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Travel to Washington, DC, to See the World

This May, Washington, DC transforms into a mecca of cultural experiences from around the world. In celebration of International Cultural Awareness Month, Cultural Tourism DC presents Passport DC. The month-long event includes more than 100 experiences from tours and presentations to internationally inspired music, food, and clothing. An around-the-world trip awaits you in one city, and it’s only a two and a half hour drive. The festivities attract people from all over the country, so make your plans now with help from our list of highlights.

With Passport in Hand

You’ll want to have your souvenir passport to track all of your globetrotting. The passports cost $5 and are available on May 2 at the Van Ness and Dupont Circle information booths. See how many stamps you can rack up in your passport on your international travels through the many embassy open houses throughout the month of May in DC.

Be Their Guest

More than 50 embassies in Washington, DC open their doors for free during the Around the World Embassy Tour on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event offers a comprehensive international experience in a matter of hours. Learn an indigenous dance, admire a piece of traditional clothing, or watch a karate demonstration. Get an overall picture of what makes up a country’s culture and see how that culture compares to the one you know at home. To make the most of the day, follow @DCCulture and #PassportDC on Twitter for updates on lines to get into the embassies, planned activities, and breaking news about the event. Maps are available online.

A Royal Flush

On Saturday, May 9, visit the embassies of the European Union during the Shortcut to Europe event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore the European Union Delegation and the embassies of the 28 member states. The day will be filled with music, dance, food, film, and art.

Asian Inspiration

On May 16, Fiesta Asia celebrates Asian heritage and tradition with one of the city’s best street fairs. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the celebration put on by the Asia Heritage Foundation. The event takes place on Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 6th streets NW from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The vibrant festivities include craft exhibits, cooking and martial arts demonstrations, a talent show, and dancing.

A Taste of the World

Many people know that Washington, DC has a hot food scene with some of the most talented chefs in the world turning out creative dishes in well-appointed restaurants. But one of the city’s secrets is the culinary talent in its embassies. That delicious surprise is revealed at the seventh-annual Embassy Chef Challenge. The elegant evening on Wednesday, May 20, is an ideal date-night treat for foodie couples. Fifteen of the cities finest — and under the radar — chefs will fill the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center with sumptuous small bites reflective of their respective embassies. Celebrity judges will evaluate the offerings, and attendees will vote for their favorites in the people’s choice category. The event is a one-of-a-kind dining experience not available to DC visitors on any other evening.

Dream of Your Adventures

With so much going on during Passport DC, make sure you get a good night’s sleep. Many of the city’s hotels, located in the middle of the action, offer springtime deals and packages. Several of the discounts increase with a second or third night, making it a great excuse to extend the weekend.

To learn more about the international experience happening in Washington, DC, this May and scope out the activities that suit you best, click here. Bon voyage!