AOA: Washington D.C. has no shortage of sights

Key Points

Boredom is not an option in Washington, DC. A simple walk outside one's hotel can keep the average person occupied for hours. Museums, theaters, monuments, parks, and restaurants are plentiful in DC and cater to the budget friendly as well as the extravagant traveler.

Washington is a walking city. With a good map, anyone can get anywhere. For those who prefer more rapid transit while in town, the city's Metrorail subway system is a safe and efficient option. Metrobus provides connections for locations not serviced directly by Metrorail. DC's newest transportation solution, the Circulator, provides easy connections between Georgetown and Union Station, and the Washington Convention Center and the Southwest Waterfront. Taxi service is plentiful and economical in DC.

Dining

Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights: An eclectic collection of restaurants reflects the cultural diversity of this neighborhood, which includes Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Salvadorean, Peruvian, and Thai.

• Julia's Empanadas (several locations around town, 202/328-6232) for scrumptious meat-, vegetable-, or cheese-filled pastries.

• Amsterdam Falafel Shop (202/234-1969) for light fare.

Capitol Hill and Barracks Row have something for every pocketbook.

• The Monocle (202/546-4488), with a casual elegant dining style, offers John F. Kennedy's favorite roast beef sandwich.

• Charlie Palmer Steak (202/547-8100), rated as one of the 100 best restaurants in 2008.

Downtown-Lafayette Square/The White House: The area is known for its classic and formal restaurants, but some casual dining is also available.

• The Hay-Adams Hotel (202/638-6600) describes itself as a destination for power dining, offers breakfast in an upscale setting.

• The Bombay Club (several locations around town, 202/659-3727) provides an elegant dining experience and superb Indian cuisine.

Downtown/Penn Quarter features DC's trendy new restaurants near the theaters.

• Oyamel Cocina Mexicana (202/628-1005) features upscale Mexican fare.

• The minibar at Café Atlántico (202/393-0812) offers an extensive menu of bite-size courses and was called a "shrine to avant-garde cooking" by The New York Times.

Dupont Circle/Kalorama has an eclectic collection of eateries that includes some of the more elegant as well as coffee shops, bars, and inexpensive places.

• Enjoy multi-course tasting menus at Obelisk (202/872-1180) and Komi (202/332-9200).

• Locals flock to casual eateries such as Hank's Oyster Bar (202/462-4265), which specializes in Chesapeake Bay seafood dishes.

Foggy Bottom and the West End feature numerous hotels and restaurants frequented by lawyers, lobbyists, and visitors to the World Bank and the State Department as well as students.

• Try the steak at The Palm (202/293-9091) or Sam & Harry's (202/296-4333).