Washington D.C represents the whole American soul. This city may not have a long heritage like Paris or Rome but there is no question that it is one of the most important capital cities in the world. A lot of genius plan, hard labor and unfathomable dreams were behind to build this city. The best things to do in Washington D.C. are to know about the history of America, visiting the museums and shopping malls and roaming around the street.
The special things about Washington D.C. are its innovative showcase of arts and the brilliance to make it solely American. It is a city of museums and monuments. Here is our list of top things to do in Washington D.C.
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10 Best Things to do in Washington D.C.:
Let’s find, what to do in Washington D.C.?
10. Washington National Cathedral
Built in Neo-Gothic style, Washington National Cathedral is a huge Cathedral lies in the heart of Washington D.C. The Cathedral was the result of 200 years plan. It is full of artistic wonder. It is not only the sixth largest Cathedral of the world but also one of the most beautifully decorated cathedral in the world. It is one of the places to visit in Washington and considered one of the most sacred homes of the nation. It was 1792 when a “great church for national purposes” was planted. But the construction was started on 1907. It got its present shape in 1990.
The artistic beauty of the cathedral is one of the best things to see in Washington D.C. It follows different Gothic architectural styles of the middle Ages. Flying buttresses, stained-glass windows, a variety of ceiling vaulting and carved decorations in stone are its signature architectural style. Visiting Washington National Cathedral is one of the best things to do in Washington D.C.
Also Read: Top 10 medieval cathedrals around the world
9. Library of Congress
There is no way to keep outside from the list of top things to do in Washington D.C., the second largest library in the world. Being founded in 1800, it is the oldest federal cultural institution in America. It is one of the greatest treasures of America. Today the library contains 36 million books in 460 languages and 69 million manuscripts. It plays an important role in promoting American literature and literacy. It runs several projects like American Memory, Center for the Book, Poet Laureate and American folklore.
President Thomas Jefferson had a significant contribution behind this library. He signed a bill for the establishment of a Joint Committee on the Library to maintain the library and offered his personal library. It is one of the major Washington D.C. attractions.
8. Georgetown Neighborhood
Georgetown is the oldest part of the capital and one of the lucrative places to visit in Washington D.C. This historic district was established decade before the U.S. government was established in here. It is an important area in Washington; a renowned University, the Old Stone House and several embassies are in this area. Visiting Georgetown is one of the best things to do in Washington D.C. because it’s high-end shopping and dining, cobblestone streets similar to old Europe, French-style cafes and cupcakeries and exclusive cocktail parties.
It was also the home of many great American men like 3rd American president Thomas Jefferson, when he was vice president, Francis Scott Key, a famous writer, John F. Kennedy. Georgetown Neighborhood offers you the best nightlife in Washington. Coming here is one of the best things to do in Washington D.C.
7. National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum is of the American prides. Visiting it is without a doubt one of the most lucrative things to do in Washington D.C. It has the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. It is one of the most visited museums in the world. Nearly 6.7 million visitors visited this museum in 2014. The main subjects of research in this museum are the history and science of aviation and spaceflight. It also focuses on planetary science and terrestrial geology and geophysics.
It was originally called National Air Museum when it was formed in on August 12, 1946. The famous icons of this museum are the Spirit of St. Louis, SpaceShipOne, original Wright Flyer, a touchable lunar rock and the Apollo 11 command module. Visiting National Air and Space Museum is one of the best things to do in Washington D.C.
Also Read: Top 10 most popular museums around the world
6. Jefferson Memorial
Jefferson Memorial shines among the amazing array of monuments and memorials in Washington D.C. This memorial is one of the best places to visit in Washington D.C. It was designed by famous American architect John Russell Pope in 1925. Its design is influenced by resembles the Pantheon in Rome, an adaptation of Neoclassical architecture. It was built in honor of famous U.S president Thomas Jefferson and many of his ideas about architecture was implanted in the memorial.
Thomas Jefferson is one of the greatest presidents in America. He is the writer of the first draft of the Declaration of Independence, which is the best writing before 1800 in America. The museum focuses the work of this multi-talented president. Jefferson Memorial should be always in the list of the top things to do in Washington D.C. A 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson is in the front of the museum.
Also Read: Top 10 best cities to travel alone
5. Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial is without a question should be in the list of top things to do in Washington D.C. It is built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Located on the western end of the National Mall in Washington D.C., the memorial is designed in the form of a Greek Doric temple. A huge statue of the seated president is surrounded by the memorial. The memorial also contains the inscriptions of two famous speeches of Lincoln.
The Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address along with many famous speeches like Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. It was dedicated to Lincoln in 1922 in presence of his last surviving son Robert Todd. It was featured in many famous movies like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Visiting Lincoln Memorial is one of the best things to do in Washington D.C.
4. Washington Monument
Washington Monument is one of the most famous icon in US and one of the best places to visit in Washington D.C. It is one of the best-known obelisks in the world, dedicated to George Washington for his military achievement Washington during the Revolutionary War as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. The construction of the monument began in 1848 and completed in 1884. Its height is about 555 feet, one of the tallest monuments in the world.
The visitors can visit all time but can’t get on the top. It has to be always in the list of the top things to do in Washington D.C. It was damaged during Hurricane Irene and Virginia earthquake in 2011 and remains closed since then. Visiting Washington Monument is one of the top things to do in Washington D.C.
Also Read: Top 10 most famous statues to visit in the world
3. United States Capitol
The United States Capitol is the congregation of Congress. For two centuries, it has housed the meeting chambers of the Senates and the House of Representatives. It is historically and symbolically important to America and one of the best places to visit in Washington D.C. It i s located on Capitol Hill at the east end of the National Mall. It was built in 1800 in neoclassical style. It was burnt partially by British troop in 1818.
As the number of senators and representatives were growing, the Capitol was extended in 1850. The wedding cake style Dome was added at that time. Visitors need free passes to visit the Capitol, which can be obtained from congressmen office. Visiting United States Capitol is one of the best things to do in Washington D.C.
2. White House
It is hard to find anyone who doesn’t know White House. It is the most cited building in the world. It is the place where the president of United States works and lives. You may call it the most important political building in the world. It was originally called the “President’s Palace” or “Presidential Mansion“. It was not clear how it got its name White House.
Rumor has that after burning down the building by British troop; it was painted by white color to cover up the spot. That’s how it became White House. It is one of the top things to see in Washington D.C. A tour in the in this one of the amazing places to visit in Washington D.C. is really awesome.
1. National Mall
No one wants to miss to visit National Mall in his tour to Washington D.C. It should be always in the list of what to do in Washington D.C. A stroll on the National Mall is the best experience which Washington D.C. ever could give. Situated downtown, the National Mall extends on the east from the Jefferson Memorial to Constitution Avenue and on the west from the US Capitol building to the Potomac River.
There are many notable monuments and landmarks like National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden and so many others. Visiting it is one of the top things to do in Washington D.C.