Car hire Washington DC

Introduction

The official name of the American capital is called District of Columbia, but everybody knows it as Washington DC. No fewer than six buildings from America's top ten of favorite architecture are located in Washington: the White House, the National Cathedral, the Thomas Jefferson Monument, the Capitol, the Lincoln Monument and the Monument for Vietnam Veterans. Except for the cathedral, all of these buildings are situated at or near The Mall, a large park along Constitution Avenue. In this park there are often outdoor performances and other festivities. Every evening at 6pm there is a free show (music, theatre or dance at the Millennium Stage, the roof of the Kennedy Center. The museums in Washington are free too, such as the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the American Indian, and the popular National Air and Space Museum.

Population

The city itself - for a capital of a large and powerful country - has a modest population of 600,000. But in the entire metropolitan area of Washington live more than five million people.

Location

Washington DC is located in the east of the United States on the north bank of the Potomac River. It is almost entirely surrounded by the state of Maryland, except for the southwest which borders Virginia.

Economy

The majority of the population works for the federal government, semi-government institutions or related services (law firms, lobbyists, embassies, unions, nonprofit organizations, etc.). Also the Fannie Mae headquarters is in Washington with rival Freddie Mac in McLean, across the Potomac River. These two giants together employ more than 10,000 people. Furthermore, Washington is an educational center with three universities.

Airports

There are three airports around the U.S. capital. The most important airport is Washington Dulles International Airport, at 42 kilometers west of the city. From the center take Interstate 66, exit 67. The route is clearly indicated.

Baltimore-Washington International Airport is located more than fifty kilometers north of the city and is accessible via I-195 (Washington-Baltimore Parkway).

Smaller Ronald Reagan Airport is located on the other side of the Potomac River and is mainly used for domestic flights.

Public Transport

Washington DC has an excellent subway system with stations at most attractions. Furthermore there are two bus routes for tourists along the sights: the Old Town Trolley and the Tourmobile. With a day ticket you can get on and off as often as you like. Also, the Ducks amphibious vehicles take you to all the sights, but with a bonus: a boat ride on the Potomac.

Traffic and Parking

The center of Washington DC is very busy and a parking space is difficult to find. Moreover, you are not allowed to park longer than two hours on the street, except for Saturday evening and on Sunday. There are underground parking garages, but these are very expensive and often not very near the sights. In short, in the center of Washington the subway is the appropriate means of transport. For trips around the U.S. capital a rental car is ideal.

Hotels

Many tourists choose a hotel close to The Mall, often in East End. This seems to be the best choice, but it is also the most expensive. It is a good option to book a hotel in a different area, but make sure there is a subway station nearby. Around Dupont Circle and Logan Circle there are many hotels, just like in the historic area of Capitol Hill. It is even cheaper to stay in a hotel in a suburb that has a subway connection to downtown Washington, such as Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda or Silver Spring.

External Sources

For more information about Washington DC we recommend Google and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Washington DC
• Official website Washington DC
• Tourist Information Washington DC