WASHINGTON DC ★ ★ ★ the US Capital Was Named in Honour of George Washington, the Country’S First President, When It Was Founded in 1791

DESTINATIONS

WASHINGTON DC ★ ★ ★ The US Capital was named in honour of George Washington, the country’s first President, when it was founded in 1791. Since that time, this prestigious city has been home to the country’s top politicians. Nearly 700,000 people live in Washington, DC. In addition to its museums and important political monuments, you will enjoy the natural beauty of the nation’s capital. Seasonal highlights include the cherry blossoms in April, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in summer, and the bright foliage of the US National Arboretum in the fall.

SUNSET WASHINGTON DC © AdobeStock, sborisov WHAT TO DO —

THE VISION OF PIERRE-CHARLES L’ENFANT

Washington, DC. was designed in 1791 by the great French ar- chitect and city planner Pierre- Charles L’Enfant. The location of every monument, building and avenue was carefully planned to provide visitors with spectacular views.

CAPITOL HILL ★★★

UNITED STATES CAPITOL ★★★ The United States Capitol is the home of the United States Congress, and the seat of the UNITED STATES CAPITOL © WikiMedia Commons, Jon Phelan legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. Sitting on top of Jenkins Hill (now known as Capitol Hill), it is certainly Washington’s most visible landmark. The city’s major thoroughfares converge on Capitol Hill, directing the nation, physically and symbolically, to this place of democratic debate. The Exhibition Hall features original documents, artifacts and videos informing visitors about how Congress works and the history of the Capitol. For more information, visit the Capitol Visitor Center between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Monday- Saturday). Guided tours are available from 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. EAST CAPITOL STREET NE AND FIRST STREET SE, WASHINGTON DC 202-226-8000 WWW.VISITTHECAPITOL.GOV UNITED STATES BOTANIC GARDEN © WikiMedia Commons, Diliff UNITED STATES BOTANIC GARDEN ★★ Open daily year-round, from 10 Not far from the Capitol is the Across from the Capitol sits This botanic garden, located on a.m. to 5 p.m. Library of Congress ★ ★ ★ , the imposing Supreme Court ★ ★ the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, Admission is free! the largest library in the world, building, seat of the Supreme is made up of the Conservatory 100 MARYLAND AVENUE SW, with its vast collection de Court of the United States, the (a vast greenhouse), the National WASHINGTON DC books, manuscripts and musical country’s highest federal court. Garden (featuring a rose garden) 202-226-1047 recordings, stored on close to 1 FIRST STREET NE, WASHINGTON and Bartholdi Park with its WWW.USBG.GOV 560 km of bookshelves. 202-479-3000 majestic fountain. A second- 101 INDEPENDENCE AVENUE SE, WWW.SUPREMECOURT.GOV storey catwalk looks down over WASHINGTON / 202-707-5000 the jungle canopy. WWW.LOC.GOV

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see DESTINATIONS

DOWNTOWN ★★

THE WHITE HOUSE ★★★ The famous White House ★ ★ ★ is the President’s official residence and a worldwide symbol of the United States of America. The site was selected by George Washington himself in 1791, and every president since John Adams has occupied the White House. Today it has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 3 elevators, 8 staircases, 6 floors and a kitchen equipped for 140 guests! Only certain rooms may be visited, and tour requests can be submitted up to 3 months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. For more information or to submit a request, you need to contact your embassy in AERIAL VIEW OF THE WHITE HOUSE Washington DC. © WikiCommons, Carol M. Highsmith 1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW, WASHINGTON DC / 202-456-1111 WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV

THE WHITE HOUSE, THE FBI AND THE PENTAGON Unfortunately, you will not be able to visit these major attractions during your stay in Washington: requests to tour these iconic high-security sites must be submitted months in advance! WHITE HOUSE’S GARDENS © WiiCommons, Daniel Schwen

FBI BUILDING THE PENTAGON © AdobeStock, Dave Newman © WikiCommons, USAirForce-SgtKenHammond

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see DESTINATIONS

NATIONAL MALL ★★★ The National Mall ★ ★ ★ is a long green pedestrian avenue between the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol. It is home to iconic monuments, memorials and museums. The nearby Tidal Basin is another lovely attraction, known for its spectacular cherry blossoms in the spring.

FAMOUS MONUMENTS The grand temple-like Lincoln Memorial ★ ★ ★ was built in LINCOLN MEMORIAL WASHINGTON MONUMENT honour of the 16th American © WikiCommons, Jeff Kubina © WikiCommons, USAirForce-Sgt. Andy Dunaway President. Abraham Lincoln sits immortalized in marble as an enduring symbol of unity, strength and wisdom. On a hill across from the Lincoln memorial soars the Washington Monument ★ ★ , built to honor George Washington. This iconic obelisk is one of the country’s most recognizable structures. 169 metres tall, it took 40 years to complete. Another favourite is the circular white columned Jefferson Memorial ★ ★ ★ , dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, rd3 President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence. JEFFERSON MONUMENT SMITHHSONIAN INSTITUTE © WikiCommons, Micahmn © Dane A. Penland- Smithsonian

THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION The National Mall is bordered Must-see museums include: • The National Museum of • The Hirshhorn Museum and by a number of world-class African American History Sculpture Garden ★ ★ is museums including the • The National Air and Space and Culture ★ ★ ★ is the a modern art museum Smithsonian Institution, the Museum ★ ★ ★ houses an only national museum presenting European and world’s largest museum and impressive collection of devoted exclusively to the American art from the research complex, with 19 aircraft and space objects, documentation of African late 19th century to the museums and galleries and the from the first flying American life, history and present, including a superb National Zoological Park. machine (1903) to the culture. Explore the rich saga outdoor sculpture garden. The Smithsonian was established Apollo 11 command module. of African American history (Independence Ave and 7th St / in 1829 when James Smithson, a (Independence Avenue at and life in the United States hirshhorn.si.edu) British scientist, left his estate to 6th St. / 202-633-2214 / from slavery to emancipation, the United States to found ‘‘an airandspace.si.edu). and learn all about this • The Smithsonian’s National establishment for the increase fascinating segment of the Zoo ★ ★ is a world-class and diffusion of knowledge’’. • The National Gallery of Art ★ ★★ American population. (1400 zoo in the heart of the city, Without even setting foot on is another popular museum Constitution Avenue NW / home to more than 300 American soil, this visionary and boasts one of the world’s nmaahc.si.edu) different species of animals. saw American democracy as finest collections of pictoral Note: due to the museum’s The zoo also conducts the future of civilization. The and sculptural art from the great popularity, entry research on conservation, Smithsonian museums and the Middle Ages to the present passes are required even reproductive biology, and National Zoo are open every day day. (6th and Constitution Ave though admission is free. Visit wildlife behaviour and ecology. of the year and are absolutely NW / 202-737-4215 / www. nmaahc.si.edu/visit/passes for (3001 Connecticut Avenue free! nga.gov) more information. NW / 202-633-4888 / www. nationalzoo.si.edu).

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see DESTINATIONS

You also have many other museums to choose from, depending on your interests and the time available to you: the Freer Gallery of Art ★ ★ , the National Museum of African Art ★ ★ , the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery ★ ★ , the National Museum of the American Indian ★ ★ , the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum ★ ★ , the National Museum of American History ★ ★ , and the National Museum of Natural History ★ ★ .

BIKE TOUR OF THE NATIONAL MALL The best way to explore the National Mall is by bike! Get out, enjoy some fresh air, and explore the many sites the area has to offer. Set out on your own or take a guided tour with a professional guide who will teach you all about the sites. You can rent a bike or book your guided tour at Bike and Roll. (955 L’Enfant Plaza, North Building #905, Washington DC / 202-842-2453 / www. bikeandrolldc.com). NATIONAL MALL © WIkiCommons, Agnostic Preachers Kid

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see DESTINATIONS

MAIN ENTRANCE, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS JEFFERSON MONUMENT © WikiCommons, Carol M. Highsmith © WikiCommons, Micheal Kranewitter

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see DESTINATIONS NEARBY — UNITED STATES WASHINGTON NATIONAL NATIONAL ARBORETUM ★★ CATHEDRAL ★★ If you need a break from The neo-Gothic National monuments, this large park is Cathedral is one of the largest the perfect place for a nature religious buildings in the escape, away from the urban country, and the 6th-largest hustle and bustle! The site in the world! Although it was can be explored on foot, but built during the 20th century, if you are short on time, you the Cathedral was constructed can also drive from one area primarily in the masonry tradition to another. The arboretum of the great medieval churches features many gardens and of Europe. Guided walking tours collections, including the largest provide an overview of the azalea garden in the country, Cathedral’s art, architecture, magnificent orchids and the history, and mission. Open cherry blossoms in the spring. Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 The National Bonsai & Penjing p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 Museum ★ houses a vast p.m. and Sunday from 12:45 p.m. collection of bonsais. to 4 p.m. Admission is free! Open every 3101 WISCONSIN AVENUE NW, day (except December 25) from WASHINGTON DC / 202-537-6200 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. WWW.CATHEDRAL.ORG 3501 NEW YORK AVENUE NE, WASHINGTON DC / 202-245-2726 WWW.USNA.USDA.GOV UNITED STATES NATIONAL ARBORETUM © WikiCommons, Abraham

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see DESTINATIONS

BEN’S CHILI BOWL ($) SWEET GREEN ($) fruit brandy. Reservations are a.m. A meal at Ben’s Chili Bowl is Sweet Green is an excellent strongly recommended. Open 675 15TH STREET NW, a must during your stay in the choice for a quick, healthy for lunch and dinner, Monday- WASHINGTON DC / 202-347-4800 nation’s capital! A landmark meal prepared with the Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 WWW.EBBITT.COM restaurant in Washington, freshest ingredients. This small p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 DC since it opened in 1958, restaurant offers a variety p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to THE CAPITAL GRILLE ($$$$) it is regularly visited by of spectacular and delicious 11 p.m., and Sundays from 10 If you love tender dry-aged celebrities and presidents salads served with homemade a.m. to 10 p.m. steak, this is the place for come to sample their famous dressings, as well as an array 523 8TH STREET SE, you! The Capital Grille is one “Chili Half-Smoke”, a hot dog of chicken, fish, bean and tofu WASHINGTON DC / 202-813-3039 of the finest steakhouses in covered in mustard, onions bowls. Open daily from 10:30 WWW.AMBARRESTAURANT.COM Washington DC. The menu and spicy homemade chili a.m. to 10 p.m. also includes fish, vegetarian sauce. You will find all the 221 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE SE, OLD EBBITT GRILL ($$-$$$) options and giant desserts to fast-food classics and even a WASHINGTON DC / 202-547-9338 Founded in 1856, this share. Interesting wine menu few vegetarian options. Open WWW.SWEETGREEN.COM iconic Victorian saloon- and comfortably elegant for breakfast Monday-Friday style restaurant is just atmosphere. Reservations from 6 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and AMBAR CAPITAL HILL steps away from the White are strongly recommended! Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10:45, ($$-$$$) House. The menu features Open Monday-Thursday from and for lunch and dinner This popular Capitol Hill American cuisine including 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday- Monday-Thursday from 10:45 restaurant is a good place to succulent oysters, one of the Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday-Saturday try when you’ve worked up an house specialties. A casual p.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. from 10:45 a.m. to 4 a.m. appetite! Ambar offers delicious atmosphere and quick service, to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to Balkan cuisine featuring a wide but it can be noisy due to its 601 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW, midnight. variety of small plates, including popularity. Open Monday- WASHINGTON DC / 202-737-6200 1213 U STREET NW, an all-you-can-eat tasting menu Friday from 7:30 a.m. until the WWW.THECAPITALGRILLE.COM WASHINGTON DC / 202-667-0058 (Ambar Experience). Be sure to wee hours of the morning and BENSCHILIBOWL.COM try Rakia, a traditional Balkan Saturday-Sunday from 8:30 *** Hours may vary ***

$ Inexppensive $$ Moderate $$$ Upscale $$$$ Fine dining