Get to know the essential places to see in Washington DC

Discover the United States capital at its best

The capital of the United States, Washington DC, is one of the most beautiful cities in the North American country.

It has the peculiarity of being a planned city, since it was built to house the headquarters of the American public authorities.

It was designed in 1791 by the French architect, Pierre Charles L'Enfant, under the parameters of the neoclassical style. This is the reason why the Greco-Roman influence in the most important buildings is remarkably visible.

The city is not part of any state, since it is a Federal District, although its acronym DC refers to the District of Columbia, which is the district created to house the city of Washington.

Yes it is true that Washington DC is the capital of one of the most important countries in the world, having great security in all its streets; not for that reason, it ceases to be an attractive city for tourism, with many places to visit and several things to do.

What to see and do in Washington DC?: The top 5 of the most important capital in the world

1. The Capitol

One of the places to visit in Washington DC is the Capitol; place where the US legislature is based, which can be visited, to learn about the history, politics and culture of the United States.

The Capitol is located on the hill called, Capitol Hill, appreciating the imposing building from various points of the city; reminding you, that it is the legislative power, the highest power of all political power.

This is due to the fact that the legislative power is the closest representative of the citizens, dividing this power into two chambers; the Chamber of Senators in the north wing, and the Chamber of Legislators in the south wing of the building.

Among the places you can see are:

• The Chamber of Senators.

• The Visitors' Lounge.

• The dome of the Capitol.

• Its beautiful gardens .

2. The Pentagon

The building where it is located, the United States Department of Defense Headquarters, and one of the visits you can make in Washington DC

Being a high-level strategic building, you will need to book your visit and pass some security checks ; but once inside, you will have a guided tour with two soldiers, who will show you all the exhibits.

There are four rooms where the American military history is divided, in each one they will tell you about its development, the most outstanding participations in warfare, and some of its most important soldiers.

There is also a memorial hall on September 11, 2001, since the Pentagon next to the Twin Towers, were the buildings attacked that fateful day.

3. The White House

The White House is one of the most visited buildings in the United States, since it is one of the most important American symbols, worldwide.

To visit the White House, it is necessary to have a special permit, but once you get it, you can take the guided tour of the presidential house.

On this tour, you'll pass through iconic places that we've all seen in the news, or in American movies, such as:

• The Oval Room.

• The main entrance.

• Library.

• Some rooms to receive special guests.

4. Arlington National Cemetery

In some cities of the world, the cemetery becomes a tourist place, either because of the beauty of its monuments, or because of the historical importance of the characters that lie there.

Arlington National Cemetery has both, with its many historic monuments commemorating American history, and some notable figures, most notably the tomb of President John F. Kennedy.

A large number of army officers have their final resting place in this cemetery; although in the same way, numerous astronauts are also here.

Among the historical monuments, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands out, erected to honor the memory of the fallen soldiers, in the First World War.

5. The Lincoln Memorial

This monument is one of the most important historical places in the city of Washington DC

From its exterior, its imposing neoclassical façade will certainly attract the attention of visitors, who will remember in this building the ancient constructions of the Greeks.

The Lincoln Memorial was built to commemorate the memory of the president who put an end to the American Civil War, where the Confederate states of the south waged a war against the states of the Union, which were in the north of the country.

Inside, just as it was in the temples of the ancient Greek gods, rests the emblematic sculpture of Abraham Lincoln, 30 meters high and 58 X 36 meters wide.

In the 1960s, the site of the Lincoln Memorial was the scene of one of the most important speeches in history, the address known as: "I have a dream" by Martin Luther King.

These have been the most important places to see in Washington DC, the capital of the United States; and one of the main cities, where the most important decisions in the world are made.