General Information

The nation's capital is one of the easiest cities to navigate and a terrific city for touring, once you understand the basics. With one of the safest, cleanest and most efficient public transportation systems in the country serviced by Metrorail (subway) and Metrobus, DC's many attractions and neighborhoods are easily accessible. One of the best ways to experience Washington is on foot, with inspiring monuments and museums found on the National Mall as well as the intimate museums, world-class theatres and splendid gardens, squares and circles throughout the District. There are also great guided tours of the city to get you oriented.

Click here to view a map of Washington, DC.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• The District of Columbia is 67 square miles and is divided into 4 quadrants: Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast. The U.S. Capitol building marks the center where the quadrants meet.
  
  
• Numbered streets run north and south.
  
  
• Lettered streets run east and west (there are no J, X, Y, or Z streets) alphabetically becoming two syllable names, then 3-syllable names as you travel out farther from the center.
  
  
• Avenues named for US States run diagonally, often meeting at traffic circles and park squares.

Metro Transit

Metrorail and Metrobus provide the safest, cleanest and most efficient way of getting around DC and the metropolitan suburbs. Five rail lines and an extensive bus system connect the District with the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Read more.