As Washington D.C. has evolved it has become a fascinating destination, full of wide open spaces, grand memorials, fabulous neoclassical architecture and acres of parks all over the city. The National Mall is an area of parkland (flanked by Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue) that runs for over two miles from the US Capitol Building on Capitol Hill to Lincoln Memorial. It forms the main centre of attractions, with many of the main sights and landmarks located close by.

An absolute must for anyone visiting Washington is a trip to the Smithsonian Institution - the world's largest museum complex with 19 museums and nine research centres, as well as the national zoo. There is no cost to enter the museums of the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian is located on the National Mall.

Among the many other sights worth visiting are the many memorial sights located throughout the city, including Arlington National Cemetery, the largest burial ground in the United States that includes the grave of JFK, the D.C. War Memorial and Lincoln Memorial.

The three houses of government in Washington are all worth visiting. The White House is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. While it is only possible to tour the White House by prior arrangement, the White House Visitor Centre on the corner of 15th and E is open daily from 7:30am to 4:00pm.

The US Capitol building, home of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is open to visitors and is free to tour (you must book in advance). The US Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the United States, located at One 1st Street. It is possible to visit the court and enjoy a tour, including a lecture about court proceedings, when the court is not in session, or to watch a case being argued when the court is in session (although seating is limited and queues are likely).