A city without a state

Washington D.C. sits between Virginia and Maryland but belongs to neither, gaining its independent status in 1801 as a federal district—an unusual distinction in the United States. Named after the country's first president, George Washington, the city remains the hub of all branches of the US government, housing both The White House and The United States Capitol. Beyond its political significance, Washington D.C. boasts over 130 neighbourhoods and an abundance of museums, monuments, and memorials, making it a multifaceted destination.

City Breaks in Washington D.C.

Navigating the city's attractions during a city break is made easy by its grid format. The US Capitol Building serves as the reference point for the city's numbered and lettered streets, with east-to-west streets named using letters and north-to-south streets numbered. The city is divided into four quadrants, with the Northwest quadrant housing the central business district and a substantial portion of The National Mall. Northeast is renowned for its arts and entertainment venues, Southeast features Eastern Market, and Southwest is one of the city's largest residential areas.

A Mall like no other

Washington D.C. boasts over 20% of its land as parkland, giving it one of the highest green ratios among US cities. The National Mall, often referred to as America's front yard, spans two miles and is flanked by The Lincoln Memorial on the west end and The United States Capitol on the east. The mall is also home to the National Gallery of Art, accompanied by an expansive sculpture garden, collectively housing over 150,000 pieces of artwork.

Exploring neighbouring states

While enjoying America's capital, you can easily venture into neighbouring states. A 45-minute drive takes you to Maryland, nicknamed "Little America" for its diverse landscapes. To the south, a three-hour drive leads to Virginia, a state rich in history, home to the oldest British settlement in North America, and even featuring locals who speak with a British accent.