36 HOURS IN WASHINGTON D.C - WALKING TOUR

36 HOURS IN WASHINGTON D.C – WALKING TOUR – CIAO VALENTINA

A walking tour to discover Washington D.C. 36 hours to discover the best of this nation’s capital.

If you are European and you set foot in America, especially if it is your first time, you will immediately realize its size. Huge! Yet, unlike many European cities, finding your way around is very easy. Big cities but easy to walk around. This is why I walked a lot once I reached every single city. It is good for your health, your wallet and reduce CO2 emissions. Three pigeons with one stone!! Wonderful!!

So here we see a tour of Washington D.C., between the Mall and Obama’s home passing through the Barbie pond. And all this in just 36 hours! Am I intriguing you? Then, read on!

Or you can watch the video of my 36 hours in Washington D.C. on my YouTube channel, click here:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Known by all as the official residence of the President of the United States of America, it looks rather small from the outside, doesn’t it? However, inside it has 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms, with a total of 412 doors, 28 fireplaces, 8 flights of stairs, 3 elevators and expands over 6 floors. There are also two large swimming pools. The value is just under 400 million US dollars – a mere pittance!

THE MALL

Many of the most famous memorials are found in this large park where you can rent a bicycle, a scooter or a Segway to move swiftly from one monument to another. I decided to go on foot.

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL

Continuing along the park, heading south, you will find the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A symbol of recognition and honour for all the men and women who lost their lives serving during the Vietnam War. You will find their names on the black granite wall and there are more than 58,000.

LINCOLN MEMORIAL

This Lincoln memorial was built in honour of the 16th President of the United States of America. Be aware – there are symbolic elements almost everywhere: like the 36 columns representing the States of the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death and the 48 stones above the columns represent the number of states in 1922. If you look carefully you can surely find many more. Have fun investigating!

*Martin Luther King granite statue in Washington D.C*

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR MEMORIAL

This huge granite statue was made to commemorate civilian movement leader Martin Luther King. It took 5 years to complete at a total cost of 120 million US dollars. It is worth stopping here to breathe a more relaxed air than the rest of the Mall.

MEMORIAL TO THE SECOND WORLD WAR

This monument is in honour of the many people who lost their lives during the Second World War. Construction began in September 2001 and it was opened to the public in 2004. It’s mainly made of bronze and granite and cost almost 222 million US dollars to build.

*Obelisk to Washington during night time*

WASHINGTON MONUMENT

This obelisk was created to commemorate the first president of the United States of America, George Washington. It is possible to tour the inside or, if you are an adventurer you can climb to the top.

U.S. CAPITOL

It is the seat of congress since its construction in 1909 and is considered to be such an important building that it has its own private subway which transports politicians to and from the Senate House. From here you can enjoy breath-taking views.

MUSEUMS

In just 36 hours you will realistically have to choose only one museum, so choose well! I chose the African American Museum.

Here the museums are free but you still have to book the entrance ticket online. If, on the other hand, you do not have a ticket, you can enter (always free) after 5 pm during the weekend and after 1 pm during the week.

I completed my tour of the Mall across a whole day, stopping for various photos and selfies and for lunch in the kiosks that you will find around the park.

It was a good 23km walk, all done on foot, I don’t think I have to add anything else!!

Having had an extra half day available, I chose alternative places outside of the classic tourist tours.

THE OBAMA HOUSE

I’m not kidding, I went to see Obama’s house, or rather, I tried. The road that leads to Obama’s House was blocked by police cars but it was very satisfying to have gotten as close as possible (entertaining the American policemen sitting in the car staring at my every move). Watch the video on my YouTube channel to find out the address of where Obama lives:

THE BARBIE POND

A real American extravagance but how can we not go and have a look? Maybe you will be inspired to replicate it in your home garden?

So here are the 11 things you should DEFINITELY not miss if you only have 36 hours available in Washington D.C.

Other useful tips:

Wear comfortable shoes, you will walk kilometres.

Find out about the various museums and decide which one you want to visit and book in advance.

There are many monuments and having only 36 hours available you have to make a choice.

Try to always have tissues and sanitising gel with you. The public toilets in the park are particularly dirty, without toilet paper and soap so go prepared. (Yes, I went into several bathrooms before I resigned myself and chose one out of desperation).

My favourite places:

The pond of the barbies: never seen such a thing and it thrilled me.

Lincoln Memorial: it’s large and impressive and a view that keeps you stuck there for hours.

African American History Museum: the history of African Americans, their achievements and battles. A museum that makes you think a lot. It is worth it.

Washington D.C. responsible and sustainable:

Do as I did, all on foot. After the 23 km done in one day, I was exhausted but happy. Otherwise you can rent a bicycle, scooter or Segway. The choice is yours! Whatever the choice, you will have reduced your CO2 emissions.

Put a reusable bottle, lunchbox and some reusable cutlery in your backpack. They don’t add any extra weight to the backpack, trust me. When you stop at the park kiosks, ask them to put the food in your lunchbox, and the drink in your reusable bottle, thus avoiding the consumption of plastic.