Trip to Washington DC before citizenship test

[CanAmCharlotte 0]

My husband and I decided it would be cool to visit Washington DC at the end of September just before my citizenship test. It sort of seems appropriate. I mean, doesn't almost every Canadian make their way to Ottawa at some point to see Parliament Hill?

Can any recent visitor or local suggest a nice hotel under $200 in the Dupont Circle area? (Rates apparently drop after Labor Day.)

Thanks!

[Flames9_RN 358]

I can't think of nay of the top of my head--We rarely ever go into DC, even though its like a 20 min drive,lol! To save $$, i would try to find a place that is close to a metro. The DC metro is excellent!! http://www.wmata.com/

[trailmix 77]

almost every Canadian make their way to Ottawa at some point to see Parliament Hill?

Have a wonderful trip!

[Sprailenes 47]

almost every Canadian make their way to Ottawa at some point to see Parliament Hill?

Have a wonderful trip!

I have never been to Ottawa.

[*Snowdrop* 604]

Not sure what the price will be the week you are there but this hotel is fabulous - not Dupont Circle but close enough and it's so romantic

http://www.tabardinn.com/

[Flames9_RN 358]

Dupont circle, isnt that the "gay" area of DC?? http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/informati...n.htm?area=2522 Yep it is,lol And nothing wrong with gay people.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

How wonderful! No idea on hotels but I want to go some day especially to visit the Smithsonian. I took Joe to the Parliament buildings in Ottawa when we were there two Christmases ago - he thoroughly enjoyed it and so did I. I had forgotten how beautiful they are both inside and out.

Edited August 27, 2009 by Kathryn41

[Flames9_RN 358]

http://dc.about.com/od/touristattractions/...Attractions.htm

Smithsonian is awesome, so is the air and space museum and the Holocaust museum, all of which are FREE!! Spy museum is cool but cotss around $10, crime and punishment museum is suppose to be cool to, but costs.

http://www.crimemuseum.org/

http://spymuseum.org/

I know there is a Holiday Inn in in Ballston (near Ballston Mall) that is like a 2 minute walk from the metro. It is in Arlington, and would be like a 10 min metro ride to downtown DC.

[Carlawarla 1]

I haven't been to Washington yet myself, but my husband has been many times with work. He always suggest getting something outside of "downtown",and taking the metro...says it's fabulous and the "only way to go". Of course any hotels outside of the central area are usually cheaper as well. Enjoy your stay and let us know how you enjoyed it!

[Sprailenes 47]

I have been to Washington twice for Canada day.... that's a kind of oxymoron.

[CanAmCharlotte 0]

Thanks everyone for the great links and advice! I'll report back at the end of September. We plan to go to the Smithsonian and the Holocaust Museum for sure. As a former high school teacher, I had to 'teach' the Holocaust each semester for about three weeks. I always felt a little drained afterwards. Not sure what my reaction is going to be when I see things like the hair that was collected at the death camps, the wedding rings, things like that.

Not sure what the price will be the week you are there but this hotel is fabulous - not Dupont Circle but close enough and it's so romantic

http://www.tabardinn.com/

Most excellent!!! Domo arigato.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Like Flames, it's a 20 min drive into town for us, although we rarely do it.

I've done the tourst thing though and tripped around the differnt Smithsonian buildings which was kind of cool, been to a Caps game...that kind of thing. I kind it kind of weird to be walking around and I expect Jack Bauer (aka 24) to jump out of a car any minute

[yogib37 3]

http://dc.about.com/od/touristattractions/...Attractions.htm

Smithsonian is awesome, so is the air and space museum and the Holocaust museum, all of which are FREE!! Spy museum is cool but cotss around $10, crime and punishment museum is suppose to be cool to, but costs.

http://www.crimemuseum.org/

http://spymuseum.org/

I know there is a Holiday Inn in in Ballston (near Ballston Mall) that is like a 2 minute walk from the metro. It is in Arlington, and would be like a 10 min metro ride to downtown DC.

I dont know about that But I would suggest outside also of DC. Parking is a major bear in DC.

If you do decide to stay in Ballston, that is a good metro station. It will be so easy to get to DC. Just hope the ORANGE Line and it makes stops at Federal triangle, smithsonian etc..

They have two smithsonian air and space, You will need to check out the one by Dulles airport. they have the Space shuttle there also and the concorde.

It is free to go in but you pay for parking.

enjoy

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Oh god, citizenship test! I love how its over 3 years away and I'm already worried about it!

I spent 4 years in university studying Canadian politics and history, I know it all! The US? It was always so neglected. I took a US politics class in 3rd year and got the highest grade in a class of 400, I thought I knew things, and after moving here I realize I really don't know much at all! The things I did learn are hardly useful. For example, I took a class rhetorically analyzing the speeches of Lincoln... although rather interesting, really really unhelpful.

I've always wanted to go to DC, have a blast! And take some pictures!

[Moosker 7]

I live about 10 minutes from the city...so not too sure where to stay exactly (check out tripadvisor.com for good opinions from others) but MOST things are completely free. Bring your walking shoes! Friends of ours just came for a week and we did a good solid 4 days in DC. It's so great, have a wonderful trip