Whats the best time of day to tour downtown Washington attractions?
Avoid Rush Hours: During the summer, to avoid crowded conditions, do not use roads and Metrorail from 6:30 to 9 a.m. or 3:30 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Avoid Crowds at Attractions: To avoid crowds at the Smithsonian Museums on the Mall (Air and Space Museum, Natural History, American History, etc), visit just after they open at 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. (if they are open). Museums become very crowded from just before lunch through the afternoon. You might try museums that are not on the Mall (such as the National Building Museum, Renwick Gallery, National Postal Museum) during the afternoon. For a good introduction to the Smithsonian museums, visit the Smithsonian Castle which opens at 9 a.m. (1 hour before museums). Visit monuments and memorials in the evening. They are very attractive when they are lit up and they are less crowded. The Washington Monument is open until midnight, and is less crowded after 6 p.m. During the summer, Arlington National Cemetary is open until 7 p.m. and is less
