Washington DC at a Glance
Known for the White House, the Capitol, and the Washington Monument, Washington, the capital of the United States located in the District of Columbia in the northeast of the country, stretches along the banks of the Potomac River. Featuring wide avenues, imposing neoclassical white buildings, and numerous parks, it is a very pleasant city that welcomes thousands of visitors every year, led by Americans themselves. The climate is humid subtropical, with temperatures that vary significantly depending on the season.
Free Museums Everywhere!
Heard of the Smithsonian Institution? It is an American scientific research and educational organization with a massive budget! Its dozens of museums and galleries are treasures of knowledge, featuring majestic buildings and rich, well-documented collections. Most of them sit right on the Mall, 3.5 km of green space separating the Capitol from the Potomac River.
If you love having your head in the clouds and dreaming of space exploration, head straight to the National Air and Space Museum (near the L'Enfant Plaza metro station). Drawing 6 million visitors a year, it is a firm favorite for many travelers.
Fascinated by history and culture? You will find plenty to explore at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), accessible via the Smithsonian or Federal Triangle metro stations. Opened in 2016, make sure to reserve your free timed pass online.
More into viewing works of art? The National Gallery of Art (near the Archives-Navy Memorial metro station) will delight fans of Italian Renaissance paintings and major European masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Vermeer, Matisse, Picasso, and Warhol.
More interested in American art? Make your way to the Smithsonian American Art Museum near the Gallery Place metro station. The gallery dedicated to American presidents is also well worth a detour!
Want to catch some sun? Take a stroll through the zoo, accessible via the Woodley Park-Zoo metro station. You will see giant pandas, tigers, and a dedicated aquatic section featuring otters, sea lions, and more.
The Symbol of Global Power
Starting from the Washington Monument, plan for a solid half-day to complete the memorial circuit including the World War II Memorial, Albert Einstein Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Do not miss the famous 6-meter-tall marble statue inside the Lincoln Memorial.
Want to get a firsthand look at the inner workings of power?
Tour the Capitol on a 15-minute guided tour only, with registration available at the Visitor Center underneath the Capitol. Open daily from 8:50 am to 3:20 pm, and a passport is required to pick up your ticket.
You can also experience the Pentagon from the inside, provided you book at least 14 days in advance.
When to Go
Autumn and spring are the ideal seasons to visit Washington. If you are watching your budget, January and February are the cheapest and least crowded months of the year.
How to Get There
Air France and United offer direct flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Washington Dulles. The Silver Line metro provides direct service to the airport, taking about an hour to reach downtown for the price of a standard fare. Door-to-door shuttles and taxis are faster options, but they cost significantly more.
Getting Around
Walking and the metro are the best ways to get around and tour the city. Pick up a SmarTrip card for about $2 and reload it at the Passes/Farecards machines. A Metrorail ride costs from $2.25 to $6.75 on weekdays between 5 am and 9:30 pm, depending on the distance, while fares are capped at $2.50 after 9:30 pm and on weekends. Unlimited passes valid for both metro and bus cost $13.50 for one day, $33.75 for three days, and $60.75 for seven days.
I hurried to visit the American capital before Trump returns to power. Big open spaces, tons of monuments, and seeing the "white house" in person, it really hits you.