Washington DC, is one of the most exciting cities in the United States, situated on the east bank of the Potomac River, with some of the world’s most exciting museums and monuments. It has preserved the country’s long-lost heritage, which is reflected in all Washington DC’s tourist attractions. In 2016, Washington DC was visited by a record number of tourists, i.e. over 20 million.
If you’ve ever been intrigued by historical tales of conflict, power, and glory, this is one city you should visit during your journey to the United States. Beyond the monuments, museums, and statues, you will also find Arts, Fresh foods and nightlife scenes. Here are some of the top spots in the city that will not only provide you with an insight into the culture of the city but will also assist you in fully absorbing it. Take a look!
8 Attractive Sites To See In Washington DC
Washington State is a nature lover’s paradise. The state’s natural scenery is among the most stunning and awe-inspiring in the United States. The Hoh Rain Forest, volcanoes (both dormant and recently destructive), woods, and islands make up the landscape.
“Washington DC, is one of the most exciting cities in the United States, situated on the east bank of the Potomac River, with some of the world’s most exciting museums and monuments”
Seattle, the state’s largest metropolis, and Olympia, the state’s capital, are among Washington’s most impressive cities. There are numerous national parks in Washington, some of which are well-known and others less so, but all are equally beautiful and well worth a visit.
The White House: Importance & History of the White House
The White House is the official residence of the U.S. president. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. Since its construction in 1800, every president of the United States has lived in The WH. Here, you can view the presidential suites, visit the library, and learn about the presidents. You can also learn about the historic significance of the building. Read on to find out more about the residence and the history of the Whitehouse.
The History of the White House
The first whitewash was applied to the exterior of the White House in 1798. This protected the stone exterior from freezing temperatures and other elements. The term “White” first appeared in newspapers after the War of 1812. The premise of the WH was made official in 1792 when George Washington signed an Act of Congress creating the District of Columbia.
James Hoban was selected as the architect for the residence, after receiving nine submissions from other architects. The WH was officially designated as a “White House” in the early 1900s, when he moved his working quarters to the newly-built West Wing. In 1800, John Adams and his wife Abigail became the first tenants of the Neoclassical structure.
In 1812, the United States and Great Britain went to war with each other. The British briefly took control of Washington, D.C., and burned down the White House as a symbol of victory. The fire caused a huge amount of damage. The original wooden interiors were destroyed, but the stone walls remain visible today. Although the building’s name changed three times, it is still the symbol of democracy in our country. Once the war ended, the new President’s house was completed and officially named The White House.
The United States Capitol is Located on Capitol Hill
The U.S. government is headquartered on Capitol Hill, a neighborhood located just south of downtown Washington, D.C. This area includes the United States Capital, the Senate, Houses of Representatives, and the neoclassical Supreme Court. It is also home to many other attractions and activities. For example, the Eastern Market is a popular spot for food and drink lovers, and is famous for its meat, produce, handicrafts, and antiques. And for the more eclectic palate, Barracks Row is lined with eclectic restaurants and pubs.
There are several art exhibits on the Hill. The United States Capitol is home to the National Statuary Hall Collection, which includes statues from all fifty states. The lobby of the building is decorated with relief portraits of famous lawgivers and lawmakers. The tribune is adorned with an x-ray machine, and there are also clocks and a large flag. The National Statuary Hall Collection is an excellent place to view some of the most famous monuments in the world.
History of Capitol Hill
The Capitol is also home to the House chamber, Senate chamber, and other buildings. The North Wing of the Capitol was originally designed in 1792, and the first Congress met there in 1800. Thomas Jefferson was inaugurated in the same building and finished the rest of the building in 1803. In 1803, Benjamin Latrobe, a surveyor of public buildings under Jefferson, added unique Corinthian-style columns. The capitals of the statues are corn cobs and tobacco leaves, symbolizing the nation’s bounty.
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is a significant tourist attraction in Washington DC, dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. Though it is not its architecture that is the most beautiful aspect of it, its reflection in the pool makes it appear more majestic. If you want to start your journey on a historical note, this memorial is a great location to go to!
Features & Importance of Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is a US national monument dedicated to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. It is located on the western end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The building is a neoclassical temple designed by Henry Bacon. It features a bronze relief of the President and his family. If you visit the US, you should visit the Lincoln Museum. The neoclassical structure is a beautiful example of a federal monument.
The monument contains many historical details. The lower level of the Lincoln memorial contains the names of the 36 states that ratified the U.S. Constitution, as well as one bronze plaque commemorating Alaska and Hawaii. Other features of the monument include a wreath of northern laurel interspersed with a wreath of southern pine. These elements are meant to signify the victory of the Union over the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The upper row contains the names of the 48 states that existed in 1922, as if the two states were still separate.
The lower level of the monument has lists of the 36 states that ratified the U.S. Constitution. The southern row includes the state of Delaware, which was the first to ratify the Constitution. Wreaths of northern laurel and southern pine are interspersed among the columns on the monument. Both the north and the south states were involved in the American Civil War, and the inscriptions of Lincoln’s speeches are inscribed in both styles.
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is one of the top things to visit in Washington DC, and it was created in the name of a powerful man. It was designed to honour the first president of the United States, George Washington DC, whose name ultimately became the name of the city! An attraction with such fascinating stories should be on your bucket list!
National Gallery Of Art
The National Gallery of Art is also one of Washington DC’s most important things to see. Visit this art gallery to pamper your inner art lover. The gallery exhibits many types of art created by various artists, ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. The collections in the gallery trace the growth of Western Art, including the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci.National Museum Of American History
The National Museum of American History, one of the top historical attractions to visit in Washington DC, will pique your interest in history. In 1964, it was opened as a Museum of History and Technology. The museum was designed by the famous architectural company McKim Mead and White. A visit to this museum will allow you to witness the country’s birth and how it grew into the formidable empire it is today!
National Air And Space Museum
The National Air And Space Museum is where to go if you’re interested in planes and rockets. It is also known as the Air And Space Museum in Washington, DC. This museum gives visitors an inside look at the history of planes and aeroplanes and the construction process. Visiting this location will undoubtedly make you proud of how far human imagination has progressed!
Smithsonian Zoological Park
The National Zoological Park or National Zoo is a part of the Smithsonian Institute founded in 1889. A sightseeing trip to this magnificent site in Washington DC will bring you closer to nature. There are over 400 species in this national zoological park, including pandas, lions, elephants, and more. The nature enthusiast in you will be pampered by seeing and being around these species. The notable animals in this park are Smokey Bear and Giant Pandas.
National Cathedral Church
The iconic National Cathedral church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is a must-see for anybody interested in the city’s magnificent architecture and rich culture. This church, one of the best sites to visit and the second-largest church building in the town, provides a serene and divine atmosphere. So, even if you’re not particularly religious, make a point of visiting this location to soak up some happiness.
FAQs About Sites To See In Washington DC
What is Washington, DC’s claim to fame?
Washington, D.C., is the nation’s capital and the most powerful city in the country. Washington, D.C. is known for its culture, museums, historical monuments, and a multitude of embassies and being the residence of the president of the United States.
What is the most popular tourist attraction in Washington, DC?
The most popular attractions in Washington DC include the Air and Space Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of American History.
What could be the average cost to visit Washington. DC?
The average daily cost of visiting Washington DC is roughly Rs. 11000 per person per day. A typical meal will set you back around Rs. 2000.
When visiting Washington, DC, where should I stay?
The following are some of the most incredible places to stay in Washington, DC:
When is the ideal time to go to Washington, DC?
The best months to visit the Washington DC area are September to November and March to May. It’s that time of year when the city is painted in various colours of orange and yellow by the shifting leaves and the cool breezes.
What is the most efficient mode of transportation in Washington, DC?
The best and most cost-effective way to get around Washington DC is via metro/subway, which connects all of the city’s major attractions.
How many days does it take to visit the sites in Washington, DC?
One should spend at least three days in Washington, DC, to explore the sites. This gives you adequate time to visit the parks, museums, memorials, and monuments.
How many monuments are there in Washington DC?
There are around 160 monuments, statues, and memorials in Washington DC. The notable monuments are the Washington Monument, Lincoln Monument, Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial and others.
Closing Notes
Washington, DC provides the visitors with a diverse range of aesthetic and cultural experiences. Washington DC boasts a variety of traveller attractions because of its proximity to the river and, therefore, the presence of a number of the foremost recognisable neoclassical structures. While there are many things to see and do in Washington DC, here in this article, we have provided the list of the top locations to visit in Washington DC to give you a true sense of the city’s history and culture. The places included in the list should be in your must-visit list 30-12-2021 while visiting the country.
