GUIDES

Washington Guide

Washington - Out and About

Washington, in the district of Columbia, situated at the fork of the Potomac and Anacostia river, is the federal capital of The United States Of America. The city, with its 53,000 inhabitants, is the seat of political activity for both The State and numerous international organizations, which together employ around 35,000 people. The city is divided into quadrants, with The U.S Capitol forming the centre. The streets, running north to south, are numbered, with the avenues, running east to west, bearing the name of the states.

The central nucleus of the city is located between K Street and Capitol Hill. The Capitol, home of The American Senate, is situated on Capitol Hill. It is from here, that The Mall, the main axis of the city begins and runs until the Potomac River. This vast grassy expanse is lined with museums and public offices, which leads up to the Washington Memorial from here, the grassy expanse gives way to large gardens, which stretch up to and beyond The Lincoln Memorial until finally arriving at the river.

The Abraham Lincoln Monument, erected in 1922, resembles a Greek temple, with 36 Dorian columns, one for each of the states, which made up America, at the time of the president’s death. The White House is situated to the east, at number 511, 10th street. The Ford’s Theatre is located to the north-west. It is here that President Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. A Museum, bearing his name, is housed under the theatre and possesses both the assassin’s pistol and diary . The Pentagon, site of America’s Ministry of Defence, is located at Arlington, on the bank of the Potomac river. This enormous pentagonal-shaped building covers an area of 12,000 acres. It is possible to book a guided tour at The Visitor‘s Centre.

The more interesting aspects of the city are to be found in and around The Mall. Pennsylvania Avenue, a wide 2.5km long street, connects The Capitol to The White House and is the site of the annual President’s Parade. The White House, open to the general public, was built between 1792 and 1800. The building, designed by James Hoban, is built in Neoclassic style. The Smithsonian Institution Museums, located only short distance away, house The Freer Art Galleries; The Hirshorn Museum and Garden; The National Air and Space Museum; The National History Museum and The National Museum of American History. The 16 million exhibits on show, bear witness to the industrial, cultural and economical development of this country.

Other note-worthy buildings include: The Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts, host to theatre plays, operas, musicals and films, and The Corcorana Gallery of Art, (subway stop -Farragaut West), this private gallery’s collection of American paintings and sculptures is second only to the Metropolitan in New York. An excellent bus and underground network, with stops at all the principle monuments , makes touring the city very easy indeed. The ticket is valid for travel after 9:30 am Monday to Friday and at all times during the week-end and can be purchased from the ticket booths in the station. Taxis do not have meters, the fare depends upon the number of city zones crossed in the course of the ride. The capital is linked by three airports: Washington National, Dulles International and Baltimore-Washington International .

Washington - Not to be missed

There is nothing more magnificent than night-time visit to the monuments, all of which are illuminated. From the viewing room at the top of The George Washington Memorial, it is possible to obtain a superb view of the entire city. Starting from The Lincoln Memorial, crossing The Memorial Bridge and entering Arlington, it is possible to visit The National Military Cemetry, where among others, John F Kennedy and his brother Bob, have been laid to rest.

The changing of the guard at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is carried out every half hour from April to September and every hour during other times of the year. Equally impressive, is the monument dedicated to the Marines, it details the raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima during The Second World War.

The Botanical Gardens, built in 1816 and one of the oldest gardens in America, are located near The Capitol. Do not miss: The Library of Congress, situated in front of The Capitol.-This complex, which consists of three buildings, the oldest dating back to 1897, is elaborately decorated with murals , mosaics and sculptures and contains over 80 million volumes; The National Gallery of Art, one of the most important in the world, The Phillips Collection, the oldest contemporary art museum in the country; The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, The American Mint and The Pentagon Building, where guided tours are possible of this, the largest military complex in the world.

Washington - Walks and tours

The old town of Alexandria, situated a few kilometres south of Arlington, is well worth a visit. The town has superb 18th century buildings, which have been restored and transformed into elegant shops and restaurants.

Mount Vernon, the splendid residence of G.Washington, is located along the G. Washington Pway. Travelling north-west towards Canal road, we reach The Great Falls, the last waterfalls created by The Potomac river, before it enters the city. It is advisable to walk along the bank of either canal C or O and follow one of the paths that leads to the falls.

The beautiful Rock Creek Park, is situated along 16th Street, to the north of The White House. The park, with its majestic trees and wild animals, allows the visitor the possibility of discovering traces of the country’s history, while strolling along The Algonquin Indian Trail.

Washington - The traveller's notebook

Currency : US$

Electric supply: 110-120 volt, 60 hertz.

Climate : Temperate

Language : English

Opening hours : The shops are open from 10am to 6pm, the shopping centres from 9am to 9pm

Telephones : Telephone area code: 202

Washington - A pocket guide

There are many shopping centres, which generally open from 10am to 8pm or 9:30 pm during week-days. Some of the more notable centres are: The Old Post Office Pavilion in Pennsylvania Avenue, a historic building, from whose clock tower it is possible to look out over the city.

The Chevy Chase Pavilion in Wisconsin Avenue and the Fashion Center at Pentagon City, (subway stop- Pentagon City).

New Year’s Day, 1 January Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May Memorial Day, last Monday in May Flag Day, 14 June United States of America’s Independence Day, 4 July Labor Day, first Monday in September Columbus Day, second Monday in October Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day, 25 December

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