Washington

Casual clothing works fine in Washington DC, unless you're heading to a nicer restaurant. A 10 - 15% tip expected in restaurants by waiters. Round up the total when making payment to the taxi driver.

English is the majorly spoken language in Washington, D.C. (about 83%). Spanish (9.2%) and French (1.7%) are the other two languages people use for communication.

Washington DC has faced a lot of ups and downs to fixate where it stands today. It was founded in 1790. The place was chosen by George Washington, who decided to develop the capital city along the rivers Potomac and Anacostia. The undeveloped land was bought from Maryland and Virginia, and the land was cut to resemble a diamond in shape. The design of the city was planned by Pierre Charles LêEnfant. In 1812, the British invadors burnt most the city, and it took a really long time to overcome the losses. The city further faced many civil wars and riots, but now it has conquered its threats and has developed itself as a great historical and cultural hub. Plenty of restaurants, hotels, shops and bars have sprung up, multiplying the number of tourists every year.

The city gets young as soon as the Sun sets. The lively nightlife in Washington DC mainly thrives around U Street (the best music), Dupont Circle (gay-friendly), Adams Morgan and Georgetown. You can spot various bars and nightclubs according to your preferences and budget.

Shopping wasn't a great thing to do in DC until recently, when scores of shops have popped up in the city, making it an emerging fashion hub. The buzzing weekly markets in the areas of Dupont Circle and Columbia Heights should definitely explored.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Washington, DC. Several ATMs are spread across the city, where you can use your debit/credit card for withdrawing USD for a small (or no) fee, depending upon the terms and conditions of your bank.

There are numerous corrency exchange stores in the city, but banks and ATMs might offer you better exchange rates. You can opt for any of these as per your convenience and preference.

If you're on a budget, you'd be able to manage your expenses under USD 85, for food, water, local transportation, alcohol, tips and entertainment. Luxury travel would cost above USD 250, and mid-ranged expenses will be covered between USD 160 - 180.

Out of 55.23% population in D.C. Which claims to be religious, 14.96% follow Catholocism; 7.43% follow another Christian faith; 2.94% are Jewish; while the remaining people are either LDS, Islamic or an eastern faith.

"Half smoke" is a local food speciality in DC, which is like a hot-dog with a half-pork and half-beef sausage topped with chilli. Ben's Chilli Bowl is the best-known place to a eat a 'Half smoke'. Ethiopian cuisine is also a must-try when you visit Washington.
View Top Restaurants in Washington