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Washington DC Information and Washington DC Tourism
(Washington, DC, USA)



Washington DC is situated close to Virginia and Maryland and is one of America's most beautiful cities, full of monuments, memorials, impressive architecture, large public parks and is the home of the president. Throughout the year, Washington DC has many exciting, festivals, parades and sporting events, and one of Washington's most famous sports team are the Washington Redskins, who play American football and have won the prestigious Superbowl three times. There are many tourism and tourist information offices throughout Washington DC and these offer a wide range of information about the Washington's main tourist attractions, transport system, maps, Washington restaurants, festivals and events in Washington.

Accommodation in Washington can be a little expensive, but there are certainly a large number of hotels to choose from. There are also some excellent value hotel deals to be found, even in the heart of Washington, particularly when you book in advance. Washington DC is predominantly a business city and therefore hotel rates are usually highest during the business week and lower at the weekends and in the summer. The main tourist season in Washington DC runs roughly from April to September and the business season tends to start slightly earlier and finish in the fall, virtually disappearing during the height of summer.




Washington DC has many world-famous tourist attractions and major landmarks and these include the White House - completed in 1800 and home to every US president except George Washington, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) offices - situated in Downtown Washington, using state-of-the-art crime-solving technology, the Washington Library of Congress - the national library of America, which is actually the world's largest library, with more than 100 million items, the National Zoological Park - most famous for its two giant pandas, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, and the MCI Center - a huge arena hosting many concerts and sporting events, which opened in 1997 at a cost of around USD 200 million. More information on Washington Tourist Attractions and Washington Landmarks.

There are a large number of museums in Washington DC, many of which are free, providing a wide range of interesting information about the history of this major city, such as the National Museum of American History - with unusual items of memorabilia that reflect aspects of American culture over the years, including Judy Garland's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz movie, the National Archives Museum - housing some of America's most important documents, including the legendary US Constitution and Declaration of Independence, and the impressive National Air and Science Museum, which is one of Washington's most popular museums. Washington DC also has many top art galleries, such as the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of American Art, the Freer Gallery of Art and the Phillips Collection, to name but a few.

There are a number of main districts and neighborhoods in Washington DC and the US Capitol is the point used to divide Washington DC into four quadrant areas. Foggy Bottom, a particularly historic area of Washington DC, is situated to the west and northwest of the White House and is home to a number of large government offices and expensive apartments. Downtown Washington, the largest area of the city, is located to the north and east of the White House, with numerous shops, department stores, theaters, tourist attractions, museums, restaurants, office blocks and many of Washington's landmark buildings.

Penn Quarter, on the opposite side of Pennsylvania Avenue, has underdone much redevelopment, including two large movie theaters and many trendy restaurants. Judiciary Square Area, the central area east of Sixth Street, has long been the center of Washington's judiciary and local government for many years.

Dupont Circle, the most lively and cosmopolitan district in Washington DC is also home to Washington's largest gay community, with many excellent restaurants, cafés and bars. Adams Morgan, situated one block east of Dupont Circle, is best known for its excellent ethnic restaurants and diverse community. Shaw, a large square, bordered by North Capitol Street and 16th Street on the east and west, has a number of important, historic Washington neighborhoods. Mount Pleasant and North Washington are attractive neighborhoods, being lined with many trees and modest homes.

Georgetown, originally laid out in 1751 as part of Maryland, was not actually considered part of Washington DC until 1871. Upper Northwest Washington, situated west of Connecticut Avenue and north of the Georgetown and Dupont Circle, includes streets such as Foxhall Road, upper Wisconsin Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue. Capitol Hill, a quiet and relaxed district of Washington DC, overlays two quadrants, Southeast and Northeast Washington, and includes Union Station and the Eastern Market area. Anacostia, located across from the Anacostia River is home to many middle-class neighborhoods of detached homes, mature trees and rolling hills.

Washington DC has a fairly mild climate and the weather in Washington is often extremely sunny and hot, particularly at the height of summer. This is one of America's most important cities and is always worth visiting, whatever the time of year.

Washington IAD Airports Guide - useful Washington Airport (IAD) information.

Ronald Reagan Washington Airport (DCA) Guide - useful Ronald Reagan Washington Airport (DCA) information.

More Washington Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: USA
• Location: District of Columbia (DC)
• Status: capital city
• Area: 65 square miles / 170 square kilometers
• Population: 600,000
• Language: American English
• Currency: US Dollar (USD)
• Time zone: GMT - 5 hours Eastern Standard Time (daylight saving time is observed)
• Country dialing code: +1
• Telephone area code: 202
• Religion: various religions
• Electricity: 110 volts AC, 50 Hz - flat two-pin plugs or third round pin are used
• Average daily January temperature: 5ºC / 41ºF
• Average daily July temperature: 31ºC / 88ºF

 
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