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Enjoy Your Time During a Trip to Washington, DC

Trip to Washington

Whether you’re coming to Washington, DC for a business meeting, conference, or proposal, you probably don’t have much time to waste. You have probably already seen some of the museums and monuments that this city has to offer. (If not, then go!) But Washington, DC has so much more to offer than its rich history. You can find incredible experiences in between business meetings and appointments. Here are some ways to make the most of your business trip.

Plan Your Stay

Stay
Image credits: Photo by Helena Lopes from Pexels

There are meeting spaces in Washington, DC that are the closest to the Metro Center train station. But most of these areas come with a hefty price and limited restrictions. That being said, Downtown Washington still has some of the richest and grandest hotels if you’re looking for a luxury experience. Keep in mind that your dining options are limited and tend to be expensive.

The Grand Hyatt Washington is a favorite among business professionals. You’ll find that this contemporary style hotel is located in the center of Downtown Washington. The great thing about the Grand Hyatt Washington is that it has well-appointed conference facilities including meeting rooms, and a business center with internet access so you don’t have to rent a meeting space across town. You’ll also enjoy the relaxing on the grand beds, luxurious amenities, and various dining options all in one place.

The Hamilton Hotel is another great choice for staying downtown. It’s set in a landmark building and offers a unique blend of classical architecture and modern interior design. Its fine dining options are destinations in and of themselves, and it even offers specialty suites in partnership with the likes of HBO and the Newseum.

Get a Drink with a View

Craving more luxury? There are plenty of restaurants with rooftop bars in the Downtown Washington area. Some of these places are the perfect spots for grabbing a drink with a potential client. The rooftop also provides the perfect spot for annual events and festivities without the crowds.

You’ll take in the sights and sounds of the city as you sip on your cocktail. You’ll receive unparalleled views of the White House grounds, the Washington Monument, and the Treasury Building.

Experience Late Night Dining

You’re done with the conferences and meetings for the day. Or you just finished networking with some of your colleagues and clients. You’re all hungry and looking for a place to eat. One of the best ways to soak up that alcohol is by eating pizza. You won’t get a better slice in DC than at Wise Guys Pizza. They proudly serve their customers until 5 am on most weekends.

If you don’t want pizza, you can also enjoy many of the Chinese food restaurants in the Chinatown neighborhood. New Big Wong is a popular joint among business travelers that serves fresh dumplings nightly. It’s also the perfect spot for people-watching.

Relax at Union Market

Speaking of people-watching, you’ll want to hang out at Union Market. This food hall is one of the best places to enjoy a wide variety of affordable food. You have your choice of craft beer or coffee, as you get to sit outside and play games with your colleagues. This warehouse-style market has over 40 vendors ranging from charcuterie to Korean barbeque and empanadas to desserts. It’s the perfect way to relax after a day filled with back-to-back meetings.

Visit the Monuments at Night

If you really want to explore Washington, DC, then you should visit the monuments at night. This is a great way to avoid the crowds and to see some of the most incredible monuments lit up in all of their glory. The Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial are the top two monuments to visit. It’s the ideal way to reflect back on your business trip and close it on a successful note.

Free Museums & Attractions

You don’t have to spend money to enjoy Washington DC. There are plenty of free attractions and museums you’ll want to squeeze in towards the end of your trip. The Air & Space Museum, the Museum of the American Indian, the Museum of African American History, and the Museum of Natural History are just some museums that offer free admission.

One thing to note is you should prepare yourself for the security checks that include bag checks and metal detectors at some of the city’s federal buildings, monuments, and museums.

Other free options include the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of African Art, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, US Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and the National Archives and the Renwick Gallery.

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