Despite the city’s repertoire of careerist politicians, high-powered lobbyists and overworked journalists, Washington DC is one of America’s most cultured cities, with something for every kind of traveller.
Here’s a lowdown on why the US capital should be on your must visit list.
Visit… Monuments
The capital of the United States is stacked with monuments. From memorials to presidents Jefferson, Lincoln and to fallen Vietnam Veterans, the sense of history that Washington possesses is unique in the country.
A stroll down the National Mall— America’s most famous park—has museums, monuments and galleries in seemingly around every corner, with stellar views of the impressive Capitol Building and Washington Monument duo not hard to find.
Camera in hand, be sure to walk down over to the Tidal Basin, and walk down Independence Avenue NW. You certainly won’t find a more insta-worthy shot in the District.
If pictures of buildings aren’t your thing, then whole days can be lost in the world famous Smithsonian Museums, including the Air and Space Museum—where you can even eat astronaut food —and the National Portrait Gallery, where you can see the official state portraits of each and every one of the 45 US Presidents since 1789 and the newest jewel on the National Mall, the African American History Museum.
The traditional Old Town Trolley Tours is a great way to travel around the city in old school charm, all while hearing stories of the city from real locals who have lived its history.
trolleytours.com/washington-dc
Experience… the Kennedy Centre
The John F Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts is named after one of America’s most well-known presidents. Located on the banks of the Potomac River, the Kennedy Centre is the cultural heart of America’s capital, or, as the New York Times once described it: “a gigantic marble temple to music, dance.”
The Centre hosts performances ranging from ballet to theatre and Broadway. For an added bonus, get to the Kennedy Center an hour before your show and enjoy sundowners on its grand terrace overlooking the river. For another luxe experience, grab a pre-show meal at the Center’s rooftop deco-inspired restaurant, known for using traditional French techniques with seasonal American ingredients.
kennedy-center.org
Climb… the Washington Monument
The tallest structure in DC, the 134-year-old Washington Monument reopened recently following a three-year renovation.
Named after country’s first president, George Washington, The 555ft obelisk was erected in 1885 and is legally still required to remain the tallest structure in the city. For a full dose of some uninhibited American patriotism, we suggest taking some time to sit down on the nearby grassy hill that’s surrounded by dozens of red, white and blue US flags.
Stay…
W Hotel Washington DC
Like Esquire Middle East, the W Hotel in Washington DC recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and has been completed renovated from floor-to-rooftop—the hotel, not the magazine.The Beaux Arts landmark building from 1917 is located a stone’s throw from the White House and is known for being popular with politicians from both sides of the political spectrum. The hip hotel is a good place to get away from what is sometimes a stuffy, stiff and serious DC crowd. The star attraction, however, is the POV rooftop bar that overlooks President Trump’s current abode, so if you’re lucky you might even see the Presidential helicopter take off and land nearby.
w-hotels.marriott.com
Conrad Washington DC
The city’s newest luxury hotel, Conrad Washington DC is at a busy downtown intersection close to the vast majority of DC’s sights and major offices. The hotel is the brand’s debut property in the capital and comes equipped with stunning rooms designed with floor to ceiling windows to make the most of Downtown views. The hotel also boasts a fantastic restaurant by the James Beard winning chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio. However, in the summer, head to the hotel’s rooftop bar, Summit, where you can catch a glimpse of the Capitol, Smithsonian museums and Wilson Bridge, along with the tip of the Washington Monument in the distance.
hilton.com/en/conrad
Explore… The Wharf
Urban regeneration done right, the redeveloped Wharf area has brought new life into the once blighted southwest part of the city. Now repackaged as
DC’s premier waterfront destination, a number of hip and popular new bars and restaurants have opened in the area. A particular favourite of the locals is The Anthem, a 6,000-person concert hall with a steady line-up of acts such as The Black Keys and Bastille. The nearby Mandarin Oriental hotel, also houses one of the best spas in the city.
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