Washington DC is a city that has survived the ebbs of fire, war, and economic turmoil and ridden great flows of growth, wealth, and power to achieve what namesake George Washington originally intended: a cultural, economic, and political powerhouse on par with Europe’s finest cities.

DC’s distinctive horizontal skyline, broad streets, tree-lined walks, and classical architecture give it an open, welcoming air, an approachable, walkable city of squares with the National Mall at its heart. Despite its southern locale, Washington is a multicultural municipality, with residents from an amalgam of backgrounds, the majority of whom hail from somewhere else.

In Washington, much of the population rotates with changes in administrations, diplomatic postings, and military assignments, making for a lively mix. All days of the week, DC buzzes with an energy that emanates from its people, the very essence of type A.

In this work-hard, play-hard environment, mornings start with a scour of the headlines, and the day doesn’t end until well after late-night airings of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. Washington DC has matured in the past two decades into a sophisticated destination boasting world-class museums and performing arts venues, fine dining, and exciting nightlife.

It may be an infant city on the world stage, but it is one of the finest — a city for every American and beacon of democracy.

Dive into DC’s Best…

• Sights
• Restaurants
• Nightlife
• Arts & Leisure
• Shops
• Hotels
• Excursions