It's here where you'll find all the American history, the numerous museums and monuments. I suggest to visit Washington DC in about 3 days if you're on a stopover to other US destinations. The city is easy to explore. You might choose to walk use the very nice and cheap subway system or explore the city by the Old Town Trolley.
Washington DC is comprised of four quadrants: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest with the U.S. Capitol at the center. Washington's subway system, Metrorail is one of the safest, cleanest and most efficient in the world. Five rail lines combine with an extensive bus system, providing an affordable, easy way to get around the District and close-in Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Station entrances are marked by brown pylons capped by the letter M and colored stripes indicating which lines serve the stations. Route maps are posted in each station and subway car and, at the station, list travel time and fare for all destinations. Each train displays the name of its farthest destination. Metro stations operate from 5.30 am to midnight weekdays and from 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday.
The Old Town Trolley brings you conveniently to all major points of interests while the friendly driver gives comments. You'll be able to jump off and on the Trolley where you like. We used this Trolley for a day and brought us to all major Memorials.
Downtown extends west of Capitol Hill along Pennsylvania Avenue NW to the White House. The city's traditional shopping district includes Hecht's and Woodward & Lothrop department stores and two malls, the Shops at National Place and the Old Post Office Pavillion. Ford's, one of three working theatres, features a small museum in honor of President Lincoln, who was assassinated here. The U.S. Navy Memorial and the National Archives are other attractions. All Metro Lines serve the neighborhood as well.
Capitol Hillis most famous for the Capitol building which houses the legislative branch of the U.S. government. Nearby are the U.S. Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and the Folger Shakespeare Library. Union Station, a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture, has been turned into a shopping and dining venue while continuing to serve as one of the nation's busiest Amtrak stations and a stop for Metro's Red Line.
Southwest Waterfront attractions along the Washington Channel include a lively marina for houseboats and pleasure craft, sightseeing cruises and numerous seafood restaurants, some of which have views of the monuments and April's famous cherry blossoms. Arena Stage, one of the country's finest regional theatres, is here. The world's largest museum complex, the Smithsonian Institution was established more than 100 years ago with funds bequeated to the United States by James Smithson, a British scientist without heirs. Today the Smithsonian's vast collection comprise the National Zoological Park and 15 museums, most of which are grouped the National Mall, The National Gallery of Art, created as a bureau of the Smithsonian, is governed by its separate board of trustees. The landmark Smithsonian Castle, which housed the first mudeum collections, today is a visitor orientation center and holds the crypt of James Smithsonian. Museums and the Zoo have shops and dining facilities. Each is open daily. Admission is free.

Georgetown, Washington's oldest and best-known neighborhod, began as an Indian trading center in the 16th century and later became a colonial port. Modern Georgetown continues tradition with dozens of stylish retail shops and galleries along Wisconsin Avenue and M Street NW. Georgetown Park, a shopping mall, and chich river-view restaurants at Washington Harbour are special attractions, the area's famous for nightlife. We checked out a nice Brazilian place with live music. But don't be surprized...At 2.00 am (3.00 am on saturday's) sharp you'll kicked out. But that's still better comparing to downtown Washington DC, where everything closes at 11.00 pm !! i remember i was about to enter the Washington Dc Hard Rock Cafe, when i realized it was closed. that was 10 minutes past 11.00pm !
Dupont Circle, northwest of downtown on Connecticut Avenue NW, is especially known for its art galleries, bookstores and coffee shops, many of which are located in Victorian townhouses. The former mansions of Glided-Age society house the likes of embassies and the Philips Collection of modern art. The circular park at the center is a lively gathering place.
Adams-Morgan is one of the city's most colorful and ethnically diverse neighborhoods. New immigrants, Clinton staffers and an artsy crowd commingle in cozy, hip cafes representing cuisines from several continents. Shopping ranges from mom-and-pop stores to eclectic offerings by imaginative young entrepreneurs with a talent for trend-setting.