What’s On the DC Metro Blue Line

Written by – Updated July 5, 2021


things_to_do_in_dc_on_metro_blue_lineThe DC Metro Blue line shares a majority of its track with the Orange line and Yellow line. The primary purpose of the Blue line is to connect Arlington, VA with DCA (Reagan National Airport). The most significant stations along the Blue line are Rosslyn for access to Georgetown and the Orange / Silver line, Metro Center for transfers to the Red line, and Morgan BLVD for access to Fedex Field. The DC Metro Blue line shares a majority of its track with the Orange line and Yellow line. The primary purpose of the Blue line is to connect Arlington, VA with DCA (Reagan National Airport). The most significant stations along the Blue line are Rosslyn for access to Georgetown and the Orange / Silver line, Metro Center for transfers to the Red line, and Morgan BLVD for access to Fedex Field.


Attractions on DC Metro Blue Line

things_to_do_in_dc_on_metro_blue_line_touristSmithsonian is the default stop for all Smithsonian Museums and access to the National Mall. The station is about a 10 minute walk from the National Air and Space Museum. Arlington Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Memorial can are accessible on the Blue line. The Farragut West station will leave you two blocks from the White House. The Capitol South station places riders a 15 minute walk from the Capital Building, Library of Congress and Supreme Court.

Restaurants / Nightlife on the Blue Line

things_to_do_in_dc_on_metro_blue_line_restaurantsEastern Market along the Blue line is a hidden gem that hosts a farmers markets on the weekends, and is a good destination for lunch any day of the week. Old Town or Alexandria is a nice destination for a dinner out and a casual day of shopping. If you’re a shopper Old Town and Georgetown are the places to be. The crowd is middle aged in Alexandria and it is accessed via the King Street stop. Keep in mind; you will have to walk 15 minutes to get from the metro to the main drag in Alexandria (Old Town) which can be a pain. Luckily there is a free trolley that runs daily to help. As for Georgetown, shopping, restaurants and bars are abundant, but it is not directly on any metro line so riders will need to get off at Rosslyn and cross the Key Bridge (only a 15 minute walk).

Neighborhoods on the Blue Line

King Street (Alexandria) Metro


nieghborhood_vibe_48Alexandria Neighborhood: The King Street station sits on the business end of Alexandria. Within several blocks you’ll find plenty of unique restaurants and main street shopping. One downside to the King Street station is that it sits further away from the waterfront and main attractions. The metro station is several blocks away from the historic downtown and waterfront area of Alexandria. Instead of walking use the free trolley for a lift from the Metro to the historic old town. The area around King Street itself is bustling every day of the week, and is an urban setting. Families and all types of travelers can’t go wrong with Alexandria.

 Capitol South (Capitol Hill)


nieghborhood_vibe_48Capitol South Neighborhood: Capitol South sits at the heart of American politics. It is the metro stop most convenient to the Capitol Building, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court; in fact, it lets riders off in the midst of the office buildings that are home to the House of Representatives. Beyond the government buildings, you’ll find a safe neighborhood full of picturesque row houses home to affluent families and young professionals. The character of the neighborhood scene can be dependent on what’s going on in Congress—a late vote and you may find yourself dining next to faces you recognize from CSPAN or Meet the Press. For those willing to splurge, you’ll be rewarded with being within convenient walking or metro distance to all of the key tourist attractions. This location is also ideal for anyone with business on the Hill.

Rosslyn (Arlington, VA)


hotels_near_rosslyn_metro

nieghborhood_vibe_48Rosslyn Neighborhood: Rosslyn will be appealing to all travelers for its quick access to downtown, the National Mall and Georgetown. It is easy to walk to Georgetown, just cross over the Key Bridge. The Metro ride to DCA is about 10 minutes, and there is an express bus that can take you directly to Dulles airport. Active travelers will enjoy riding their bike to Smithsonian museums along trails. Rosslyn is home to mostly young professionals. This area is the commercial center of Arlington; you’ll find better nightlife and activity options in the Clarendon neighborhood one stop away, but can expect plenty of fast casual restaurants around Rosslyn.

Crystal City


hotels near crystal city metro

nieghborhood_vibe_48Crystal City Neighborhood: Crystal City offers tourist and business traveler’s immediate access to DCA Airport with a short commute to downtown DC, or the National Mall. Located in Arlington, VA altogether the area is a welcoming urban pocket. The neighborhood can empty out after business hours. Often the local residents are young professionals making their home in one of numerous luxury high rises that blend in with office buildings and hotels. Families should note Crystal City straddles a major highway, so those with small children should be cautious of traffic while walking around. With plenty of restaurants and access to the Mt. Vernon trail, DCA, Alexandria, and a short commute to all the tourist attractions Crystal City should always be considered when visiting Washington, DC.

Smithsonian Metro


nieghborhood_vibe_48Smithsonian Neighborhood: Since the Smithsonian Metro station sits on the National Mall chances are that you are either going to stay south of the National Mall toward the L’Enfant Plaza station or north of the Mall in downtown DC near the Chinatown, Metro Center, or Farragut Sq.. The National Mall is major divider in terms of the type of neighborhood. South of the Mall is dead at night. This can be welcome for those who enjoy a peaceful walk through the National Mall, or families who want to be in a less chaotic atmosphere. The area is surrounded by massive government buildings and when five o’clock rolls past commuters travel home leaving the area bland and sterile. North means that your stay in downtown with lots of restaurants, attractions and nightlife options to choose from. Of course, much more hustle and bustle. Travelers who want the easy walk to and from the National Mall will be happy being south. Travelers who want to be able to walk from their hotel to more things to do will appreciate being in downtown. There will be lots more hotel options north of the Mall in downtown.

 Metro Center, Downtown DC


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nieghborhood_vibe_48Metro Center Neighborhood: Metro Center is a business district at the heart of Washington, DC. At the junction of almost all of the metro lines—Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver, it is also a major transportation hub in the city. The National Mall is going to be a 15 to 20 minute walk or quick ride on the Orange line. Shoppers will find everything from high-end boutiques, like Gucci and Kate Spade, to discount shops like Forever 21 and H&M. From Metro Center it is a short walk to all of DC’s major tourist destinations. Metro Center is also home to Madame Tussaud’s and Ford’s Theater. Foot traffic dies down on weekends as you won’t find many who actually live in this area, though upscale condos have started going in at various spots in this neighborhood, such as City Center. While Metro Center is generally a safe neighborhood, you will find panhandlers on the corners and should take care when walking around at night