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La Casa Blanca / The White House.
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Logan Circle.
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Frente del Lincoln Memorial. / In front of the Lincoln Memorial.
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Arco de la Amistad en el Barrio Chino de Washington. / Friendship Arch in Chinatown DC.
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Vista aérea del National Mall y el Tidal Basin. / Aerial of the National Mall and Tidal Basin

WASHINGTON D.C., THE CAPITAL CITY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, OFFERS VISITORS A WIDE RANGE OF TOURISM POSSIBILITIES THAT ENGULF CULTURAL, HISTORIC, NATURAL, ARCHITECTURAL AND GASTRONOMIC ELEMENTS

Built on the banks of Potomac River over 200 years ago, the capital of the United States of America is a world-class city, a center of culture and nature. Therefore, Washington D.C. is far more than the seat of the executive, legislative and judicial powers at federal level.
The travel industry gains significance in Washington. The White House is undoubtedly the most iconic and sought-after place of all, located on Pennsylvania Avenue, where people can see Capitol Hill, just across that wide and crowded street, which is also a highly coveted and photographed landmark.
But, beyond the White House and the Capitol, all visits to Washington D.C. are complemented by can’t-miss stops in historic and cultural sites, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the George Washington Monument and Chinatown -the latter is famous for its extension and the amount of business establishments.
However, the blend of cultural and natural allures is the name of the game in Washington.
Since it was conceived as a city in the heart of a huge forest, in the lands yielded by the neighboring states of Maryland and Virginia to build the capital after the 1776 independence, the city harbors several areas to enjoy birdwatching and feast eyes on natural parks, such as Anacostia, the National Arboretum, Rock Creek Park, the Smithsonian National Zoo, the Theodore Roosevelt Island and the Chesapeake Canal.
The Smithsonian Museums
The core of Washington D.C. is dominated by the Smithsonian Institute, commonly known as “The Castle.” This information spot is the perfect meeting ground of choice.
Several museums are nestled in the National Mall, with easy access by the subway. In fact, the Smithsonian Institute has its own subway station in Orange and Blue lines.
The group of centers comprised by the Smithsonian Institute accounts for an authentic cultural treasure for any visitor.
The National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History are no doubt two of the most visited cultural centers in town. The Museum of American History, with its wide array of objects and documents on the American cultural heritage, guarantees a journey in time through the main historic events of the American nation.
How about visiting a building dedicated to the history of espionage and the role it has played in the contemporary world? Well, Washington is home to the International Spy Museum, a 1,900-square-meter private entity in the Penn Quarter neighborhood, with a permanent exhibit made up of over 750 objects, plus photographic exhibitions, interactive screens and video screenings.
As for enthusiasts of cultural tourism, the Sackler Gallery showcases displays of eastern art. The Hirshhorn Sculptures Museum and Garden attracts the most creative minds, while the recently-renovated Renwick Gallery, just a few steps away from the White House, reveals the very best of contemporary art. The Museum of African Art includes traditional and contemporary art from the entire black continent, as well as a collection of over 500 African relics.
H Street
Restaurants, events, stores, bars, art and much more are clustered around H Street. Although the neighborhood has been traditionally known for its nightlife, many things can be done in broad daylight.
The gastronomy of the city, as cosmopolitan as almost all U.S. cities, is one of the main appeals of H Street. Micho’s Lebanese Grill (Lebanese and Arab food); Ben’s Chili Bowl, famous for its delicious hamburgers, as well as Boundary Road and RedRocks, cover a significant range of culinary preferences. Restaurants like Ethiopic, Toki Underground and Sticky Rice are almost a must-go visit.
Although it is a far cry from what cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago have to offer as travel destinations, the capital of the American union welcomes a quieter and more cultural-oriented tourism worth a try.