Washington DC, the capital of the United States of America, is the center of American political life. This city is the symbol of the power of its country. This can be seen in the grandeur of its monuments and museums and in the power of its institutions. 

In this city, the entire history of the United States is played out in front of you, illustrated through the various memorials in homage to American Presidents, famous men, heroes of various wars, and thanks to the incredible museums spread along from the Mall.

Washington DC, or simply DC for Americans, is a city that is heavily guarded by the authorities, extremely clean, and easily accessible to people with physical disabilities. It is a very popular tourist destination and today’s people now know why. Even if you are traveling to Washington DC or planning to go there soon? Start planning, visit the alaska airlines official site and get your flight tickets online hassle-free. Also, save up to 45% off on one-way & round trips on every flight. To assist you, this guide will allow you to quickly understand the atmosphere that reigns in the city and the places not to be missed!

The places not to miss in Washington DC

The United States Capitol

Enthusiastic visitor, you may have already strafed the beast and hoped to see the President come out; you are sorely mistaken because this magnificent building with its impressive dome is not the White House but the Capitol, representative of the American legislative power since it houses the Senate and the House of Representatives. Between 3 and 5 million visitors flock every year to admire its “ rotunda”, the circular hall of the building, whose walls are lined with dazzling works of art. Once past the cultural visit, you can head to the US Capitol Grounds, the 23-hectare gardens that surround the said Capitol. Families come here to have a picnic, athletes run there and young people rest in the shade of the trees.

The Lincoln Memorial

To Honor the sixteenth President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln, the Lincoln Memorial happens to be located near the National Mall. A magnificent building in white Colorado marble and looking like a Greek temple, the Memorial comprises Abraham Lincoln statue as impressive as the building. Don’t pass by without stopping! The Lincoln Memorial is a building heavy with historical significance since it was built in homage to the 16th President of the United States., which abolished slavery and ended the Civil War.

The White House

The official residence of Mr. President, the White House is not a house like the others. These 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 412 doors, spread over 6 floors are the high place of American power. You can’t visit everything obviously, but the rooms open to the public are a great representation of this DC staple. You can therefore visit the bowels of the White House, not without having completed a few formalities beforehand, and also discover the park, during a visit supervised by Rangers.

National Museum of Natural History

Also administered by the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of Natural History is located in the Mall of Washington DC The museum contains more than 125 million specimens of all kinds, rocks, meteors, plants, and animals. 185 scientists in beautiful lab coats also work there full time, and the museum houses the 2nd most seen art object in the world, after the famous Parisian Mona Lisa: the Hope diamond, joyous of the Crown of France and suspected of not making necessarily the “good” fortune of its owners.

The Washington D.C. Zoo

Several hundred animals, including the star giant panda, reside at the capital’s zoological park, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. This zoo, one of the oldest in the United States, was founded in 1889. You can in itself make a mini trip around the world by visiting (for free) this zoo; the Asian Trail is home to the rare Giant Pandas, but also Asian elephants and gorillas, turtles, tigers, and boas represent the Amazon, reptiles of all kinds have happy days at the Reptile Discovery Center, and a small farm allows children to approach animals very closely. In short, if you are planning a family trip to DC with your children, the zoo is a must.

The Washington Monument

Named after the very first American President, the Washington National Monument took its time to rise from the ground with a 20-year hiatus in the middle to become today a symbol of the capital but also of the United States. 170 meters high, it overlooks the city and offers a 360-degree view from its summit. If you are a bit dizzy, you can take advantage of being climbed to admire the exhibitions installed on 2 different levels, failing to swoon and turn pale in front of the view.

Last Words

Moreover, the very name of the city refers to the History of the United States, since it bears the name of the first President of the United States: George Washington. Can’t wait to hold your excitement? So, don’t think much and plan your US trip with AirlinesMap right away to enjoy the best of this much-awaited getaway!