Image via Complex Original
Though the government might not be guranteed to stay open, Washington D.C. never closes its doors. A little more than 600,000 people live in our nation's capital, and during the work week, the population can flow to more than 1,000,000. It's a busy city to get lost in, but, unlike our forefathers before us, we have apps to help us get a grip on the city and lead us to the places we want to go, and discover places we never knew were on the map. Here are the Most Essential Apps For Living in D.C. (And yes, you can put that wallet away: they're all free.)
DC Metro Transit
Platform: Android; Free
Wanna ditch the car? Then hit up the Metro. Get realtime DC Metrorail, Metro Bus, Circulator, PG County-The Bus, Fairfax CUE, and UMD Shuttle updates, and Google Maps directions to each of the stops. You can set your favorite stops, for, say, work or your girl's house. You'll also have an interactive Metrorail map ready to go, so no more asking strangers where to go.
UrbanDaddy
Platform: iOS, Android; Free
Just as much as the politics that go on, partying is an imporant piece of D.C. culture. But what happens when you get tired of going to the same ol' spot on the same ol' block? It's time to switch things up. Bust out UrbanDaddy and pick the time, day, and part of town you want to head out to, and the app will give you a selection of spots that fit your mood. UrbanDaddy only supports a select number of cities, and D.C. happens to be one of them. Now you don't have an excuse to show your friends around the next time they come visit the capital.
Explore D.C.
Platform: iOS; Free
The Washington Post brings you the Explore D.C. app. Why? Because they know D.C. better than anyone else. If you've been stuck in a rut because of your job and still haven't been able to explore the city you live in, check out this app. WP organizes spots into categories and has an updated events section so you know what's going on that week.
Where to Bike
Platform: iOS; Free
Get up from behind your computer and burn off those extra pounds you've put on. Where to Bike gives you new bike routes to set course on throughout D.C., along with descriptions of what you should expect along the way. And if you're a staffer in one of our nation's most iconic buildings, it might be nice to take a ride throughout the city at your own pace, and on your own terms.
Lyft
Need a ride after a long night? Lyft is a cool app that connects you with drivers who ride in cars with big pink moustaches on the front (so you know they're legit.) These drivers are just everyday people who have registered with Lyft and have gone through background checks in order to, essentially, be your taxi driver. They'll pick you up in their personal car once you set your pickup location, and you can pay them from the app.
Washington Post
Got Eventz
The Got Eventz app is currently only up and running in D.C. and San Diego. Businesses can add events to the app so you know what deals are going on around the city. You'll also get hyperlocal updates on comedy shows, farmers markets, open mics, trivia and happy hours happening in the area.
Parkmobile
Driven to so many places just to turn back around because were short a few bucks for parking? With Parkmobile, you'll be able to pay for public or private parking around D.C. You can register multiple vehicles to one cell phone number, and you'll get a text message reminder to let you know when you have 15 minutes left before your parking expires. Now, don't you wish you had this the other night when you dug around your car for coins when took that chick out?
CSN Washington D.C.
Platform: iOS, Android; Free
With the NBA season about to the start and football season getting hotter (excluding the Giants), you need your sports scores for your teams all in one place. Use the Comcast SportsNet app to get the latest on the Redskins, Capitals, Wizards, Nationals, D.C. United and college teams. Sports, easier. Now you'll just have to wait to see if the Redskins change their name. (Renegades, anyone?)
GrubHub
Just got back from a long day on the Hill? Tired of hearing about the latest D.C. politician's sex scandal, and just want to tune out from everything? Then just head back to your place and order in your favorite food using GrubHub. It's simple as anything you'll ever use: just search for the type of food you want, and the app will show you resturants nearby that will deliver, or include pick-up options. Order straight from the app using the resturant's menu, pay, and boom—just wait for your food to come. All you have to do is open the door.
