Book cheap holidays to Washington, D.C. (Arlington County), VA

Flight and hotel Washington

Presentation of Washington, D.C.

Washington is the grand capital of the United States, the seat of the federal government, and home to world-famous landmarks including the White House and the Lincoln Memorial. Sometimes overlooked by travellers heading to New York or Los Angeles, Washington is a city that’s rich in culture, history and entertainment, and makes for a fantastic destination. A weekend in Washington, or more, is a great way to learn about authentic American culture.

What to Know Before Visiting Washington

There are three large airports that serve the city: Washington Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Dulles is the usual route in from abroad, and you can check on the possibility of flights to Washington from Manchester, as well as London. Travel to the United States without a visa is possible when travelling on holiday through the Visa Waiver Programme, which is usually easy as a UK citizen. Simply file an ESTA online, at least 72 hours before your flight. Currency is the US dollar and the official language is English. The time is five hours behind the UK.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Washington?

You can book your Washington flight and hotel at any time of year, but spring and fall are best. The winters tend to be chillier than London, with snow being more common, while the summers are hotter and more humid. No matter the season, however, you'll have plenty to do, as Washington city breaks offer both outdoor beauty and many great landmarks and museums to enjoy indoors.

So, whether you prefer to walk the city's streets in cool weather, relax in its parks in summer, or enjoy calmer temperatures and avoid the summer crowds in spring and autumn, the city is yours to enjoy whenever you please. There are a huge array of summer festivals, including Capital Pride and the D.C. Jazz Festival. At the end of November, you can catch the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the White House.

What Is There to Do In Washington?

You’ll be spoilt for choice of activities on a Washington weekend break:

• Go for a romantic walk in one of the many green spaces, including Rock Creek Park.
• Catch a big-name musical or other show at the Kennedy Center.
• Take a Capitol Hill and Monuments Tour.
• Join a food tour and get to know the international tastes of the city.
• Take a day trip to Mount Vernon, where first U.S. President George Washington lived.
• The Smithsonian Institution offers a grand total of 11 museums and galleries right on the National Mall, six museums elsewhere in the city, and the National Zoo — so take your pick!

What Are Washington's Must-See Spots?

With your Washington flight and hotel sorted, you can forward to seeing many world-famous sights:

• The White House: the official home of the president.
• The Capitol Building: the base of the U.S. Congress.
• Lincoln Memorial: No trip is complete without a stop at this giant, grand statue.
• National Mall: This huge outdoor space is where you'll find the Washington Monument.
• The Newseum: a museum dedicated to educating visitors on the workings of the American media.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Washington Dc.

Where to Eat and Drink In Washington

Washington package holidays are a delight for the taste buds. The United States is often wrongly seen as simple as far as cuisine goes, whereas Washington city breaks are actually an excellent opportunity to taste the many flavours the country has to offer. If you’re looking for a signature D.C. dish, look no further than the half smoke, a kind of super hot dog that makes for a satisfying meal in itself.

Get a great burger at the famous Bourbon Steak Lounge, while Sushi Taro offers Michelin-starred Japanese. If you’re into craft beers, you’ll love local brews like Rowdy and Hellbender Southern Torrent Saison. For a brewery visit, head to DC Brau. In general, you'll find a lot of great bars and restaurants in the neighbourhoods of Shaw, Logan Circle, and U Street.

What to Bring Home From Washington

There are a number of obvious choices when it comes to buying gifts and souvenirs here, including mugs, hats, T-shirts, and other collectibles featuring images of the city’s iconic landmarks like the White House and Capitol Building. If you’re looking for something special, a Christmas ornament or other souvenir from the White House Historical Association is a great way to remember your trip.

Shopping during Washington package holidays can be easily spent in upscale malls like Gallery Place and the Chevy Chase Pavilion. For something more eclectic, check out the independent shops in the Georgetown district and grab bargains at the consignment stores.

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Planning on flying to United States? If a city break in Washington, Dc doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in United States ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!

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