a heart of DC culture, both past and... 901 7th Street NW, 4th Floor See all A Baked Joint reviews, “The best part is that you can keep going to the toppings bar and fill more toppings (albeit small serving cup).” [241] The city also operates its own DC Circulator bus system, which connects commercial areas within central Washington.[242]. Definitely. [195] From 2003 to 2019, The Washington Post Company published a daily free commuter newspaper called the Express, which summarized events, sports and entertainment;[196] it still publishes the Spanish-language paper El Tiempo Latino. Yeah, us too. From 6,351 Washington attractions, Yelp helps you discover popular restaurants, hotels, tours, shopping, and nightlife for your vacation. The Government Accountability Office and other analysts have estimated that the city's high percentage of tax-exempt property and the Congressional prohibition of commuter taxes create a structural deficit in the district's local budget of anywhere between $470 million and over $1 billion per year. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is across the Potomac River from downtown Washington in Arlington, Virginia and primarily handles domestic flights. I love farmer's markets. In 2018, Amazon announced they would build "HQ 2" in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia. Commuting by Automobile in the United States: 2013", "Capital Bike-Share Washington DC / Arlington | PBSC", "D.C. streetcar project may get hung up on overhead wires", "Plan to bury D.C.'s outage-prone power lines backed by task force", U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: District of Columbia (civil). The plan is thought to have largely preserved L'Enfant's intended design. [222] Paris and Rome are each formally recognized as a partner city due to their special one sister city policy. Six of the top 10 buildings in the American Institute of Architects' 2007 ranking of "America's Favorite Architecture" are in the District of Columbia:[100] the White House, the Washington National Cathedral, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the United States Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The William H.G. [12] Washington's metropolitan area, the country's sixth largest (including parts of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia), had a 2017 estimated population of 6.2 million residents.[13]. Congressional Quarterly, The Hill, Politico and Roll Call newspapers focus exclusively on issues related to Congress and the federal government. Established in 1890, it is the country's fourth-oldest national park and is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including raccoon, deer, owls, and coyotes. In addition, the city is home to three medical schools and associated teaching hospitals at George Washington, Georgetown, and Howard universities. [169] Possessions", "Internal Revenue Gross Collections, by Type of Tax and State, Fiscal Year 2012", "Poll Shows Nationwide Support for DC Voting Rights", "Washington Post Poll: D.C. Voting Rights", "DC Public School Enrollment Up for Third Straight Year", "Best And Worst School Districts for the Buck", "Rhee Offers Plan To Improve D.C.'s Troubled Schools", "Table 15. D.C. residents may also be eligible for a grant of up to $10,000 per year to offset the cost of tuition at any public university in the country. See all Taqueria Habanero reviews, “Came at lunchtime / we ordered the burger and lobster roll / plus the Brussels sprouts and some truffle fries !” [74] The combination of heat and humidity in the summer brings very frequent thunderstorms, some of which occasionally produce tornadoes in the area. One group known as the Nacotchtank (also called the Nacostines by Catholic missionaries) maintained settlements around the Anacostia River within the present-day District of Columbia. This Collection is full of great... You know the spot. However, Washington shifted the federal territory's borders to the southeast in order to include the city of Alexandria at the District's southern tip. Washington, D.C., has fifteen official sister city agreements. Washington had an estimated population of 705,749 as of July 2019[update],[11] making it the 20th most populous city in the United States. See all Pisco Y Nazca reviews, “The brown rice bread was crispy and the ingredient mixed with the yogurt was such a delicious combination.” If you have a business you'd like to see added to this list, please email dc@yelp.com (note that we will have to receive permission from the business first before being added). Think Again", "Comparison of Federally Owned Land with Total Acreage of States", "U.S. National Arboretum History and Mission", "World Map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated", National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "D.C.-area forecast: Temperatures seesaw this week between mild and cool, while extreme winter weather stays away", "Severe Storm Warnings, Tornado Watches Expire", "Where Snowzilla fits into D.C.'s top 10 snowstorms", "The Washington and Jefferson Snowstorm of 1772", "Bulk of Flooding Expected in Old Town, Washington Harbour", "WMO Climate Normals for WASHINGTON DC/NATIONAL ARPT VA 1961–1990", What Climate Change Means for the District of Columbia, "Washington, D.C. shatters all-time June record high, sizzles to 104", The first freeze is coming Saturday and, for most of the D.C. area, it's historically late. [113], The Washington Metropolitan Area, which includes the district and surrounding suburbs, is the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the United States with an estimated six million residents in 2014. [255], Pepco is the city's electric utility and services 793,000 customers in the district and suburban Maryland. $9,820 (WASHINGTON DC) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. It's not just a bedroom, but a haven of sleep. Go on up to that takeout window—order delivery, even—and get yourself a cone, a cup, or a sundae to... Has the concept and measurement of a day, time, months lost meaning? [34], The Virginia General Assembly voted in February 1846 to accept the return of Alexandria and on July 9, 1846, Congress agreed to return all the territory that had been ceded by Virginia. Tacos are a complete meal. Begin your journey through the authentic side of the city with our collection of videos. In 2019, the poverty rate stood at 14.7%. [152], In December 2017, 25% of the employees in Washington, D.C., were employed by a federal governmental agency. A 2010 study found that 5% percent of city blocks accounted for more than 25% of the district's total crimes. Often referred to simply as D.C., the city is an international metropolis, a picturesque tourist destination, and an unmatched treasury of the country’s history and artifacts. [49], In 1973, Congress enacted the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, providing for an elected mayor and thirteen-member council for the district. See all Potter's House reviews, “The flea market itself has all sorts of fun stuff to browse through, and the farmer's market has huge samples.” It's home to the most free attractions in the country, a staggering number of world-class museums, and cupcakes that really are worth the wait. [231] Due to the perceived problems with the traditional public school system, enrollment in public charter schools has steadily increased. See all Barmini By José Andrés reviews, “The food itself is amazing and delicious, we had a ceviche callejero to begin and entree was Bistec a lo pobre.” The district was the first city in the nation to undergo urban renewal projects as part of the "City Beautiful movement" in the early 1900s. [206], Washington, D.C., observes all federal holidays and also celebrates Emancipation Day on April 16, which commemorates the end of slavery in the district. [54] The creek also formed a portion of the now-filled Washington City Canal, which allowed passage through the city to the Anacostia River from 1815 until the 1850s. [246] An additional 12% of D.C. commuters walked to work, 6% carpooled, and 3% traveled by bicycle in 2010. See all Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC reviews, “I could hear several of them, and they were getting quite the kick out of trying to find the secret doors!” Originally inhabited by an Algonquian-speaking people known as the Nacotchtank, the site of the District of Columbia along the Potomac River was first selected by President George Washington. Washington DC. [182], The U Street Corridor in Northwest D.C., known as "Washington's Black Broadway", is home to institutions like the Howard Theatre, Bohemian Caverns, and the Lincoln Theatre, which hosted music legends such as Washington-native Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. As a result, all power lines and telecommunication cables are located underground in downtown Washington, and traffic signals are placed at the edge of the street. [98] The city of Rosslyn, Virginia, located across the Potomac River from D.C., serves as a base of operations for several Fortune 500 companies, due to the building height restrictions in place within the District of Columbia. See all Four Seasons Hotel Washington reviews, “Joseph Cerione, manager of The Blue Duck Tavern made a point of introducing himself to our daughter and me.” [120] In 2017, the median household income in D.C. was $77,649;[126] also in 2017, D.C. residents had a personal income per capita of $50,832 (higher than any of the 50 states). [142] Even still, citywide reports of both property and violent crimes have declined by nearly half since their most recent highs in the mid-1990s. [219] There is evidence of nationwide approval for D.C. voting rights; various polls indicate that 61 to 82% of Americans believe D.C. should have voting representation in Congress.[218][220]. [239], The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates the Washington Metro, the city's rapid transit system, as well as Metrobus. See all Blue Duck Tavern reviews, “Came from Toronto and took a stroll to the White House but got sidetracked and walked into the Old Ebbitt Grill.” [170] The Renwick Gallery is officially part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum but is in a separate building near the White House. The district is in plant hardiness zone 8a near downtown, and zone 7b elsewhere in the city, indicating a humid subtropical climate. Hot and strong and safely to... “Everything we ordered was delicious, even the oysters and, “The best part is that you can keep going to the, “Had a negroni after my meal and for dessert we had the, “They still offer their full menu, and their absolute best dish -, “You have a card on the table and when ever you want meat you turn it over to, “We ended the meal with the complimentary sambucca and, “It provides six courses of meals starting from an incredible hummus to a dessert known as the, “It was fun to be interactive with my meal and the, “Came from Toronto and took a stroll to the, “So if you like spicy, I would recommend getting the non-spicy broth of your choice and adding the, “The food itself is amazing and delicious, we had a, “Came at lunchtime / we ordered the burger and lobster roll / plus the Brussels sprouts and some. The Marine Corps Marathon began in 1976 and is sometimes called "The People's Marathon" because it is the largest marathon that does not offer prize money to participants.[191]. ", Livingston, Ian; Grieser, Justin (April 3, 2018). My "socializing" these past few months has been with cashiers and chatting with the neighbor through the window. See all Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab reviews, “They still offer their full menu, and their absolute best dish - Palak Chaat - holds up well when we've ordered it.” [178] Founded in 1925, the United States Navy Band has its headquarters at the Washington Navy Yard and performs at official events and public concerts around the city. Good food: I really enjoyed my meal, both the entree I got, which was Stromboli, and the bruschetta appetizer. [38] The black population reached a peak of 70% by 1970, but has since steadily declined due to many African Americans moving to the surrounding suburbs. In all of the District, 55% of the population is adherent to any particular religion. Other Smithsonian museums and galleries include: the Anacostia Community Museum in Southeast Washington; the National Postal Museum near Union Station; and the National Zoo in Woodley Park. [38] Despite the city's growth, Washington still had dirt roads and lacked basic sanitation. We’re all tired. [158] According to statistics compiled in 2011, four of the largest 500 companies in the country were headquartered in the district. [197] The alternative weekly Washington City Paper also has a substantial readership in the Washington area. Number of private schools, students, full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers, and 2006–07 high school graduates, by state: United States, 2007–08", "Historic Medical Sites in the Washington, DC Area", "Metro launches Silver Line, largest expansion of region's rail system in more than two decades", "Estimated Unliked Transit Passenger Trips", "District of Columbia Amtrak Fact Sheet FY 2010", "Washington area tied with Chicago for traffic congestion, study finds", "District of Columbia Commuting Characteristics by Sex", "Who Drives to Work? [110] The city was the 24th most populous place in the United States as of 2010[update]. The district has no official representation in the United States Senate. [147] The district's gross state product in 2018-Q2 was $141 billion. Congress formed a special committee charged with beautifying Washington's ceremonial core. Be prepared with the most accurate 10-day forecast for Washington, DC with highs, lows, chance of precipitation from The Weather Channel and Weather.com Article One, Section Eight of the United States Constitution, attorney general of the District of Columbia, Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization, District of Columbia Financial Control Board, District of Columbia retrocession § Proposed Maryland retrocession. Washington, D.C. - Washington, D.C. - City layout: Washington’s visionary planner was Pierre Charles L’Enfant, a French army engineer who fought in the American Revolution. [101], Outside downtown Washington, architectural styles are even more varied. Also on the mall are the National World War II Memorial at the east end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam V… Is your home looking very lived in? 11 Great Spring Hotel Packages in Washington, DC, Discover DC's Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries, 20+ Hot Restaurants to Try Now in Washington, DC, Must-See Museum Exhibits, Events & More Ending Soon in Washington, DC, Visiting the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, The Unique History of DC's U Street Neighborhood.