Things to do and ways to save in washington, d. C.

WALKS The city’s tourist areas are compact, with many popular attractions clustered together. It’s easy to get in your 10,000 daily steps on the grassy, tree-lined National Mall. Stroll on

paths along alongside the Potomac River. Hike in the oldest and largest urban park in Rock Creek Park (D.C.’s version of Central Park), which weaves through the city along a more than

30-mile trail system that draws joggers, bikers and horseback riders. It’s home to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo (panda central!), which is free and great for family outings and is only a

short Metro ride from downtown. In the early mornings and late evenings, you may hear a lion’s roar. To get your bearings: The city is laid out in four quadrants — Northwest, Northeast,

Southwest and Southeast. Each houses walkable neighborhoods, each with its own character and identity. Wander past Capitol Hill’s stately historic town houses in the shadow of D.C.’s

political epicenter, and you could run into a member of Congress. There and in downtown, you’ll witness the unique D.C. bustle of congressional staffers, journalists on deadline, lobbyists

and activists on their way to work. After getting lost in the stacks of the Library of Congress and the Folger Shakespeare Library, come up for air in revitalized Barracks Row, where Marine

barracks have given way to shops and trendy restaurants. Many neighborhoods are within walking distance of the Mall, such as D.C.’s tiny but vibrant Chinatown (part of what’s called Penn

Quarter). It boasts such landmarks as the National Portrait Gallery (don’t skip the larger-than-life portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama when they’re back from a national tour in early

November), which abuts the Smithsonian American Art Museum, as well as Ford’s Theatre and the Capital One Arena. South of the Mall you’ll find the District Wharf, a newly revitalized

mile-long waterfront along the Potomac River that has hotels, hip eateries and shopping, plus shuttle boats to Old Town Alexandria. Dupont Circle is home to the Phillips Collection and a

landmark fountain surrounded by chess players and bench sitters (great for people-watching). Sample local cheeses, craft beer and baked goods at the hopping Sunday farmers market, one of an

estimated 200 in the city. Then count the flags of many countries as you stroll along elegant Embassy Row (on Massachusetts Avenue).   Not far away are Georgetown’s historic streets, some

cobblestone, featuring shopping and elegant Federal-style brick row houses, such as the one where John and Jackie Kennedy lived (3307 N St.). Take a quiet respite at one of the loveliest

gardens in the city at Dumbarton Oaks. Or saunter along the path-lined C&O Canal, abutting low-slung brick buildings that recall Georgetown’s colonial past. (Grab a coffee and pastry,

including fantastic gluten-free cupcakes, at Baked & Wired on Thomas Jefferson Street, while you’re at it.) Just a few miles north, get a 360-degree view of the city from its highest

point at the Washington National Cathedral, site of funeral and memorial services for nearly all U.S. presidents since 1893. Stop and smell the roses in its tranquil Bishop’s Garden, dotted

with benches and a shady gazebo. (The cathedral is wheelchair accessible, but the garden paths have uneven stones with some steps.) Adults 65 and older save on admission ($10 instead of $15)

to Cathedral observation areas. TOURS Befitting a city steeped in political intrigue, fascinating stories and history tidbits abound, and a guided tour is the best way to get schooled. 

Narrated, hop-on hop-off tours, like Big Bus Tours and Old Town Trolley Tours, show you a lot in a short time, such as the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam

Veterans and World War II memorials, and several Smithsonian museums.