Top 5 things to do in Washington

Although Washington is the capital of the United States, it is not the most visited city in the country. It only comes 8th behind other major cities such as New York, Miami and Los Angeles, which together account for a significant proportion of American tourism. Washington is a much more peaceful city than most major American cities. By way of comparison, around 700,000 American citizens live in the capital, compared with almost 9 million in New York. The fact that Washington is a less attractive city makes for a more authentic experience. So it’s a great destination for a trip to the United States, with lots of monuments to visit!

1- Trace the assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Category: €€€ /Cultural

Description: As the Civil War between the federal government of the United States and the Confederate States of America, which did not want slavery to be abolished, came to an end on 9 April 1985, President Lincoln, the man behind the abolition, was shot dead by Southern supporters affiliated with the Confederates. On this tour, you will piece together the resounding story of America’s first assassinated president. You will discover the room where he died, in the Petersen House. Your guide will take you through the whole story, leaving no detail to chance. From his entourage to the situation in Washington DC at the time, you’ll understand history as if you’d lived it.

2- Discover the Capitole and how it works

Category: €€ / Cultural

Description: As the flagship of the legislative branch and home to Congress, the Capitol is a must-see. As well as discovering a magnificent building, you will learn more about the legislative and judicial power of the United States, which has a system diametrically opposed to our current one. As well as the Capitol, you’ll visit the surrounding buildings such as the Thomas Jefferson Building, the oldest of the three buildings that make up the Library of Congress. You’ll also visit the Supreme Court and the Triangle House.

3- Discover all the historic buildings in a classic car

Category: €€ / Unusual / Cultural

Description: You won’t find a more American activity than this! Aboard a vintage car, you’ll discover all the buildings that shape the capital of the United States. As your tour progresses, your guide will tell you the history of these buildings, their purpose and the anecdotes that go with them. You’ll be able to make stops to get a closer look at the buildings or pause for a photo. The Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, Washington’s main museums, the Martin’s Luther King Jr Memorial and the White House are all part of your discovery.

4- Attend a sporting event in Washington

Category: €€€ / Cultural / Sporting

Description: Going to a sporting event in the United States is a real experience. Much more than just a match between two teams, it’s a real spectacle, just like the Americans do so well. And when it comes to sports, there’s plenty to choose from! Unlike in Europe, the national sports here are neither football nor rugby. Which is a good thing, because it gives you a chance to discover a different sporting culture. Basketball fans will be delighted to attend an NBA match with the Washigton Wizards. The regular season runs from October to April. You can also discover other sports that are not necessarily very popular in France, such as baseball, ice hockey and American football. Sport is a veritable national institution. Just look at the enthusiasm at American universities for the teams representing their schools. At every match, thousands of students come to support their school.

5- Enjoy a meal on the Potomac River

Category: €€ / Unusual / Gastronomic

Description: Aboard a large boat called the Odyssey, you’ll sail down the Potomac River to enjoy a delicious meal in an idyllic setting. This is a multi-slot activity, so menus vary according to your visit. The dishes are prepared by the chef on board Odyssey. For a morning visit, the Brunch menu allows you to enjoy pastries, scrambled eggs, French toast, etc. For lunch, there are several salads on offer, as well as more traditional dishes including steak, chicken and pasta. Finally, dinner also offers a different menu from the others. After your meal, you can relax on one of the boat’s three decks and enjoy the view of Washington’s landmark buildings.