Overview:
Washington, DC, the U.S. capital, is a compact city on the Potomac River, bordering the states of Maryland and Virginia. It’s defined by imposing neoclassical monuments and buildings – including the iconic ones that house the federal government’s 3 branches: the Capitol, White House and Supreme Court – but also its museums and performing-arts venues such as the Kennedy Center.
What to Experience in Washington DC:
- Monuments: Major monuments include the US Capitol, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument.
- Memorials: Top memorials include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
- Museums: Major museums include the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the International Spy Museum.
- Outdoor Sites: Top outdoor sites include the National Mall, the National Zoo, and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Insider Tips:
- Smithsonian Free: One of the best deals on the planet is free admission to all Smithsonian museums and the zoo. You can spend days seeing the amazing exhibits, so take advantage of it!
- White House Tour: You should book a tour of the White House at least one month in advance and up to five months for a self-guided tour. It's worth the wait though!
- Free Walking Tours: DC By Foot offers a variety of free walking tours, from 2-hour strolls around the National Mall to all-day walks that hit all the major sites.
Cost:
$ $ $ $
Difficulty:
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Bliss Level:
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