National capitals are renowned for being the least interesting places to visit in any country, but Washington is an exception. The capital is a microcosm of the grand ideals and grim realities of the
March 15, 2006 (Press Release) --
Intro
National capitals are renowned for being the least interesting places to visit in any country, but Washington is an exception. Its tree-lined avenues and grand 19th-century buildings create a surprisingly warm, almost cozy atmosphere - though some neighborhoods are less so than others. The capital is a microcosm of the grand ideals and grim realities of the US - as the potholes and homeless people everywhere will attest. You don't have to be unpatriotic to be aware of the depressing irony of poverty and racial segregation in the shadow of glorious monuments proclaiming 'equality for all.'
Washington certainly isn't as hip a town as New York or San Francisco, but its museums rank with some of the country's best (and most are free), its architecture is impressive and its dining and nightlife are more cosmopolitan than you might think.
Since the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, security has remained high around Washington's key monuments, with access to some tourist attractions still limited. Visitors to Washington around the time of the one-year anniversary of September 11 should be prepared for heightened security. Allow more time to visit major attractions and be aware that some roads and monuments will be closed due to commemorative activities.
Destination Facts
Population: 607,000
Area: 65 sq mi (170 sq km)
Elevation: 30ft (9m)
Region: District of Columbia
Time Zone: Eastern Time (GMT/UTC minus 5 hours)
Telephone area code: 202
When to Go
The most comfortable times to visit Washington are in spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The official tourist season runs from April through September. It's a good idea to buy advance tickets to popular attractions during this period because the queues can be monstrous.
Summers are hot and humid, especially in July and August. If you can bear the heat, this can be a good time to visit, as business travel to DC slumps and accommodation rates fall accordingly. Snowman aficionados may get a kick out of winter.
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
National capitals are renowned for being the least interesting places to visit in any country, but Washington is an exception. Its tree-lined avenues and grand 19th-century buildings create a surprisingly warm, almost cozy atmosphere - though some neighborhoods are less so than others. The capital is a microcosm of the grand ideals and grim realities of the US - as the potholes and homeless people everywhere will attest. You don't have to be unpatriotic to be aware of the depressing irony of poverty and racial segregation in the shadow of glorious monuments proclaiming 'equality for all.'
Washington certainly isn't as hip a town as New York or San Francisco, but its museums rank with some of the country's best (and most are free), its architecture is impressive and its dining and nightlife are more cosmopolitan than you might think.
Since the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, security has remained high around Washington's key monuments, with access to some tourist attractions still limited. Visitors to Washington around the time of the one-year anniversary of September 11 should be prepared for heightened security. Allow more time to visit major attractions and be aware that some roads and monuments will be closed due to commemorative activities.
Destination Facts
Population: 607,000
Area: 65 sq mi (170 sq km)
Elevation: 30ft (9m)
Region: District of Columbia
Time Zone: Eastern Time (GMT/UTC minus 5 hours)
Telephone area code: 202
When to Go
The most comfortable times to visit Washington are in spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The official tourist season runs from April through September. It's a good idea to buy advance tickets to popular attractions during this period because the queues can be monstrous.
Summers are hot and humid, especially in July and August. If you can bear the heat, this can be a good time to visit, as business travel to DC slumps and accommodation rates fall accordingly. Snowman aficionados may get a kick out of winter.
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
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