Tour
8,4 km
3h20
18 audios
Text version
Welcome to the American capital! Founded in 1800 to become the most significant city in the United States, going through Washington D.C feels like walking through an open air museum! This vast stretch of land is called The National Mall. It’s a popular tourist destination, full of museums, monuments, and of course, memorials, reminding us of the country’s major events and great figures. From the Declaration of Independence to the civil rights movement, through the Civil War, the Great Depression, and World War II, this tour takes you through the entire history of the United States, guiding you past the unmissable White House, the ultimate symbol of American power!
Here is a stunning view of the Lincoln Memorial, dedicated to the 16th President of the United States. It stands at the far end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the largest reflecting pool in Washington, D.C. You Read more
You are now in front of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It’s a long black wall running along a pathway in Constitution Gardens. The wall has 72 granite panels engraved with the names of those who died or went missing Read more
This monument was built in 1922 in honour of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. You probably already know that he was the President who abolished slavery in the United States! Lincoln was elected in Read more
Inaugurated in 1995 by U.S. President Bill Clinton and South Korean President Kim Young Sam, this memorial honours the men and women who fought in the Korean War, which took place from 1950 to 1953. The memorial features Read more
This memorial doesn’t honour an event or a person, but instead the residents of the District of Columbia who served during World War I. The District of Columbia is a federal district of the United States and includes Read more
Martin Luther King Jr... A name that echoes through history. Here, carved in stone, his legacy lives on just as it does in our collective memory. He was THE leader of the civil rights movement in the United States Read more
This memorial honours Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, who led the country from 1933 to 1945. Roosevelt made an indelible mark on American history, guiding the country through two Read more
This large body of water is called the Tidal Basin. It’s a man-made reservoir, created in the 1880s. The Tidal Basin is famous for its many memorials, as well as the stunning cherry trees that bloom every spring. Read more
This memorial honours another president, taking us back to the American Revolution. Completed in 1943, the Jefferson Memorial pays tribute to the third president of the United States, with some of his famous quotes Read more
On your right is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The main entrance is on the other side of the building. Opened in 1993, it was designed by architect James Ingo Freed and features documents Read more
You’re looking at one of the city’s many iconic landmarks: the Washington Monument,built in honour of George Washington, the first President of the United States. He was elected in 1789 after playing a key role in the Read more
Inaugurated in 1988, this small garden, featuring plant beds and two fountains, symbolises the relationship between Germany and the United States, commemorating 300 years of German immigration to America. Read more
This impressive building is the headquarters of the United States Department of the Treasury. Some of its many duties include: ensuring the country’s financial security, producing coins and banknotes, reporting the Read more
Here it is! The most famous house in the world is right in front of you, but its fence stops you from getting any closer. There is so much to learn about the US President’s home! It was built between 1792 and 1800 Read more
Lafayette Square used to be a part of President’s Park. It was separated from the White House in 1804 by President Thomas Jefferson, who had a road built between the park and the building. Read more
This elegant building was built to house the Departments of State, War, and the Navy. Built between 1871 and 1888, its architecture is a masterpiece of its time. However, upon its completion, the building faced harsh Read more
Built at the request of President Ronald Reagan in 1976, this park, was created 200 years after the United States declared independence, as a tribute to the "living legacy of the American Revolution". Read more
As the capital of the United States, Washington has more than a hundred memorials, paying tribute to the nation's history and to great figures. In front of you is the World War II Memorial. Inaugurated on May 29, 2004, it Read more
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An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
18 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Discover the treasures of Washington, DC: guided tour of the Capitol and the magnificent Library of Congress
If you still have a few hours to spend in Washington, you could take a trip to the Georgetown district. Located northwest of the Mall, along the Potomac River, it has plenty of small, charming lanes to wander through. A residential neighborhood that runs alongside a canal, Georgetown boasts colourful houses, elegant boutiques and the Capital Crescent Trail, a popular walking trail in a quieter part of Washington.
Arlington National Cemetary is a significant place of remembrance in Washington. Thousands of Americans soldiers are buried here, along with some of the greatest figures of American history, like John F. Kennedy. It’s one of
Located in Virginia, at the edge of the capital, the Pentagon is the headquarters of the Department of Defense, and it’s the largest administrative building in the world. Built between 1941 and 1943, it symbolises the American military power, as the US Army is commanded from here. The Pentagon takes its name from the 5-sided shape, which is reflected in its architecture. You can only visit inside if you are an American citizen, but you can still walk within the district, located right next to the Arlington cemetary.
For the foodies among us, you can go to the Union Market, one of the most hip places in Washington ! More than 40 vendors are waiting for you, to make you taste the flavors of the world, in a building that used to host a producers’ market. Tacos, bagels, meatballs, asian cuisine and a plethora of other dishes are available, and tables are made accessible so you can eat on the spot. It’s definitely a good plan for your lunch break !
If you still have a day to spare in Washington, and want to see more of its surroundings, you can visit the small colonial city of Alexandria, about a 20-minute drive away. You will see its unique architecture and its charming avenues, full of shops. Whilst you’re there, you can check out the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, a museum dedicated to the first President of the United-States.
Continuing further south into Virginia, you’ll find Mount Vernon, George Washington’s former residence. Built in 1757, on land that the Washington family owned for over a century, this house is a major historical monument. There, you can find the graves of George Washington and his wife Martha, a beautiful garden designed by the President himself, and about 20 rooms that resemble their original appearance. Entry is paid, and make sure to check the opening hours before going there.
For those seeking a nature getaway, head to Great Falls Park – it is a national Ppark on the outskirts of Washington DC. It’s a great place to hike, but there are also a lot of other activites, such as kayaking, mountain biking, horse riding or even climbing. This park offers beautiful views over the waterfalls. Entrance to the park is charged per vehicle.
If you wish to visit the state of Maryland, you can opt for Annapolis, a maritime city with beautiful paved streets, as many souvenir shops as you can imagine, and a pleasant place to stroll around for the day. You can also pay a visit to Baltimore, a port city with historical neighborhoods and old houses that will undoubtedly take you back in time. In addition, Baltimore is renowned for its gastronomy, known as the blue crabs of Maryland. Both cities are located about an hour away from Washington.
Finally, further up in the state of Pennsylvania, discover the notorious city of Gettysburg. One of the deadliest battles of the American Civil War, and in the whole of American history, happened here. The battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in this war which opposed the States of the North to the States of the South, causing thousands of casualties in only a few days. In tribute to these soldiers, Abraham Lincoln gave one of his most famous speeches. Visiting Gettysburg lets you discover a part of American history, but also a small city with beautiful landscapes ! It takes just about an hour and a half to get there by car from Washington.
Explore Washington DC from every angle: hop-on hop-off bus tour, gourmet cruise, and boat ride at The Wharf
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Aboard a grand boat named the Odyssey, you will sail on the Potomac River to enjoy a delicious meal in an idyllic setting.
This activity is available at different times, so the menus vary depending on your visit. The dishes are prepared by the chef on board the Odyssey.
For a morning visit, the…
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The HighRoad Washington DC is a charming hotel located in a historic Victorian mansion. The accommodation…
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Highlights
Free Wi-Fi
Great location
Terrace
Laundry services
Shared kitchen and lounge
Things to Consider
Not accessible for wheelchair users
No crib available
No pets allowed
Location: 1804 Belmont Rd NW, Northwest, Washington, 20009
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