DC Washington Books

We used this guide daily - took it everywhere we went.

The descriptions of the places we visited - tourist sites, Smithsonians, art museums, things-to-do, restaurants - were accurate and succinct.

Frommer's Guide has a highly detailed map of the Metrorail inside and a quick-reference guide inside the back cover; the METRO is a great way to (literally) get around DC (SF Bay Area's BART pales in comparison.) Many free maps of the city are available at various sites, but the heavy-duty foldout included with this guide is the one we used the most.

I would think that even a long time resident of DC could benefit from this guide.

From dining to sightseeing to sleeping, we are always happy with the tips and recommendations in Frommer's Guides.

This was the first guidebook I purchased when planning my trip to Washington, DC. Frommers always covers the bases and this book is no exception. Hotels, restaurants, local attractions, and more are all covered here. I also found the "Best" lists that Frommers always includes to be useful. It helps me zoom in on the best of the best experiences when time is short on a trip.

The problem I had with the book is that the level of detail for many of these entries was lacking. Hotels get a nice write up but the vast majority of those covered are above the budget for a typical traveler. The information on the tourist attractions also seems fairly comprehensive... until you compare it to the The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C. (Unofficial Guides) and realize how much more clear and complete that guide is. While I used this guide for the early stages of planning, it was my frustration with it that prompted me to look at other books and I ultimately stopped using this one and didn't even bring it with me on the trip. The Unofficial Guide has nearly double the pages of this book and none of it is filler.

In closing, this is not a bad guidebook for Washington, DC. Most of the basics are covered competently and I'm sure a lot of people have used it and been satisfied. Once you read the Unofficial Guide, however, you'll realize just how much useful information is left out of the Frommers Guide.

This book is full of information that you will use, not just wordy passages to fill the pages. It's a pretty quick read and in my 30 day stay in DC I used it almost daily.

This was the first time I used a Frommer's guide and I will definitely choose Frommer's again for other places when I plan to visit.

This book, accompanied by a Streetwise Map of DC, is all you will need to make the most of your time in the nation's capitol!


Update/Additional Comments August 4, 2008
I am adding this comment because my previous review doesn't give much info. The Frommer's DC guide will help you in many ways:

How to travel to/from/within DC

Where to stay in DC with pricing info, etc.

Food in DC - where to eat with kids, special occasion dinners, late night snacks, happy hour specials

Leads you to the most popular sights as well as special interest locations

With relation to the sights and dining, the location, metro stop (or other transportation), hours and details of visiting are provided with each entry

After reading this book I felt like I had a friend sit down and tell me all about DC and the best way to enjoy it.

FROMMER'S WASHINGTON D.C. 2007 is a great book on Washington, D.C. and its surrounding suburbs, discussing all of the historical sights, museums, and some interesting shopping, but giving very little space to the malls in the suburbs. However, even if you're not going to visit Washington in the near future, anyone who says that they're a loyal American will really get a lot out of this book.

"This is the ultimate guide to romantic weekend getaways."

"The authors introduce travelers to lesser known treasures of Maryland and Virginia."

"Wraps up lodgings (including many inns), restaurants and attractions in appealing weekend getaway packages.... A nice attention to detail."

A brand new edition of this unique guide to getaways in the tri-state region, including the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Well researched and laid out in easy-to-use sections that profile one trip each, this book covers Virginia's Blue Ridge, the Tidewater, the Shenandoah Valley, Chincoteague, Charlottesville, Central Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Maryland's favorite spots on the coast, in Baltimore and Anapolis, and to the West are also covered. In addition to the best places to stay and the finest spots to dine, the book is packed with things to do that will rekindle a romance... or get one started in the first place. Local cultural festivals, winery visits, carriage tours, balloon rides, plantation tours and more.

"... [a] unique perspective on traveling as a couple, pointing out places where privacy is paramount, lodgings offer special romance packages, and [places on] the Eastern seaboard to sneak a kiss."

This is one of those tough reviews to write. The book, as described on the jacket, captures the lives of a number of characters in Washington, DC - 1996 style.

Or, does it capture Washington through the eyes of a number of characters. Maybe it captures politics both local and federal through the eyes of this nations capital city.

Maybe what it really does is capture relationships in as many variations as described above. Friends, co-workers, lovers, confused social climbers, some straight, some gay all are here to be discovered by the reader.

The backdrop is the Washington of 1996, but sometimes, the city insists on taking over and becoming the main character.

I don't think it is possible to get tired of one character in this story since the variations on the theme - you can decide what the theme is - keep the pages turning

One can't write something about this book without mentioning the politics that play a role in the lives of these sometimes likable, sometimes not, intelligent, and all so human characters.

At times it seems the author's sole intention is to write something which can only be described as a polemic view - of course, that description may only apply to the reader if they disagree with it. And then, just when this reader felt some of the views which the characters were discussing were as polemic as some of the 1980's Japan bashing novels, the writer insists on showing us other viewpoints through our very fun characters

The title does say it all. The story follows a musical cadence. Variatons - like the ones so present in my life. So, I suggest you put on a nice piece of music and sit down for a fun read.

So, where does the star field title of this review come from? In thinking about the book I was struck by how many points there were in the bood (points being the city, the many characters, the 38 variations, and more). I then thought of our galaxy (don't ask how I made that jump). Looking up from earth we know that what we see is a 3 dimensional image, yet from here, our eyes are hard pressed to see the difference in distance between the many stars. But enter the star field and we can see that we are surrounded by these points of light. We can draw many lines from one star to many other stars. This book is somewhat like that. If I plot out the story lines, the characters, the politics, the city, and the relationships I come up with a star field. And there is nothing boring about something that offers me so many ways to experience something. Enjoy.

This is one of those tough reviews to write. The book, as described on the jacket, captures the lives of a number of characters in Washington, DC - 1996 style.

Or, does it capture Washington through the eyes of a number of characters. Maybe it captures politics both local and federal through the eyes of this nations capital city.

Maybe what it really does is capture relationships in as many variations as described above. Friends, co-workers, lovers, confused social climbers, some straight, some gay all are here to be discovered by the reader.

The backdrop is the Washington of 1996, but sometimes, the city insists on taking over and becoming the main character.

I don't think it is possible to get tired of one character in this story since the variations on the theme - you can decide what the theme is - keep the pages turning

One can't write something about this book without mentioning the politics that play a role in the lives of these sometimes likable, sometimes not, intelligent, and all so human characters.

At times it seems the author's sole intention is to write something which can only be described as a polemic view - of course, that description may only apply to the reader if they disagree with it. And then, just when this reader felt some of the views which the characters were discussing were as polemic as some of the 1980's Japan bashing novels, the writer insists on showing us other viewpoints through our very fun characters

The title does say it all. The story follows a musical cadence. Variatons - like the ones so present in my life. So, I suggest you put on a nice piece of music and sit down for a fun read.

So, where does the star field title of this review come from? In thinking about the book I was struck by how many points there were in the bood (points being the city, the many characters, the 38 variations, and more). I then thought of our galaxy (don't ask how I made that jump). Looking up from earth we know that what we see is a 3 dimensional image, yet from here, our eyes are hard pressed to see the difference in distance between the many stars. But enter the star field and we can see that we are surrounded by these points of light. We can draw many lines from one star to many other stars. This book is somewhat like that. If I plot out the story lines, the characters, the politics, the city, and the relationships I come up with a star field. And there is nothing boring about something that offers me so many ways to experience something. Enjoy.

This is one of those tough reviews to write. The book, as described on the jacket, captures the lives of a number of characters in Washington, DC - 1996 style. Or, does it capture Washington through the eyes of a number of characters. Maybe it captures politics both local and federal through the eyes of this nations capital city.

Maybe what it really does is capture relationships in as many variations as described above. Friends, co-workers, lovers, confused social climbers, some straight, some gay all are here to be discovered by the reader. The backdrop is the Washington of 1996, but sometimes, the city insists on taking over and becoming the main character.

I don't think it is possible to get tired of one character in this story since the variations on the theme - you can decide what the theme is - keep the pages turning.

One can't write something about this book without mentioning the politics that play a role in the lives of these sometimes likable, sometimes not, intelligent, and all so human characters. At times it seems the author's sole intention is to write something which can only be described as a polemic view - of course, that description may only apply to the reader if they disagree with it. And then, just when this reader felt some of the views which the characters were discussing were as polemic as some of the 1980's Japan bashing novels, the writer insists on showing us other viewpoints through our very fun characters.

The title does say it all. The story follows a musical cadence. Variatons - like the ones so present in my life. So, I suggest you put on a nice piece of music and sit down for a fun read.

I don't normally read fiction, but this book was so entertaining and gripping that I wanted to finish it in one sitting! It normally takes me months to finish a work of fiction. I highly recommend this book.

Purchased prior to our first trip to D.C. The kids enjoyed reading it as much as we did. Was a great help in planning our days in D.C. Recommend using this and Frommer's Washington D.C. with Kids (Frommer's With Kids), especially if travelling with children in a range of ages as our were--7, 9, and 16.

My family and I recently took a trip to DC, and brought along this book. It had lots of great tips on what to see and where to eat. We've used the "Boston" version of the book for years, and I was glad to see that the "DC" version was just as helpful.

We are traveling to Washington, D.C. and this book is going into our suitcase as a reference while we are there! We have really enjoyed reading it and learning about Washington, D.C.

Got as a gift but spent time reading through.
Looked like it gave great suggestions for teachers too on what to visit and where to go while on field trips.

No feedback yet from the actual owners.
I have found Frommer's to be the best in travel books.
LOVE them for where to go and all the information I need for a great visit.

This book gave us all the info we needed to plan our trip. The maps inside the cover were very helpful. Book has a lot on where to stay and eat, but only if you have lots of money. For the budget traveler, that info was too much considering how much everything they reviewed cost. Gave lots of info on where to go and what to see. Would recommend to anyone traveling.

Frommer's continues its tradition of excellence with the 2006 guide to D.C. Most helpful to us were the "Getting to Know Washington D.C" chapter, and the chapter on "Suggested Itineraries". The pullout map is invaluable. If you've never been to D.C., or have not toured the city, this book is a fabulous reference.

I rated the 2004 edition of this book at 5 stars, but this edition has slipped just a bit for containing outdated information and omissions of a few other things, so I would say it deserves a 4-and-a-half star rating.

The major thing missing is a mention of The Circulator. This is the bus that loops from Capitol Hill through the K-street corridor to Georgetown, and is $1 to ride, and runs until 10pm. It is cheaper and runs much more frequently than the blue bus that is mentioned in the guide. The Circulator started in early 2005, so it should have made it into this year's edition of the Frommers.

The guide lists a Smithsonian Museum Hotline, and when I called this month (August 2006), the number was out of service.

The Phillips Collection is listed as being free during the weekdays. Wrong. The Phillips Collection is donation-only during the weekdays, and the gal at the desk did watch us drop some money in the donation box. Not a huge deal, but the information was inaccurate. The Phillips has doubled in size since the renovations were completed, and "The Boating Party" is once again on display after its long absence in a traveling exhibition, as is my favorite, "Woman With Dog" painted by Pierre Bonnard.

In the 2004 edition, there was a restaurant that my wife and I loved named Olives. It was not in this edition, but it is still in business and was a fabulous experience when we went (as it was 2 years ago). We enjoyed Olives vastly better than La Tosca (don't order the chicken at La Tosca...blah).

Another place that should be mentioned in the guide is The Capitol City Brewing Company right near China Town (with another location on Capitol Hill). The variety of micro-brews was fantastic, the staff was very friendly (especially Benny!), and during weekdays from 4pm until 7pm, they have half-price beers and appetizers at the enormous bar section (the sesame-covered seared tuna and the Asian quesadillas were absolutely delightful). A great place to visit if you are on a budget.

Even with these minor errors and omissions, it is still a highly valuable guide.

this book is essentially a series of maps. each neighborhood gets two maps, one showing things like banks and atms, the other with restaurants and bars, etc. both maps show the metro stops and street names very clearly. i'm currently looking for an apartment in dc (from out of town) and it has been extremely useful in figuring out where buildings are, and if they are in fact "walk to metro!" or whether that walk is a hike. there are a brief (2 sentences) descriptions of the neighborhoods but nothing in depth. there are lists of important numbers, maps of airports, and other handy tidbits i'm sure will be appreciated when i actually move in. my one HUGE complaint keeping this book from 5 stars is that the maps aren't marked with a scale! a 5th grade basic, scale is extremely important in determining how far things are from eachother. obviously. especially since the maps are clearly different scales depending on the size of the neighborhood or locale (ie: reagan airport vs. georgetown). while still useful, having a simple scale on each map would make this book perfect.

The maps are very good and easy to navigate, and their overviews of the main attractions in the D.C. area are about as good as one can hope for in a 1-2 page space for each. They also have good maps of the local transit system. One limitation that potential buyers should be aware of is that this book only deals with D.C. proper and a little bit of Fairfax County - Prince George's County (everything east of the Anacostia River) and Montgomery County (everything north & west of Bethesda) are ignored. If you need information on those areas, you will need to seek out other sources.

If you're moving to a new major city or just spending more than a few days in one and you want to really get to know the locale, this guide's for you. It's easy to decipher, offers invaluable information complete with legible, detailed area maps, and the bars, restaurants, shops, schools, churches, sites and more in each neighborhood. I, who am admittedly direction-challenged (even as to left and right), managed to find my way easily around San Francisco for the 4 mos. I was there and was so impressed I purchased one for DC where I've lived for almost 20 yrs. If you want to know where you're going and what's there when you arrive--buy this guide!

This is a good, useful basic guide for residents and tourists who want to see the real D.C. behind the museums and the White House. I was born in D.C. and this book has provided me with a great deal of information that I will use. I also recommend "The Shopper's Guide to Washington, D.C." by Karen Ertel and "Washington from A to Z" by Paul Wasserman.

I lived in DC for 21 years so I'm familiar with most of the entries in this book. The editor does a fair but not especially lively job of describing where to eat, drink, walk and gawk in DC.

The ACCESS guides are so smartly organized by neighborhoods that you'll be lurking like a local in no time. The color coding for attractions, restaurants, hotels and shopping make skimming for your favorites a breeze. More often than not, their sly 'insider' comments are right on the money. I used ACCESS Washington, DC to acclimate myself to my new home, and I still use it whenever company comes to town. Like any travel guide, the latest edition is a must (but even that won't compensate for fickle diners and undercapitalized restauranteurs) and it's certainly time for a newer version than the 2000 edition. But having said that, I still purchase an ACCESS guide if I'm going to spend any time in a city I haven't fully explored.

Once again a jewel of a guide. Comprehensive, lively, logical and coherent. Like so many other city guides by Richard Saul Wurman, this book combines an architectural overview with historical, anecdotal and practical aspects of the city in such a way that makes it a great companion to have before during and after the visit. As a matter of fact even if you don't go, you get the pleasure of intimate knowledge of the place.

This book gave us great ideas for places to take our 6 year old. Most importantly, he is allergic to everything and autistic. This translates into an extemely picky eater. With it's recommendations for kid-friendly eating, Around Washington, D.C. with Kids is a God-send!

I purchased this book after getting a great deal on a hotel in a posh DC neighborhood. While I was excited about the hotel, I was quite concerned about finding affordable, child-friendly places to eat in the area. I chose this guide because along with descriptions of kid appropriate attractions, it recommends nearby eateries. The recommended places to eat were just what I needed to keep our daytime food expenses reasonable. Be warned that many of the recommended attractions are either seasonal or too far from public transportation to reach on foot (we traveled pre-Memorial Day and swore not to drive in DC traffic after parking our car at our hotel). Also, you'll need a separate map because only street addresses are provided. Otherwise, it was a helpful, compact travel book that paid for itself in meal money saved.

My 10 year old son loves this book and so do I! It tells us the important stuff, location, contact info, prices, ages & hours. It also gives us little things like places to eat and fun other thing to notice and do while we are at each place. We LOVE this book!

I always rely on Frommer's guides when I travel. This book does not disappoint. Frommer's D.C. guide makes it easy to navigate through the city and helps me to make good use of my limited time. The restaurant & lodging reviews are very accurate and dependable.

This book is pretty helpful for a tourist in D.C. I referred to it several times during the course of my 7 day visit. What it doesn't make clear is that Tourmobile tours can be very frustrating. They are portrayed as easy on easy off shuttles, but in reality they overbook their capacity and cannot accomodate people waiting, thus prolong the wait and waste valuable vacation time for their customers. Other than not informing customers about the inefficiency of Tourmobile I'd say this publication is pretty good.

I picked up this guide for our trip to Washington DC, and was very happy that I did.

We spent 5 days in the city, and ate in the inexpensive to moderate restaurants recommended in the book and did not have a bad meal, and several great meals. We ate at Ethiopian, Thai, Southwestern, and American restaurants.

Our hotel, The Churchill, was recommended in the book, and we booked it on The Churchill's website (mentioned in the book as well) and were able to get a giant room (huge bedroom, even bigger living room, nice size kitchen area with table, and a small bathroom) with a kitchenette for $149 a night. The on-line booking web sites didn't list any rooms with a kitchenette. (The rack rate on the door of our room listed it as $450 a night).

The Frommers guide listed itineraries for staying for one to several days, so we picked and chose some of the activities mentioned. And the info on the galleries and museums were more than sufficient to plan our days and nights.

The Metro-rail info and map were right on the money.

The included full-size map of Washington DC was indispensable.

The only thing that I noticed was incorrect in the book was that the shuttle between Dupont Circle to Georgetown was $1 (not $.50).

I would have also liked to know how far the zones were for the taxi cabs (Is a cab from Georgetown to our hotel in one zone? Or did it cross into a second).

I bought a couple of guidebooks, but all but abandoned the others since this one was so comprehensive. Highly recommended!!!!

My kids, aged 5 and 9, both loved this map. They sat in the back seat while we were driving around D.C. looking at where they had been and where they were going to go. I was looking forward to using the stickers to mark where we had been, but there were ones we couldn't use ("we slept here" -- who can afford to stay in D.C. proper?) and others of the "we saw this" variety that there weren't enough of. It was even a help to us parents when we couldn't find something on our big fancy map from AAA since this map is much simpler, bigger, and easier to read.

My 8 year old really enjoyed this map. It comes with stickers that can be added as you visit each place. Large, colorful, easy to read map, it has pictures of all the sights. Really got him excited about the trip & made a great souvenir when he got home.

My 4 yr. old son and I had lots of fun going over the neat things included on this map, and he loved to find all the perfect locations to put the stickers! Since I work in D.C., he was very intrigued to see where my office is. We were able to talk about all the different sites, monuments, and bulidings that I have been to in my 15 years living here, and where he would like to go and visit next summer. He refers to it as "his map", and it really is laid out in a way that even small children can understand. It is a great resource and learning tool.