Which guidebook did you find most helpful for DC and why? I already have a place to stay so I really just need it to see the sites. Interested in museums, galleries, theatre, historic buildings and neighborhoods, etc.

ttt

ACCESS, Washington DC. I think it best because it is layed out by neighborhoods rather than by topics. That is to say that if one is walking down a particular street, or in a particular area (eg. Foggy Bottom or The Mall) all attractions, hotels, shopping, museums, restaurants, etc are listed in that section of the book. No finding a great sounding restaurant only to learn later that its miles from where you are. Visiting one museum - its easy to find other nearby attractions or a good place to eat in the near vicinity. I find this book to be an exceptional planning tool.

Hi Newbie have you gone online at all. There are wonderful sights online like
http://www.washington.org/

I was down in D.C about a month ago and will go again in two weeks time to see an exhibit at one of the smithsonian buildings on Koohalawa (Hawaiian Island that was bombed for 20 years by U.S Military), Also want to check out Kamehameha staute at the capital. I would explore what museums/Exhibits are available to you and don't limit yourself to Smithsonian museums and plan accordingly.

My point is to get you to find out what exhibits are in and around town and explore.

Look up Adams Morgan and explore this area if you want to see Contemporary Metroplotan night life in D.C.

I second TC's recommendation of Access, it is exactly what you are looking for. I try to use them for major cities and have found them extremely helpful in trip planning. Usually cross reference with other guide books and online research for restaurant and hotel critiques.

Hi,

I like Dorling Kindersley (www.dk.com) guides as they are in colour, they split Washington DC into sections with a suggested path around the major sites and very interestingly show the museums and major building in cut away 3-D so thay show you what to see once you are inside the site.

Regards
Gregory

I really like the "unofficial" guidebook for Washington DC