GET LOCAL IN DC !

CHART YOUR OWN ITINERARY IN EASY - TO - NAVIGATE WASHINGTON, WHERE HISTORY AND CULTURE COLLIDE TO DELIGHTFUL EFFECT

- Radhika Suchday

FROM SOME OF THE world’s most-visited monuments to a plethora of hidden gems, Washington DC offers up an astounding array of sites and sensory experiences. Explore the area like a local by eating at historic restaurants, kayaking down the Potomac River and wandering through magnificent museums. Whatever your travel preferences, be sure to venture forth. DC does not disappoint.

If you are a first-time visitor to The United States of America, my suggestion would be to arrive in Washington DC and then set out to explore the country. DC is a district capital, which may sound a bit frosty, but the vibe of the people is such that you’ll feel warmly welcomed in no time.

With a skyline that is defined by the iconic Washington Monument, accompanied by the majestic Capitol Building, The White House and The Lincoln Memorial, the architecture alone underlines the fact that this is the country’s seat of power. Yet, beyond the stately landscape, lies a DC that the locals know and love — a place of vibrant culture, thriving neighbourhoods and delectable food.

For travellers fond of exploring cities on foot, the terrain is just right. DC is built on flat land, spread across 177 square kilometres, which makes it equivalent to a neighbourhood in any big city in India. While I opted to take the metro to reduce my travel time, tourists can also rent bicycles for the whole day. It is also easy to manoeuvre your way around the city in a wheelchair if need be.