One’s serious and straight-laced, the other’s a free-wheeling hippie, right? That’s not the whole story when pitting Washington DC against San Francisco. Both cities are fun to visit for a plethora of reasons. Let the battle commence…
FAMOUS SIGHTS
Contenders: Hmm, what could be the most famous sight you could stumble across in Washington? We’re racking our brains. But seriously, once you’ve had a gawp through the gates of the White House, take a stroll down the National Mall and check out the Capitol Building, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.
San Francisco’s famous sights have a retro, whimsical air, having been referenced thousands of times in pop culture: be sure to take a look-see at Art Deco masterpiece the Golden Gate Bridge and the switchback-heavy Lombard Street, made famous by Steve McQueen’s motorbike scene in Bullit.
FOOD
Contenders: In Washington, eat where the Obamas eat. The President and Michelle have popped up for burgers at Ben’s Chili Bowl, seasonal American fare at Equinox and Italian at Tosca among others.
Dining is more tribe-divided in hipster-conscious San Francisco, but one thing’s for sure: you can always get your fill of organic, ethical and veggie/vegan meals. Eat at Greens overlooking the Bay for a fresh take on gourmet vegetarian food. It was opened by Zen Buddhists 20 years ago and is still going strong.
FREE STUFF
Contenders: Visit DC’s Library of Congress for spectacular interiors, interesting exhibitions and (usually) zero crowds, or head to the roof of the Kennedy Center at night to star-gaze. In San Fran, get some fresh air with a wander through the Conservatory of Flowers and Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park, ending up on Hippie Hill.
CULTURE
Contenders: It’s got to be the Smithsonian Museum in DC, which offers an epic collection of artefacts in more than 19 themed museums and galleries – all free! The collective includes the National Air & Space Museum and Natural History Museum. San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art displays a huge range of offerings from modern masters such as René Magritte, Jeff Koons, Piet Mondrian and Marcel Duchamp. Admission is half price 6-8.45pm on Thursday nights.
NIGHTLIFE
Contenders: There’s more night life than you can shake a glow stick at in San Francisco. Clubs such as Milk Bar (hip hop), DNA Lounge and Anon Salon (artsy and alternative) rule the roost.
Washington DC’s more of a bar than a club town: embrace it and go on a micro-brewery crawl. Capitol City Brewing Company on Massachussetts Ave is a good place to start, then meander on Shenandoah Brewing Company in Alexandria or RFD Washington for a global assortment of beers.
ACCOMMODATION
Contenders: For accommodation in San Fran, Green Tortoise Backpackers has become legendary among travellers. It’s in funky North Beach (home of beat generation poets) and offers free internet, breakfast and sauna.
Look no further than Duo Housing for hostels in Washington: it’s in the middle of town and has a roof deck, free Wi-Fi and large common area with plasma TV and Wii.
Now you’ve heard the evidence for both, which one would you pick? San Fran or DC? Think you know? Then why not book your flights to the USA with Cheapflights.co.uk
See who triumphed in the recent battle between Boston and Chicago
(Featured image: Carissa GoodNCrazy)
