Capital 17 assets
While Washington, D.C. has typically been embedded in politics, the US capital is shaking things up when it comes to dining, arts and attractions. Here are 7 things inspiring us to visit the city in 2024.
IT’S A BREEZE TO EXPLORE
Washington, D.C. is compact and wellplanned, with most of its major attractions within walking distance of each other. If you prefer to explore on two wheels, there are more than 160km of bike lanes and trails, not to mention the country’s largest bike-sharing system. And then there’s public transport: choose between the hopon, hop-off Old Town Trolley or Big Bus, Metrorail, Metrobus and D.C. Circulator.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
D.C. is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct personality. In recent years there has been significant investment in enhancing city-wide precincts. Case in point is The Wharf, a buzzing (yet
LEED sustainable) development home to more than 80 restaurants and shops, four hotels, and residential and office space, sitting pretty in a historic wharf area.
It’s an amazing place for live music and performances year-round; there’s even a floating stage and The Anthem’s waterfront concert venue. In coming years, visitors and locals can look forward to Street
Bridge Park, the city’s first elevated bridge, spanning the Anacostia River and replete with interactive art and waterfalls.
ONLY IN D.C.
D.C. has its fair share of legendary attractions and experiences – things you can only do and see here. Like the U.S. Capitol, the seat of the United States Congress. Tours here are free, although reservations are recommended.
The National Mall houses iconic monuments and memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. Meanwhile, the International Spy Museum is the only one of its kind in the United
States, dedicated entirely to the profession of international espionage. And then there’s the Library of Congress (the largest library in the world, and it’s free); Planet World (a groundbreaking voice-activated museum that’s also free); the National Museum of Women in the Arts; and the Phillips Collection, home to more than 5,000 works.
THERE’S PLENTY THAT’S FREE
As if being in D.C. wasn’t amazing enough, you can see much of the city without opening your wallet. In fact, there are more than 100 free attractions catering to every interest. There are 16 Smithsonian museums and galleries in D.C. plus The National Zoo, and they are an important part of the city’s creative identity. Bonus: they’re all free to visit. Other complimentary attractions include the National Gallery of Art, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which also hosts free performances. D.C. by Foot offers a number of free walking tours around the National Mall, Capitol
Hill, Georgetown and Arlington Cemetery.
SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY
D.C. sets the bar high when it comes to sustainable city development. At a commuter level, more than 50 per cent of locals and visitors alike get around by bike, walking or on public transport, and there’s a commitment to have a 100 per cent zero-emissions bus fleet by 2045. In addition, many hotels have cutting-edge sustainability programs in place and are LEED certified. Check in to Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center or Canopy Washington DC The Wharf for a sustainable stay. The city’s restaurants are equally environmentally friendly – ‘farm-to-table’ is not just a catchphrase when you dine at places like 1789 Restaurant, The Red Hen or any of the establishments in the Farmers Restaurant Group. And then there are the sustainable coffee shops and breweries like Right Proper.
Washington Mall in spring; browsing the Phillips Collection; architectural drama in the U.S. Capitol; Pride celebrations; drinks with a view at VUE Rooftop. All images © Destination DC