Washington Guide
United States of America > Washington
The nation's proud and stately capital, Washington stands
on the shores of the Potomac River in the District of Columbia,
an administrative region between Maryland and Virginia created
specifically to avoid having the capital city in any one state.
Get to know the history of American at the Constitution
Gardens which feature two war memorials. The Vietnam Veterans
Memorial consists of sombre black granite walls inscribed
with the names of the Americans who lost in the conflict.
The vivid Korean War Veterans Memorial features a sculptured
column of 19 footsoldiers.
Or, you may like to widen your knowledge of American, a
wealth of Americana is on display at the National Museum
of American History, a must for lovers of kitsch as well
as history buffs.
Open your eyes at the National Air & Space Museum which
houses the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer, Charles Lindbergh's
Spirit of St Louis, the Apollo 11 lunar command module and
a vast collection of aviation and space technology treasures.
You'll be amazed by the advance of American technology.
Enter the world of dinasour at the Museum of Natural History
which has one of the best dinosaur displays in the world.
Also on view are the 45.5-carat Hope Diamond, an Insect
Zoo and the world's largest African bush elephant.
For a taste of arts, the National Portrait Gallery has
a unique collection of famous Americans from politics, sports,
literature and the movies, as well as official portraits
of the US presidents.
Many recreational activities are available for you, including
boat trips on the Potomac River (the jetty is to the south
of the Lincoln Memorial). Picturesque Georgetown, in the
area of Wisconsin and M Streets, is one of DC's liveliest
spots and the cobblestone streets, cafés and lovely riverside
walk make this a pleasant area in which to wander.
Also, don't miss your visit to the Six Flags America Theme
Park at Largo, the Maryland here offers 100 family rides,
shows and attractions for those tiring of history and culture.
Have a taste of Chinese, this fanciful oriental sight is
the Chinatown in US, where many of the city's oriental shops
and restaurants are centered. It's fascinating!
Getting There and Moving Around
By air
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) located 42km
(26 miles) west of Washington. This airport handles nearly
1000 flights daily to regional, national and international
destinations.
By rail
The Metro (subway) system here offers quick and comfortable
transport within the downtown area. Lines extend into the
suburban areas of Maryland and northern Virginia.
By road
There are also suburban and downtown bus services. It is
possible to transfer from Metro to bus without additional
charge (except during rush hours), but not from bus to Metro.
Taxis are available within the city area; fares are again
zonal (and comparatively cheap by big-city standards). Most
major car hire and motor camper rental services are provided
here.
Moving Around
It is easy to reach here and move around the fascinating
city with the multiple transport availability.
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