I'm visiting DC in early April, I've got 4 days for DC, rest of the time will be spent golfing and visiting friends....any thoughts, tips, suggestions re: how to see the DC historical/political sights...thx in advance...JD

Hi, was in DC last August. The city centre isn't very large, so it's possible to explore on foot. I stayed in the Wyndham Washington, and it was really good value for money, and quite near the White House.

Get a bus tour of the city, only one is actually permitted to tour Arlington Cemetry, I can't actually remember the name of the company, but their logo was a blue and white colour. They have a scheme whereby if you buy your bus ticket after 1pm, it is valid until the end of the following day. So, I wasn't under too much pressure to see everying on the bus tour, I could do it over 2 days. All the bus tours leave from the main train station. It's the best way to see what's worth seeing more of. I didn't really think DC was great for shopping, the train station mentioned above was supposed to be the largest, but it's nothing in comparison to what you'd expect. There is another small centre at Independence Place. The basement here is worth checking out for bargain clothes, shoes and accessories. If you want to tour the Capitol Building or the Washington memorial, timed-entrance tickets are available, but lines usually start forming at 7am, and all the tickets are sold out by 9.30am, but maybe this is just during peak times.

The Smithsonian Museum is a must-see, but start early, because all of the tours are over by mid-morning! It's a tiring business, so don't try to see everything. The 'First Ladies' Exhibition was on when I was there, and is worth seeing.

The White House was closed "indefinately", although the White House museum may be worth a visit. I couldn't get in there because I had a bagel and a bottle of water in my back sack - no food or drink is allowed in bags. There are no exceptions, and no storage facilities!

All in all, I loved Washington, the metro was efficient, and the city was clean and really beautiful. I found some of the service providers very abrupt, but I think that's just the way they are!

A lot of the "must sees" in DC are along the National Mall with Lincoln Memorial at one end and Capitol Hill at the other. Take a day to stroll from one end to the other, popping into different museums as you go. If the cherry trees are blossoming, brave the crowds and walk around the tidal basin by Jefferson Memorial. You can access Arlington Cemetary by a tour bus or by Metro and then walking, it depends on what you prefer. White House was still closed to the public in January when I was last there; I expect this to go on indefinitely. The Holocaust Museum (just off the Mall) is outstanding, if very heavy stuff, and takes several hours to fully appreciate. The Supreme Court hears cases on Tuesdays and Thursdays I think, it's fun to go in and watch a case.

When you're there check out the Washington City Paper (the free weekly) for up to date happenings and interesting things to do.

Try to get off the beaten path, too! Meridian Hill Park aka Malcolm X park at 16th at V NW is a hidden gem; the "new U Street" around 12th, 13th, 14th Streets NW has become quite lively; walk through some of the neighborhoods (1700 block of Q St NW, P Street from O to Wisconsin Ave, around Capitol Hill near the Library of Congress) just to enjoy the neighborhoods and nice brownstones; bypass Starbucks in favor of Java House or Teaism. Georgetown is better for shopping than downtown, and also has tons of restaurants (as does 18th Street in Adams Morgan).

Have fun!

I meant P street from 22nd to Wisc. Helpful hint: DC is laid out on a grid, and numbered streets run north-south, lettered streets run east-west, and the state streets run diagonally.

One of the most memorabel things I've ever done in DC was to go to the memorials at night. It was absolutely beautiful and the crowds aren't there. Though there are always people around, so it's safe. Best of all was the Korean War Memorial. FDR Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Memorial.