What to see in Washington. Washington city: attractions, photos, personal impressions of the US capital. What attractions are there in Washington in English?

Basic moments

With its marble monuments and high politics, Washington has long been saddled with a reputation as a dull government city. “The city of southern prosperity and northern charm,” as John Kennedy described it, often seems slow and uninteresting to visitors. But today the US capital is bathed in a new energy that makes it an exciting place to visit. Although the government is still the orbit in which the city's sun revolves, there are many famous museums and interesting neighborhoods. And with the advent of restaurants, cafes, fashion boutiques and clubs, DC has become a cultural center.

The District of Columbia is much more than just a museum piece or a great backdrop for the evening news. There are tree-lined areas, amazing theaters, and international restaurants. It is worth looking deeper, and the life of the city opens up to your eyes, in which, among everything else, there are more and more markets. The cobbled streets are home to a population of 50% African-American descent.

Washington is a city not only of politicians, but also of owners of ancestral mansions and immigrants from El Salvador. Artists and other creative types are drawn to Washington's undeniable intellectual energy, with more successful and talented people working there than would be expected from a city of its size.

Over 3 million people live in Washington and the suburbs of Virginia and Maryland; the population of the city itself is about 670 thousand inhabitants (according to census data, increased from 606,900 people in 1990 to 672,228 people in 2015), where more than half are African-American.

Seeing the beautiful houses and diplomatic missions around Massachusetts Avenue and the university district of Georgetown, it is hard to believe that for a long time Washington was the swampy banks of the Potomac River. When laying out the city, George Washington invited the Parisian engineer Pierre-Charles Lanfant, who was rebuilding Federal Hall in New York on the occasion of Washington's assumption of the presidency.

The sights of Washington fit into a fairly limited space, which is a rectangle stretching from Union Station and the Library of Congress in the east to the Watergate area and the Lincoln Memorial near the Potomac River in the west. Georgetown occupies the northwestern part of this rectangle, and Arlington Cemetery stretches along the western bank of the Potomac. Visiting almost all monuments and museums is free.

You can choose a traditional range of activities with visits to classics like the White House and Washington Monument, as well as the Museum of Natural History. Plan a visit for late March or early April, during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and you'll be rewarded with the sight of lots of pink petals. If you've already seen the must-see program, experience another side of the city, brightly colored by the lights of the clubs, decorated with art galleries and vibrant farmers' markets in the suburbs.

It only takes a couple of days to see a city familiar to many of the short guidebooks, but to get to know the modern Washington that its residents love, it takes more than one month.

If you don't like to walk, as the city usually swelters in the heat of midsummer, you can take the Tourmobile tram service, which runs past the city's main monuments, museums and government buildings, with stops at the Capitol, the Esplanade and the White House. The guides tell you everything while you are driving. The benefit of this method of transportation is that you can travel all day with one ticket, which is purchased when you first board the tram.

In addition, Tourmobile streetcars provide service to Arlington and Mount Vernon.

Public transportation in Washington DC consists of convenient city buses and an extensive Metrorail network. There are many taxis, where quite reasonable prices are charged depending on the area into which the city is divided (a map can be seen in the taxi cabin), and not on the distance traveled. Section "one" covers most of the main attractions. Use your car when traveling out of town, since official parking in the center is expensive, and illegal parking can ruin you. The police simply tow the car to one of 20 fenced parking lots, without even notifying the owner where exactly.

Story

Like much of American history, the story of D.C. is one of compromise. In this case, the balance fluctuated due to politicians of the North and South, who dreamed of placing the capital in their zone of influence. After rejecting candidates such as Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore, it was decided to found a new city in the middle of the 13 colonies, on the banks of the Potomac River. The states of Maryland and Virginia (which took its land back in the 19th century) donated the land.

Washington was initially ruled by Congress, the city was set on fire by the British during the War of 1812, and in 1846, as the capital was abuzz with talk of abolition, Virginia was given back its southern coast tributary port of Alexandria. Over the years, Washington has evolved in different directions: as a sanctuary of the federal government and a home for federal employees, on the one hand, and as a ghetto for northbound African Americans and overseas immigrants, on the other.

In 1973, the city finally got its own mayor, Walter Washington, one of the first African-American mayors to lead a major city. Even with perpetual underfunding, today's Washingtonians pay the same taxes as other American citizens without having a voice in Congress. The educated upper class is incredibly distant from the poor, to whom they pay little attention; Almost every second person has a university degree, but one in three Washingtonians is illiterate.

With the election of Barack Obama in 2008, the status of Washington has increased - now New Yorkers are moving here, and not vice versa! President Obama's habit of playing basketball and visiting local restaurants are rare signs: this is a president who not only works in Washington, but also has a Washington soul.

Sights of Washington

To make the city easy to navigate, two designers were involved in its planning. Unfortunately, their ideas about the capital came into conflict with each other. Pierre Lenfant's diagonal streets, named after states, juxtapose Andrew Ellicott's grid pattern (remember: letters go from east to west, numbers from north to south). On top of that, the city is divided into four sectors with the same addresses in different parts - going to F and 14th NW you'll be next to the White House, and going to F and 14th NE will be next to the Rosedale Playground.

Most of the attractions are in the North-West sector, and most of the unkempt areas are in the South-East (Southeast, SE). Don't get lost in the evening and prepare for crowds during events like the National Cherry Blossom Festival. To the south and west is the Potomac River; to the north and east lies Maryland; The capital's ring road encircles the entire city.

The White house

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; tel.: 202-456-70-41; www.whitehouse.gov

Although the White House is open to the public, for security reasons it now offers very limited tours, usually only available to US citizens who can arrange them through their representative in Congress. But you can also get a fairly complete picture of the White House and its history by visiting the information center at 15th and E streets in the Department of Commerce building. The park rangers serving the center are always ready to help, there are also exhibitions, a 30-minute film is shown and there is a souvenir shop. Tours of the White House Gardens are available on select days and tickets are available at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the tour. For more information, contact the information center.

The White House was designed in 1792 by Irish architect James Hoban in the English Palladian style, common among the landed gentry. During the competition, where the winner was awarded a gold medal worth $500, Hoban beat out Thomas Jefferson's anonymous project.

Rejoicing at his arrival here in 1801, Jefferson remarked that the vast apartments of the White House could easily accommodate “two emperors, a pope and a Dalai Lama to boot.” But such a statement did not prevent him from soon adding wings with a terrace on both sides, and Benjamin Latrobe added porticoes. And then almost all of Jefferson's successors, deprived of his architectural knowledge, fell into the habit of changing something in their temporary home.

Those lucky enough to get inside the White House will see something like this: one of the corridors on the first floor leads to Jacqueline Kennedy's garden, followed by the Gilded Room with a collection of gilded silverware and a library. Upstairs is the Government Floor, with the five halls most familiar to us from books and television shows.

In the East Hall, where presidential press conferences are held, concerts, balls and receptions are held on the occasion of the marriage of the president's children, and the funeral of the current president, in particular, Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Kennedy. The first "First Lady" of the White House, Abigail Adams, used it as a drying rack for her laundry room. The famous 1796 portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart was saved from a fire in 1814 by Dolley Madison, wife of President James Madison.

First ladies often hold tea in the tastefully furnished Green Room under a 1790 crystal chandelier given to Herbert Hoover by the British government. Jefferson loved to dine in the Green Room, showing puzzled Americans the latest in European cuisine such as pasta, waffles and ice cream.

The Blue Room is furnished in the French Empire style, which corresponds to the gala dinners held here. There is also the “Truman Balcony”, where the president, originally from Missouri, liked to breathe air. The Red Room, whose walls are covered in red satin, boasts gilded and marble tables. Its opulence contrasts with the restrained decoration of the State Dining Room at the western end of the floor, above which are the presidential living quarters. The dining room is decorated in elegant 18th-century English style, and Queen Anne walnut chairs line the oak walls with Corinthian pilasters, but a portrait of Abraham Lincoln dominates everything.

National Mall and Potomac Park

The esplanade, surrounded by greenery and water, stretching from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, crosses the imaginary line of the White House - Tidal Basin at the Washington Monument and represents one of the largest city alleys. Surrounded by monuments and museums, it is almost always full of people walking, relaxing, flying kites and playing ball, demonstrating the posthumous triumph of the ideas of the architect Pierre-Charles Lanfant, who dreamed of achieving a harmonious combination of the built environment with the landscape.

If the Statue of Liberty personifies America in the eyes of the whole world, then the George Washington Memorial is a symbol of the state in the eyes of the Americans themselves. The construction of the 169 m high white marble obelisk began in 1848, but took as long as 36 years due to lack of funds and the Civil War. A lift will take you to the top of the monument, from here you can enjoy a stunning view of the city.

Then walk west from the obelisk along the 610m long tree-lined reflecting pond to the Lincoln Memorial (1922) . This rectangular ancient Greek temple structure, surrounded by 36 Doric columns, houses a six-meter statue of Lincoln seated in thought by Daniel Chester French. The sculpture is especially impressive if you look at it at the first rays of the sun.

To the left of the entrance is a plaque with Lincoln's speech after the Battle of Gettysburg, where he pays tribute to those who died for "a new race of men, conceived in the bosom of Liberty and deeply believing that all men are born equal." American schoolchildren know this speech as the Gettysburg Address.

Stop at the nearby Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This modest monument to those killed in Vietnam contains the names of 58 thousand soldiers. A more familiar sculptural group was built later at the request of those who served there. From here, you can visit the Jefferson Memorial through Potomac Park, which surrounds the Tidal Basin. (1943) , modeled on the Roman Pantheon.

When looking at the bronze statue of this architect, philosopher and statesman with refined manners, the apt words of President Kennedy come to mind. At a dinner in the Blue Room in honor of the Nobel laureates, he said: “This is the most extraordinary collection of talent and human knowledge that has ever come together in the White House, except perhaps when Thomas Jefferson dined alone here.” .

The esplanade runs among the world's most impressive concentration of museums and art galleries. Enter the Botanical Garden, located just south of the brooding figure of Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant. The three-year renovation of the garden made it possible to expand the already significant collection of plants from all over the world, full of captivating smells.

Capitol Hill

The most powerful government in the Western world occupies a building resembling the Capitol. This imposing structure rests under a huge white dome that unites the Senate in the north wing with the House of Representatives in the south wing. The building itself is impressive.

The original design in 1793 by William Thornton called for a low dome. When Benjamin Latrobe expanded the design after the fire of 1814, congressmen praised him only for the capitals of the Corinthian columns located in their meeting room in the form of corn cobs and tobacco leaves. Charles Bulfinch arrived from Boston to install a more magnificent vault, but in 1850 Congress decided to enlarge the dome further. And then Thomas Walter, taking as a model the dome of St. Peter's Cathedral, placed the iron dome on a grandiose drum supported by columns, and so it has stood ever since, and the Statue of Liberty of the architect Thomas Crawford crowned it in 1863.

The entrance to the Capitol is on the east side and starts from the Rotunda (tours usually last 45 minutes). The extensive ceiling was painted in 1865 by artist Constantine Brumidi, depicting the Apotheosis of George Washington, who is glorified by the gods representing Liberty, Victory and Glory, and women representing the 13 American states. Closer to the floor, along the entire circumference of the Rotunda, there is a 91 m long frieze depicting historical events: from the arrival of Columbus to the surrender of the British under the command of Cornwallis at Yorktown to the flight of the Wright brothers' airplane in 1903.

In the National Statuary Hall and the corridors leading from the Rotunda you will find what is considered the largest collection of enormous sculptures in America. It arose after all 50 states were invited to submit statues of their most eminent citizens, created by their own sculptors.

Outside, the grounds of the Capitol, with an area of ​​53 hectares, are occupied by beautiful parks, laid out by a landscape architect of the 19th century. Frederick Law Olmsted, famous for creating parks in New York, Boston, Chicago and California.

1st Street & Independence Avenue; tel.: 202-707-97-79; www.loc.gov

The Library of Congress, containing millions of books, maps, manuscripts, periodicals, photographs, sound and video recordings, and rare instruments, is one of the most remarkable buildings on Capitol Hill. The permanent exhibition of documents includes the Gutenberg Bible of 1455 - one of only three copies that have survived to us in good preservation. Also in the Prints & Photographs section, take a look at the moving Civil War photographs taken by Matthew Brady, America's first great photojournalist.

Folger Shakespeare Library (201 East Capitol Street), located behind the Library of Congress, in its Tudor-style rooms, houses the largest collection of the poet's works outside the UK, his works and objects of the era, including a carefully reproduced Elizabethan theatre. Nearby stands the formidable Supreme Court building, built in 1935, the last example of the Greco-Roman style among Washington's government buildings.

North and south sides of the Esplanade

Abraham Lincoln Assassination Site, Ford's Theater (511 10th St., between E and F streets; tel: 202-347-48-33; www.fordstheatre.org) has the status of a historical landmark and has been restored as it appeared on the fateful evening of April 14, 1865. Since 1968, it has again become a working stage venue; Presidential box added. Downstairs there is a museum that tells the story of Lincoln's life. The clothes he wore to the performance are on display; the killer's Derringer pistol and the diary of the killer, John Wilkes Booth - actor and ardent supporter of the defeated southerners. Opposite, at No. 516 is the Petersen House Museum, where the dying president was taken, because of the poor condition of the roads they were afraid to take him to the White House. There is a small bedroom where the tall Lincoln, whose height was 2 m, had to be placed on the bed at an angle.

A history lesson is available at the National Archives (National Archives; Constitution Avenue, between 7th and 9th streets; www.archives.gov), where the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are displayed, handwritten on parchment. Some are badly faded and now sit in light-filtering boxes filled with helium to protect them from rotting.

On the south side of the Esplanade, at 14th and C streets, is the Currency and Securities Bureau. (tel: 877-874-41-14; www.bep.treas.gov, valid ID required; tours canceled when enhanced security measures are implemented), where you can see how American paper money and postage stamps are printed, from one-cent stamps to a $500 million Treasury bond (photography is prohibited). You will follow the entire journey of turning clean white sheets of cotton and linen paper into crisp banknotes. You can buy shredded banknotes as a souvenir.

Arlington

Along the green banks of the Potomac behind the Lincoln Park Highway, a half-mile scenic drive runs north between the Rock Creek Park Highway and the river. On weekends you can watch polo games, field hockey and kayaks passing by. You'll pass the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts along the way. (2700 F Street), where the attraction is not its awkward architecture, but its cultural activities, since the capital previously eschewed the performing arts.

The center includes two drama theatres, one opera house, a concert hall and a magnificent American Film Institute family cinema. To the north is the Watergate, a complex of buildings where dirty deeds were carried out in 1972, leading to the forced resignation of President Richard Nixon under threat of impeachment.

Situated picturesquely on the hillside on the other side of the river, the Arlington House, also known as the Robert E. Lee Memorial (Robert E. Lee Memorial). This austere mansion in neo-Greek style, decorated with eight Doric columns on the front, was built in 1812 by George Washington P. Custis, the grandson of George Washington's wife by her first marriage, who was raised in their home. Then he lived here until 1861, when General Lee had to leave for the Confederate troops. In front of the house itself is the tomb of the architect Pierre-Charles Lanfant, from where there is a wonderful view of the capital across the river, which he so lovingly planned. His original city plan is carved into the granite stone, allowing comparison with what was built. The house is currently undergoing reconstruction, but it itself is open to visitors, although all the furnishings have been removed for the duration of the restoration work.

During the Civil War, Northern troops confiscated Lee's home, setting aside part of the surrounding plantation for the burial of dead soldiers. This marked the beginning of Arlington National Cemetery, where only those Americans who participated in hostilities are buried.

A place of honor is occupied by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers of the Two World Wars and the Korean War, where an infantryman stands guard of honor, changed every half hour in the summer and hourly in the winter. In a small park there is the grave of John F. Kennedy in the form of a paved area around the Eternal Flame. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis rests in the same plot, and the president's brother, Robert Kennedy, is buried nearby.

The Marine Corps War Memorial, better known as the Iwo Jima Monument, is located in front of the cemetery's north entrance. It is the world's largest bronze statue, rising 23 meters and representing five Marines and one sailor raising the American flag. (the real flag is raised daily by Marines stationed in the city) on Mount Suribachi during the capture of the Japanese naval base on the Pacific island of Ioto on February 23, 1945. The battle for the island lasted three months and claimed the lives of 5,000 Americans, although Japanese losses were four times greater.

Georgetown is located in the northeast of the federal district and is home to high-ranking government officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps, university professors and highly paid journalists. It's also a vibrant part of town, with colorful shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants clustered around M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.

Georgetown, already a major center of tobacco trade, was founded in 1751, when the development plan for Washington was just being drawn up. The city exported tobacco along the Potomac and imported luxury goods such as silk, wine, pewter, tea and wig powder for idle landowners. A couple of houses remain from those times, but the best examples of residential architecture are represented by buildings of the Georgian and Federal styles of the first half of the 19th century. and individual buildings of the Victorian style of the post-war era (referring to the Civil War). It’s nice to see the narrow and shady streets here after the wide avenues of bureaucratic Washington.

The oldest building in the city - Ancient stone house (Old Stone House; 3051 M Street) 1766, where the Museum of Colonial Life is now located. Another significant building is Dumbarton House (Dumbarton House; 2715 Q Street), supposedly rebuilt in 1805 by Benjamin Latrobe. Nowadays there is a museum of furniture, silverware and porcelain from the Federalist period. The museum hosts lectures on furniture styles of the 18th-19th centuries. and concerts are given.

Dumbarton Oaks (Dumbarton Oaks; 3101 R Street)- The stately mansion, built in 1801, became the site of the 1944 conference where the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union and China outlined the creation of the United Nations. On 6.5 hectares of land, strict terraces and ponds are perfectly combined with a more free layout in the English style of the landscape below. In the garden (at the 32nd Street entrance) is the Museum of Pre-Columbian and Byzantine Art, topped with a mushroom dome (Museum of Pre-Columbian and Byzantine Art), built by architect Philip Johnson.

Ruins of the Chesapeake-Ohio Canal are visible at the southern end of Georgetown. (Chesapeake 8c Ohio Canal). From 1828 to 1924, coal was transported along it, and now there is freedom for pedestrians, cyclists, kayakers and fishermen, and in winter - for skaters. Channel area (Canal Square; 1054 31st Street) was a warehouse, now converted into a shopping center.

Washington Museums

National Gallery of Art

Constitution Avenue between 4th and 6th streets; tel.: 202-737-42-15; www.nga.gov

The West Building, a classical colonnaded temple of the arts, houses European and American paintings and sculptures, and its exhibition halls display works from the Middle Ages to the present day. Designed by architect Bei Yuming, the East Building is a striking combination of geometric shapes in the form of billowing narrow triangular prisms. You are even more amazed when you get inside the building, where a collection of modern art is presented.

Not one, but a whole series of museums took refuge under such a sign: the 17th century. in Washington, two in New York and branches in other cities. Museums have 75 million artistic and scientific exhibits, and only a hundredth of them are presented to the public. Admission is free everywhere. The colorful red brick building on the Esplanade, commonly referred to as the “castle,” is the Smithsonian Visitor Center, open daily and housing a café. The nine museums listed below are affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution; More detailed information can be obtained by phone: 202-633-10-00.

National Air and Space Museum

7th Street and Independence Avenue; www.nasm.si.edu

The entire history of aviation - from the Wright brothers' first flight across the North Carolina grassland in 1903 to Neil Armstrong's flight from Cape Canaveral to the Moon exactly 66 years later - is presented in 23 rooms.

National Museum of Natural History

10th Street & Constitution Avenue; www.mnh.si.edu

Here you can see everything from a 24 m long diplodocus to insects. The largest permanent exhibition is presented in the Maritime Hall. R. Santa.

Madison Drive, 12th to 14th streets; www.americanhistory.si.edu

The life of Americans of various eras and social classes is presented here, accompanied by an entertaining history of the development of electric lighting and electric motors. An extensive renovation of the museum, completed in late 2008, allowed for the addition of new exhibits.

National Museum of the American Indian

4th Street and Independence Avenue; www.nmai.si.edu

The National Museum of the American Indian is a collection of thousands of items, including feathered carvings and masks of Northeastern Indians, Plains Indian skins and headdresses, Southwestern Indian pottery, and 18th-century artifacts. Great Lakes Indians and fine Navajo textiles.

Independence Avenue between 7th and 9th streets; www.hirshorn.si.edu

This drum-like building houses contemporary art, with a garden of sculptures including Rodin's Citizens of Calais and works by the Englishman Moore, the Spanish Picasso and the American David Smith. The collection of paintings includes creations of cubism, socialist realism, op art, pop art and minimalism.

Freer Art Gallery

Jefferson at 12th Street; www.asia.si.edu

Freer Art Gallery - large Asian collection and smaller American collection. Subterranean exhibition spaces connect the Freer Gallery with the Arthur M. Saclep Gallery (1050 Independence Avenue SW), which features Buddhist sculpture, ancient Iranian forging, and works of art from China, Southeast Asia, and the ancient Near East.

National Portrait Gallery

8th and F streets; www.npg.si.edu

National Portrait Gallery - All presidents and prominent women are represented here, including Pocahontas, Eleanor Roosevelt and Gertrude Stein. In addition, the gallery is a major center for historical photography. The exhibition is located at the National Museum of American Art.

National Museum of American Art

8th and G streets; www.americanart.si.edu

Fine examples of colonial art - from Winslow Homer, Mary Stevenson Cassatt and James Whistler to Georgia O'Keeffe and Willem De Kooning. His branch, the Renwick Gallery (Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street), showcases the finest examples of American decorative arts.

Washington for children

Without a doubt, the highlight of the excursion is the zoo, where approximately 2,000 animals live on 163 acres, from Asian elephants and great apes to fur seals. Don't miss your chance to meet the zoo's most popular resident, baby panda Bao Bao. Keep your eyes peeled as you stroll under the Orangutan Transport System (or just O-line)– chances are high to see these primates swinging on wires between eight steel towers. And if you're more interested in the exotic animals of South America, check out the Amazon Exhibition, which covers almost 1.3 square kilometers.

Visiting the zoo is free, but parking is not - the first three hours will cost $16, more than three hours - $22, so the cheapest and easiest way to get to the zoo is to take the Red Line subway to Woodley Park station.

Museums throughout the city will provide children of all ages with new knowledge and entertainment. But if you (or they) tired of indoors, head to any of the many enticing green parks, such as the 328-acre East Potomac Park (Ohio Dr SW) with a playground, outdoor pool, mini golf and picnic facilities; the park extends southeast from Tidal Basin.

On the Washington DC website Our Kids (www.our-kids.com) There are plenty of listings for shows and activities for kids, family restaurants, and plenty of ideas for how to spend the day.

Many hotels provide nanny services, but you can also book a nanny from the reputable Mothers" Aides (Tel: 703-250-0700; www.mothersaides.com) with rates ranging from $15 to $20 per hour.

The Alley's wide spaces are perfect for outdoor family fun, whether you want to throw a frisbee, have a picnic, or ride an old-fashioned carousel ($2.50 tickets) or go to museums.

Children love anything that flattens and/or causes other things to flatten; Both dinosaurs and insects can be seen at the National Museum of Natural History (National Museum of Natural History). The Kennedy Center hosts live entertainment, and the National Air and Space Museum (National Air & Space Museum) there are pieces of lunar rock, a 3D cinema and an amazing horse riding simulator.

The National Theater hosts free Saturday morning performances ranging from puppet shows to tap dancers (seats must be reserved in advance).

At the Discovery Theater (Tel: 202-633-8700; www.discoverytheater.org; 1100 Jefferson Dr SW; adults/children $6/5) below the Ripley Center building (Ripley Center) There are entertaining shows for young viewers.

Be sure to check out the Children's Museum (Tel: 301-686-0225; www.ncm.museum; 112 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD), which is located in the National Harbor Complex, 16 km south of the Mall (Mall).

Festivals and events

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Held from late March to early April. Washington is especially beautiful during the festival (www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org).

Smithsonian Folk Festival

Held over two weeks or more in June and July, the fun, family-friendly celebration features the region's traditional folk art, crafts, food and music (www.festivai.si.edu).

independence Day

It is not surprising that here it is celebrated with pomp, the 4th of July is celebrated with a parade, an open-air concert and the launch of fireworks over the Mall (Mall).

Accommodation

Looking to stay in a bed and breakfast or private accommodation throughout the city, contact Bed & Breakfast Accommodations (Tel: 877-893-3233; www.bedandbreakfastdc.com).

If you want to come to Washington by car, expect parking to cost $20 or more. (or leave your car in Arlington or Alexandria, where some hotels provide free parking).

Kitchen

As you'd expect from one of the most international cities in the world, Washington DC's restaurant scene is eclectic, with a huge variety of restaurants serving Ethiopian, Indian, Southeast Asian, French, Italian and other cuisines, as well as good old-fashioned Southern fare. kitchens.

Excursions from Washington

Mount Vernon (Virginia; 26 km south on park road to Mount Vernon Memorial; in summer, also by Tourmobile trolley; tel.: 703-780-20-00; www.mountvernon.org), in addition to being the home of George Washington, allows you to see a carefully restored 18th-century Virginia plantation: perhaps only the lawns look more manicured than then. Make the 35-minute drive in the morning to escape the spring and summer crowds and sit, as Washington and his wife Martha once did, on the columned veranda overlooking the Potomac River Valley and the green hills of Maryland in the distance.

The great warrior and leader George Washington was also a skilled farmer who was an early adopter of extended crop rotation. On his lands of 3250 hectares, he started five farms, where 120 slaves worked. Along the border of the bowling green you will see old trees planted by Washington. You can see Martha's supply books in the house. Washington's bedroom contains original items, including a traveling chest that accompanied its owner along the roads of the war, and the bed on which he died in 1799.

Colonial Virginia (south of Washington on Interstate 95 through Richmond to Interstate 5). Route 5 takes you to three historic sites: Jamestown, where Virginia was founded, Williamsburg, Virginia's capital from 1699 to 1780, and Yorktown, where the Revolutionary War ended in 1781. All cities are connected by the Colonial Park Highway, where the visitor center distributes tickets to visit Colonial Williamsburg (Exit 238 to Interstate 64). If you have a busy schedule, visit all three places in one day.

Colonial Williamsburg has the largest restoration program in the country, spanning over 500 18th-century buildings. Guests are invited to interact with their inhabitants, who are represented by actors dressed in period dress. Visit the shoemaker's, blacksmith's, pharmacy and printing press to learn about these crafts, or take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

The restoration has been carried out since 1927 with funds from John D. Rockefeller Jr. Using drawings from 18th-century engravings found in the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford in England, architectural historians have reconstructed in detail the 1705 Capitol building and the governor's palace. As for the palace, a drawing of its interior layout drawn by Thomas Jefferson, who lived here for six months while governor of Virginia, was very helpful. The main street is named after the Duke of Gloucester and has beautiful clapboard and red brick Georgian houses.

Prominent figures of the Revolutionary War met at Reilly's Tavern; you can taste cuisine from the 18th century. in the King's Arms, Chowning's and Christiana Campbell's taverns, which are in excellent condition.

Jamestown, 10 km south of Williamsburg, was where the first settlers from England landed in May 1607. (13 years before the Mayflower arrived in Massachusetts). It was long believed that the only surviving monument of colonial Jamestown was the collapsing bell tower when the site was abandoned due to malarial mosquitoes (now missing). But extensive excavations since 1994 have revealed thousands of traces of those ancient times, including parts of the original wooden James Fort. The settlement of Jamestown was built on the model of an ancient fort with a yard for glassblowing and with exact copies of the fragile ships "Susan Constant", "Discovery" and "Godspeed" on the river bank, on which John Smith and 103 settlers set off on a long and dangerous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean .

Yorktown, 29 km to the east, is where Lord Cornwallis surrendered with his garrison in October 1781, marking the loss of Britain's American colonies. Before visiting this battle site, visit the Yorktown Victory Center, 2 miles outside the city, where you can see a “Continental Army camp,” talk to costumed actors, and see an exhibit of Revolutionary War artifacts. In the city itself, visit Moore's House, where the British negotiated the terms of surrender with the Americans and French.

Useful sites

• Information for tourists online (www.washington.org, www.thedistrict.com).
• Washington City Paper (www.washingtoncitypaper.com) Free, cutting-edge weekly newspaper listing entertainment venues, eateries, cafes and restaurants.
• Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com) Dear Daily Urban (and state) newspaper. You can get its daily version for free in the Express tabloid format. Check the website for a list of events.

Movement within the region

To/from the airport

If you need to get to Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (Baltimore/Washington International Airport) or to get from there to the city, you can travel from Union Station to the final stop at the airport or back, or take the MARC train ($6, 40 minutes) or by Amtrak train ($14, 40 minutes).

• Metrobus 5A (www.wmata.com) Runs from Dulls to Rosslyn Metro Station (Rosslyn) (35 minutes) and downtown Washington (L"Enfant Plaza, 48 minutes); departs every 30-40 minutes. The total bus fee is about $8.

• Metrorail (www.wmata.com) The National Airport has its own station for fast and inexpensive (about $2.50) Metro rail.
(Tel: 800-258-3826; www.supershuttle.com) door-to-door shuttle bus connecting downtown Washington DC to Dulls ($29) , National Airport ($14) and Baltimore ($37) .
• Washington Flyer (www.washfly.com) Departs every half hour from Dulls to West Falls Church Metro Station. ($10) .

Public transport

• Metrorail (Tel: 202-637-7000; www.wmata.com) One of the best transportation systems in the country can get you to most attractions, hotel and shopping districts, and suburbs in Maryland and Virginia. Train service starts at 5.00 from Monday to Friday (from 7.00 on weekends); The last flight leaves around midnight from Sunday to Thursday and at 3.00 on Friday and Saturday. Vending machines inside stations sell computerized tickets; tickets start at $1.60 (children under five are free). You can also purchase unlimited travel passes. (one day/seven days from $9/33).

• Circulator (www.dccirculator.com) Buses operate convenient routes, including between Union Station and Georgetown (Georgetown). One way ticket fee is $1.
• Metrobus (www.wmata.com) Buses of this company ply around the city and its environs; fixed fee (currently $1.70).

For a taxi, contact Capitol Cab (Tel: 202-636-1600) Diamond (Tel: 202-387-6200) or Yellow Cab (Tel: 202-544-1212).

Road there and back

Airplane

Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington Dulles International Airport) (IAD; Tel: 703-572-2700), 42 km west of the city center, and the National Airport. Ronald Reagan in Washington (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) (DCA; Tel: 703-417-8000), 7 km south, are the main airports serving Washington, although Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport) (BWI; Tel: 410-859-7111), located 48 km to the northeast, is also an option. All three airports, especially Dulles and National, are important hubs for flights from around the world.

Bus

In addition to Greyhound flights, there are many cheap bus routes to New York, Philadelphia and Richmond. A one-way ticket to New York from most companies costs $20 (takes four to five hours). Stations where you can board are scattered throughout the city, but can always be reached by metro. Tickets usually need to be purchased online, but can also be purchased on the bus itself if there are free seats.

• Bolt Bus (Tel: 877-265-8287; www.boltbus.com; B) The best inexpensive option. Bolt Bus operates from the upper level of Union Station.
• DC2NY (Tel: 202-332-2691; www.dc2ny.com; 20th St and Massachusetts Ave NW).
• Greyhound (Tel: 202-589-5141; www.greyhound.com; 10051st St NE) Flights throughout the country. The terminus is a few blocks north of Union Station; if it gets dark, take a taxi.
• Megabus (Tel: 877-462-6342; www.us.megabus.com) Flights are temporarily departing from Capitol St and N Capitol St NW. Call to confirm location.
• New Century (Tel: 202-789-8222; www.2001bus.com; 513 St NW).
• Peter Pan Bus Lines (Tel: 800-343-9999; www.peterpanbus.com) Flights to the northeastern US; the terminus is directly opposite the Greyhound station.
• WashNY (Tel: 866-287-6932; www.washny.com; 133319th St NW)

Train

• Amtrak (Tel: 800-872-7245; www.amtrak.com) Gorgeous and elegant Union Station. Trains travel to cities across the country, including New York (from $76.3.5 hours), Chicago (from $106, 18 hours), Miami (from $163.24 hours) and Richmond, Virginia ($31, three hours).
• MARC train (Maryland Rail Commuter; Tel: 866-743-3682; www.mtamaryland.com) Local rail service between Washington DC and the Baltimore metro area. Frequent trains to Baltimore ($7, hour 11 minutes) and other cities in Maryland ($4 to $12); also in Harpers Ferry (Harpers Ferry), West Virginia ($15, hour 20 minutes).

Washington is one of the most popular cities in the world. It was founded in the late eighteenth century on the East Coast. The future capital of the United States of America is named after one of the presidents - George Washington.

Initially, the city was a square territory divided into two parts. On one side was Washington, and on the other was Alexandria. The Potamak River flowed between them. But in the mid-nineteenth century they separated, and Alexandria became part of Virginia.

An interesting fact is that in the territory of the capital the slave trade was prohibited, but in the territory of Alexandria it was not prohibited, but still the laws were not respected. The last slaves in Washington were freed in 1862.

Now Washington is not part of the states of the country, it is a separate territory. This territory is called the District of Columbia. The city should not be confused with the state of the same name.

The sights of Washington are the most interesting in the whole country. That is why the area attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. The capital of the United States of America is considered one of the richest in historical monuments. There are many architectural structures, museums, theaters and more.

Most of the monuments are made of white marble. Thanks to this, the city stands out from all others. We will talk about all this in more detail in the next part of the article.

Washington DC Attractions

As already mentioned, the district is rich in architectural monuments. There are many of them in this area, and we could talk about it for hours. We will tell you about the most notable of them.

Indeed, most of Washington's landmarks are made of white marble. This is a kind of distinctive feature of the city. In addition, there are many picturesque parks, beautiful fountains and ponds, as well as entertainment centers and expensive hotels.

The text will name the sights of Washington in English with translation.

The White House

The White House is the residence of the president. At the moment, it is one of the most famous entrepreneurs and showmen in the country, Donald Trump. This place is the main symbol of the power of the state.

By the way, this is the most famous monument in the whole world, made of white sandstone. Around the building there is a picturesque park and many flower beds.

Most people don't know why the presidential residence - one of the landmarks of Washington, DC - is called the White House. In fact, there are several versions of the origin of this name. Basically, everyone is inclined towards the option with white cladding. By the way, the name of the building was given by one of the presidents, Theodore Roosevelt. But this happened only a hundred years after the completion of construction.

It is also worth talking about the main events in the history of the presidential residence.

The first stone was laid in 1792. The architect of the building is James Hoben. Construction was completed by the beginning of the nineteenth century. In 1901, the building was renamed the White House. In 1942, the building was reconstructed and acquired a modern appearance.

The Capitol Building

This is the second most important landmark in Washington (photo above). The city is extremely proud of her. Most likely, every person from anywhere in the world has seen an image of this majestic structure at least once. It is located on Capitol Hill. The idea to erect this monument came to George Washington, and construction began in 1793. The name of the architect of the Capitol is unknown to this day. The external image of Washington's landmark was the Roman Cathedral.

In the middle of the second decade of the nineteenth century, England could not accept the fact that America was independent and decided to burn the Capitol building. The building was destroyed to the ground. It took the United States more than five years to restore it.

Near the building there are monuments to American presidents - George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

As for subsequent external changes, they were made only a few times. In the early sixties of the last century, the Statue of Liberty was erected on the dome of the building. After some time, heating was installed and elevators were built. Later the eastern façade was added.

More than five million tourists visit this place every year. Today there are about five hundred and fifty rooms inside the building, but only two of them can be seen by travelers. Tours to this Washington landmark are free. You only need to show your passport at the entrance and receive a ticket.

The Lincoln Memorial

It is believed that Abraham Lincoln is the most revered president of the United States of America, since most natives associate him with integrity and reliability.

The government of the country considered it necessary to erect a landmark in memory of Lincoln opposite the National Gallery in Washington state. This happened after the assassination of the president. For many, this place has become almost sacred. It is believed that the monument is a symbol of equality between people all over the planet, no matter what religion or race they are.

Before the monument was built, a large-scale competition for the best work was announced in the country. Many participants from different parts of the country and the world decided to take part in this. The best option was recognized as a drawing by two American sculptors - Daniel French and Henry Bacon.

Construction lasted more than five years and was completed by the beginning of the second decade of the twentieth century. More than fifty thousand people attended the opening of the monument. It was truly massive. The main guest of the celebration was Abraham Lincoln's son Robert. Having paid worthy honors to the sixteenth President of the United States, the government breathed a sigh of relief.

Several interesting legends are associated with this memorial. It is said that the name of the owner of the mansion in which the sculpture is located was carved on the back of the monument. According to another legend, it is believed that President Lincoln shows his initials in sign language.

Washington National Cathedral

Public Library

The public library consists of twenty-seven branches. The head office is located in an eleven-story building, which is made of glass and steel. This place is considered to be one of the most attractive in the entire Seattle area.

The collection of books in the library began in 1890. At the moment, the fund contains more than three million different publications.

Pike Place Market (Public Market Center)

The store began its work in the first decade of the twentieth century. This is a very popular market among city residents. Here you can buy old antiques and various used goods. In addition, it is possible to find seafood, as well as various farm products.

This place often hosts performances by street clowns and musicians on an improvised stage. In addition, on the territory of the market there are inexpensive restaurants where you can always have a tasty snack.

Safeco Field

The famous baseball stadium of incredible proportions, built in 1999 in Art Nouveau style. Its interesting feature is the retractable roof. Of course, many arenas have it, but in America it is special.

The stadium's capacity is 48,000 people. The stadium is not just for baseball games. Sometimes American football matches take place here.

Museum of Flight

The museum does not belong to the state. It is non-profit but private. Most tourists from all over the world are delighted with it.

It was built in 1965. As exhibits inside the building you can see real airplanes, most of which are very unusual.

Air vehicles from Russia, Japan, Germany and more are presented here. Among the attractions you can see aircraft that took part in the First and Second World Wars. In addition, photographs from the history of the Boeing Corporation hang on the walls of the building. After all, this is where the main office was located some time ago. Nowadays, many students of aviation universities and colleges undergo internships in this architectural structure, gaining new interesting knowledge.

I would also like to note the presence of a large-scale library in one of the premises.

About five hundred thousand tourists visit the museum every year, and it is possible that after some time even more travelers from different parts of the world will learn about this wonderful place.

Conclusion

Washington is one of the greatest cities in American history. The architecture of the capital of the United States is different from other localities in the country, and this is what makes it different from other places. We hope that the sights of Washington in English helped you get acquainted and understand the original names of architectural structures.

The permanent capital of the United States is a city that is not part of any state, but is officially part of the District of Columbia along with Georgetown. It is home to 600,000 citizens, and the population of Colombia (county) is 5.5 million.

Washington history

The city appeared on the world map in 1791. Named after the first American president, who is considered its founder. The indigenous people of America are the Indians who lived on the banks of the Potomac. In 1800, the American Congress began its work in Washington. In 1814, British troops occupied the capital and practically destroyed it.

Washington is a city where the streets were not paved until the beginning of the 20th century. In spring and autumn there was such mud here that many senators proposed moving the capital to a more suitable place. But over the next ten years it was put in order, the streets were paved, and the city began to correspond to the level of the capital.

US capital today

Washington has remained the capital of the United States for two hundred and twenty years. Now it is a beautiful and modern metropolis that annually welcomes tourists from all over the world. Many people come to the United States to get acquainted with the history and culture of the country. Their excursion program necessarily includes the sights of Washington. There really is something to see here. Today we will tell you what interesting things you can see in the US capital.

Sights of Washington

After the death of the 16th President of the United States (Lincoln), the idea of ​​building a memorial appeared. A creative competition was announced to create the best project. The victory in 1865 was won by two outstanding sculptors - Henry Bacon and Chester French.

Construction of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington began only in 1914. Work continued until 1922. More than 50 thousand people came to the opening ceremony, held on May 30, 1922.

The memorial impresses guests of the capital with its monumentality and impressive size. The height of the building is 57 meters, width is 36 meters. Outwardly, it somewhat resembles a temple; some tourists notice its similarity with the Greek Parthenon.

Along the perimeter of the memorial there are 36 columns made of snow-white marble. This is a symbol of the United States - 36 states made up the state when A. Lincoln was assassinated.

His statue is located in the very center of the memorial. The President is seated on a chair, his face facing the Washington Monument. The height of the sculpture of President Lincoln is 6 meters, and its weight is more than 150 tons.

Inside the memorial, you can see two large stone slabs engraved with Lincoln's most significant speeches: his 1865 State of the Union address, as well as his famous Gettysburg Address, which he delivered at the dedication of the National Memorial Cemetery in 1863. .

The names of states (48) are carved on the outside of the building - this was the number by the time construction was completed (1922).

The Lincoln Monument can be visited at night. It is illuminated by powerful spotlights, which further emphasize the grandeur of the memorial. According to statistics from American experts, the sights of Washington are visited annually by more than 6 million people from different parts of the Earth, and all of them always visit the memorial. On February 12, Lincoln's birthday, politicians and ordinary citizens gather here to honor the memory of their great president.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Washington is a city that remembers those killed during the Vietnam War. In memory of them, this memorial was built in the capital. It is located in the Constitution Gardens on the National Mall, near the Lincoln Memorial.

The monument is a not very deep trench, shaped like the letter V, which is lined with black granite on the outside. The large wall bears the names of the 58,000 Americans who died or went missing during the war. The composition is crowned by a sculpture of three soldiers standing on a hill, located on the inside of the memorial. The sculptural composition was made by F. Hart, the author of the project was the architect Maya Lin.

The opening of the memorial took place in 1982. Since then it has been part of the network of national parks.

The White house

The official residence of the current US presidents, it is also a very beautiful building. It is a landmark of the capital and a symbol of the country.

Construction of the White House in Washington began at the end of 1792. The author of the project was James Hoban. George Washington himself supervised the construction. Eight years later (1800) the construction work was completed. Its first inhabitant was President John Adams.

The White House in Washington has a fascinating history. The structure burned twice - in 1814 by the British and in 1929, when President Herbert Hoover was in power. The building was then carefully restored. Its appearance has not changed, and today it looks the same as it did two hundred years ago.

The palace is made in Palladian style. It has two wings and six floors. The interior spaces are different in their purpose, have different names and interior decoration. For example, the Oval Office is the president's workplace, the Oval Blue Room is intended for ceremonial receptions, and the Green Room is for informal conversations.

National Cathedral

The sights of Washington attract many tourists with their unusual architecture. The National Catholic Cathedral, designed in Gothic style, is famous for its exquisite stained glass windows, magnificent gargoyles and luxurious gardens that surround it.

The cathedral was built for mass worship. Today it is the largest Catholic church in the Western Hemisphere.

George Washington first thought about creating such a structure in 1791. But his idea was brought to life only a hundred years later. At the beginning of construction, a stone brought from Bethlehem was laid into the foundation of the temple.

Today it is not just a visited attraction. First of all, it is the most important religious and social center of the country.

Georgetown

This old and very attractive area is very popular in the city of Washington (USA). Local residents love to walk here, and guests of the capital also enjoy relaxing here.

It is located in the northwest of the city. This picturesque suburb is very beautiful: cobbled streets, ancient buildings, beautiful brick houses with intricate porches.

In this part of the capital you can see Georgetown University, the Dumbarton Oaks mansion, an old stone house, the Tudor manor museum, the Lutheran Church, and Waterfront Park.

This area is considered the richest and most fashionable quarter of the capital.

There are many shops, boutiques, luxury hotels, cafes and restaurants, and nightclubs.

The majestic city of Washington, which is the capital of the United States, is not part of any of the states of the country, but is a separate administrative unit called the “District of Columbia” (District of Columbia or simply D.C.).

The city was founded in 1791 and named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. Tourists, of course, primarily associate it with the famous White House, which is open to the public. However, it is not the only interesting place in Washington.

This city of white marble has many majestic monuments, various museums, beautiful parks and picturesque reservoirs, as well as entertainment centers, fashionable restaurants and luxury hotels. Moreover, by American standards, Washington is a relatively small city, but at the same time it is distinguished by its monumental grandeur, calm atmosphere and unshakable stability.

Climate and weather

In Washington, the weather conditions form a humid subtropical climate. In summer, the average air temperature here is about +25 °C, and in winter - 0...+5 °C. Rains occur quite often, and in winter sometimes snow falls, which quickly melts. During the summer season, the combination of high humidity and temperature causes thunderstorms, some of which result in tornadoes.

The most favorable time to travel to Washington is from April to November.

Nature

Washington lies in the northeastern part of the country, 53 km from the Atlantic coast. It is located in the state Maryland, however, is an independent administrative unit. Approximately 20% of the city's area is occupied by parkland, and about 10% by water. The city's water area includes a river Potomac and its tributaries (Rock and Anacostia Creeks), as well as the Washington Canal. Another tributary of the Potomac flows directly underground. There are several islands within the city, the largest of which are:

• Theodore Roosevelt Island;
• Kingman Island;
• Columbia Island;
• Islands of the Three Sisters.

Attractions

Without a doubt, the main attraction of Washington is the famous The White house, which serves as the official residence of the President of the United States. Moreover, on certain days it is completely accessible for visits and excursions. No less popular Capitol Hill, on which a massive building is located US Congress, consisting of a central part (Rotunda) and two wings intended for meetings of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Another important building of the city and the whole country is the Pentagon (Department of Defense), which is a set of pentagons built into each other, which are connected by passages.

Next, you should pay attention to the numerous monuments, which are headed by the majestic George Washington Memorial. Among others, the most famous are the Lincoln and Roosevelt Memorials, as well as the Naval Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Arlington Memorial Cemetery with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In addition, the following are widely popular:

• Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul;
• St Matthew's Cathedral;
• Basilica of the Immaculate Conception;
• Franciscan monastery;
• Ford's Theater Historic Site;
• Supreme Court building;
• Rock Creek Park, which is home to the historic Old Stone House complex.

In addition to architectural attractions, Washington is famous for its abundance of various museums and galleries, which are simply impossible to count:

• Washington City Museum;
• National Air and Space Museum;
• Hirshborn Museum with sculpture garden;
• International Spy Museum;
• National Museum of Women in the Arts;
• National Gallery of Art and many others.

Nutrition

Washington's restaurants and cafes are famous for their diversity and unsurpassed service. Moreover, here you can try both the national cuisine of the USA and any other, for example, Mexican, Chinese, Russian, Cuban, Moroccan, etc. It is worth noting that in Washington, compared to other American cities, expensive and chic establishments predominate. This is explained by the fact that very influential and wealthy people constantly arrive here, who can easily pay $100 for dinner. The best of these restaurants are considered Les Halles, Filomena Ristorante, Gabriel, Galileo And The Palm, where Washington's famous people dine.

If you want to save money, it is recommended to go to one of the establishments that are organized as a buffet, where, having paid the entrance, you can choose any dishes without any restrictions. Also quite affordable prices in fast food establishments ( McDonald's, Burger King etc.), offering all kinds of hamburgers and sandwiches. In addition, establishments are very widespread in Washington Take-out. In this case, you can first order food by phone and then pick it up yourself. This is very convenient if there are no free tables in the restaurant.

If we talk specifically about American cuisine, it is worth noting that it is quite varied and very high in calories. The most typical national dishes that you can try here in almost any establishment include rare steak, stuffed turkey, grilled chicken, beef steak, pumpkin soup and a variety of salads. As for drinks, in addition to the notorious Coca-Cola, Americans love coffee and iced tea. Among alcohol, it is worth highlighting wonderful Californian wines and whiskeys.

Accommodation

In terms of cost of living, Washington hotels are among the five most expensive in the country. Moreover, most of them were built specifically to receive foreign delegations and high-ranking guests. There are also practically no high-rise buildings here, as the local leadership tries to maintain the established architectural style of the city. Thanks to this, almost all hotels in Washington are located in small, cozy mansions.

Tourists are advised to look for a hotel in the East End area, where there are many budget options, such as the DC Lofty (from $20) or the Motel 6 Washington DC (FROM $60). Well, the most luxurious and expensive establishments are located mainly near city attractions, as well as in the West End, Dupont Circle and Logan Circle areas: The Ritz-Carlton, The Jefferson Hotel, Mandarin Oriental, etc.

Entertainment and relaxation

First of all, Washington will appeal to lovers of cultural pastimes, since in addition to all kinds of memorials and architectural attractions, there are a great many museums. For example, in the very center of the city there is an open space called the National Mall, on the territory of which there are various museums and memorials, including the famous monument to George Washington. Opera and classical music are also very popular in the city. You can listen to them at performances of the Symphony Orchestra and at the Washington Opera House.

Washington is no less attractive for fans of nightlife, which is very rich here. Moreover, the local bars and clubs are distinguished by their special chic and variety: from dance to jazz. In addition, almost all hotels in the city have their own bars, offering their guests something special.

For lovers of outdoor activities and sports, Washington offers the widest choice of sports activities, from golf or rowing to tennis or ice skating. In addition, the most famous sports teams in the country regularly perform in the city (the Washington Wizards basketball club, the Washington Capitals hockey team, etc.), whose exciting games can be seen by anyone.

In addition to all of the above, Washington boasts a variety of colorful festivals and celebrations, with the most popular being Independence Day (July 4th), the Smithsonian Folk Festival and the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Purchases

Washington has a truly great variety of shops, on the shelves of which you can find anything you want: from musical instruments and souvenirs to antiques and branded clothing. The main shopping places of the city, where the bulk of luxury stores are located, are the central streets M Street And Wisconsin Avenue. And on the street Dupont Circle There are more democratic and affordable establishments: discount centers, stockists and second-hand stores. For antiques, it is recommended to go to King Street, and for original souvenirs - to the Adams-Morgan Street area. In general, a variety of boutiques, shopping centers, antique shops and markets are located in literally all areas of the city. Of these, the most famous are shopping centers Virginia`s Alexandria, Arlington, Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets And Tysons Corner Center. Well, among hunters for souvenirs with national themes, as well as all kinds of memorabilia, the most popular shops are America! And Smithsonian which are located in the very center of the city.

Transport

In Washington, the fastest and most convenient form of public transport is metro(Metrorail), which consists of seven major lines, some of which extend beyond the District of Columbia. Subway fares depend on the time of day and day of the week and range from $1.85 during the day or late evening to $5.25 during rush hours.

Bus service is provided by Metrobus, whose stops are located near all metro stations. These buses are distinguished by increased comfort, and therefore the cost of a trip on this type of transport is quite impressive - $6. Also in the central part of the city, transportation is provided by DC Circulator buses, which are similar to minibuses. In this case, the fare is only $1.

In addition, a bicycle sharing system has been created in Washington. SmartBike DC. Therefore, there are many special stations where anyone can quickly rent a bicycle.

Connection

In Washington, literally on all streets, as well as in the foyers of public organizations, in shopping centers and gas stations, telephone booths with access to international lines are installed. Moreover, each has its own number, which can be seen directly on the telephone. This is very convenient, since if necessary, you can call back directly to this device.

Mobile communications are of excellent quality and are gradually replacing landline phones. It is worth keeping in mind that in the US, a tri-band phone is required for full roaming functionality.

Internet access is provided in almost all hotels, and is also often included in the list of restaurant services. In addition, there are many Wi-Fi hotspots in the city, some of which are free.

Safety

After September 11, 2001, security in Washington can claim the status of a true national brand. In this regard, provided that all prescribed norms and rules of conduct are observed, tourists are in virtually no danger here. It is worth keeping in mind that in Washington, a large bag may arouse suspicion among subway security personnel.

If we talk about the criminal situation, here it is at a fairly acceptable level. However, you should never let your guard down, as there is still a chance of bumping into a pickpocket or night robber.

Business climate

As the capital of the United States, Washington is the main center of political life in this country. The business and economic life of the city is based directly on the sphere of management. The headquarters of many international organizations are located here ( International Bank, International Monetary Fund etc.), the most important government institutions ( Congress, State Department, Supreme Court, Pentagon) and branches of a variety of companies, non-profit organizations and trade unions. In addition, Washington DC was recently ranked as the best city in the country for its most favorable business conditions and environment.

Real estate

In Washington, almost all real estate properties are in demand, and the demand for them is stable and even gradually increasing. This is not surprising, because Washington is the main city of the United States, as well as the seat of government and the cultural center of the country. If we talk about prices, they depend on the location and quality of the objects (from 150 thousand to 1 million $ and above). For example, a house with four bedrooms and a garage, which is located in a prestigious area, will cost at least $800 thousand.

Upon arrival in Washington, your luggage may be subject to extensive searches. Also, arrivals are asked about the purpose of their visit to the United States, and sometimes even asked if they have any connection with terrorist groups. In this case, there is no need to joke at all, since Americans take the problem of terrorism very seriously. Moreover, if an employee does not like something in the answers, the newcomer is invited to the security office, which carries the risk of going home without even setting foot on American soil.

The city of Washington is the capital of one of the most powerful world powers, the center of American democracy and a symbolic city for every resident of the United States. All the country's power structures are located in Washington: Congress, the Pentagon, the IMF, the World Bank, and the Presidential Administration.

This city is interesting for tourists because here you can learn a lot about the history of the United States and understand what the “American spirit” is. Numerous museums display the best achievements of culture, monuments to the first presidents adorn wide avenues, and the majestic Capitol building soars above the city as a symbol of democracy and freedom.

Washington captivates with its severity and solemnity. Crowds of people, crazy traffic and round-the-clock non-stop traffic - all this remains in . Washington has its own special charm.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Washington?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

It looks like a rather modest white building that houses the US Presidential Administration. The mansion was built in 1800 under the second American president, John Adams. The building consists of six floors (including basement and basement). Two floors are occupied by the family of the current president, the rest are administrative premises, reception rooms, and dining rooms. Along with the tour, you can see the historical chambers of the White House: the Blue, Green, Red rooms and some others.

The US Congress building, located on the hill of the same name. It appeared with the White House in 1800. The building was built in a solemn classical style. The name "Capitol" was borrowed from the Roman Empire, and it had a deep meaning. Just as the ancient Capitol Hill towered over the Eternal City, so the American Capitol claims universal dominance.

The street that runs from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol building. Along the National Mall are Washington's main memorials, historical city museums, the Botanical Garden and the Smithsonian Institution. One of the most famous speeches in US history was delivered here - “I Have a Dream” by M.L. King, where the fighter for the rights of blacks expressed his vision of equal rights for blacks and whites.

A granite obelisk made of white marble, 169 meters high, erected in honor of Founding Father D. Washington. It was built in the mid-19th century with donations from American citizens and funds from private organizations. The column is surrounded by 52 spiers with American state flags. A staircase of several hundred steps leads to the top of the monument; there is also an elevator for convenience and speed.

The complex is located within the National Mall. It is dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln. The idea of ​​erecting a monument to perpetuate the memory of the 16th president arose immediately after Lincoln's death, but the memorial did not appear until 1922. The building of the complex is somewhat reminiscent of the ancient Greek Parthenon. The colonnade of 36 columns symbolizes the 36 states (during Lincoln's presidency there were only 36 states).

The monument is dedicated to the third US President T. Jefferson, who is called one of the Founding Fathers. The text of the US Declaration of Independence belongs to his hand. The memorial stands surrounded by a Japanese cherry blossom garden on the shore of an artificial lake-pool. The architecture of the complex is a strict neoclassical style, which was actively promoted in the USA at the beginning and middle of the 20th century.

A memorial complex dedicated to fallen and missing soldiers during the Korean War of 1950-1953. It was an armed conflict between South and North Korea, in which the United States took an active part. The memorial was inaugurated in 1995; four years later, work to improve the surrounding area was completed. The monument features sculptures of soldiers of various nationalities.

Martin Luther King is a famous defender of the rights of the black population and a fighter for justice and equality, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. A monument in his honor opened in Washington in 2011 in the presence of President Barack Obama and several thousand American citizens (mostly black). The monument is located in the park area of ​​the National Mall.

The theater where the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated. This happened in 1865, when Lincoln was in his VIP box watching a performance. A native of the slave-holding South of the United States and a fanatic of the old orders, D. W. Booth secretly entered the box and shot the president. Now the theater functions as a museum. The building is listed on the US Register of National Historic Places.

The library is considered one of the most beautiful and largest book collections in the world. It was founded in 1800, when the US capital was moved to Washington. About $5,000 was allocated for the purchase of books, which was a very impressive amount for the beginning of the 19th century. Initially, the library's rooms were intended only for members of Congress. Now the book depository funds number about 30 million copies.

A museum managed by the Smithsonian Institution, where more than 100 million different exhibits are collected. Collections of minerals, precious stones, minerals, archaeological finds, fragments of cosmic bodies and much more are exhibited here. The museum is free for visitors, it is open seven days a week all year round and closes only on Christmas Day.

The museum is of greatest interest to guests of Washington. It has been voted the most visited museum on the National Mall. More than 5 million people pass through its halls every year. Museum exhibitions tell the story of the history of the United States, as well as the development of culture, achievements in the social sphere and politics. Personal belongings of the Founding Fathers and collections of paintings from the European Renaissance are also exhibited here.

One of the most interesting museums on the National Mall in Washington. Real aircraft or life-size copies of them are exhibited here. The museum also stores spacecraft, rockets, engines, command modules of space stations, and astronaut spacesuits. The exhibition opened in the middle of the 20th century. The museum constantly conducts active scientific and research activities.

One of the new museums on the National Mall, opened in 2004. The exhibitions are dedicated to the history and culture of Native American peoples. Clothing, household and ritual items, weapons, jewelry, and coins of various Indian tribes are collected here. There is a theater on the territory, where Indians play national instruments, dance and put on various shows for visitors.

A museum where works by masters of different art schools and time periods are collected. Sculptures, paintings, photographs, and graphic drawings by both American and European artists are exhibited here. In total, the National Gallery of Art has about 1,200 paintings. These are mainly works of French, Italian and American masters.

A museum dedicated to the history of the emergence and improvement of mass media. Through the exhibitions you can trace the entire evolution - from the first newspapers and radio to the era of high-speed Internet. In the museum, visitors will see not only exhibits - everyone can try themselves in the role of a reporter and find out how news is created and what goals they pursue, where news stories come from.

Quite an interesting place where some secrets of intelligence and espionage activities are revealed. A similar museum exists only in the USA. The Advisory Council includes former officials of the FBI, CIA and even the Soviet KGB. The museum's collections contain exhibits that shed light on the work of intelligence officers. Separate exhibitions are dedicated to the history of Soviet (and Russian) intelligence.

A majestic Gothic temple, finally completed in the 90s. XX century. The cathedral belongs to the Protestant Church. The decision to build was made at the end of the 19th century, but the work dragged on for almost 100 years. The temple is named after Saints Peter and Paul (again a reference to the glory of the Roman Empire, which haunts Americans). Funeral services for the 34th, 38th and 40th presidents of the United States took place within the walls of the cathedral.

Largest Catholic Church in the USA. The temple was built in the Byzantine style. The interior decoration is made in a rather luxurious manner. The basilica was erected in the middle of the 20th century, and since then the popes have visited here several times. For American Catholics, the temple is an important spiritual center and place of pilgrimage. Church employees carry out active social and educational work among parishioners.

The building on Capitol Hill where the highest judicial body of the United States meets. The palace was built in 1936 according to the design of the architect K. Gilbert. The building is an almost perfect example of the classical architectural style. The main façade is decorated with a sculptural group depicting Freedom, Order and Power. The male and female statues on either side of the grand staircase symbolize justice and the rule of law.

A multi-story and, at first glance, inconspicuous building on Pennsylvania Avenue. The FBI headquarters is located here. Many people have known this house since the time of the series “The X-Files”. The headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation was named after J. Edgar Hoover, the creator and first director of this service. You can get inside the building with an organized tour group.

A gigantic structure in the shape of a regular pentagon (in Greek - pentagon), which houses the American Department of Defense. This is the largest office building in the whole world; about 40 thousand employees work here comfortably. The Pentagon parking lots are designed for several thousand cars. During the Cold War, the Pentagon was the "zero point" for Soviet nuclear missiles.

The Smithsonian Institution is one of the main research centers in the United States. The administration of the organization is located in a picturesque castle made of red stone in the neo-Romanesque style. In the mid-20th century, the building was included in the list of US national monuments. The first architectural project was drawn up in the classical style (like the Capitol building), but then it was decided to use the Romanesque style, characteristic of medieval Germany, as a model.

An architectural structure of the late 19th century with elements of the European neo-Romanesque style, which was briefly used as a post office. It stood empty for a long time; after reconstruction, shops, offices and restaurants were placed inside. Some government services are also located here. There are free tours around the pavilion. The 95-meter clock tower has an observation deck from where you can admire Washington DC.

The oldest and most prestigious district of Washington, where luxurious mansions stand among greenery, antique shops and upscale restaurants work. The heart of the area is Georgetown University, an elite educational institution that has produced many representatives of the American establishment. Georgetown is one of the most picturesque places in the American capital.