Washington, D.C.: A District of Delights
Washington, D.C. - often referred to as "D.C." or "the District" - is a blend of political power, social diversity, vibrant architecture, tourist attractions, international flavor and youthful ambition. Founded in 1791, the District is nestled along the shore of the Potomac River in between Maryland and Virginia and is home to a population of more than 500,000 people.
Interested in politics? The President of the United States, House of Representatives and U.S. Senate all legislate from Washington, D.C. Public tours of the Capitol Building and White House can be arranged by your Congressman or Senator's office, and constituents are invited to sit in the galleries of the House and Senate to watch legislative action taking place on the floor. While visiting Capitol Hill, be sure to check out the Supreme Court and Library of Congress, as well as the National Mall and quaint surrounding neighborhoods.
Seeking world class entertainment? Washington is second only to New York City in number of theatre seats and is home to the Kennedy Center, Ford's Theater and the Shakespeare Theater. A short metro ride takes you to world class shopping at Pentagon City mall, or check out Eastern Market, the nation's longest standing open air market, for unique cuisine and hand-crafted merchandise. If music is your passion, head to the U Street corridor where live jazz performances occur nightly, or relax with a chai latte and the latest edition of the Washington Post on Dupont Circle.
Interested in the international? The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund call D.C. home, making the city a major global financial hub. D.C. hosts more than 150 embassies and hundreds of international organizations, lending a worldwide essence to the city. The city entertains over 20 million guests from around the world each year, explaining why Washingtonians were named the "Most Worldly Americans" by Travel & Leisure magazine in 2007.
If cuisine is your thing, you've come to the right place. Restaurants abound in the District, especially in the downtown area. Visit the Potomac waterfront near Georgetown for exquisite cuisine and a breathtaking view, take the bus to Chinatown for authentic Chinese cooking, or head to Woodley Park for an ethnic vibe. The Penn quarter has developed into a core of hot new restaurant activity, and the city is filled with sidewalk cafes, rooftop terraces and garden restaurants. The District has something for everyone, regardless of your taste and price range.
Worried about getting around? Washington claims one of the nation's most sophisticated subway systems, called the Washington Metro rail, with a network of 86 stations and 106.3 miles of track. In addition to the metro system, public bus transportation is available and cabs are never in short supply. Divided into four quadrants (northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest) with the Capitol building at the center, the city is easy to navigate.