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Washington, D.C., the capital of United States
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Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., officially known as the District of Columbia, is the capital city and federal district of the United States. Situated on the Potomac River between Virginia, Maryland, and named after George Washington and the female personification of the nation, it stands as the heart of American governance and history.

Photo: Ralf Roletschek (talk) - Infos über Fahrräder auf fahrradmonteur.de Wikis in der Ausbildung (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Timezone
EDT (UTC-4)
Local time now
04:04:14

Hotels in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. offers a range of distinguished hotels for visitors exploring the nation's capital. From historic properties like the Hotel Washington and Willard InterContinental Hotel to modern luxury options such as the JW Marriott and Hay-Adams Hotel, travelers can find accommodation suited to their needs throughout the city. See all hotels →

Airports in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is served by several airports offering both commercial and general aviation services. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the primary commercial hub, while College Park Airport, Joint Base Andrews, Potomac Airfield, and Freeway Airport provide additional aviation options for the region. See all airports →

Car Hire in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. offers several car hire options for visitors and residents. Major providers including Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and Hertz operate in the city, making it easy to arrange vehicle rentals for your stay. See all car hire →

Enterprise
992 m from centre
Avis/Budget Car Rental
1.2 km from centre
Hertz
1.3 km from centre
Avis
1.3 km from centre

Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. offers visitors a wealth of attractions to explore, from iconic monuments and memorials to historic landmarks scattered throughout the city. Notable sites include the Zero Milestone, Herbert Hoover Commemorative – White Oak, Butt-Millet Memorial Fountain, Meridian Stone, and the Bill & Hillary Clinton – Willow Oak, each contributing to the rich tapestry of experiences available in the nation's capital. See all things to do →

Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants ranging from rooftop venues like VUE Rooftop to established classics such as Old Ebbitt Grill and The Occidental. Whether you're looking for contemporary cuisine or historic dining traditions, the capital's restaurant landscape provides options across multiple neighborhoods and culinary styles. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. offers a variety of swimming pools for residents and visitors throughout the city. From public facilities like Banneker Pool and Jelleff Pool to amenities at residential complexes such as Cavendish Condominium Complex and Parc Rosslyn Pool, there are multiple options for swimming and aquatic recreation across the capital. See all swimming pools →

Banneker Pool
3.3 km from centre
Parc Rosslyn Pool
3.4 km from centre
Jelleff Pool
3.5 km from centre

Spas in Washington, D.C.

We're still gathering spas listings for Washington, D.C. — check back soon.

Nightlife in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. offers a diverse nightlife scene with venues ranging from rooftop lounges like Onyx Rooftop Lounge to comedy clubs such as DC Improv. Whether you're looking for live entertainment at Strand, cocktails at Eden, or a relaxed evening at The Living Room, the city provides options for every taste. See all nightlife →

Bars in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. offers a diverse bar scene with venues ranging from classic cocktail establishments to modern lounges. Notable options include Pinea, Round Robin Bar, SPIN, Union Trust, and a.lounge, each bringing their own character to the city's nightlife. See all bars →

Cafes in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. offers a diverse café scene featuring everything from historic establishments like The Cafe At The Corcoran to specialty coffee roasters such as M.E. Swing Coffee Roasters and Grace Street Coffee Roasters at AIA. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to work or a social gathering place, the city's cafés provide excellent options throughout the downtown and cultural districts. See all cafes →

Shopping in Washington, D.C.

We're still gathering shopping listings for Washington, D.C. — check back soon.

Nature & Wildlife in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. offers several natural spaces for visitors to experience green spaces and gardens throughout the city. From the White House Kitchen Garden and Children's Garden to larger areas like The Ellipse and Sherman Park, nature enthusiasts can explore diverse outdoor environments. See all nature & wildlife →

White House Kitchen Garden
100 m from centre
The White House and President's Park
118 m from centre
The Ellipse
129 m from centre
Children's Garden
158 m from centre
Sherman Park
198 m from centre
Big Red One
212 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Washington, D.C. experiences four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn offer mild, pleasant weather ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and monuments.

Interesting Facts About Washington, D.C. — Weird & Wonderful

  • Washington, D.C. is named after George Washington, the Founding Father and first president of the United States.
  • The district is named for Columbia, the female personification of the United States.
  • The city is positioned on the Potomac River across from Virginia, with land borders shared with Maryland to its north and east.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington, D.C.

What country is Washington, D.C. the capital of?

Washington, D.C. is the capital city and federal district of the United States.

What does D.C. stand for?

D.C. stands for District of Columbia, the official name of the capital.

What is the currency used in Washington, D.C.?

The currency used is the United States Dollar (USD).

What language is spoken in Washington, D.C.?

English is the primary language spoken in Washington, D.C.

Which states border Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. is located on the Potomac River across from Virginia and shares land borders with Maryland to its north and east.

Map of Washington, D.C.

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