Must-see free spots in Washington D.C.!
Must-see spots in Washington D.C.!
Washington D.C. is the center of history and politics. Many of the tourist attractions are free to enjoy! This time, I will introduce 6 spots that you should definitely visit, including my experiences when I actually visited.
① Reflection of the Washington Monument
📍Location: J5H9+CC Concrete, Washington, United States
The reflection of the Washington Monument from the Lincoln Memorial is beautiful. I especially recommend it at dusk! The sky turns red and orange, and you can enjoy a fantastic view. However, it is best to visit before it gets dark, as it becomes difficult to see the reflection on the water surface when the sun goes down completely. The photo with the sunset in the background is one of my favorites!
② US Capitol
📍Location: 20004 District of Columbia, Washington
When I visited during the Christmas season, the large Christmas tree decorated in the center was very impressive! I also participated in a free guided tour (reservation required). On the tour, I was able to learn more about the history of the founding of the United States and the role of the Capitol, and it was a good opportunity to feel the difference between the political systems of Japan and the United States. I also felt that it was tourist-friendly that pamphlets in Japanese were available!
③ National Archives
📍Location: 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408 United States
🕰️Opening hours 10:00-17:30
You can see real documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and even Magna Carta! The excitement of seeing the documents in front of you was exceptional, and you had a special feeling of "seeing something that can only be seen here." In addition, since the exhibits are extensive, it is recommended to take your time to look around. In fact, I stayed for about two hours, but I still felt like I hadn't seen enough.
④ Smithsonian Art Museum
📍Location: G Street Northwest &, 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 United States
🕰️Opening hours 11:00-19:00
Portraits of past American presidents are on display, and it was very interesting to see the historical background and personality of each president conveyed through the portraits. I was particularly overwhelmed by the presence of the portraits of Lincoln and Washington. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone interested in history and politics, as well as art lovers.
⑤ The White House
The White House is definitely a must-see! When I visited during the Christmas season, the entire building was decorated with Christmas wreaths, creating a very cute atmosphere. It's a little difficult to take photos through the fence, but I went early in the morning when there were few people, so I was able to take them calmly. The illuminations seen through the fence are particularly beautiful, and it's worth visiting!
⑥ Other: Deepen your learning at free facilities
Many of the tourist facilities in Washington D.C. are free to enter. Therefore, you can enjoy it at your own pace without worrying about time. All the other facilities I visited were also worth seeing. For example, the Smithsonian Museums, where you can learn about American history and culture in depth. There are so many exhibits that you can't see them all in one day, so it's a good idea to make a list in advance when you visit!
Washington D.C. is not only a place where you can experience history and politics, but also a place where you can be soothed by the beautiful scenery and architecture. One of the fun things is that the atmosphere changes depending on the season. Please visit it yourself!
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