The Best Travel Guide to Washington, D.C.

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Washington, D.C.

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The guide was updated: 2018-01-12

Think BIG in Washington – as soon as you arrive in DC, you’ll be knocked over by the scale of the place. America’s capital wants you to know where you are, and the city goes all out to impress in terms of grandeur and size. Drama and scandal bubble under the surface, while the streets are abuzz with hip and happening events, museums, restaurants and clubs around every corner. The principles of Equality, Justice, Life and Liberty are still upheld, but DC is, above all, a trendy and international town.

Facts

Population:	601,800
Currency:	US Dollar $1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	Publications: The Washington Post The Washington City Paper On Tap (free) Georgetown Independent
Opening hours:	General opening hours for shops are 10am - 7pm/9pm Monday-Saturday. Noon - 5pm/6pm Sunday. Some shops are closed on Sundays.
Tourist information:	DC Chamber of Commerce Information Center Address: 506 9th Street NW Washington, DC 20004 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm, closed on Saturday and Sunday.

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Section in Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C is the capital of patriotic monuments and symbols of political power. Home to influential institutions including Congress and the White House, the city also boasts some of the best museums and art galleries in the world.

The White House

A trip to Washington would not be complete without visiting the world’s most recognizable residence. Witness the comings and goings, and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the man himself, the President of the United States. Due to heightened security, internal tours are not possible, although, there is a visitor center that offers a ’virtual’ tour.

National Air and Space Museum

Children will be in their element here. Airplanes and spaceships from Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed to World War II spitfires are on display along with re-enactments of the first moon landing and educational workshops. Also contains an IMAX cinema, simulators and a Planetarium.

National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery is home to one of the most expansive art collections in the world. Both the Neo-Classical West building and more modernistic East building reflect the range and quality of the works within. Educational programs are offered for visitors, not only in person but virtually as well. The Sculpture Garden, a huge outdoor space with monumental sculptures, is attached to the National Gallery.

National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History is Washington’s patriotic tribute to American history, detailing events in U.S history from The Civil War to the assassination of JFK. There are different programs for the public, such as demonstrations, tours, lectures, music and filming programs.

United States Capitol

Rising up from the Mall, this impressive monument symbolizes steadfast American democracy. The Capitol is regarded as an important museum and bears testament to America’s governmental prowess. The Capitol with its own collection of art is open for tourists and attracts millions every year. The Capitol Visitor Center makes the Capitol even more accessible for visitors and offers an educational environment with an insight into the history and development of the building.

Arlington National Cemetery

Not many cemeteries would list among a city’s top 10 sights, but Arlington is an exception. Catch the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where soldiers keep a 24-hour watch in honor of the unidentified dead from World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress with its collection is the largest library in the world. The three buildings - Thomas Jefferson Building, James Madison Memorial Building and the John Adams Building - are beautiful historical buildings that even offer a free tour. Exhibitions, gallery talks, guided tours, concerts, lectures and other events are offered for the visitors in the library.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States of America. This building is a beautiful structure that offers free guided tours for the visitors. Among all the churches in the world, this basilica is one of the largest.

United States Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden is a small but lovely and calm place with beautiful plants in Washington DC, close to the Capitol. Exhibitions, programs are offered for all ages in the garden. It has plenty of outdoor and indoor space where the visitors can find some peace in the busy city and enjoy walking around the gardens.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is located close to the Lincoln Memorial in the capital of the United States. The arts center brings the world a bit closer for those who visit. There is a lot to see here; there are different performances, such as ballet, jazz, contemporary dance, festivals and a lot more!

Washington National Cathedral

Learn the history of this massive and gorgeous cathedral by taking a guided tour, led by friendly and knowledgeable staff. A national treasure with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful stained glass and the architecture is just amazing – well worth the time to visit! There is even a café and gift shop inside the cathedral.

Supreme Court

The building of the Supreme Court was built in just 4 years, in between 1931 - 1935. As a visitor, you can tour the building on your own, watch the educational movies and participate in different programs. While the exhibitions about the history of the Supreme Court are located on the Ground Floor, you can find the Courtroom on the First Floor.

Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial is located in the heart of the city, just a few minutes walk from the White House. The monument has white Georgia marble steps and if you step inside, a Thomas Jefferson statue - by sculptor Rudulph Evans - unfolds in the middle.

Washington Monument

One of the most well-known structures of Washington is the Washington Monument with its almost 555 feet height. The tallest building in Washington DC is visible from all the parts of the city. If you take the elevator to the top, you will have a picturesque sight of the capital of the United States!

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has a permanent exhibition but also is a host of several other special exhibitions. They also offer different educational programs and films for their visitors. After wandering around the museum, you can stop by the Museum Cafe to grab something to eat!

The U.S. National Archives

The U.S. National Archives is located close to the National Mall. The original copies of Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are exhibited for the public in the main chamber of the building. When entering the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom - the main chamber - you can take a look at the most important documents of the United States of America. Flash photography is forbidden!

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