Washington, DC Sightseeing

The grand formal vista of the National Mall contains many of Washington, DC's most important monuments and institutions. The Mall is particularly striking during the spring blossoming of the Japanese cherry trees and in the winter with the Christmas trees and lights. 

Most dramatic are monuments like the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Capitol that seem to glow against the night skies. The White House is another must-see for tourists.

Smart townhouses, cobblestone streets, cafés, shops and lovely riverside walks, plus a lively nightlife, make the elegant neighbourhood of Georgetown highly attractive. Washington's elite occupies many of the homes. 

Across town, Chinatown, with its colourful Friendship Arch, is the centre for oriental speciality shops and restaurants. 

A favoured recreation ground for city dwellers is Rock Creek Park in the northwest of the city. The creek itself passes through the heart of the park, which also has bicycle, bridle and jogging paths. 

Since 11 September 2001, the Pentagon, the country's heart of national and international security, is no longer open for public tours, but if it is intrigue you seek, visit the International Spy Museum. It chronicles the history and schemes of spies and espionage.

Tourist Information Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corporation
901 Seventh Street, NW, Suite 4001
Tel: (202) 789 7000.
Website: www.washington.org

Although this is the official Washington, DC tourism site, information cannot be obtained in person here.

Washington, DC Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Tel: 1 866 324 7386.
Website: www.dcvisit.com
Opening hours: (15 Mar-first Mon in Sep) Mon-Fri 0830-1730, Sat 0900-1600; (first Tues in Sep-15 Mar) Mon-Fri 0900-1630.

Another useful website is www.dc.gov. Visitors may also see SAMs (safety and maintenance personnel), who are specially trained hospitality workers dressed in red uniforms. They operate throughout the downtown area to provide a service to visitors by giving directions and helping to find area attractions, restaurants, hotels and shops.

There are no tourist passes currently available.