Washington - Washington guide, attractions and pictures


Washington Travel Guide


The City of Washington, DC, set along the winding Potomac River, is a city with southern charm, with a distinct political and international flair. Washington, DC was originally carved out of a ten-mile tract of land from sections of Virginia and Maryland, in the late 18th century, to create a governmental district for America’s capital.

The District of Columbia is the official capital city of the United States, home to the White House, the United States Senate and House of Representatives, the Supreme Court, and other governmental institutions, exuding political power and intrigue. Sleek, black, presidential limousines frequently zip through the streets, with occasional glimpses of the president and other government officials through the tinted glass windows.

The neoclassical architecture of the White House, the official presidential residence and seat of power, to the imposing, domed Capitol building, and the many historical monuments, and museums, all give a visitor a glimpse of the rich history and vitality of the American political system. Visitors can get tickets to tour the White House, and view a live session of Congress, from their state representative’s office, or embassy, for a foreign visitor.

The Museums and Monuments - A visit to DC is not complete without a tour of the many magnificent, historical monuments and museums situated along the Mall, a national public park, complete with a reflecting pool and an ancient children’s carousel. The Washington Monument, an imposing obelisk, style structure, looms on the western edge of the Mall, dominating the District, with its white marble exterior. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the 555-foot monument, for a magnificent view of DC and surrounding Maryland and Virginia.

Other monuments to see are; the Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, National World War II Memorial, Korean Veteran’s Memorial, and the United States Navy Memorial. A nighttime visit, with the majestic, monuments illuminated against a dark sky, is an experience not to be missed. The many writings of Lincoln and Jefferson are etched into the marble walls of the monuments.

The Museums in DC are some of the best in the world, with most of them available to visit without an admission charge. A visitor to this capital city, can take an inexpensive bus or subway ride to the Mall area, and happily spend hours exploring the many, free museums. The National Gallery of Art houses world-famous masterpieces such as, da Vinci’s "Ginevra de'Benci", Botticelli's "Adoration of the Magi", and significant collections by the renowned French Impressionists, Degas, Monet and Renoir.

The world-famous, Smithsonian Museum is actually a collection of 19 separate, art and history museums, including the National Zoo. The most popular are; The Air and Space Museum, that has the original Apollo 11 space module, the Natural History Museum, that houses dinosaur skeletons, and the Hope Diamond, the Freer Gallery and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden for modern and Asian art, and sculpture.

Neighborhoods - Washington, DC is full of funky, hip and exclusive neighborhoods, featuring excellent shopping, sightseeing and dining in ethnic restaurants. Try Dupont Circle for the people watching at its many outdoor cafes, and for a tour of the row of foreign embassies. Georgetown offers many exclusive boutiques, restaurants and a lively nightlife, amidst historic architecture with quaint cobblestone streets. Nearby Georgetown University, adds to the vibrant nightclub scene with its partying college students.

The Foggy Bottom neighborhood near the White House, offers such attractions as the, International Spy Museum, The Corcoran Museum, the Renwick Gallery, and Ford’s Theatre, where President Lincoln was shot.




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Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum
Bartholdi Park
Bartholdi Park and Fountain
Georgetown
Georgetown historic neighborhood
Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial - Thomas Jefferson
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial - Abraham Lincoln
Museum of Natural History
National Museum of Natural History
National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art - the cultural cornerstone
National Mall Washington
Washington DC’s National Mall - Museums and Monuments
Old Post Office
Old Post Office Building
Smithsonian Castle
Smithsonian Museums and Exhibits
The Pentagon
The Pentagon Building - Symbol of Power
Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin and Japanese Cherry Trees
Union Station Washington
Union Station Washington DC
US Capitol
United States Capitol Building
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument
Washington National Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral
White House
The White House - United States’ presidential residence
 

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