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Founded in 1790, Washington, D.C. is a federal city and not part of a state. It is a planned city, designed from the very beginning to be open, accessible, and worthy of being a capital city. In these modern times, it has become such an incredibly busy and crowded place that navigating its streets by car is much more difficult than most visitors think. Fortunately, there is a terrific public transportation system called the Metro, an underground system of rail cars that is almost seamlessly integrated with the bus system. It is quite possible to travel throughout the city quickly and easily, all thanks to the Metro.
Perhaps the most famous attractions in Washington, D.C. are those laid out in and around the key buildings of the U.S. government. The U.S. Capitol, the White House, various federal agencies, and the like are all located in fairly close proximity to each other. This makes it easier for visitors to pick out the sights they want to see and then get to them with little trouble.
Most holiday travellers centre their itinerary on the National Mall, also known simply as the Mall. This is a large and expansive National Park that is surrounded by government buildings, monuments, museums, memorials, and so much more. Some of the "must see" attractions include the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and so much more. Because the Mall is so large, walking from one end to the other can be much more tiring than you think. It's a good idea to plan your activities so that you can stay in one general area at a time, cutting back on the need to walk long distances.
Another very famous part of the Mall specifically and Washington, D.C. in general is the Smithsonian Institution. This is not really a single location, but rather a collection of museums, galleries, and displays offering visitors a chance to create an exceptionally memorable experience. Some of the most famous and well known of these Smithsonian attractions include the National Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian Castle, the National Air & Space Museum, and many, many more. All of the Smithsonian facilities are open to the public free of charge, most offer a well stocked gift shop, and many include a food court for those who need a bite to eat.
If you don't want to spend your entire holiday inside a museum, though, there are plenty of other interesting sights in and around Washington, D.C. For instance, think about spending a day at the National Zoo, or experience the grandeur of the National Cathedral. Georgetown is a wonderful destination, too, as it is a neighbourhood with historic buildings, great restaurants, and a thriving nightlife.
As you might expect, Washington, D.C. is a major international destination and as such is served by three excellent airports. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is closest to the city, complete with its own Metro station. Washington Dulles International Airport is about 25 miles west of the city, but also offers many convenient choices for transportation into the city. Finally, consider arriving via Baltimore-Washington International Airport, located about 30 mile northeast of the city. It is often much less expensive to fly into this location and well worth the little bit of extra time it takes to get into the city.
Wiki:- Washington, D.C.
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