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Galib Mammad on the Top Reasons to Visit Washington DC

Galib Mammad outlines the most compelling reasons to visit the nation's capital

There are, arguably, a number of fabulous places to visit all around the globe that you should have on your bucket list. However, if you are at all interested in learning about the United States of America, the one place you must go see is the city of Washington, in the federal District of Columbia.

Bordering the states of Virginia and Maryland, Washington sits along the Potomac River. It boasts an impressive population of over 700,000 people. The first thing that most visitors notice when they arrive in the city is the impressive and historical architecture. The iconic buildings that house the three branches of government stand out clearly, as well as the museums and historical landmarks that remind us all how far we’ve come and where we’re headed.

The National Mall is a must-visit. Not only does it host the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, it also houses both the domed-roof U.S. Capitol building and the White House. One of the many great things about our nation’s capital is that all museums are free along the National Mall. There is no price of admission for the National Gallery of Art, the Botanic Garden, the Air & Space Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Museum of Natural History, or Museum of American History. As if those weren’t reasons enough, the cherry blossom festival in the spring draws thousands of adoring anthophiles. Aside from all of the natural beauty, there is also a kite festival and impressive parade. Like the museums, most concerts and events in DC are free to attend. There are many online visitor’s guides and calendars with needed tourist information.

Find out what's happening in Washington DCwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It is well-known that diversity breeds creativity. Being our nation’s capital, there are a number of embassies houses there. Each one bringing with it the cultural flavor of its people. This, in turn, has an effect on the atmosphere and energy of the city. Because of the diverse population of Washington, the food scene is expansive. The dining options range across all levels of pricing, and include nearly every style of cuisine such as Italian, Greek, Ethiopian, Irish, Asian, Spanish, and Mexican. There are a number of food blogs dedicated solely to DC. For a foodie, there are few cities that can compare in terms of a visitor destination.

For outdoorsy people, DC is perfect for walking and bicycling. Due to its efficient underground Metro system, the above-ground areas are spacious and pedestrian-friendly. DC is in the top ten list of most walkable cities in the United States.

Find out what's happening in Washington DCwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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