America’s proud capital city, Washington DC is a treasure trove of cultural and historical institutions. The President of the United States calls this city home, along with millions of others who love Washington DC’s rich Jazz influence, art galleries, award-winning culinary scene and Georgetown boutiques.

Things to do

Interested in American culture and history? You can spend days exploring the massive collection of free-to-enter museums along the National Mall. This includes the Smithsonian Institution, which comprises 19 museums, such as the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History and African Art Museum. Science lovers should visit the Air and Space Museum, while animal lovers have a home at the National Zoo.

Washington DC is a shopper’s paradise, blessed with numerous neighbourhoods housing locally-owned boutiques, designer stores and megamalls. Fashionistas will appreciate the selection of stylish shops in historic Georgetown, but if you prefer indie goods, explore the vintage stores at Adams Morgan, a diverse neighbourhood with rooftop wine bars and blues clubs.

An iconic landmark, make sure you see the iconic White House before taking a tour through the United States Capitol that was built in 1800. The towering marble statue of former president Abraham Lincoln and reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial are also worth seeing.

Embrace Washington DC’s waterfront districts with a day of kayaking near Key Bridge or go pedal boating around the Tidal Basin. You can also take a historic boat ride down the scenic canals. Time your visit for a Washington Nationals baseball game or venture out to Great Falls Park, which has hiking trails, white-water rapids and cascading waterfalls.

Getting around

The fastest way around Washington DC is by riding the city’s Metro system. You can also use the DC Circulator bus, which services most of Washington DC’s main neighbourhoods. Many of the city’s neighbourhoods are easily traversed on foot or via bicycle, while taxis and Uber are also popular.