traveldk.com

The center for both tourist and business travel to Washington, the organization has an outstanding website and provides information by mail. The site has search capabilities for hotels, shops, restaurants, tourist sights, and transportation.

Advertised as “one-stop shopping” for visitor information, this center comes close to meeting its claim. The center gives advice to walk-in visitors, makes hotel reservations with special discounts, and provides information on tourist sights.

Hotels generally have metro information and maps, but the metro’s website is also excellent (see Metrorail, Metrobus), and system information is displayed in all stations and stops.

Before you arrive in Washington, the Smith-sonian’s website is the most convenient source of information. Once in the city, anyone heading for Smithsonian museums or the zoo should visit the Smithsonian Information Center, which also provides interesting displays of its own.

Many of the sites on the National Mall, especially monuments and memorials, are the responsibility of the National Park Service. Park Service employees will be able to answer most questions.

This internationally respected newspaper is an institution in D.C. As well as news and politics, it is indispensable for its coverage of what’s going on in the entertainment and cultural worlds of the city. In it’s Friday Weekend tabloid, nearly everything that is current is listed. The Post’s website (www.washingtonpost.com) is almost as good.

The City Paper ’s readers are devoted to its coverage of the local music scene and its irreverent look at local culture in general. Available at newsstands and bars and restaurants.

A city lifestyle magazine, Washingtonian provides listings and commentary on cultural institutions and events. It is well known for its coverage of restaurants, featuring the 100 Best. Its website (www.washingtonian.com) has a listing of 100 Best Bargain Restaurants.

At Dulles International Airport, foreign-language assistance is available on the lower level at the west end of the concourse near international arrivals.

Travelers’ Aid is located at airports and in Union Station near McDonald’s. It provides free advice to travelers needing directions, or for anyone who is stranded in the city.