Washington, D.C.

Things to do in Washington, D.C.

The White House
Every U.S. president since John Adams has occupied the White House. Since its completion in 1800, the White House has undergone many transformations. From the President’s famous Oval Office to the State Floor rooms, where countless leaders and dignitaries have been entertained, the White House is both the home of the President of the United States and a museum of American history. Booking on a guided tour of the White House can be challenging, so the next best thing is to visit the White House Visitor Centre where you can get some great insights into the history of America’s politics.

The National Mall
From the U.S. Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall is a two-mile expanse of green, open-air public parkland. Several of the nation’s most popular monuments and memorials are contained within the mall including the Washington Monument, the Reflecting Pool, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial. Nearby, surrounding the Tidal Basin are the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Lining either side of the National Mall are also many of the major Smithsonian Museums.

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Top tips for Washington, D.C. holidays

•  Avoid driving
  With an excellent public transport system there is no need for a car, especially as the roads as in any city can get congested with traffic and parking is expensive. The Washington Metro prides itself on being one of the cleanest and most orderly in the country. With fares as low as approximately $13 for a one day unlimited pass, it’s a quick, convenient and great value way of exploring the city.
  
• Consider fall
  Visitors flock to Washington between April and August. The city can be debilitatingly hot and humid in the summer, which makes trekking around to all those outside monuments a sweltering affair. Remember, D.C. is lovely all year round – especially in the fall.
  
• One-of-a-kind attractions
  Outside of the Smithsonian Museums, DC offers a whole host of interesting and unique attractions that offer lots of fun for all the family. Museums include the International Spy Museum, the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage, where children can learn how to become an undercover spy. Explore the technology and science behind fighting and solving crimes and venture into the dark side of the criminal mind through this intensely interactive experience at the Crime Museum. Watch millions of US dollar notes printed as you walk through the production floor at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and see some of the most important documents in the world including the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives Museum.
  
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