Washington DC, USA

DAILY TRAVEL INSPIRATION: Washington DC

Washington DC was purpose built as the capital of the United States and is a separate entity not part of any of the official 50 states. It’s been the home of the US government since 1800.

Many visitors will be familiar with Washington from films and TV. Get your picture taken in front of the White House, visit the Lincoln Memorial or lurk in the National Mall pretending to star in your own political thriller. To get even closer to the action, contact your country’s embassy to enter the draw for the public tours of the White House. If you don’t get lucky, the tours of the Capitol are bookable online. It’s also worth trying to see Congress in session or a Congressional Committee hearing.

Away from the politics, the Smithsonian Institute is one of Washington’s major attractions. Consisting of 19 museums covering everything from aerospace to Asian art, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye. Even better, entry is free so it’s worth taking a chance on something new.

Read more on Washington DC below with flight options, current weather, maps, and activities to try while you are there.

Washington DC is just one of many featured destinations part of our Daily Travel Inspiration series. Discover more at Daily Travel Inspiration or add it as part of your flash briefings on your Amazon Alexa device. Search 'Daily Travel Inspiration' on your alexa app or check out our Alexa page for more information.