Explore DC

Attractions in D.C.

There is no shortage of things to do on campus, however, exchange students are encouraged to break out of the Georgetown bubble and explore some of these great opportunities outside the gates:

All of the Smithsonian museums and galleries are free of charge and open daily. Visit their information page to learn about their world-class museums, galleries, gardens, and zoo. Some museums require a free timed-entry ticket.

Reserve your tickets to the Planet Word Museum and discover the magic of language and words in an interactive setting. While general admission is free, Planet Word also offers performances, events, and workshops that may require a paid ticket.

The Library of Congress is open Tuesday through Saturday for visits, exhibitions, tours, and gallery talks. 

The U.S. Capitol Building offers free tours—just remember to book in advance!

Take part in a month-long celebration of the international culture, art, and cuisine across Washington, DC’s embassies and cultural institutions with Passport DC.

Millenium Stage at the Kennedy Center features free performances every day, with no ticket required. 

Visit https://washington.org/, the official tourism site of Washington, D.C. for even more things to do in the city. 

Transportation

The WMATA provides rail and bus service throughout the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area. Visit their website for more information on fares, schedules, and maps.

The Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS) is a free shuttle bus for faculty, staff, students, and others affiliated with Georgetown University. GUTS buses connect the Main Campus with two Metro stations, the Georgetown University Law Center, Capitol Hill, and Arlington, Virginia. Visit transportation.georgetown.edu/guts for schedules and routes.

Taxis and ridesharing through Uber and Lyft are another option for traveling around Georgetown and the greater D.C. area. Taxis are regularly available outside the university main gates at 37th & O Streets, NW. The Uber and Lyft mobile applications can also be used to request rides. Sign up for either service by downloading the mobile apps.

Capital Bikeshare offers a convenient, eco-friendly way to get around Washington, DC. Riders can reserve a bike from one docking station and park it at another station in the network. There are two docking stations around campus, located at 37th & O St NW and Reservoir Rd & 38th St NW. Sign up by downloading the Capital Bikeshare or Lyft app. Students have the option to sign up for a $25 Capital Bikeshare Annual Membership.

The SafeRides program provides an alternative to walking alone at night for Georgetown students and affiliates. SafeRides become available every evening at 8PM and can be requested until 2AM Sunday through Wednesday, or until 3AM Thursday through Saturday. Call 202-784-RIDE to request a SafeRide.