The 8 things to do in Washington

Visit Washington: what are the best things to do and see in this emblematic city, political heart and capital of the United States?

Come and discover the capital of United States , Washington D.C., located in the District of Columbia. As a federal capital, it is the headquarters of many American institutions (White House, Capitol, Senate...) and military and judicial organizations (NCIS, the FBI, the Pentagon...). This large city has only 600,000 inhabitants, and is distinguished from others by its atypical urban profile.

Because it is unique, Washington DC is a city that has no skyscrapers (they are even forbidden) and also has a large concentration of historical monuments. If the visit of official buildings and memorials is rich in emotions, the discovery of the city of Washington DC also promises other exceptional moments thanks to the impressive number of cultural sites it houses. Are you wondering what to do in Washington? This is it!

1. Georgetown

With its old houses and old industrial sites, Georgetown is a postcard of the past that will allow you to travel in time. As you walk away from the main artery where souvenir shops are located, you will enjoy the bucolic atmosphere that still reigns in the neighborhood.

2. The capitol

A true architectural masterpiece of the late eighteenth century, the Capitole is located on a hill. It is one of the highest buildings in the city. It is here that seat Congress the legislative power of the United States. In the north wing is the Senate and in the south wing the House of Representatives.

The dome is really the spectacular element of the building. It is somehow the representation of all the power and power of the United States. A statue symbolizing freedom surmounts him. If you take it well in advance, you can book a guided tour of the Capitole!

3. The Supreme Court

Its size and omnipresence of marble make it its beauty. Not far from the Capitol, the Supreme Court is the seat of the judiciary in the United States. The building that shelters it is of ancient inspiration and offers visitors one of the most beautiful frames to be photographed. Incontournable in Washington, the Supreme Court is most often visiting the sandstones of a City Tour that takes visitors to discover the cultural pioneers of the city.

4. The White House

Visit Washington, it’s FORCEMENT to pass The White House ! This highly symbolic place was built between 1792 and 1800, in a Georgian style. A symbol of American executive power and policy, it is obviously no longer present. In the west wing are the administrative offices, including the oval office, the Room Cabinet and the Roosevelt Room, and in the east wing is the office of the First Lady and the White House Secretariat. The delightful gardens of the White House perfectly complement the building. The place is obviously ultra-protected, but you can still make a stopover for a guided tour of Washington.

5. Washington Monument

Crossing the Mall, a historic place where Martin Luther King spoke, is the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument . Recognizable among all monuments, it is a great white marble obelisk measuring 168m high, which evokes the memory of George Washington. The monument is located at the intersection of two lines: that of the Capitole and that of the White House. As a result of an earthquake in 2011, it is no longer possible to get there, since its structure was weakened. However, it is still possible to discover it from the outside, like the Lincoln Memorial. On foot, by bus or even in carriage, walk in the footsteps of the Men who made the History of the United States!

6. The Garden Constitution

The garden of the Constitution , located not far from the National Mall, is the place of relaxation of the inhabitants. It is the ideal place to relax after long hours of walking to the city to discover its most beautiful monuments.

7. Lincoln Memorial

Built in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial has a Greek temple look. The 36 columns symbolize the number of Member States of the Union at the time of Lincoln. Inside the memorial is a statue of Abraham Lincoln more than 5m high. This is the monument on the US$5 bills and it is on the marches of this memorial that Martin Lutter King gave his famous speech “ I have a dream In 1963.

8. The Museums

They left along a huge green space called “ The Mall ", and above all, they are free! At the National Museum of the American Indian, you will discover the wealth of the first peoples who inhabited the vast American territories.

For art lovers, visiting the National Gallery of Art is the must-see stage: an impressive collection of paintings by American and European masters, such as Rembrandt, Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol promises exciting discoveries. If you're travelling with your family, get a getaway to the stars by visiting the National Air and Space Museum. You will be admirable in the evolution of aeronautical technologies, from the first plane of the Wright brothers to the lunar module of Apollo XI.

The no less known Natural History Museum He will delight small and great explorers! A cultural monument since 1910, it contains an impressive collection of 126 million specimens, plants, insects, fish and other animals preserved in a unique place. It was here that the famous film “La Nuit au Musée” was shot with Ben Stiller! During your visit, discover stunning dinosaur skeletons with real size and explore the history of nature. One thing is certain, the adventure is worth the detour!

How do I go to Washington?

Wherever you leave, you will necessarily find a flight to Washington, as the city has 3 airports. You will find a cheap flight on our partner's website Ulysses . Washington-Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore-Washington (BWI) are two international airports located outside the city (respectively 42 and 48 km). National airport Ronald Reagan (DCA), for domestic flights, is located not far from the Pentagon, a few minutes from the city centre (7km). The Southwest Airlines operating there often offers cheaper flights.

If you are on a trip to New York City and would like to come and visit Washington for a few days, many trains and buses make the journey (between 3 and 6 hours).

Where to stay in Washington?

If you choose to visit Washington, you can read our article on the best places to stay in Washington. The city offers its visitors many accommodations of all styles, and prices may vary from cheap to very expensive depending on the congresses and conferences of the moment. We strongly advise you to book as soon as possible to prevent the best accommodation from being taken. There will be for all budgets, from the youth hostel to the luxury 5* hotel! You can find a cheap hotel in Washington by searching for this Compare hotels .

In contact with the rich history of the American Nation, go to the discovery of an exceptional destination. Are you still wondering what to do in Washington?