Washington DC is the Capital of one of the most attractive nations in the world and is the prime center of politics, culture, history, and night life. While there is no dearth of places of interest, here we discuss the five most attractive places you ought to visit when in Washington DC.
1. White House
A visit to the White House helps you experience history, art, and the power of democracy. It's been home to the President's of the US since 1800 and is therefore a landmark you should not miss. However, being at the official residence of the most powerful leaders of the world is a privilege that can be attained with prior permission. It is recommended that you book your visit at least 3 months in advance. If you could not arrange a scheduled tour, you can still revel in the history of the White House by spending time in the White House Visitor Center. Here a well-curated exhibition of pictures and videos depict all you wanted to know about White House and the numerous Presidents that inhabited it during the course of their tenure.
2. U.S. Capitol
U.S. Capitol is an architectural marvel and a politically important building as it housed the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives for over 200 years. If you are interested in historically important buildings, the U.S. Capitol with its long history will surely arouse your interest. There are beautiful paintings and sculptors in the building to portray the iconic events from history. And, while you are here, do visit the Library of Congress, which is said to be the largest library in the world. Make sure to take necessary permissions in advance so you can enjoy access to the U.S. Capitol.
3. National Mall
The National Mall is another most-visited place in Washington DC. It is a landscaped park, within the National Mall and Memorial Parks. Here you'll find a seamless blend of past, present, and future. The National Mall has Lincoln Memorial on its west end and U.S. Capitol on the east end. Watching the Washington Monument at moonlight is a spectacle tourists' do not like to give a miss. Apart from getting a feel of the history, the National Mall offers you a fair share of fun. You can play kickball on the turf or eat delicious food at some of the best eateries and restaurants of the Washington DC. Other must-visit memorials in the National Mall include Vietnam Veteran Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and Thomas Jefferson Memorial among others.
4. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
An iconic structure situated on the banks of Potomac, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway plays, ballets or opera by artists of international repute. It is named after John F. Kennedy to commemorate his endeavor to promote performing arts. There are six stages, the Concert Hall is the largest. The acoustics of the hall are exceptional and its chandelier is absolutely gorgeous. While the entry cost is steep, the Millennium Stage performances are free.
5. National Museum of Natural History
Having a size sufficient enough to fit-in 18 football fields, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History aims at educating visitors about the natural world. There are over 140 million natural science specimens and various cultural artifacts to help us understand our world better and appreciate the role of humans in relation to nature. The museum gives you a unique chance to explore the story of the Earth and its transformation through ages with the help of exhibits and activities. The museum enthralls young and the old alike.
There are a whole lot of attractions for people with myriad interests. While you need to buy tickets for a lot of places, plenty of them are free too. A few days are definitely needed to capture the essence of Washington DC. However, many would still be left unvisited so you always have something to look forward to every time you get a chance to visit this iconic capital of the USA.
Category: Vacation Ideas
