Washington DCChosen by
George Washington for its tactical location between the South and the North, and for its accessibility to the sea via the
Potomac River, the capital of the
United States is situated in a district specifically created to avoid the establishment of the capital city in any one state.
Washington, DC (District of Columbia) with its low-profile skyline, is a city of green parks and open spaces, grand buildings, historic landmarks, marbled monuments and impressive museums, with character-filled neighborhoods that support a thriving cultural scene with scores of top-notch
restaurants, shops and night time entertainment.
This thriving cosmopolitan city is an international hub of power and diplomacy, commanding the political center stage for one of the most powerful nations in the world, and representing all the democratic ideals that the country takes pride in. Washington, DC was one of the targets of the terrorist attack on the USA on 11 September 2001, when a hijacked plane crashed into
the Pentagon, the heart of national and international security. Since then security has remained high around Washington's key monuments and police checks at top city attractions have lent a sober air to this pleasant city.
After politics, tourism is the capital's main industry. The city plays host to millions of people annually who come to explore famous sights such as the domed
US Capitol, the stately
White House,
Lincoln Memorial and the soaring
Washington Monument. The most well-known sights are located along the
National Mall, a green park stretching from
the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial on the Potomac River, and include several memorials to great US presidents of the past, as well as the outstanding museums of the
Smithsonian Institute. Almost all major attractions are free.
Besides political sights, Washington is also a city of interesting neighborhoods, each with its own character and culture. The most famous of these is historic
Georgetown, with elegant colonial houses, boutiques, fancy restaurants, and a lively nightlife. One of the most colorful neighborhoods is the bohemian district of Adams-Morgan with an assortment of funky shops and ethnic stores, while the arty suburb of
Dupont Circle is an affluent business and residential area, with excellent restaurants, art galleries and shops that makes up the center of DC's gay community.
Getting Around: Getting around Washington DC is relatively easy as most attractions are within walking distance of each other, and there is an excellent public transport system that includes buses and the Metrorail subway, which has stations at or near almost every tourist attraction. The system operates until midnight during the week, and metrorail stations stay open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. The efficient Metrorail subway system provides services throughout the city and to the
Virginia and
Maryland suburbs and is used by means of a computerised fare card. The extensive bus network fills in the gaps, but is more complex to use and is slower due to heavy traffic; bus transfers are free and valid for two hours from boarding. Both buses and trains charge a standard fare. Bus, train or combined one-day passes are also available. Although most visitors to Washington DC arrive by car, it is often easier to use public transport as traffic is heavy, and parking in the city is difficult and expensive. Taxis are a good way of getting around for short distances and they are cheaper than any other major city in the US; instead of meters they operate on a zone system with flat rates displayed, although several surcharges apply, including ordering one by phone.
Climate: While the city of Washington DC's weather is highly seasonal with extreme variations between summer and winter; it has been known to be unpredictable too. Summers tend to be very hot and humid, the conditions exacerbated in the heart of the city with its concrete and steel. Fall and spring are the best seasons, when chilly but bright, perfect days are the norm. Sudden rain or snowfalls are possible though. In winter the city is subject to heavy snowfalls, averaging 17 inches (43cm) a year, and sudden arctic blasts or frozen rainstorms.
