The well-trodded sections of Washington, DC can boast of greatly reduced crime of every type. The Northwest and Southwest sections -- where most of the museums, shopping, hotels and restaurants are -- are quite safe, thanks partially to the many agencies based there (if a local police officer isn't around, chances are that a uniformed or undercover FBI, NSA, CIA, Secret Service, Park Police, Capitol Police, Metro Police or other peacekeeper isn't far away).

That being said, as with any large city, normal precautions should be taken. Secure your purse or wallet, stay in well-lit areas, don't walk around in less-traveled areas late at night. In addition, some neighborhoods are not safe for travel by any method after dark.  Generally, any place a tourist would be interested in seeing, is in a safe neighborhood. Those areas are typically safe at night, though visitors to Capitol Hill and Downtown should be cautious after hours.

As with the rest of the United States, dial 911 for any emergencies, and report any accidents or crimes immediately.