Exploring WASHINGTON D.C. BY RENT A CAR
Washington is the capital of the United States, with a population of more than half a million in an area of nearly 180 square kilometers, and is located in the District of Columbia, which earns it the appended abbreviation “D.C”.
It is both the seat of government of the United States and the home of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
The city’s name is derived from the first president of America, George Washington.
Not only the government district, but also countless museums, a multitude of historic buildings and excellent restaurants ensure that visitors will not get bored in the capital of the United States.
There is just as much to discover in the surrounding countryside, which can easily be done with a hire car.
WHERE TO SEE IN WASHINGTON D.C.
The ideal point to start the city tour is also the most famous: the White House. Apart from George Washington, every president of the United States has resided here. In 1792, the cornerstone was laid and in 1800, John Adams, the second president of the United States, moved into it. However, it was destroyed by British troops in 1814 and not rebuilt until 1819. Already the classicistic facade impresses the visitors, and also the rooms inside are extremely magnificent. Parts of the White House can be visited. However, foreigners must contact their embassy in Washington D.C. to obtain permission.
After visiting this historic site, you may want to learn more about the history of the United States. If so, the National Museum of American History is the place to be. The exhibition is exceedingly comprehensive. For example, you can marvel at the original United States flag, as well as visit Oskar, who inhabited the garbage can in the 1970s television series Sesame Street. In total, there are more than three million exhibits. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Admission is free.
You’ve always wanted to see a 45-carat diamond? Then the National Museum of Natural History is the place for you. On display there is the blue Hope Diamond, named after the family of jewel collector Henry Philip Hope, who owned it for decades. Another highlight of the exhibit is the world’s largest collection of meteorites. The museum is open daily from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free here as well.
What would America be without its intelligence agencies? At the International Spy Museum, you can learn all sorts of things about the work of spies. The exhibit is overly comprehensive. From the Trojan horse to modern spy tools, (almost) everything is there. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. A ticket costs $19.95.
At the end of the city tour you can pay your respects to former President Abraham Lincoln and visit the Lincoln Memorial. Reminiscent of a Greek temple, it was built in honor of the president under whose reign slavery was abolished.
hire car price comparison Washington
FINDING A GOOD RESTAURANT
Washington is a cosmopolitan metropolis with endless good restaurants. You might reserve a table at BlackSalt. There you’ll get excellent seafood dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
DISCOVER A BEAUTIFUL HOTEL
Of course, there is no shortage of good hotels in the capital of the United States. We recommend “The Jefferson.” There you can expect luxurious rooms, an excellent spa, a versatile fitness center, good restaurants and warm service.
A PAYING GOAL IN THE SURROUNDING
After the bustling big city, you may be looking for some relaxation. If so, you can steer that hire car to Annapolis. In less than an hour, you’ll be there.
Annapolis retains much of its past and delights with narrow streets lined with 18th and 19th century homes. It’s best to join the Four Century Walking Tour, which runs daily. A two-hour walk will give you insight into the city’s rich history. A ticket costs $16. Check with the tourist information office for current start times.
After an eventful day, you can make your way back to Washington in your hire car while considering which destination to visit next.