Washington DC – The Capital of The USA
Famous landmarks, renowned museums, historical monuments, center of power. All of this and more, Washington DC is the capital of the United States that was once created on the drawing board. But Washington DC is so much more than the seat of government, history and culture. It’s a place that is full of life, with great restaurants to discover, nice shops, lovely little boutique hotels and a vibrant nightlife.
In addition, metropolises such as New York City and well-known sights such as Niagara Falls are not too far from the seat of government. The official name of the city is District of Columbia, where Columbia is derived from the name of the navigator Columbus. The city of Washington owes its name to George Washington.
In addition, as the seat of government, the District of Columbia also has its own flag. The flag is based on a banner with the coat of arms of the first US president.
Perfect for tourists: DC Circulator
The bus system DC circulator was introduced in 2005. The DC Circulator buses are buses that, similar to shuttle buses, run according to a fixed timetable between the main attractions and popular parts of the city. Visitors have the opportunity to travel by bus from one attraction to another within a few minutes.
Education in Washington DC
There are a total of five universities in Washington. Georgetown University is one of the most famous. Georgetown University was founded in 1789. George Washington University and Howard University are also venerable and well-known.
Washington DC for tourists
Wonderful avenues and boulevards that run towards the Capitol in a star shape, lush green parks and gardens, beautiful squares, diverse architecture and sights that are second to none. But also scene, night life, numerous worthwhile shops and culinary specialties.
There are many reasons to visit the US capital and its diverse neighborhoods, often referred to as the center of power. We would like to introduce some of them to you here. Because it is not only worthwhile to look to Washington during the campaigns surrounding the fight for a place in the White House. This endeavor was made with ” Discover the Real DC ”Even dedicated a dedicated campaign.
Must-see museums in Washington DC
When you think of Washington, you think of the Smithsonian museums very quickly. Without exception, the institution’s museums are an absolute must when visiting Washington. But it’s worth giving other museums a chance while exploring the district, some of which are represented in Washington DC.
These museums, for example, are very interesting:
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: The National Air and Space Museum is cult, one of the institution’s best-known museums and leads through the history of American space travel with numerous exhibits. The museum is being expanded to include the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located near Washington-Dulles Airport and is home to other exhibits from the history of aviation.
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: This museum deals with the history of the Holocaust, offers opportunities for research and has its own exhibition in which American contemporary witnesses have their say.
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: The Foundation’s Natural History Museum is located in the National Mall and includes more than 125 million exhibits from various themed areas of fauna and flora, including many fossils. The National Museum of Natural History is the most visited natural history museum in the world.
- National Museum of American History: This facility covers the past of the United States and its history from the creation of the United States to the present day.
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens: The Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is a decorative arts museum. It is the former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post and is known for its large art collection that is heavily focused on the Romanov house. You can marvel at Fabergé eggs here, among other things.
- National Museum of African American History and Culture: The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to documenting the life, history, and culture of African American people in the United States.
- Ford’s Theater: Ford’s Theater on 10th Street is the location where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated during a performance. Today the building houses a museum where you can follow Abraham Lincoln from the beginning of his presidency to the moments before his assassination. Exhibits are also dedicated to the assassin John Wilkes Booth.
Washington DC for nature lovers
Even if museums and visiting architectural gems can be very entertaining, one often longs for a little relaxation in the countryside. Washington DC also has a lot to offer for nature lovers.
A brief overview:
- United States Botanic Garden: The traditional botanical garden of the United States is home to a living plant museum that educates visitors about the importance and often irreplaceable value of plants for human well-being and the earth’s fragile ecosystems.
- The Tulip Library: The Tulip Library is a show garden with almost 100 species of tulips, making the garden a popular place for residents of the city themselves, photographers and picnickers. Here you can take beautiful holiday photos.
- Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral: The grounds surrounding Washington’s National Cathedral were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and are home to the actual Bishop’s Garden, Olmsted Woods, and more.
- US National Arboretum: The US National Arboretum increases the economic, environmental, and aesthetic value of ornamental and landscaped plants through long-term, multidisciplinary research, conservation of genetic resources, and informative gardens and exhibits.
- Constitution Gardens: Officially established in 1965, the National Mall and Memorial Parks protect some of the national park system’s older parklands. Areas within this premier park provide ample opportunity for visitors to commemorate the legacies of presidents, honor the courage and sacrifices of war veterans, or simply enjoy the time.
- Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection: The Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection is located in Georgetown and gives those interested the opportunity to visit the historic garden designed by Beatrix Farrand.
- Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens: Wind, water and land combine here in an ancient dance. This natural area in Anacostia Park has its origins in a 1926 law of Congress that was intended to preserve the forests, water quality and recreational value of Washington DC’s waterways.