If the Universe revolves around power and influence, then Washington DC, is surely the centre of the world. It is filled with grand buildings and historic landmarks, impressive museums and wide open green parks. Any trip to Washington DC, is a voyage of political discovery with all of the democratic ideals on display, but there is more beneath the surface including excellent restaurants, a lively nightlife and an emerging gay scene. The tourist season runs from April-September, but queues can be long and frustrating. Ironically, July and August, the traditional seasonal peaks are often a good time to avoid the crowds, assuming you can bear the heat, as business travel drops off due to the humidity. Flights are available direct from the UK to Washington Airport and take about eight hours.
| Sightseeing is the order of the day in Washington DC.... |
Best for...
Politics and history and culture combine in the nation's capital city...
Anyone with a remote interest in politics or seeing some of the world's most famous sites will be drawn to Washington DC. Consequently it's popular with families who want to introduce their children to the area's history and museums, and it caters extensively for adult travellers, singles and couples. Above all else you should be prepared to immerse yourself in political culture, but be conscious that there is more to discover and there's plenty to do for those who want an active break.
What to do...
Sightseeing is the order of the day in Washington DC, with numerous museums and monuments worth visiting. The most famous of all is the White House, the home of every American president since John Adams. It is the central icon of world politics having been burnt in 1812 and then painted white. It should be noted that, as with most of the sites in the nation's capital, there are extensive security checks in light of September 11 - Washington was one of the key targets during the terrorist attacks.
Capitol Hill cannot be missed, with tours available of the Rotunda, Statuary Hall and the old Supreme Court chamber and there are visitors' passes available for those who want to see Congress is session. The Rotunda features a fresco picturing George Washington being invited into heaven, while Statuary Hall is filled with stone men, meant to symbolise two distinguished citizens from each state. Washington is also the home of the Pentagon, the headquarters of the department of the defence, and guided tours are available. You can also enjoy a tour of the US Mint and see first-hand where the coins of the nation are produced.
Another symbol of American inspiration is the Lincoln Memorial, which sees a massive Abraham Lincoln seated, symbolising tolerance, charity and freedom. On a more sombre note, the Arlington National Cemetery is the resting place for military personnel and their families along with renowned American leaders such as JFK, Evers and Wendell Holmes. There is also a Vietnam Veterans Memorial built in 1982.
Washington DC, is packed with museums such as the 16-museum Smithsonian Museum, which is Washington's central attraction. It's much more than a group of museums however, and a great place to take children, with a year-round selection of children's activities, lectures and films. The International Spy Museum draws fascinated visitors from around the world, while the National Air and Space Museum and National Gallery of Art remain among the most popular in the area.
Travelling away from the main political district however, will allow you to see another side of Washington DC. There are many interesting neighbourhoods including historic Georgetown, which is packed with international restaurants, buzzing bars and a thriving nightlife. The Adams-Morgan district is full of funky shops that will satisfy anyone with a taste for kitsch.
The Dupont Circle is the centre of the area's nightlife and its gay scene. There are excellent restaurants and art galleries in the district as well as a host of popular clubs. The 18th Street Lounge is swanky, but the Cha-Cha Lounge is packed with trendy clientele who settle down on the velvet settees and soak up the Middle Eastern atmosphere. For such a small area, Washington DC, has a host of nightlife options including Chief Ike's Mambo Room with its jungle theme and the National Theatre, which can be enjoyed in downtown Washington.
