Washington, D.C. Tips

Pack your bags and embark on an exciting city trip filled with captivating stories and amazing sights, as I introduce you to the political center of the USA: Washington, D.C.!

In Washington, D.C., history comes alive! Few places in the United States are as shaped by political events, and few cities pay tribute to the great figures of politics as extensively as Washington, D.C. It is the hub of American political activity. Numerous monuments and graves remind visitors of the great thinkers and reformers, and free museums provide additional insight into their history. If you have a stay planned in the capital of the United States, you are in the right place!

Now, I've kept you long enough. It's time to trace the footsteps of the great thinkers and politicians of America.

Large names decorate your path through Washington, D.C., as the city is also home to the government of the United States of America. At almost every corner, you will encounter names like Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, or John F. Kennedy, many immortalized in memorials and monuments. Let's start at the Lincoln Memorial, which you should certainly recall from numerous movies like 'Night at the Museum 2', 'Planet of the Apes', or 'White House Down', or even from the back of the $5 bill.

From the outside, the memorial resembles a Greek temple, and inside you will find the nearly 20-foot-high seated statue of the 16th President of the USA, Abraham Lincoln. His gaze is directed towards the opposite Reflecting Pool, where you can see the reflections of the surrounding monuments depending on the weather and your viewpoint. So be sure to have your camera ready to capture this beautiful image for eternity. As you let your gaze wander over the Reflecting Pool, you will see a tall white column at its far end. Your next destination, the Washington Monument, is waiting for you.

On closer examination, the column turns out to be an obelisk, which is considered the tallest stone building in the world and gives you a breathtaking view of your surroundings. You can take the elevator to the viewing platform below the tip and pass by the richly decorated stone blocks of the obelisk during your ride. Can you recognize which state or person donated the stones? From the Washington Monument, you can directly see two of your next destinations: To your right stands the Jefferson Memorial, built in honor of the third President of the USA, which, like the Lincoln Memorial, is meant to resemble the Pantheon.

Be sure to look at the memorial from the inside, as the walls are intricately decorated with excerpts from Jefferson's speeches and writings. On your left, however, is the actual highlight of Washington, D.C.: the White House. I can almost sense your excitement, but be warned, because as close as the pictures on TV suggest, you will not get that close to the White House. The official residence and workplace of every president of the United States is better secured than your savings in the bank. There is, of course, a chance to catch a glimpse inside; during a tour, you can view the lavish interior of the house and catch a glimpse or two of the impressive gardens surrounding the White House.

The most important rooms in the house are probably the East Room, where receptions and state dinners regularly occur, and the Oval Office, essentially the power center of the president where meetings with high-ranking officials are held. My politically themed sightseeing tour ends at the United States Capitol. I can assure you that with every breath you take, you will absorb a sense of politics, as the Capitol is not only a popular tourist destination but also the seat of Congress and the meeting place of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Every part of the furnishings will want to bring you closer to a different part of American history, so a visit inside is essential. Especially the dome, with its beautiful chronological representation of U.S. history, is truly a sight to behold. After the presidential election, take a special look at the Capitol, as the new president takes the oath of office on its steps!

For those who desperately need a break after so much politics and history, a visit to the United States Botanic Garden is heartily recommended. Here you can wander along lush and colorful paths, enjoy exotic plants, or simply put your feet up by one of the many water basins, and all of it is completely free of charge.

If politics always makes you hungry, as it does me, you should head to U Street in Northeast Washington. Over a full nine blocks, you can indulge in American cuisine, go shopping, or burn off the calories with a stroll along trendy street art. If you find yourself in U Street in the evenings, numerous neon signs will lure you into their bars and clubs; live music is also prominent in this part of the city, so the neighborhood truly has something interesting for every traveler. If you're still receptive after my overload of politics, you should definitely visit one of the city's huge and fascinating museums.

The National Air and Space Museum is overflowing with glowing reviews and recommendations, and the best part is that admission won't cost you a dime. Want to feel like Ben Stiller in 'Night at the Museum'? No problem, as at the National Museum of Natural History, that shouldn't be too hard amidst all the dinosaur skeletons, sarcophagi, and animal taxidermy. But be careful not to let any of the exhibits move from their spots or speak to you.

You'll be encouraged to participate at the International Spy Museum, which introduces you to the tricks and techniques of real and fictional secret agents in various and interesting ways. James Bond fans will have a blast here, as some film props are part of the exhibits, and a current special exhibition is solely dedicated to villains from the Bond universe.

If you're looking for a comfortable alternative to exploring Washington D.C., I recommend the sightseeing tours from Big Bus Tours. Ride in stylish open-top double-decker buses through the city and comfortably experience all the sights of Washington D.C. in a short time. It's best to buy your tickets online in advance, as you'll save a lot.

As you can see, Washington, D.C. has much more to offer than just politics, but it remains a significant part of the city's history. Especially on presidential election day, Washington is under watch, and you will surely come across interesting TV documentaries that, combined with my Washington, D.C. tips, will surely inspire you to take a detour. Or have you been there before and have some insider tips for me and the community? Then bring them on!

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