Washington

The US Capital was named in honour of George Washington, the country’s first President, when it was founded in 1791.

Since that time, this prestigious city has been home to the country’s top politicians. Nearly 700,000 people live in Washington, DC.

In addition to its museums and important political monuments, you will enjoy the natural beauty of the nation's capital. Seasonal highlights include the cherry blossoms in April, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in summer, and the bright foliage of the US National Arboretum in the fall.
 

Capitol Hill

United States Capitol

The United States Capitol is the home of the United States Congress, and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. Sitting on top of Jenkins Hill (now known as Capitol Hill), it is certainly Washington’s most visible landmark. The city’s major thoroughfares converge on Capitol Hill, directing the nation, physically and symbolically, to this place of democratic debate. The Exhibition Hall features original documents, artifacts and videos informing visitors about how Congress works and the history of the Capitol. For more information, visit the Capitol Visitor Center between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Monday-Saturday). Guided tours are available from 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

East Capitol Street NE and First Street SE, Washington DC / 202-226-8000
www.visitthecapitol.gov

United States Botanic Garden

This botanic garden, located on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, is made up of the Conservatory (a vast greenhouse), the National Garden (featuring a rose garden) and Bartholdi Park with its majestic fountain. A second-storey catwalk looks down over the jungle canopy. Open daily year-round, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free!

100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington DC / 202-226-1047
www.usbg.gov

Not far from the Capitol is the Library of Congress , the largest library in the world, with its vast collection de books, manuscripts and musical recordings, stored on close to 560 km of bookshelves.

101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington / 202-707-5000
www.loc.gov

Across from the Capitol sits the imposing Supreme Court building, seat of the Supreme Court of the United States, the country’s highest federal court.

1, First Street NE, Washington DC / 202-479-3000
www.supremecourt.gov/visiting

Downtown

The White House

The famous White House is the President’s official residence and a worldwide symbol of the United States of America. The site was selected by George Washington himself in 1791, and every president since John Adams has occupied the White House. Today it has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 3 elevators, 8 staircases, 6 floors and a kitchen equipped for 140 guests! Only certain rooms may be visited, and tour requests can be submitted up to 3 months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. For more information or to submit a request, you need to contact your embassy in Washington DC.

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC / 202-456-1111
www.whitehouse.gov
 

National Mall

The National Mall is a long green pedestrian avenue between the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol. It is home to iconic monuments, memorials and museums. The nearby Tidal Basin is another lovely attraction, known for its spectacular cherry blossoms in the spring.

Famous monuments

The grand temple-like Lincoln Memorial was built in honour of the 16^th American President.  Abraham Lincoln sits immortalized in marble as an enduring symbol of unity, strength and wisdom.

On a hill across from the Lincoln memorial soars the Washington Monument , built to honor George Washington. This iconic obelisk is one of the country’s most recognizable structures. 169 metres tall, it took 40 years to complete.

Another favourite is the circular white columned Jefferson Memorial , dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, 3^rd President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence.

The Smithsonian Institution

The National Mall is bordered by a number of world-class museums including the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex, with 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoological Park.

The Smithsonian was established in 1829 when James Smithson, a British scientist, left his estate to the United States to found "an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge". Without even setting foot on American soil, this visionary saw American democracy as the future of civilization. The Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are open every day of the year and are absolutely free!

Must-see museums include:

• The National Air and Space Museum houses an impressive collection of aircraft and space objects, from the first flying machine (1903) to the Apollo 11 command module. (Independence Avenue at 6th St. / 202-633-2214 / airandspace.si.edu)
   
• The National Gallery of Art is another popular museum and boasts one of the world's finest collections of pictorial and sculptural art from the Middle Ages to the present day. (6th and Constitution Ave NW / 202-737-4215 / www.nga.gov)
   
• The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history and culture. Explore the rich saga of African American history and life in the United States from slavery to emancipation, and learn all about this fascinating segment of the American population. (1400 Constitution Avenue NW / nmaahc.si.edu) Note: due to the museum's great popularity, entry passes are required even though admission is free. Visit nmaahc.si.edu/visit/passes for more information.
   
• The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is a modern art museum presenting European and American art from the late 19^th century to the present, including a superb outdoor sculpture garden. (Independence Ave and 7th St / hirshhorn.si.edu)
   
• The Smithsonian's National Zoo is a world-class  zoo in the heart of the city, home to more than 300 different species of animals. The zoo also conducts research on conservation, reproductive biology, and wildlife behaviour and ecology. (3001, Connecticut Avenue NW / 202-633-4888 / nationalzoo.si.edu)

You also have many other museums to choose from, depending on your interests and the time available to you: the Freer Gallery of Art , the National Museum of African Art , the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery , the National Museum of the American Indian , the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum , the National Museum of American History , and the National Museum of Natural History .

Bike tour of the National Mall

The best way to explore the National Mall is by bike! Get out, enjoy some fresh air, and explore the many sites the area has to offer. Set out on your own or take a guided tour with a professional guide who will teach you all about the sites. You can rent a bike or book your guided tour at Bike and Roll (955 L'Enfant Plaza, North Building #905, Washington DC / 202-842-2453 / www.bikeandrolldc.com).

NEARBY

United States National Arboretum

If you need a break from monuments, this large park is the perfect place for a nature escape, away from the urban hustle and bustle! The site can be explored on foot, but if you are short on time, you can also drive from one area to another. The arboretum features many gardens and collections, including the largest azalea garden in the country, magnificent orchids and the cherry blossoms in the spring. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum houses a vast collection of bonsais. Admission is free! Open every day (except December 25) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington DC / 202-245-4523
www.usna.usda.gov

Washington National Cathedral

The neo-Gothic National Cathedral is one of the largest religious buildings in the country, and the 6^th-largest in the world! Although it was built during the 20^th century, the Cathedral was constructed primarily in the masonry tradition of the great medieval churches of Europe. Guided walking tours provide an overview of the Cathedral’s art, architecture, history, and mission. Open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12:45 p.m. to 4 p.m.

3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC / 202-537-6200
www.cathedral.org