Welcome to Washington DC

Washington is inland so doesn't get the climatic advantages of a coastal city. The spring and autumn temps can be warm, summer is hot and often humid and winter gets snowy and cold.
That said, winter hovers around 2-5C and there's a serious blizzard on average about once every four years. The occasional hurricane sends a tentative tap on the shoulder as far up as Washington but it's rare. Summer can get as high as 30C, and it's a humid heat.

Cheap, expensive and everything in between.

There are expensive places in Washington and there are plenty of budget places too - many of the younger crowd don't earn enormous salaries and if you're after quality food at a decent price you'll find plenty of options.

The budget options - you are in America so hit a classic American diner at 5532 Connecticut Avenue. Cheap, wholesome and just like every movie you ever saw! Americans love their chili (beans and a variety of sauces) and you'll find plenty of it in Ben's Chili Bowl at 1213 U Street. Think chili dogs and French fries. (Yes, we know - they spell it funny!)

Mid price options - the Cactus Cantina at 3300 Wisconsin Ave serves good Mexican grub at decent prices. There's an outdoor area and the food is decent. Hank's Oyster Bar at 1624 Q Street serves a good range of excellent seafood dishes at reasonable prices. Bullfeathers of Capitol Hill is right in the heart of things and serves a burger n fries type of menu. They're at 410 First Street.

Splurge - now, it may seem strange to head for Washington and eat Indian, but it's some of the best Indian you'll ever taste. The Bombay Club is at 815 Connecticut in the Downtown area and the atmosphere, the food, the service and the wine list are all top grade. Try the Shrimp!

Washington is a great city break

Fly into Washington Dulles and pretend you're very important (you are of course!), but make sure you see everything there is to see by building a careful itinerary. Happily all the big stuff is centrally located and within walking distance.

Smithsonian - this magnificent museum is world class. There are 19 buildings within the Smithsonian's auspices and well done you if you manage them all. If not browse the Natural History, check out the grand foyer, enjoy the National Portrait Gallery and take in one of the IMAX movies. Air and Space is enthralling for every little boy and American History is entertaining. Best of all, it's all free!

National Gallery of Art - this blunt bull of a building on Constitution Avenue houses one of the greatest art collections in the world. There are two buildings; one containing art from the 13th through 18th centuries and the other modern art. All the masters are represented including a Da Vinci. Give yourself plenty of time and comfortable walking shoes - there's a lot to see!

The Lincoln Memorial - is a stunning monument to a great man. Read up on the history of Lincoln and wander the marbled memorial. The 7 metre high statue is as impressive up close as it is from afar.

Library of Congress - visiting a library may not be everybody's cup of tea, but this isn't just any old library! There's something like 600 kilometres of shelving here, 115 million items and some 7, 000 new items added each working day. The repository of human knowledge writ large. The building that houses it all is equally impressive; a soaring dome, rounded archways and marble everywhere.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial - this is an incredibly touching monument because of its simplicity. The photographs and letters to brothers and sons and uncles, and the letters from children to fathers they never knew will make you quietly anti-war.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception - the awesome "Christ Pantocreator" mosaic on the inside dome alone makes it worth a visit. It is one of the most beautiful Roman Catholic cathedrals in the world, and is the largest of the United States. There are some 70 chapels and a collection of religious art.

The must see - the Newseum is at 555 Pennsylvania Ave and is a quirky idea made good by brilliant curating. A visit is worthwhile just for the architecture alone and the fantastic views of downtown from the 6th floor outdoor terrace. Inside, however, are seven levels of galleries, theatres, retail spaces and exhibits that show you how the news is made. It's rather complicated as it turns out!