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Like other important capital cities, Washington D.C. can quickly overwhelm visitors into an icon-gazing daze. Therefore, it’s a good idea to book a Washington hostel or hotel in advance and devise a touring strategy that’s consistent with your travel budget. This capital city is definitely worth a visit of at least several days and chances are that will only whet your desire to return. To navigate the dizzying orgy of “must see” sites, set a course to the attractions that capture your fancy and satisfy your craving to rub elbows with power.
United States Capital Building, Washington, D.C.
The Capitol Complex
To walk the corridors of the historic U.S. Capitol building, you have to sign up for a guided tour offered between 8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. every day but Sunday. So, you must first make an advance reservation at the kiosks on the East and West Fronts of the Capitol or at the Information Desk at the Capitol Visitor Center. Though free, tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Keep in mind that the Senate and House galleries are silent on weekends and holidays.
Smithsonian Institution Castle on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian Museums
The sprawling Smithsonian complex is intimidating, but there’s a Smithsonian iTunes app that can help you navigate the maze and an excellent Smithsonian website. Since only 10 of the 19 Smithsonian museums in D.C. are located on the National Mall between Constitution and Independence Avenues, deciding which ones to include on your itinerary requires letting your fascination (and the time available) to be your guide. If you love animals, head to the National Zoo or the National Museum of Natural History. The National Air and Space Museum is a perennial favorite. If history is your thing, check out the relatively new American Indian Museum and the Museum of American History. Art lovers have many options, including, but not limited to the National Portrait Gallery, the Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the American Art Gallery. Admission to all museums is free, but you must purchase tickets to the IMAX movie theaters.
National Gallery of Art
Although located on the National Mall in the midst of the Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery is not part of the Smithsonian. This world-class art museum displays masterpieces from all over the world, including the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in the United States. Admission is free as are the educational programs, guided tours, films, lectures and seasonal concerts. The recently added East Building hosts 20th century contemporary artists like Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock and also houses the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts where photographic archives and art libraries can be accessed by the public.
National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.
Washington National Cathedral
Regardless of your religious affiliation, you’ll be impressed by this majestic neo-gothic house of worship dedicated in 1907 by Theodore Roosevelt. Although only the fourth highest structure in D.C., it’s built on the tallest hill in the area, making the Gloria in Excelsis Tower, at 676 feet above sea level, the highest point in the city. Supposedly, you could fit the Washington Monument, measuring 555 feet, easily along the center aisle of this gargantuan cathedral that has been witness to some of the most auspicious funerals in American history. Of the over 200 stained glass windows, the most famous is the Space Window that commemorates the Apollo 11 landing on the moon. National Cathedral even has a depiction of Star War’s Darth Vader, in a “grotesque” (hidden grotto) among the many gargoyles adorning the roof.
Georgetown
Considered one of the fashionable areas of D.C., Georgetown is a shoppers’ paradise with one of a kind boutiques and artistically inclined stores. Around Georgetown University are bars, clubs and popular restaurants, some offering floor shows like Flamenco dancing and Gypsy Jazz. The Potomac River flows through Georgetown and the Washington Harbor is great place to stroll or catch a boat tour to view Washington’s massive monuments from the water. Dining along the water front is especially lovely during holiday evenings when the river shimmers with festive city lights.
(Read reviews, see pictures and check locations for bargain accommodations in Washington, D.C. at Hostelbookers.com, the budget travel specialists.)
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