Safe to visit in November 2024?

Question

I am visiting the US for the first time this year, specifically to Washington DC for a conference around November 14th/15th at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (i.e. a couple of weeks after the election).

I will probably stay near the convention center. If I wanted to be a tourist and visit the main sights, am I likely to encounter any riots/unrest? Or will I end up just holing up in my hotel room?

TIA from a clueless foreigner

Answer

Washington DC is generally a safe and welcoming place for visitors, including those coming from overseas. Even though your trip is scheduled shortly after the U.S. elections, the city is well-prepared for large events, political gatherings, and conferences. In most cases, daily life continues normally, and travelers can comfortably enjoy the museums, monuments, and neighborhoods without disruption.

The area around the Walter E. Washington Convention Center is central, busy, and typically safe. It’s surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and transportation options, and it is a common location for major conventions and national events. While small demonstrations do sometimes occur in DC, they are usually peaceful and localized, and heavily monitored by law enforcement.

You should not expect widespread riots or be confined to your hotel. It’s far more likely that your visit will feel completely normal, with only minor, occasional street closures if a protest is held. The National Mall, the Smithsonian museums, monuments, Capitol Hill, and the White House area remain open to tourists year-round.

Local law enforcement presence is strong around federal buildings and major event areas.
Most demonstrations are peaceful and short-lived.
Major tourist areas remain unaffected even when protests occur.

The best approach is simply to stay aware of your surroundings and check local news or ask your hotel if you hear of any planned demonstrations. These are usually announced in advance and easy to avoid if you prefer.

To make your stay even more comfortable, here are some additional tips for visitors during that period:

Choose a hotel in a central, well-traveled area such as Downtown DC, Penn Quarter, or Mount Vernon Square (right by the Convention Center).
Use the Metro to avoid traffic or any temporary road closures.
Stick to well-lit, busy streets at night—typical big-city awareness is sufficient.
Visit tourist sites earlier in the day when crowds are light and security presence is high.

Overall, you can look forward to an enjoyable, safe, and memorable visit. Washington DC is used to hosting millions of tourists and major political events—your sightseeing plans should go smoothly, and you will not need to hide in your hotel room.

Enjoy your trip and welcome to the United States!