| 3 mins read
Think of a holiday to the United States of America, and lets face it, Washington DC does not make the first list. A little more research while planning your travel itinerary however, will reveal that apart from the Smithsonian, (the world’s largest museum complex that will take up a considerable amount of your sightseeing energy) there is a lot more to experience in this elegant well laid out city. So here are 5 reasons to visit the powerhouse of the United States of America:
1) The President (and everything about him!)
This is kind of obvious, we admit, but we’re not about to ignore the main reason tourists flock to DC. A visit to the White House is essential and then you need to check out the Lincoln Memorial, The National Mall and The Supreme Court. For a bit more of a relaxed time, wander around Capitol Hill and the traditional architecture will let you absorb the historical and political significance of the city.
2) The Nightlife
With a young and high-tempo workforce it’s no surprise DC’s nightlife is so good; everyone needs somewhere to go to blow off a little steam at the end of the week. Perhaps the best option is to head to U Street corridor, this caters to a wide range of clientele with bars suitable for just about any occasion. Like any big city, each area has its own local watering holes and you are bound to have a good time.
3) The Cuisine
With so many discriminating politicians around, DC’s restaurants cannot afford to let their standards drop; so you are bound to find some of the best foods in the US. This great food won’t necessarily be found in the more tourist areas but you will find a varied and delicious menu if you venture a little further out. Atlas district offers some fantastic Ethiopian food and in the Adams Morgan district you’ll find some incredible fusion restaurants with traditional American food incorporated in to some of the world’s most diverse cuisines.
4) The Music Scene
DC is the birthplace of modern day hardcore punk and has its own local funk genre of ‘go-go’; so it’s no surprise that across the city there are some of the best music venues in the country. Most particularly around the U Street Cardozo Metro stop you will find the 9:30 Club, regularly hailed as the best live music venue in the US. You will also find The Black Cat nearby and plenty other edgy music venues sure to get your ears ringing.
5)Getting Out of the City
One of the best things about DC happens to be getting out of DC. Your Washington DC guide will reveal that within a few miles of the city lie hidden gems of fantastic landscapes and activities to partake in. Maryland Falls is a great place for canoeists and kayakers. Chesapeake Bay is a beautiful harbor area bringing you wonderful farmers markets, excellent seafood and delicious produce. It’s also not far from Assateague Island, a perfect spot for wildlife and sea bathing. And then there is the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, with rolling farmlands, undulating peaks and beautiful stalactite stalagmite formations in underground caverns.
Image credits and License Details: https://flic.kr/p/4x74Wu (User Cristina), https://flic.kr/p/hpM2E (User Reivax), https://flic.kr/p/7DprRf (User BKL), https://flic.kr/p/9mnd7f (User Erin m), https://flic.kr/p/9Y2M3s (User Justin Taylor)https://flic.kr/p/p3tWhk (brownpau )