Washington DC

Washington DC, the capital of the United States, is a purpose-built city of monumental architecture, world-class free museums and the concentrated machinery of American democracy — a city where the symbols of the republic are arranged along the National Mall in a composition of extraordinary civic grandeur, and where most of the best cultural and historical attractions cost absolutely nothing to enter. The National Mall, stretching 3 km from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, contains the Washington Monument (the world's tallest obelisk), the Korean War and Vietnam Veterans Memorials, the World War II Memorial and the Reflecting Pool. The Smithsonian Institution alone comprises 19 museums and galleries, all free: the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History (Hope Diamond), the National Museum of American History, the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (advance timed entry tickets required) are the highlights. The White House, the United States Capitol and the Supreme Court are the political symbols. Georgetown, with its Federal-era townhouses, excellent restaurants and the Georgetown University campus, is the city's most charming neighbourhood. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts provides excellent cultural programming. Rock Creek Park (2,000 acres of urban forest within DC boundaries), the National Cathedral and the National Zoo are all excellent free attractions. A day trip to Mount Vernon (George Washington's estate) is rewarding.