If you are a fan of the hit series, House of Cards, the opening time-lapse that shows the city might have given you the idea to visit the capital of the US. But even if you’re not a big fan of politics, Washington is worth a visit as the city really packs in unique and historical sights. Here are 5 favorites.

The National Mall

The first spot to visit is of course the National Mall, where the Congress building, White House, Washington Monument, several memorials, and all the largest museums are located. But to make this experience a truly unique one, don’t go during the day but at night. Indeed, the National Mall at night is absolutely gorgeous, especially around the reflecting pool where you can see the reflection of the illuminated Washington Monument and the Martin Luther King Memorial from where you can see the Jefferson Monument reflecting on the Potomac River. Another good point of going at night is that there will be less tourists and you will have the Lincoln memorial all to yourself.

Georgetown

The second place to visit is the Georgetown neighborhood. Very different from the rest of the city with its red brick and paved streets, this is where wealthy people live and you can easily see it. The houses are huge and beautiful, and during the spring and summer, the trees with their leaves and all the flowers install a bucolic atmosphere. This is very peaceful, away from the high buildings and the rush of the city. There are always a lot of people in the main shopping boulevard, but if you wander up into the alleyways and side streets, you will find less people and enjoy the view even more. While you’re here, this is the opportunity to visit Georgetown University, one of the best in the country and built in much the same style as the neighborhood.

The Potomac

Just at the limit of Georgetown and before the border with Virginia, you will find the Potomac River. And even if the Potomac River is said to be in Georgetown, it deserves its own paragraph, especially Waterfront Park. It is amazing to go there on a sunny day, where you can see the contrasts between Virginia on the other side of the river, the buildings of the heart of the city with the Kennedy Center, and the old character of Georgetown. It is very peaceful to walk on the waterfront and you can even go to the Kennedy Center which is not too far away. If you want to have a great view of the city, the visitor center rooftop will give you one of the best. You can go at all times but at night is the most amazing with all the lights dancing before your eyes.

Alexandria

A little outside of Washington but easily accessible and a must-see area is Alexandria. Located in Virginia just on the other side of the Potomac river from Georgetown, Alexandria has some similarities to its neighbor with its big old houses built with the same red bricks. This place is truly beautiful and just like Georgetown, you can go to the Waterfront and admire the view while resting in the grass for a peaceful retreat. You can also see the reproduction of the house of George Washington when he lived in town along with the Church he used to attend.

Arlington Cemetery

Finally, the last spot you have to go to is the Arlington Cemetery. A few days before his death, John F. Kennedy visited the cemetery and said that it was the best place in Washington, DC. Indeed, if you go all the way up the hill, you have the most beautiful view of the city. You can see all three major monuments aligned, that is to say: the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and Congress. This is also the opportunity to see the tomb of JFK, of the thousands of soldiers who died at war, and watch the ceremony of the changing of the guard on the tomb of the unknown soldier which is amazing. As the sunset paints the sky amazing colors, you can try to go on top of the hill at the end of the day to see the sky change from blue, to pink, to violet, and even orange. Even if your camera doesn’t take good pictures, your eyes will take everything in and you will not regret it!

photo credit: Stuck in Customs Outside The Bus via photopin (license)

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Marie Terrier is a French exchange student at Georgetown University in Washington DC in the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 semesters. While her home institution Sciences po Lyon provided classes in all social sciences disciplines, she specialized herself in the United States in history and international relations. When she comes back to France, she is going to start a master’s degree in journalism, as she wants to be a journalist in international relations. Marie is using her year abroad to travel to many places across the US and even in other countries such as Canada and Cuba. She also loves track and field and helping people by given them advice, therefore, she can’t wait to share her own amazing experience!
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