Travel Guide - Washington DC

Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States of America and is also home to all three of the different branches of the Federal Government. As you would expect it is a place that is full of history and amazing things to see and do. So what can you expect from this political and social capital of the USA?

Top of your list of things to see in Washington, D.C. will no doubt be the White House which is the home of the President of the United States. Unfortunately, due to the attacks on September 11th tours around the White house are now limited, but prior arrangements can be made if you wish to go inside, but these need to be made many months in advance. However you can still take a look at the building as you are en route to another location.

Once you are in Washington, D.C. you might notice that compared to many cities in America the skyline is quite low, this is due to the Heights of Buildings Act which was passed in 1899 after the Cairo Apartment Building was built. Today the tallest structure in Washington is the Washington Monument which was built to honour George Washington. It is an obelisk and is actually the second largest obelisk in the world - so get your camera at the ready to photograph it.

If you would like to get back to nature whilst in Washington, D.C. you should visit Rock Creek Park which is 1754 acres of parkland that has sports venues, trails, planetarium and much more. People go there to walk, jog, inline skate, play sports or to simply watch the world go by with their friends and families. Take time out of your schedule to relax and enjoy this beautiful slice of nature.

Washington, D.C. has a very culturally diverse mixture of people and the Friendship Arch in Chinatown is stunning to look at. While you are there you should try out some of the local Chinese and Asian cuisine as it is fabulous. If Asian food is not your taste, don't worry, you will be able to find food to suit even the most fussy palate as there is something for everyone in Washington, D.C.

You might be fooled into thinking that Washington, D.C. is all about politics and architecture, well you would be wrong. After night falls the city takes on a different persona as there are some fantastic nightclubs ranging from rock to jazz. If you prefer to take things a little slower then why not go to a restaurant for a night out? The Old Ebbitt Grill is the place to be if you want to mingle with the rich and elite, this place is so exclusive that it even has seven types of oysters!

So if you are looking for a holiday destination where you can go sightseeing at historical monuments during the day and dance the night away in a club then Washington D.C. is the place for you.