It's like DC was made for visitors - and if I paid attention to any of the guides and locals I met during my visit, it really was made to impress foreign diplomats & dignitaries. The layout of the city complements the impressive stylings of buildings and official-looking architecture.
I think I always had a vision in my head of the Reflecting Pool from the film Forrest Gump, but the reality is just as good and better still. Although at the time of my visit in July of 2018 there was a fence erected across the pool.
Plenty of iconic landmarks to take in and to draw inspiration, the Lincoln Memorial is an easy pick, but I quite enjoyed the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
The Smithsonian collections are truly remarkable, museum after museum open to the public and freely accessible - possibly the only place I've been more accessible to visitors than London, England.
And there's a great element of nature & the outdoors in Washington, Arlington just across the waters of the Potomac, there's opportunity to cycle or paddle. We enjoyed the former on our visit.
The Museum of Natural History was undergoing an upgrade to its dinosaur exhibit, giving us reason to visit again in future - but even with the construction underway the museum was truly a thrill. Holly even made friends with some cute little bugs!
As above, I think Washington makes it to the top few of my top 30 because it is just so simple to get around and make the most of your time when visiting.
I also really enjoyed biking everywhere.
A very beautiful and interesting city! I would definitely enjoy returning. Do you remember the breakfast cafe with the amazing and huge chocolate cake?