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My wife and I are visiting DC for 3 nights this coming weekend and would love some suggestions from locals for things to do. We have 2 full days and then about half a day before we leave back to NYC so we want to make sure we make the most of it without being rushed!
Is there any popular tourist attractions that you would say to avoid? I know it sounds a bit odd but I usually tell people who visit NYC to spend 10 minutes and then never go back.
Also, what are some of your favorites restaurants to check out? We aren't huge on fancy super expensive restaurants, more hearty and a good vibe.
Spend 10 minutes in the biggest city in the country with a million great places to shop or eat and then never come back? That sounds more than a bit odd.
Spend 10 minutes in the biggest city in the country with a million great places to shop or eat and then never come back? That sounds more than a bit odd.
Sorry! I meant 10 minutes in Times Square haha not the entire city. I need to edit my post!
Definitely avoid the Spy Museum -- way too crowded and expensive. I'm not a big fan of the Newseum either (also very expensive)...The must sees are Smithsonian Natural History, Smithsonian Air and Space, Smithsonian American History, and the Holocaust Museum.
Most popular moderately priced restaurants:
1) Old Ebbit Grill - a little pricey but a DC Institution
2) Founding Farmers
3) Clyde's
4) Matchbox
5) Ted's Bulletin
AVOID Ben's Chili Bowl -- biggest tourist trap there ever was
I know what you mean about Times Square. I avoid Times Square at all costs when I visit. I try to stay south of 34th Street at all times. That's where the real New York is.
Are you going to have a car available? I'm not sure of public transit options, but if you are thinking of the Air and Space Museum, you would also enjoy the Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles Airport. That is where most of the airplanes and spacecraft in the Smithsonian's collection are displayed. I believe there is a bus that goes from the airport, and maybe some other nearby locations to the Udvar-Hazy Center, but public transit may be limited/inconvenient. If you have a car, though, that's one place I'd recommend seeing.
What you want to see definitely depends on your interests. For instance, the National Zoo is very nice if you're interested. They do have a new panda cub there. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (tours showing how paper money is made are available), The National Archives (original copies of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution on display) and the National Cathedral are all interesting stops, depending on what your interests are.
Another tip for you: if you are interested in seeing the monuments/memorials on the National Mall (WWII memorial, Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam wall, etc.), keep in mind that those are open for visiting 24 hours. You can schedule visits to them later in the evening after other attractions have closed rather than going to these locations through the day and using up time that could be spent at other attractions that close at 5PM or so.
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