Washington, D.C.
The District of Columbia is the capital of the United States and borders Maryland and Virginia. Washington, D.C. was named after the first U.S. president, George Washington, and founded in 1791. Today, D.C. is the political center of the country and the headquarters of many non-profits, NGO’s, trade unions and political organizations. The culture of this city is a unique mixture of both Northern and Southern U.S. sentiments. The District has a high population of university students, and many museums and nationally recognized landmarks. Learn more at washington.org. Also see our custom Google map of our favorite sites in Washington, D.C.
Historical Sites & Tourist Attractions
Add some local history to your cultural exchange experience by visiting a nearby historical site or tourist attraction when living and working in the U.S.
Newseum is an interactive museum about news and journalism and a popular attraction in D.C. The museum has many exhibits and covers topics like freedom of the press and freedom of speech, the September 11th attacks, Pulitzer Prize-winning photography, the Berlin Wall and the history of newspapers from the 17th century to today.
The National Mall is home to many iconic Washington parks and monuments, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the African American Civil War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Many of the sites are open for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Many Smithsonian museums can be found on the National Mall in Washington, DC, including the National Air & Space Museum, the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of the American Indian.
Take a walking tour of Washington, D.C. from D.C. Walkabout, including tours of the National Mall, Capitol Hill, and special Haunted History and American Scandal tours. Many of the tours are free.
The White House is home to the President of the United States and a popular tourist attraction in Washington, DC Tours should be planned well in advance. Foreign citizens must make a request to tour the White House by contacting their country’s embassy in Washington, D.C. while American citizens can request a tour through their Member of Congress.
Tour Companies
- Big Bus Tours
- Capital City Bike Tours
- Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington, D.C.
- Monuments by Moonlight
Tourism Websites
- Official Tourism Site of Washington, D.C.
- Washington, D.C. J1 guide – Travel, accommodation and job resources
You can also reserve tickets on your own behalf to other DC attractions:
- U.S. Capitol (groups of 10 and under) – click here for groups over 10
- Self-Booking a Kennedy Center Tour (walk-ups are welcome)
- Self-Booking a Library of Congress Tour (walk-ups are welcome)
- Planning a Supreme Court Tour (walk-ups only)
- Self-Booking a Pentagon Tour (advance booking is required)
- Self-Booking a Voice of America Tour (reservations recommended)
- Self-Book a U.S. State Department Tour (reservations required)
Arts & Culture
The United States offers a wide variety of cultural learning opportunities through the arts. Dance, music, theater, opera, art museums and festivals are just some of the options available to international visitors who wish to experience the U.S. and its culture.
Art & Cultural Museums
Art Museum of the Americas (AMA) displays modern and contemporary art from Latin America and the Caribbean. The museum also hosts special events, educational programs, lectures and workshops. Admission is free.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is one of the most visited art museums in the United States. The museum displays modern and contemporary works of art, primarily from the last 50 years, including works from Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Henri Matisse, Franz Kline and Francis Bacon. Tours and Friday Gallery Talks are available to visitors and admission is free.
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. displays works of Western art from the Middle Ages to today. The museum is located on the National Mall and admission is free.
Other arts and cultural sites in Washington, D.C. include:
- Corcoran Gallery of Art
- Freer and Sackler Galleries
- The Kreeger Museum
- Long View Gallery
- Mexican Cultural Institute
- National Museum of African Art
- National Museum of Women in the Arts
- National Portrait Gallery
- Phillips Collection
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Strathmore
Performing Arts
Sports & Recreation
Many Americans are passionate about sports – and not just baseball and football! Get a glimpse into this part of American culture by watching or participating in a favorite U.S. sport or recreational activity in your local area.
Professional Sports
There are several major league professional sports teams representing Washington, D.C. Note: The teams’ playing facilities may be located in nearby areas like Maryland or Virginia. Check the team websites for further information.
- Washington Capitals (hockey)
- Washington Mystics (women’s basketball)
- Washington Nationals (baseball)
- Washington Redskins (football)
- Washington Wizards (basketball)
For tickets to professional sports games in Washington, D.C. check the team websites above. Tickets may also be available on the following websites:
- Ticketmaster
- Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster to buy or sell tickets from season ticket holders and fans.
- StubHub for tickets and last-minute deals.
College Sports
The University of Maryland in Washington’s neighboring state has a vibrant sports culture and loyal student fans. Visitors can watch many sports from the UMD Terps, including popular football and basketball games.
In Washington, D.C. the Georgetown Hoyas are known for their men’s basketball team but they also have many other sports teams, including football, lacrosse, soccer and rowing.
Other college sports programs in Washington, D.C. include:
- American Eagles, American University
- Catholic University Cardinals, Catholic University of America
- George Washington Colonials, George Washington University
- Howard Bison, Howard University
Outdoor Activities
The United States is home to a variety of landscapes and climates to suit all types of outdoor activities. The courageous traveler can find extreme sports and outdoor adventure tours, while others may want to keep both feet on the ground in a national park or forest. Whatever your interests, take advantage of the many outdoor activities available during your time in the United States.
The Boathouse at Fletcher’s Cove is open in spring, summer and fall. Rent kayaks, canoes, bikes or rowboats and enjoy some fun activities along the Potomac River. Fishing licenses, bait and tackle supplies can also be purchased at the Boathouse.
The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is a National Historical Park in Washington, D.C., Maryland and West Virginia. Visitors can go running, biking, horseback riding, camping, picnicking, kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing along the canal or take historical boat tours of the 185-mile canal.
Try ice skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink and see outdoor sculptures while you skate. The largest outdoor ice skating rink in D.C. is at Washington Harbor in Georgetown. A third outdoor ice rink is open 7 days week at Canal Park. Check each rink’s website for prices, opening hours and rental information.
The National Zoo is a popular outdoor attraction in the District of Columbia and one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Visitors can see almost 2,000 animals at the zoo, which is open 364 days a year (it is closed on Christmas Day). As part of the Smithsonian, the zoo is also free!
Rock Creek Park is a popular area for walking, running and biking. An art gallery, nature center, tennis courts, golf course, boating center and picnic areas are also located at the park.
Food
One of the best ways to experience cultural exchange is through food and cooking. Visitors will enjoy exploring the regional specialties and local cuisine during their time in the United States.
It’s hard to say if Washington, D.C. has it’s own specific cuisine, but visitors will find many types of food in the city – from ethnic restaurants to food trucks to five-star restaurants. Check out the Eater DC website for local deals and discounts at bars and restaurants, dining suggestions and other information on eating in Washington, D.C.
Farmers’ Markets
FRESHFARM Markets are a group of 11 markets in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. Eater DC also has a list of farmers’ markets in Washington, DC.
Food Festivals
- Capital Wine Festival, January – March
- Safeway BBQ Battle, June
- Funky Fresh Foodie Fest, August
- DC VegFest, September
- Truckeroo, June – October
- Taste of DC, October
Local Festivals
For a unique and local perspective on American cultural, be sure to check out festivals and events near your cultural exchange program location. These events are a fun and interesting way to interact with locals and to learn more about American culture by experiencing it firsthand.
The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of spring and the beautiful cherry blossom trees that line the streets of Washington, D.C. Originally given as a gift from Japan to the city, the cherry blossoms are now a symbol of spring and the relationship between Japan and the United States. In addition to viewing the trees around Washington, D.C., visitors can also enjoy many activities like tours, art shows, concerts, cultural events and festivals.
The Washington, D.C. International Filmfest shows movies from around the world. Special events, movie premieres and free programs are held throughout the event, which runs for 10 days in April.
DC Jazz Fest hosts over 100 jazz performances in multiple clubs and venues throughout Washington, D.C. in June.
Source Festival showcases new theatrical performances in Washington, D.C. Ten short plays, three full-length plays and performance artists are presented to the public for the first time during a 3-week period in June.
SW ArtsFest is a free arts and cultural festival at the Southwest Waterfront in Washington, D.C. in September. The event includes an art marketplace, theater performances, neighborhood walking tours, a farmers’ market, opera performances, films and other cultural activities.
Browse a list of more summer festivals in Washington, D.C.
Housing Resources
Employers may be able to assist with housing during your time in the United States, but this is not always possible for all participants. When looking for housing during your cultural exchange program, consider the cost of the accommodation, the distance to your work place and the amount of time you will be in the United States.
It’s also important to avoid fraudulent housing. It is highly recommended that you secure short-term housing upon arrival (e.g. in a hostel) and conduct your housing search once you are in the U.S. Never give your financial information to a stranger over the Internet. Browse the Housing Information guides for InterExchange participants below for more tips and advice.
General Housing Information
- Housing information for Work and Travel USA participants
- Housing information for Career Training USA interns and trainees
Washington, DC Housing Resources
Some examples of housing and accommodation resources for Washington, DC participants include:
Transportation
Public transportation options can be hit or miss, depending on your location in the United States. Buses are a common transportation option for short and long-term travel in the U.S., while some areas will also have trains, subways and other options.
Visit the American Public Transportation Association website for a complete list of public transportation options in your local community.
Public Transit Systems
The Washington Metro is a rapid transit system in Washington, DC and its suburbs. Metro uses both rail and buses to transport passengers throughout the D.C. area.
Train
Many Amtrak trains travel to Washington, D.C. and many other major cities, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago and Miami.
Bus
Many bus companies travel to and from Washington, D.C. and Maryland, including:
Health & Safety
Participants in Washington, DC can use the following resources in case of an emergency or extreme weather event in their area:
Emergency Management Agencies
- District of Columbia Emergency Management Agency
- Twitter updates from the agency @DC_HSEMA
FEMA
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) www.fema.gov and www.ready.gov
- Washington, D.C. FEMA updates on Twitter @femaregion3
Weather Information
Help Your Community
Interact with others and expand your skill set by volunteering in your local community. Volunteer organizations are often looking for short-term volunteers or for individuals to help with a single event, making it a great option for InterExchange participants who wish to add to their cultural exchange experience during their time in the United States.
VolunteerMatch, Idealist and Serve.gov are three general volunteer websites that match local organizations with volunteers in their communities.
Capital Area Food Bank needs volunteers for many types of opportunities. Individuals and groups can donate their time to help with special events, packing and organizing food and many other tasks.
HandsOn Greater DC Cares connects volunteers in the D.C. area with organizations that need help for short-term and one-time projects and long-term opportunities.
One Brick Washington, D.C. shares volunteering opportunities in the Washington, D.C. area and also sets up casual social events to help individuals get to know one another after volunteering. One Brick offers volunteer events that last only a few hours a week as well as providing regular, on-going volunteer opportunities.
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