In my opinion, there is no other country in the world that honours one of its Founding Fathers and first President as the United States of America, to the extent where it names its capital after him.
As I entered Washington D.C., I immediately noted its grandeur, partly due to its architecture where the dominant Neoclassical style is marked by tall and commanding columns, beautiful symmetry, and a white colour palette.
But despite its history and popularity amongst tourists and school children, here’s some of my most memorable experiences in D.C.
The Mall
As a tourist, I always try to optimise my routes so that I can explore the area with maximum efficiency.
The Mall is probably the most organised strip of land I’ve been to. Commonly nicknamed ‘America’s Front Yard’, the National Mall is over 3km in diameter and houses iconic monuments, memorials, and museums. And yes, prepare to walk a LOT!
It’s an extensive checklist of buildings from the White House which was built in 1800 to the National Museum of African American History and Culture which was built in 2016.
Although most of the museums are free of charge, a number of them did require pre-booked tickets and some were also closed due to renovations (e.g. the National Air and Space Museum), so be sure to book in advance!
And for the best view of D.C. and its surroundings, I’d recommend going to the top of the Washington Monument (for Spider-Man fans, I can assure you that the elevator is completely safe).
Bonus tip: If you’re a fan of 007, Mission Impossible or anything in the spy-related genre, then you’d definitely enjoy the International Spy Museum – plenty of interactive activities and genuine artefacts to keep you hooked.
Georgetown
It’s quite incredible that from just a short drive away from Downtown D.C., you switch from majestic buildings to picturesque Georgetown, the oldest neighbourhood in D.C.
From the Old Stone House (which is the oldest building in D.C.) to a European-like C&O Canal, the infamous ‘Exorcist’ stairs and Georgetown Cupcake bakery, historic Tudor Place, and water activities along the Waterfront, there’s plenty of things to do, eat, and explore.
Bonus tip: If you enjoy shopping for souvenirs, I’d recommend checking out Georgetown Tee’s. Owned by a lovely Iranian woman, this shop has an eclectic display of souvenirs that will suit all tastes.
The Kennedy Centre
Whether or not you’re a fan of the Arts, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a must visit. Home to more than 2,000 performances a year (!!), this cultural landmark truly lives up to its mission which is to inspire and advance the performing arts scene in the U.S.
And if you’re a student, make sure you check out offers for any student rush tickets!
Einstein Memorial
This larger than life bronze statue of Albert Einstein (measuring more than 3m in height) is a wonderful tribute to one of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century.
Supra
Recommended by locals, Supra is a Georgian restaurant that offers delicious shareable food, with one dish that I still think about – Khachapuri. It’s a traditional bread filled with cheese – so think of the best cheese pizza with a thick crust and the heartiness of a cheese fondue!
Where would you go to first in D.C? Let me know in the comments below!
This post is not sponsored. All views are my own.
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