While Washington DC is known as the capital city and political seat of the United States, it has much more to offer visitors and tourists. There are plenty of attractions that showcase the local history and culture, as well as plenty of natural sites for people who enjoy being outdoors.
Regardless of when you are planning to visit, this city is also famous for being attractive all year round. In the spring, you can look forward to attending the Cherry Blossom Festival. During the summer, you are free to move around the city and explore all the physical activities in the area. During the fall, the foliage can accentuate all the monuments. And the winter is a magical time to visit because the holiday spirit manifests in twinkling lights and endless cheer.
Once you’ve looked through all the furnished apartments in DC and found the one best suited for your needs, here’s a list of what you can consider doing next.
Tour the City on Foot
Sometimes, moving to a new city can be tough – even if you are only there for a little while. One way to ease yourself into a new environment is to look for walking tours of the neighborhood. This is a great way to shine more perspective on the place you will be staying in. You also have the opportunity to foster a deeper sense of appreciation for the culture and history of the city.
Enter the Washington Monument
Did you know that you can enter the Washington Monument? If not, don’t feel bad. Plenty of people are not aware that the tall obelisk is hollow inside. The lobby is decked with stone walls and a statue of George Washington. It also has a small museum filled with information about how the monument was built, as well as a top floor and observation deck. Here, you can take in stunning views of Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
You do not need to pay a fee to go inside the Washington Monument. However, you will need to reserve timed-entry tickets beforehand.
Take your Taste Buds on a World Tour at Compass Rose
You won’t need your passport for this trip! Compass Rose is a northwest neighborhood restaurant that showcases dishes from around the world. Feel free to order the Tour of the World menu, which is the full 2-and-a-half-hour experience that will have you eating Lebanese salads, Senegalese kebabs, and more. The dishes can be shared and guests enjoy alfresco seating, inside a Bedouin-style tent.
Spend a Sunset Around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Washington DC can get incredibly busy. You may find it difficult to just slow down and take in the majesty of being in one of America’s most important destinations. This is why we recommend ending one of your busy days next to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. It is located on the National Mall, next to the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
Sunset is the time to fully experience all the idyllic colors and scenery, with the monument in the background. Most of the tourists will have left the area by this time as well, so you can enjoy a little uninterrupted solitude.
Watch a Live Performance at the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center is widely known to be the cultural hub of America. This establishment caters to more than two thousand performances each year. It also hosts a wide range of ticketed events, such as dance performances, concerts, comedy shows, and Broadway productions.
If you are still dipping your toes into the cultural scene, then you can watch a free performance on the Millennium Stage at six in the evening, every day. This show is a part of the center’s “Performing Arts for Everyone” initiative.
Step Inside Ford’s Theater
Does the name ring a bell? This theater is a historic site because it was where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. It’s the right combination of eerie and fascinating that may excite true crime enthusiasts. You won’t be able to enter the President’s Box, which is where the assassination happened, but you get a good view of it when you tour the theater. It also has a museum that showcases the history of the theater and gives more details on the assassination of President Lincoln.
During the spring and summer months, the theater puts on a thirty-minute play that tells the story of the assassination from the perspective of the theater workers that night. It’s an incredible experience, even if you are new to the history of President Lincoln.
Roam the Streets of Georgetown
Cobblestone streets? Brownstones and colorful row homes? A river where you can kayak, canoe, and paddleboard? Walking through Georgetown is free and it’s going to be exciting to see one of the best places to stay in the city. This is a charming historic neighborhood that is a welcome respite from all the modernity of Washington DC.
Those interested in retail therapy will be delighted to know that Georgetown has a wide range of vintage shops just waiting for them to walk in as well.
