Ben's Chili Bowl and fabulous views -- When visiting Washington don't miss the experience of eating at 'Ben's Chili Bowl' -- the chilli dogs are to die for. The atmosphere is fastinating; you'll swivel your head off. Address: 1213 U Street. We just loved Washington -- so much to do and see. Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and looking down the Mall offered a wonderful view and it was so moving. This town has everything. The walk around the lake with the monuments to past Presidents was brilliant and of course the Vietnam Wall was very emotional but very worth visiting. I could write for hours about the sights of Washington. (Gail, Port Stephens, Australia)

Daughters of the American Revolution Museum -- Just as I was moving away from DC, I learned about and visited the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum. It was very informative and enjoyable. I'm very glad that I got the chance to tour this museum.

Here's how the museum describes itself: 'With each room sponsored by a different state organization of NSDAR, the [rooms] reflect a wide range of time and place. The New Jersey Room, a "seventeenth-century council chamber," was the first period room to be installed and looks much as it did when it first opened in 1910. Other rooms, originally the administrative offices of the National Society, are funded by different states and range in date from a one-room Pilgrim century dwelling (the Wisconsin Room) to a Victorian parlor (the Missouri Room), a tavern (Georgia), a study (Delaware), and an attic filled with toys and dolls (New Hampshire). The museum is free. The 45 min tours are either with docents or self-guided depending on availability of docents. (Ginger, Littleton, Colorado, USA)

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum -- This is America’s national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history, and serves as this country’s memorial to the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust. Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW. Reader's write: The Holocaust Museum is not to be missed. Bring tissues. (Ivy, Tucson, Arizona, USA)

Plan to attend -- the Holocaust Museum in the morning, and pack a picnic to help you decompress afterwards. You can pick up a 'Lunch on the Go Bag' from the Museum Cafe. You'll want a peaceful interlude between it and the Smithsonian. (Heidi, Lincoln, NE, USA)

We saved by staying in Arlington, Virginia -- I had one day to spend in DC with my family. It was the first trip for my kids. For economy and convenience, we stayed at the Holiday Inn in Virginia, easy to drive to, right on the river (you can walk over the Key Bridge into Georgetown), near the metro. In Washington the monuments are quite spread out and not always near a metro. We took the Monuments by Moonlight Tour offered by Trusted Tours. Pricey, but we saw and learned a lot. And after a day in the museums, it was great to just ride around. P.S. You can order and print your tickets online. (Helen, Acton, Massachusetts, USA)

Condos and Hop on Hop off buses -- I have two practical bits of advice for JourneyWomen. Be sure to get tickets to to the hop on hop off tour buses. The walk can be long, hot and dusty! Save your feet for exploring the memorials and museums. Rather than get an expensive hotel room, rent a townhouse or condo in the heart of DC, it is much less expensive and you'll have a quiet place to relax after a long day at the memorials and parks. (Jamie, Orlando, Florida, USA)

Fun for the children -- My children especially liked Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. Address: 1001 F Street NW (corner of 10th and F street). We saw Michelle and President Obama, Madonna, George Washington and Angelina Jolie with Brad Pitt. Discounts for students, AAA and American military, police and fire ID. P.S. If you think you will be going, book online. There is a 10% discount. P.S. There is a Kite Flying Festival held in Washington each Spring. We were sorry we weren't there then. It must be so wonderful to see all that color up in the sky. (Becky, Sussex, UK)

To market, to market to buy -- A hidden gem in DC is P&C Market in Capitol Hill. This intimate and cozy market is home to some of the best imported cheeses and pate this side of the Atlantic. P&C also has a great wine selection from Italy, France, and California but it's the warmth you feel when shopping there that makes this a great place to check out. They are also one of the few carriers of Polyface Farms sustainable and grass fed meats. On weekends they have fresh imported coffee and home made pastries. I suggest people start at P&C and then make the trek through Eastern Market on the weekend for food, fun, and a little bit of shopping. Address: 1023 East Capital St. SE (Julia, USA)

Women will love this place -- Shhh.... this is my favorite Washington secret! Even if you are staying at another hotel, go visit the O Street Mansion on a Sunday or Monday (or any holiday). This small private club/luxury hotel is full of art and music and fun. The Sunday brunch is great, but just as good is tea, or cocktails (ask about Martini Mondays). And see if you can find all 32 secret doors. Address: 2020 O St. NW, Washington, DC, 20036 (Laura, Bethesda, MD, USA)

Free or almost free in Washington, DC -- This tip is short but sweet. Before you go to DC check out this online list of sightseeing goodies you can sample with little or no outlay of money. Everybody should take a peek and take advantage of these ideas. eg. 'Enjoy a veritable feast for the senses each Sunday at the Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market. During peak season, there are more than 30 farmers offering items including fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, fish, baked goods and more. Market hours are 9am-1pm April thru December; 10am-1pm January thru March'. (Maggie, Baltimore, MD, USA)