Whatever the politics centred around Washington DC, USA, you may or may not agree with it (and I don’t think this is the forum to go into my personal opinions), I wanted to share just what a great place it is to visit, if you happen to be going there.
My husband and I spent a long weekend in Washington exploring the city by foot, subway and segway. Here are a few of my favorite memories.
Newseum
Newseum – This has to be one of my favorite museums of all time. We spent an afternoon, followed by a morning here, it was fascinating and thought provoking. It’s the museum that is all about news and that lens through which we see much of the world and how we review much of our recent history.
Newseum: 555 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., WASHINGTON, DC 20001 Open 9am – 5pm except major public holidays. Find out more here
Smithsonian
Smithsonians – there are many of them! Take your pick, see one, see all. From art galleries to history museums, there are just so many options. We spent time in the Smithsonian Castle, Portrait Gallery, and the Science and Technology Museum seeing space ships, planes and all sorts of other fascinating things. A fabulous place to bring your kids too!
Opening hours are 10am – 5.30pm – find out more about locations, exhibitions and more at the Smithsonian website.
See the Sights on a Segway
Segway Tour of the Big Buildings – White House, Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial plus so much more – this is the most fun and easiest way to get around DC. Everything is very spread out and the blocks are long, so taking a segway tour gets you a guided tour of many of the important monuments and buildings, plus it was masses of fun.
From the White House to the Lincoln Memorial, watching the sun set on the steps of the Capitol Building as a jazz band played. Lots to see and experience and so much easier on the legs than walking.
City Segway Tours website has lots of different tour options and are located at 502 23rd St NW, Washington, DC 20037
Arlington Cemetery
Arlington Cemetery – you’ve seen this cemetery in movies and on TV (it’s definitely appeared in House of Cards) and is the burial place of many American presidents and their families (including the Kennedy’s) as well as many soldiers who have served their country. It’s beautiful and moving and a lovely place to wander through.
There are tours you can take, or you can wander through. Experience the changing of the guard.
Arlington National Cemetery is in Virginia, just the other side of the Potomac River – and is open every day – find out more here.
Eat in Georgetown
Eating in Georgetown – down by the banks of the Potomac river in Georgetown are lots of restaurants and bars.
There are so many bars and restaurants here, we were recommended Farmers Fishers Bakers, and the food didn’t disappoint.
Farmers Fishers Bakers – check out the menu and make a booking The Washington Harbour, 3000 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
How to Get Around in Washington DC
Getting around – the subway system (Washington Metro) is easy to use. You buy a reusable, reloadable ticket, add money to it, and swipe it on and off. It lets you know how much you have left on it, and you can recharge it at any subway station.
Alternatively the cabs are plentiful as are the Uber drivers.
What are your favorite things to see and do in Washington DC?