Clever Tourism

In the past few days, I have learned a few new clever tricks for tourists. They all involve buses.

It all began when my cousins visited and mentioned taking the actual tourist bus, the one that costs $28 and allows you to hop on and off at will. As a local, I feel compelled to guide (midwest) visitors myself. While I cannot offer the same historic perspective over a microphone, I can offer cheap, way cheap prices.

Tip 1: Circulate around town for $1 for hours. This bus offers three simple routes. One from Georgetown to Union Station, one north and south from Union Station to Southwest, and one around the National Mall. Don't forget to get your transfer ticket for a free pass for hours. Look for the giant red buses near the red bus stations. What can the circulator offer you? Great views of the key parts of town. Plus, you can say you circulated around DC. (Not to be confused with a great dance move, the perculator.)

Tip 2: Take the Dulles Bus for an unintended purpose. For $3, you can take the Dulles airport 5A bus from Rosslyn metro stop to L'Enfant metro stop, or visa versa. This route goes past the Tidal Basin with beautiful views. For those who prefer to leave their walking shoes in the tent, wear your heals and still feel as if you've circled the most popular DC destination in Spring. For $3, I vote to take the bus twice! From Rossyln you could walk to Georgetown; Or from L'Enfant you could walk the Hirshorn Smithsonian and see my favorite modern art video about simple machines.

After a tough day on the bus, don't forget to keep your transfer so you can bus it up Independence and into Eastern Market for some Tunicliffs or Finn McCools.

Just two tips for those with DC in their dreams.