Beyond the traditional Washington D.C. attractions  – such as the Smithsonian museums, the U.S. Capitol – the monuments – you’ll find fresh food, arts and nightlife scenes.

You will be able to spend your morning looking through the city’s cache of farmers markets and contemporary exhibits and your afternoon taking in the scenery from the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument before seeing a show at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

If you plan on stopping in on Washington D.C. at the end of March and into April, don’t miss wandering along the Tidal Basin, where you’ll find thousands of pink cherry blossoms, not to mention excellent conditions for exploring the city’s neighbourhoods.

Here are some of our recommendations about what to see.

International Spy Museum

One of the absolute best things to do in Washington D.C. has to be the International Spy Museum. This museum unveils the techniques and technologies utilised by spies throughout the ages. Set just south of the Smithsonian Castle, the museum’s galleries are packed with interactive exhibits, artifacts as well as even equipment that cover thousands of years of espionage’s hidden history.

Washington Monument

This stone pillar is not just the nation’s tallest obelisk but also the world’s. The Washington Monument towers at over 555 feet, which is a grandiose dedication to the United States’ first president as well as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. The monument is in the same area as the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial, so it’s very easy to cover these three famous D.C. attractions in one go, even if you take a break in between to catch up on some online betting in New Zealand.

United States Capitol And Capitol Hill

Well-known around the world as a representation of the United States, the Capitol is the seat of U.S government’s House of Representatives in addition to the Senate. The massive dome, which is based on the dome of St Peter’s in Rome, Italy, stands out above all other buildings in Washington D.C.

As with Washington itself, the building has grown over the years from the time that the central portion was constructed between 1793 and 1812. The final addition, in 1958-62, enlarged the central façade where presidents take the oath. On the other side of the building, a marble terrace offers beautiful views over the mall as well as the city.

The interior is dazzling with frescoes, reliefs, and paintings, particularly the rotunda under the great cast-iron dome with a ceiling painting that was done by Constantino Brumidi in addition to huge paintings of scenes from American history on the walls. Next to it is the former Chamber of the House of Representatives, with statues of leading historical figures.

Vietnam Veterans And Korean War Veterans Memorial

One of the most poignant war memorials, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – or “the Wall,” as it’s referred to commonly – is a long black granite wall with the names of more than 58 000 Americans who perished during the Vietnam War emblazoned on its surface. Recent travellers said their visits to the site were heart-breaking but thought-provoking and powerful, adding that even the toughest of individuals will find it hard to not become emotional while reading the wall’s names.