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Flights to Washington DC: Book Washington DC holidays
Washington, D.C. - often simplified to Washington DC or Washington - is the capital city of the United States and a popular city break destination. Direct flights to Washington DC from the UK are common, making it an accessible travel destination for holidaymakers.
The city itself has a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Capitol Building, the White House, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The city takes its name from the first President of the United States, George Washington.
Washington DC travel information
It's important to plan your trip to Washington DC in advance to avoid unnecessary problems. In the following sections, you can access some important travel information that may be helpful when planning Washington DC holidays.
Washington DC at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 8 hours, 30 minutes
Main airports: Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Airport
Population: 700,000
Language: English
Currency: United States Dollar
Socket types: Types A and B (adapter required)
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (4 hours behind the UK)
Flights to Washington DC
Flights from London to Washington DC are offered by major airlines, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM and Lufthansa. Direct flights leave from London Heathrow Airport and take approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes. The majority of flights land at Washington Dulles International Airport, which is the busiest airport for international travellers, but some land at Baltimore/Washington International Airport.
The availability of direct flights and the relatively manageable flight times from London make Washington DC a suitable destination for family holidays as well as solo trips. Take care when packing for your trip, as the US has strict rules about what you can take into the country.
Things to do in Washington DC
Washington DC is home to a number of popular tourist attractions and landmarks. To help you fit everything into your trip, we've created a breakdown of some of the most exciting things to do on holiday in Washington DC.
See the Capitol Building
The Capitol Building is located on Capitol Hill and is the home of the United States Congress. In addition to being one of the most significant buildings in global politics, it's also the historic centre of the city.
An underground visitor centre provides access to educational exhibits and views of the main building. International visitors can also request a Gallery Pass from the House and Senate appointment desks to gain access to the visitor galleries when Congress is in session.
Visit the White House
No trip to the capital city is complete without seeing the White House, which serves as the workplace and home of the President of the United States. You can get a great view of the White House from Pennsylvania Avenue NW at Lafayette Square, and this is ideal for taking photos.
Washington DC tours of the White House are available for free, but you'll need to apply in advance and availability is extremely limited. However, you can access the White House Visitor Centre, which is open daily. Admission is free, and you'll be able to see historic artefacts and experience an interactive exhibition, providing a fascinating glimpse of life inside the building.
Explore Washington's museums
If you're interested in history, art, science, technology or transport, you'll find plenty of museums in Washington DC. Some of the most popular examples include the National Air and Space Museum, which focuses on flight and space travel, and the National Gallery of Art.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the world's largest museum dedicated to the history of African Americans. Meanwhile, the National Museum of Natural History offers free admission and has the world's largest natural history collection.
See other major attractions
Some of the other major tourist attractions in Washington DC are also worth exploring. The Lincoln Memorial is a neoclassical temple dedicated to the former President, Abraham Lincoln. It includes a reflecting pool lined by walking paths, offering excellent opportunities for photography. Furthermore, the Washington Monument is a 500-foot obelisk commemorating George Washington.
Washington National Cathedral is the second-largest church building in the United States and an excellent example of Neo-Gothic architecture. You should also visit West Potomac Park, which houses memorials for a number of the country's most important historical figures, with examples including Martin Luther King, Jr., Thomas Jefferson and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
More deals on Washington DC tours
Take a look at even more deals on Washington DC tours, packages and hotels.
FAQs about Washington DC holidays
Q: What is the cheapest month to visit Washington DC?
A: The cheapest month to visit Washington DC is usually either January or February. These are away from the peak summer season, meaning after Christmas and before the spring. Flights to Washington DC are cheaper in these months, and hotels are often more affordable than at other times of the year. It should be noted that January visits can become more expensive during election years due to the United States presidential inauguration.
Q: Is four days in Washington DC enough?
A: A four-day stay in Washington DC is enough to see the main highlights in the city and will give you time to explore. However, if you'd like to experience all of the main attractions and leave some room for day trips to nearby locations, you might want to consider staying for a week.
Q: What area of Washington DC is best to stay in?
A: Georgetown is one of the most visually appealing areas of the city and is a popular choice for visitors enjoying Washington DC holidays. It has plenty of nearby restaurants and shops. It's also supported by local bus services, which make it reasonably easy to get around the city.
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