Washington, D.C.

Washington D. C. is the capital of the United States. It is the city holding the three branches of the federal government and the place where the President, the Supreme Justices and members of the House reside.

The city's population is 689,545, which reaches more than 1 million during the day as the commuters from Virginia and Maryland suburbs come for work.

As for the climate, the city enjoys hot and humid summers in contrast to cool weather in the winter. Snowfall is also common during the winter, and the city is sometimes affected by blizzards and hurricanes.

The city is the headquarters of many international media companies and newspapers, such as the Washington Post and C-SPAN. Due to its centrality and political status, the number of people employed by governmental agencies is very high. Tourism is another important industry, with around 20 million people visiting the city every year.

 

Top Attractions in Washington D.C.

Smithsonian Institution Building

Constructed in 1855 in the Gothic and Romanesque revival styles, the Smithsonian Institution Building, also known as The Castle, is a national historic landmark, between the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol Building. 

The building is famous for its historical and beautiful exterior and the exhibits and artefacts inside the Castle. There are items from each of the Smithsonian museums within the building. All the facilities available, such as a cafe and a gift shop, make it an excellent place for every visitor.

Smithsonian museums are themselves in Washington D.C., some not far from the Castle, and you can visit them, too. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is very close, on the 10th St. & Constitution Avenue. The National Museum of African Art and National Museum of Asian Art are on the garden premises.

 

National Mall

The National Mall refers to the landscaped park between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial, encompassing the famous Washington Monument. The park was designed to provide a symbolic setting representing the nation and governmental buildings surrounding it. It has been the centre of various events and public gatherings throughout history and is still a well-known arena.

The people visiting the place usually find it a rewarding walk with all the symbolic structures and monuments. A visit in spring, especially in April, is a must as the cherry blossoms will be all in bloom. The reflecting pool, war memorials, fountains, and gardens are other added features that make the park one of the best places.

 

National Portrait Gallery 

The National Portrait Gallery is part of the Smithsonian Institution, with collections focusing on the images of famous Americans. The museum's highlight is The Gibbs-Coolidge Set, a collection of five oil paintings of American presidents. Other notable figures whose portraits are on display include Frederick Douglass, Charlie Chaplin and Benjamin Franklin.

To grasp the whole spirit of the place, you will have to put enough time into exploring all the floors and every exhibit in this extensive museum. The building itself is also a National Historic Landmark, completed in 1867. The inner courtyard is a thing of natural beauty and a beautiful place to sit and rest.

 

Transportation in Washington, D.C.

Due to many commuters coming from the suburban areas of Maryland and Northern Virginia, the transportation system in Washington is somewhat distinct from other cities in the U.S.

The Washington Metro is the rapid transit system that serves the metropolitan area with 6 lines and 91 stations. It also has jurisdictions in the state of Maryland and Virginia. 

D.C. Streetcar is another transportation system in place. The two major lines where streetcars are operational are H Street NE/Benning Road Line and Anacostia Line.

The main bus service in D.C. is Metrobus, with 269 bus routes. As for intercity buses, the Union Stations serves as the stop for various city bus lines.

The city is served by three primary airports, two of which are located in Virginia and one in Maryland. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the closest and has been operational since 1941.

 

Paymán Club Properties in Washington D.C.

Paymán Club currently offers one Renovated & Bright 1 Bedroom Apartment in Washington, D.C. It is on Bloomingdale Street and has proximity to the central government buildings and symbolic monuments. There are also great restaurants nearby you can try. Red Hen, Big Bear Cafe, or the Gastropub Boundary Stone are only some of the best ones you find there.

You will find several parks nearby for relaxation. They include Crispus Attucks Park, The Park at LeDroit, and Alethia Tanner Park, among others.