Washington, D.C. formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States, founded on July 16, 1790. The City of Washington was originally a separate municipality within the Territory of Columbia until an act of Congress in 1871 effectively merged the City and the Territory into a single entity called the District of Columbia. It is for this reason that the city, while legally named the District of Columbia, is known as Washington, D.C. The city is located on the north bank of the Potomac River and is bordered by the states of Virginia to the southwest and Maryland to the other sides. The District has a resident population of 591,833; however, because of commuters from the surrounding suburbs, its population rises to over one million during the workweek. The Washington Metropolitan Area, of which the District is a part, has a population of 5.3 million, the eighth-largest metropolitan area in the country.
Washington, D.C. is the capital of the USA. "D.C." is an abbreviation for the District of Columbia, the federal district coextensive with the city of Washington, but for all practical purposes are the same. The city is named after George Washington, the first President of the United States.
Washington, D.C. is known for its distinguished symbols of patriotism that outline the city streets. Although you will not see any skyscrapers because no building may be taller than the 12 story high Washington Monument, you will find excellent museums, a fantastic art scene, and awe-inspiring monuments and memorials. The city also has excellent shopping opportunities and first-rate restaurants.
This ‘city of monuments’ honours the politicians, military heroes, poets and statesmen who have helped shape the nation. The majority of the most famous monuments are located on the National Mall, but there are also smaller statues and tributes sprinkled throughout the city.
Since the monuments are spread out, it is hard to visit all of Washington, D.C.'s monuments on foot. The best way to see all the monuments is to take a bus tour. At night, the majority of the monuments are illuminated making viewing a memorable event.
Beyond Washington D.C.'s most familiar vistas, the capital city unwinds into a lively urban centre. Lovely cafés, trendy bistros and upscale fine dining restaurants fill the stylish streets of Georgetown, while the downtown district sizzles with abundant ethnic restaurants and a lively night life. In the U Street area, you can hear Jazz music vibrating through the air or Latin dance beats pounding in the clubs.
D.C. offers a variety of accommodations that will satisfy all travelers. The Holiday Inn Washington is located in the trendy Georgetown area just 5.29 km from the city centre and offers all of the amenities one expects from the Holiday Inn chain. For a more luxurious stay, you can opt for the 5-star Mandarin Oriental Washington DC Hotel. The Mandarin is located in the city centre and has a swimming pool, sauna and spa among its many amenities. For the truly discriminating guest, the Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC offers plush elegant accommodations, ultra chic restaurants and world-class service.
Washington, D.C. formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States, founded on July 16, 1790. The City of Washington was originally a separate municipality within the Territory of Columbia until an act of Congress in 1871 effectively merged the City and the Territory into a single entity called the District of Columbia. It is for this reason that the city, while legally named the District of Columbia, is known as Washington, D.C. The city is located on the north bank of the Potomac River and is bordered by the states of Virginia to the southwest and Maryland to the other sides. The District has a resident population of 591,833; however, because of commuters from the surrounding suburbs, its population rises to over one million during the workweek. The Washington Metropolitan Area, of which the District is a part, has a population of 5.3 million, the eighth-largest metropolitan area in the country.