Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, is a great place to visit, especially if you want to know about the country’s history. So can you walk around Washington D.C. at night?
Absolutely! You can walk around Washington D.C. at night, and it is safe. You will find some beautiful routes and the historic sites in a new light.
There are considerations you need to consider when deciding to make these night walks. Here are some things you need to know when participating in these types of walks.
Can You Walk Around Washington DC At Night?
Yes, you can walk around Washington D.C. at night. It is fairly safe to walk around this area without thinking you will be mugged or attacked. This is due to the location of this major city.
Washington D.C. has not only regular law enforcement but also the Capitol police that helps patrol the area. There is minimal crime here and is one of the safer areas to travel too.
You can be sure that you can find great places for the nightlife scene. You can find things to do and places to walk for everyone!
Often the biggest crime to occur here is apple picking tourists, which is illegal. And then there was an incident with the mayor a decade ago, but that’s about it.
Best Places To Go At Night
Washington D.C. has many places you can enjoy at night. You can walk to these places and enjoy what the Capitol offers. Here are some of the best places to visit at night:
- The Mall
- Washington Monument
- Lincoln Memorial
- Dupont
- Penn Quarter
- The Smithsonian
There are so many things you can do, from walking through neighborhoods or exploring all the monuments. You can even sign up for a night tour to see every single monument.
Night tours of all the memorials and monuments are quite different than the day. You can see how they light up, and it provides such an astonishing view compared to the day.
You can even visit many of the museums at night for late tours. It is amazing to see these art pieces at night than during the day, and it is just something new to do.
How To Be Safe While Walking
If you decide to go walking at night in this area, there are many considerations you should think about. They are the following:
- Figure out your route.
- Have a buddy.
- Keep an eye out.
- Pack accordingly.
These will help prevent anything from happening to you and make it safer for you to travel around the city. With any major city, there will be a risk, although, in Washington D.C., it is much lower.
Figure Out Your Route
Figure out your route. You don’t have to know the exact streets you are going to take or where you are going, but having a general idea can help you tremendously.
You could end up wasting hours being lost and this also puts you at risk of being the target of scams and small crimes like pick-pocketing. Not everyone who comes to help you actually want to.
Have A Buddy
Traveling with a buddy, whether they are family or friends, will not only make the adventure more fun but also will make it safer. You and your friends can experience the historic beauties together.
If you decide to travel on your own, at least tell someone where you are going. It is good for someone to have a general idea of where you are just in case people cannot get ahold of you.
Keep An Eye Out
Always keep an eye out when going somewhere new, even if it is considered safe. Knowing who and what is around you will help you prepare if someone tries anything with you.
Although it is a safer area, people can be unpredictable. You want to be best prepared because you never know if it will save yourself or even someone else’s. One observation can make a difference.
Pack Accordingly
Try not to pack too heavily when you walk around. This is especially true if you plan on visiting any of the museums. There are sometimes limitations or restrictions you must follow.
You don’t want to show up to a museum and not be able to get in because you have something they don’t allow. It can also be a little embarrassing.
You also don’t want to pack too heavily because it can exhaust you on your walk. It can make the walk more miserable, and you want to enjoy yourself. Pack lightly.
Outro
Walking around Washington D.C. is a fun activity to do and best experienced at night. You can see a whole new world that you may not have seen during the day.
Explore these historical monuments, museums, and memorials without feeling uneasy. You are safe and so many people have enjoyed similar walks as these. You will love it!
