Washington Travel Guide
Travel guide to Washington, D.C. with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Washington sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Washington Overview
Many people expect Washington DC, the capital of the USA to be a fairly characterless place, given over to monuments and palatial buildings. But the reality is a place with loads on offer for any tourist wanting to explore America's true history and the expanse of culture that it possesses.
The locals reckon that Washington DC is the capital of the free world, and the truth is, that from Washington DC, the US government create the policies that shape the lives and economies of much of the world, making decisions that can change the lives of people on the far side of the globe.
Washington is where Americans come to have their say in how their country us run, and events such as in the million-man march that celebrated the civil rights movement, various protests about ideology and war are not uncommon. Aside from building the future, Washington contemplates the past, and there are memorials to every war the country has fought, and some of the leaders it has known.
Top Washington Attractions
The city is home to some of the most important American museums including the famous Smithsonian Institution (a complex of some 14 separate galleries and museums exhibiting everything from modern art to dinosaur skeletons) and the Library of Congress, which purports to contain over 100 million items, although I haven't counted them all.
Aside from the many parks, must see attractions include the iconic White House, the Capitol Building and the monuments around the Mall.
Shopping in Washington
Like all American cities, Washington is great for shoppers - particularly if you like bargains! With the USA's comparatively low cost of living, and the sheer variety of shops to choose from, a visit to Washington DC provides plenty of opportunities to stock up on everything.
The main areas for shopping include the many boutiques at the Mall at Union Station in Georgetown, and the outlet superstores at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.
One of the most popular shops in Washington DC is the chain of gift shops at the Smithsonian, where you can buy replicas of almost any item in the museums.
Washington Sporting Events
Washington DC offers sports fans the chance to see all their favourite American Sports. The Washington Wizards basketball team and the ice hockey favourites the Washington Capitals both play games at the vast MCI centre.
The Washington Redskins are one of the top NFL franchise teams and play their matches at the FedEx field stadium, while the (not very popular) DC United MLS football team play their matches at the RFK stadium.
With so much business and power in Washington DC, it should come as no surprise that the city offers a number of golf courses where you can play a round or two on payment of the frequently exorbitant green fees.
