Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

The capital city of the United States is a fabulous destination. Travelers come here to see the stunning monuments and masterpieces of architecture that blanket the Capitol area; to visit the unparalleled Smithsonian museums; and to come to grips with the nation’s history and government. For Americans a visit to “DC” is a rite of passage, and for others it’s a highlight not to be missed.

Here in DC are sights and monuments that every American schoolchild has heard about since an early age: the towering Washington Monument, the White House where the President lives and works, and the Capitol where the Senate and Congress meet and work. There are a number of outdoor memorials in DC, including the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and Vietnam War Memorial, to name just a few.

In addition to such famous sites, there are a number of other gems including the Spy Museum, which is dedicated to the craft of espionage; the DC Zoo, which is one of the world’s best; the National Archives, which displays the nation’s founding documents; Arlington Cemetery, with the grave of John F Kennedy and the solemn Changing Of The Guard; the Library of Congress, which is staggering if you have any interest in history or reading…and the list goes on.

The Smithsonian Institution is a series of 19 museums that rank among the world’s best, and admission is free to all of them. Even if you are not fan of museums, it is difficult to not be in awe of seeing things like the actual flag that inspired the writing of the American National Anthem. Museum buffs could spend months going through the Smithsonian.

Washington DC will have huge appeal to anyone with at least a vague interest in US history and government. Even if you don’t, it’s still great for families, great for a girl’s getaway, great for nightlife, and fantastic for a wide array of dining options.

DC is not a cheap city, with accommodation the key challenge. At the bottom end you can get a room in the area starting at maybe $50, though rooms at the nicer hotels can be shockingly expensive when the town is in full gear. You’ll be well-served to book ahead. However, the expensive lodging is partly offset by things like free admission to the monuments and the Smithsonian museums, so travelers of all budgets can generally get by.

The locals tend to be driven, busy, and focused, but are generally helpful to visitors if you can get them to stand still.

A visit of at least three or four days is required to get a brief overview of the major sights, but if you have the time and inclination, you could easily spend a week or longer without getting bored.

Washington has a sketchy reputation when it comes to crime, though it’s certainly been getting better in recent years. If you stick around the major tourist areas, then you should be fine. However, if you don’t know where you’re going, then you can easily blunder into some problem areas, so don’t go wandering around at night.

Ideal times to visit DC are spring and fall, when weather is comfortable and crowds are a bit thinner. Summers are hot, humid, and crowded; winters can be freezing cold.