Washington DC Hotels

The urban sprawl of Washington beyond the capital region, home to over 5 million people, is not why people visit the city however, as lamentable as conditions outside the shiny landmarks may be. From war memorials to Presidential monuments, D.C. is a brash display of nationalism that for better or worse is arguably the most remarkable spectacle of patriotism in the world.

Attractions

As the Executive Mansion and official residence of the President of the United States, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW is the most famous address in the world. While daily public tours of the White House were halted indefinitely as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, even a cursory glance of the famous home is impressive.

The National Mall is ground zero in Washington D.C. for political protests and celebrations, with a surfeit of peerless attractions in close proximity, from the Capitol to the Washington Monument obelisk. The park was the location of the March on Washington in 1963, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his indelible “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Of all the Presidential memorials in the capital, Lincoln is perhaps the most inspirational, in part because King chose it for his historic address. The memorial, in the style of a Doric temple, features a colossal sculpture of the slain President.

People tend to associate the Smithsonian with one museum when in fact the Institution runs no less than 18 in the capital city, 10 of which line the National Mall. The most popular and best of the lot are the Air and Space Museum and Museum of Natural History.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is a sober reminder of the sacrifices ordinary soldiers made in the controversial Vietnam War. Almost 60,000 names appear on the austere twin walls of black granite.

Events

Independence Day celebrations on the National Mall are the most festive in the country. The party on July 4 is every bit as impressive as one would expect from the federal capital.

The National Barbecue Battle in late June draws thousands of people to Pennsylvania Avenue for arguably the best culinary competition in America.

The Kennedy Center Prelude Festival in September opens a new season at the preeminent national concert all, with a number of free performances for the general public.

Restaurant Week in early January is features a line-up of special menus and events at top restaurants in the D.C. area.

Black History Month in February honours the vital African American heritage of Washington D.C. The community comprises over 55% of the metro population and as such, the month-long tribute features a number of special museum exhibits.

Memorial Day weekend in late May commemorates the service of America’s veterans with concerts and special events on the National Mall.

Climate

Though Washington D.C. has a humid subtropical climate, the city is prone to subzero cold in the winter months, with occasional snowfall.

• Winter (December to February) -3-8°C
• Spring (March to April) 3-19°C
• Summer (May to September) 13-31°C
• Fall (October to November) 4-20°C