Washington DC, on the eastern seaboard bordered by Maryland and Virginia
Washington
DC (District of Columbia) is the capital of the United States. Nestled
between Maryland and Virginia on the eastern seaboard, the district
covers an area of 108 sq krn (67 sq mi) centring on the US Capitol.
As one of the most historically significant and charming areas in the
United States, Washington is well worth a visit. Tourist highlights
include the US Capitol, the many monuments and museums of the 'mall', the
White House, Georgetown and Adams Morgan.
Tours of the Capitol, where senators and representatives meet to shape
legislative policy, are available. These include the stunning Rotunda,
the Statuary Hall, the original Supreme Court chamber and the Crypt,
intended burial place of George and Martha Washington.
The Washington Monument, a 169-m (555 ft 5 1/8-in) granite spire with 893
steps (or a lift ride) to the top, affords amazing 360-degree views of
Washington's metropolitan area.
The Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex and
research organisation, is composed of 17 museums and the National Zoo.
The museums cover diverse aspects such as American History, Natural
History, Air and Space, African Art, American Indian art and culture and
Asian art among others. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and the
Portrait Gallery feature incredible art works and the Holocaust Museum is
also not to be missed.
Charming areas worth exploring are the cobbled streets of old Georgetown,
on the Potomac River with its brick town houses and luxury boutiques and
many charming gourmet restaurants. Adams Morgan, another area of note, is
a more culturally diverse section of Washington with every kind of
cuisine and shopping available. Here you will find Ethiopian, Indian,
Chinese and Greek restaurants amid local markets, lively cafés and bars
and colourful shop fronts.
The nearby Arlington National Cemetery, a serenely beautiful spot marked
by tens of thousands of white headstones surrounded by lush green
countryside, is home to national heroes, presidents, law makers,
astronauts, veterans, explorers and other historical figures.
Washington DC is a rich cultural and friendly city filled with historical
and political stories in its beautiful waterfront landscape.
