Capitol Building with reflection pool
Capitol Building with reflection pool

Washington D.C.

The Heart of the Capital Region 

Published: 03 November 2022, 08:00 AM

This is where the heart of the capital region beats: Washington D.C. is the political centre of the USA and, despite the similarity in its name, must not be confused with the state of Washington in the north-west of the USA. Washington D.C. is located on the East Coast between the states of Maryland and Virginia. Both were named after George Washington, the first US president. Those who live in the capital simply say “D.C.”. The abbreviation stands for District of Columbia and refers to the metropolitan area. 

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: - six hours
  • Population: 700,000
  • Official language: English
  • Currency: US Dollar (USD)

The seat of government, the Capitol Building, towers over the city, which is very spacious with plenty of open green spaces. One of the most famous avenues is the three-kilometre-long National Mall. This is where you will find the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the marble tower of the Washington Monument. The National Mall is a great place to walk, skate and jog. The city, located on the Potomac River, has an international atmosphere, which can be seen in its diverse restaurant and cultural scene.

Washington D.C. in ten pictures

Capitol Building Washington D.C.
The mighty, white-domed Capitol Building towers over the city from its hill. © Appropriate_man / AdobeStock
Washington Monument with reflecting pool
The Washington Monument is a white marble tower in the shape of an obelisk. A lift takes you up to the top © SeanPavonePhoto / AdobeStock
White House
The centre of power in the USA: the famous White House is a white-columned building. All American presidents since George Washington have lived and worked here © Vacclav / AdobeStock
Lincoln Memorial with reflecting pool
What looks like a Greek temple with its white columns is the Lincoln Memorial: inside is a statue of Abraham Lincoln. A pool stretches out in front of it. © sborisov / AdobeStock
Library of Congress
With more than 100 million books, the Library of Congress is the second largest library in the world. The Italian Renaissance style main reading room is incredibly beautiful. © jonbilous / AdobeStock
Potomac River
Water sports are popular in the capital during the summer – the Potomac River is mainly used for rowing, kayaking and canoeing. © Bill Perry / AdobeStock
Colourful houses in Georgetown
Off to Georgetown – pretty, colourfully painted houses characterise the image of the city’s oldest and probably also most beautiful district © Yaya Ernst / AdobeStock
Union Station concourse
More than just a railway station – Union Station’s domed hall alone is worth a visit. It’s a good place to shop, eat and travel. © Andrea Izzotti / AdobeStock
Smithsonian Institution
What looks like an old British castle from the outside is the Smithsonian Institution, also called the “Castle”. It manages 17 different museums in Washington D.C. © Blanscape / AdobeStock
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court Building is the seat of the US Supreme Court, a neoclassical style building with a white marble façade. It was inaugurated in 1935. © lucky-photo / AdobeStock

Discover the capital region from Washington D.C.

The US capital is nestled between the two states of Maryland and Virginia. The capital region can be ideally explored from Washington D.C. Located on the Atlantic coast, the state of Maryland offers picturesque water landscapes, such as the huge Chesapeake Bay estuary, pretty sandy beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and the sailing waters around Annapolis. It is also worth taking a detour to Baltimore, famous for its colourful neighbourhoods and rich museum landscape.

Virginia is one of the country’s most beautiful states. Its national parks, such as Shenandoah National Park, are very extensive and offer wonderful hiking routes. You can enjoy the most beautiful views of nature on the 750-kilometre Blue Ridge Parkway. The scenic road passes through Charlottesville, where you can explore Monticello, the estate of the third US President Thomas Jefferson, and visit vineyards. 

Discover Maryland and Virginia from Washington D.C.

Annapolis Harbour
Annapolis – a great place to sail. There is delicious seafood at the harbour. The seaport is also known for its pretty buildings. © SeanPavonePhoto / AdobeStock
Baltimore skyline
Bright, colourful Baltimore – it is worth visiting the largest city in the state of Maryland for the fantastic view of the skyline alone. © SeanPavonePhoto / AdobeStock
Shenandoah National Park
Less than 120 km from the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers a gorgeous nature experience © david graham, EyeEm / AdobeStock
Blue Ridge Parkway
Discover Virginia – nowhere better than on the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favourite Drive” © David Sichi / AdobeStock
Monticello
UNESCO World Heritage Site: 3rd US President Thomas Jefferson, who was instrumental in the US Declaration of Independence, lived in Monticello near Charlottesville. © spiritofamerica / AdobeStock

Washington D.C. from BER

Aircraft shortly before touching down on the runway

United Airlines

Pictogram info-i

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Five travel tips for …

1.    Visit the Capitol Building during a session

2.    Enjoy the view of D.C. from the Washington Monument

3.    Visit the marble statue of the 16th president at the Lincoln Memorial

4.    Take a selfie in front of the White House

5.    Go shopping at the Eastern Market 

1.    Look at a book in the Library of Congress’ reading room 

2.    Walk the three-kilometre National Mall from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building

3.    Listen to the free jazz concerts on Fridays at the National Gallery

4.    Attend a hearing at the Supreme Court

5.    Visit museums – many of them are free to enter!

1.    Discover rare plants in the Botanical Garden

2.    Walk across the footbridge to Theodore Roosevelt Island

3.    Walk or cycle in Rock Creek Park

4.    Have a picnic at Meridian Hill Park

5.    Go hiking in the Great Falls National Park 

Bildquelle Titel: © F11_photo / AdobeStocks

The information published on this page is current as of the date of publication or update.

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