When in Washington
Washington DC often loses out on international tourism, with travellers from the UK forgetting the city in their rush to the likes of New York, San Francisco and Chicago. For Americans, however, a visit to their capital is something of an essential pilgrimage, with millions making the trip to the seat of government every year, giving it a strong tourism culture.
With a vast number of official buildings and monuments, the city is a visually stunning mix of white marble, green lawns and blue sky. Expertly designed by Charles L'Enfant, Washington follows the traditional American grid system, making it easy to explore. However, not everyone has been a fan of the city's geometric charms ? Charles Dickens wrote off the city, saying: "Spacious avenues that begin in nothing and lead nowhere; streets, mile long, that only want houses, roads, and inhabitants; public buildings that need but a public."
The fledging American government flirted with New York, Princeton and Philadelphia before settling in what has become Washington, with the Potomac River meant to represent a natural compromise between the north and south. The city technically does not lie in any of the 50 states, standing instead in the District of Columbia, created with land donated by Maryland and Virginia.
Despite its prime position as the seat of American power, Washington DC has had a troubled history. The city suffered badly during the War of Independence and the newly completed Capitol building was destroyed in 1812. The city fell into decline and the government even considered moving elsewhere. Until relatively recently the city was plagued by a reputation as a southern backwater, but the building of the Kennedy Centre helped to bring a cosmopolitan touch. Washington suffered during the 1990s, when it was nicknamed the murder capital and even the mayor was caught smoking crack.
The city turned itself around at the start of the new millennium and now has no more problems then any other major city its size. It was rocked by the attacks of September 11th, but has emerged stronger than ever, with Americans keen to make a patriotic trip to the city. The effects of September 11th are still visible, however, and visitors should not be surprised to see a high security presence around Washington's many famous landmarks.
Washington may not be the murder capital anymore but it's still easy to slip unknowingly from a nice into a rough neighbourhood. The southeast and southwest quadrants of the city can be dodgy, so travellers should take care and aim to avoid them at night, with the advice to take a taxi rather than walk. Most of the city is very safe during the day and fairly safe at night. Even so, it is advisable to stick to the main streets after dark, with 18th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue useful for traversing the city.
The official tourist season lasts from April to September, although with hot and humid summers, visitors may find the city too oppressive during July and August. However, as business travel to the city drops dramatically during the summer, many hotels offer discounts. It's considered best to visit in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November).
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Introduction
