Washington DC is more than just government and history — it’s a cosmopolitan city with fantastic food, an exciting nightlife, shopping, art, culture, theater and more. Washington DC is a graceful, funky city full of surprises. Within a few square blocks, you can wander historic squares (and triangles) amidst an exciting architectural mix inspired by Ancient Greece, mid-19th-century Paris, the Victorian era and glassy, über-modern design. The Smithsonian’s dizzying array of museums and galleries serve as a magnet for young historians, scientists and artists from across the globe, creating a demand for independent bookstores, cafés, wine bars and refurbished historic taverns that serve the city’s wildly diverse population. A hopping jazz scene mingles with Ghanaian beats and Central American salsa, and restaurants (and food trucks) from top chefs serve cuisines from countries as varied as Tibet, Ethiopia, Afghanistan and more.
DC has beautiful buildings, but a distinct lack of skyscrapers. That’s what makes the Washington Monument’s 500-foot-high (152-meter) observation deck a draw for visitors; its one-of-akind, 360-degree view of the capital not only orients you, but also takes your breath away. However, the number of people per day allowed inside the world’s tallest obelisk is limited, so without advance planning, you can do no more than stare at its exterior. A skip-the-line tour ensures you get in first and avoid the crowds. The tour also includes coach transport to landmarks such as the White House, Lincoln Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, pausing at each stop for interesting facts and those all-important photos.