Washington, DC Bucketlist

It was the last week in the summer of 2019 and people were all set to greet the autumn. Anika turned one that year and has started to walk tiny steps. The year have been really favorable to us which also earned Ani few days off from work. We planned to utilize the holiday flying to Washington, DC and New York, which have been on our wish list for long.

The best time to enjoy Washington, DC is spring when you can enjoy cherry blossoms, with falls being the cheapest season to visit. It is very easy to find flights from any part of USA to Washington since they got three airports. Though two of the airports are quite far away from the city namely-Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) and Dulles International Airport (IAD). So, if you’re visiting for a weekend or a short amount of time, it’s best to fly into DCA, which is an easy 20-minute metro from the city center or a 15-minute drive.

DAY 1

We booked our stay through airbnb Grand Victorian Apartment near White House. The outside of the house and the timeless banister railing inside let you know that you're staying in a genuine old-Washington home. The interior is super modern with modular kitchen. I was any way satisfied with my stay here since everything was very close here, restaurants, metro and pubs.

WHITE HOUSE

Get your walking shoes ready, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking in DC. No need to rent a car or uber -the city’s major attractions are walkable, especially if you’re staying downtown, and if you visit in the spring or fall, you’ll want to have a chance to enjoy the amazing weather. Our apartment was located favorably near White House we so it was easy choice to walk.

America's most recognizable historical and political symbols is also the home and office of the President of the United States, this building has its own aura.

Since we were travelling with a one year old kid, exploring whole of DC with summer in its peak was impossible idea and a hop on hop tours was just what we needed. Finishing with the White house we walked to the 15th street NW for big bus stop clicking and instagramming all the way.

The sky was clear with sun getting hot, I insisted we sit inside the bus. Luckily with less tourists we had the whole bus for ourselves.

UNION STATION

The first stop was at Union Station. Other way to enjoy Washington, DC is by taking a train or a bus into Union Station and ride the metro. Designed by architect Daniel Burnham station is serviced by most major bus operators (Greyhound, Megabus, etc.) and Amtrak trains.

With wide variety of restaurants and shops inside it is treat for every newcomer. We had a quick brunch here while Anika enjoyed her apple pulp.

That’s not gold paint on the ceiling. It’s real 23-karat gilding. The leafing being imported from Italy. Don't forget to get your best selfie here.

THE CAPITOL

Built in a distinctive neoclassical style with white exterior, it is home of the United States Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. Atop the U.S. Capitol dome is the Statue of Freedom , an allegorical female figure.

The Capitol Building offers free tours and special exhibits throughout the year. The security is similar to airport check up here, so make sure you are not carrying any liquid and any suspicious things. The tour starts here with brief film offering a historical overview of the building and its construction, including a pointed acknowledgement that much of the work was done by slaves.

After the movie, visitors are placed in groups of about 20 to 30 people for each guide. The tours use Bluetooth technology, which allows the guides to speak normally while guests hear them using headphones.

We started in the Crypt, which has a low ceiling and many columns. This is where George Washington was intended to be buried, but as our guide told us, he nixed that plan and lies at Mount Vernon to this day.

The Rotunda canopy features the painting entitled The Apotheosis of Washington, and the walls of the Rotunda hold historic paintings and a frescoed band, or "frieze," depicting significant events in American history.

US Senate chamber The chamber is today used occasionally for ceremonial functions. Special meetings between Senators or dignitaries as well as speeches have been given there.

The National Statuary Hall Collection is comprised of statues donated by individual states to honor persons notable in their history. There are 100 statues in total here.

If you're also visiting the Library of Congress, there is a tunnel under the street there so you only go through security once - and vice versa.
If you are lucky you can only see the House of representatives and the Senate when they are in session. we were luckiest to be on time and watch the session from balcony.

The tour got over in an hour. We took some time getting before exiting the capitol, brought some sovenour from the shop inside and changed Anika's diapers. It was early evening and we hopped on the big bus again. This time we sat up in the open as the weather grew less hot.

THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL

Built in 1915, this is a beautiful, columned memorial dedicated to Abraham Lincoln. The stoned building is classy, elegant and magnificent. There is a statue of Lincoln in the middle of the peaceful hall and you can feel the mighty greatness while standing next to it. It is awe-inspiring to climb the steps to the top where Martin Luther King Jr. made his “I Have a Dream” speech. There are lot of steps to go up to it but with baby stroller we had the advantage of using lift located at both the end of the building.

THE JEFFERSON MEMORIAL

Situated on the edge of DC’s Tidal Basin, the Jefferson Memorial is located in an iconic sand-colored dome. In the springtime, cherry blossoms surround the monument and it’s super pretty.

THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT

This is DC’s iconic pointy-tipped monument that stands at the edge of the grassy National Mall. While visitors could go up to the top of the Washington Monument in the past, the elevators are now closed for renovations until 2019.

THE WW II MEMORIAL

The serene WWII Memorial is a tribute to all who served and died fighting in WWII. A beautiful testament to those who worked to protect our country, the memorial is located across the reflecting pool from the Lincoln Memorial.

THE NATIONAL MALL

The National Mall is basically Washington DC’s backyard – it’s a grassy lawn where visitors and locals hang out on sunny days. Full of world-class museums and fun festivals, the National Mall is the center of many activities in the city.

DAY 2

Day two we reserved it for light activity like visiting museum. Here are literally dozens of museums in DC, and which ones you’ll visit depend on your interests and timing. I visited museums without fees and what can be anything better than this. For more info on other museums, timing and tickets please check here.

DINNER AT BOMBAY CLUB RESTAURANT

For fine dining option Bombay Club restaurant truly met our need for Indian delicacies. We also enjoyed live piano performance. It has served Bill Clinton adding value to the restaurant and making a major dinning spot for everyone.

THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

This museum is a somber tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, including a detailed historical account of Naziism and the horrifying events that occurred during the Holocaust. I’ve never walked through this museum without crying – it’s a very heavy but important piece of history.

SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEM OF NATURAL HISTORY

A great museum choice when visiting with families. I have visited this museum twice. Climb the second floor to see the Hope Diamond, a 45-carat blue diamond revered for its size and claimed to be cursed. The mummies section is fascinating, and you won’t want to miss the Ocean Hall and mammals exhibits on the first floor.

SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

For star lovers and people who always wanted to explore space and constellation this museum is a must. Check out the Apollo 11 command module from the first moon landing and the original Wright brothers plane from 1903.

US SUPREME COURT BUILDING

The court was not session but yes we did enjoy strolling inside and exploring some god history of the country. We spotted the statue of John Marshalls and some important historic quotes.