 | Washington DC Today The capital of the United States of America, Washington, is located in the District of Columbia and strategically bound on one side by the Potomac River ( giving it access to the sea) and bordered by the states of Virginia to the southwest and Maryland to the northwest, northeast, and southeast. Washington DC is a city of green parks, wide tree lined streets and very few skyscrapers, giving it a European air. It is also a city of museums and national monuments. The city is divided into four quadrants- northwest (NW), northeast (NE), southeast (SE) and southwest (SW).The federal district was na |
 | Washington DC Back Then Originally designed by the French architect Pierre L’Enfant in 1791, it is hard to believe that its stately buildings once stood on a marshy swamp. George Washington created this special district as a federal power hub to avoid the problem of establishing the capital city in any one state, but it was a further six decades before it took on the shape of a capital city. Pierre Charles L’Enfant, a French-born architect, engineer, and city planner first arrived in the American colonies as a military engineer with Major General Lafayette. On August 23, 1814, British forces burned the cap |
 | Four Seasons A popular place with celebrities, the Four Seasons is located in posh Georgetown neighborhood, just |  | Hay-Adams Hotel This Renaissance- style hotel across from the White House is within easy walking distance of just ab |
 | Mandarin Oriental A popular hotel in Washington, all rooms are done according to the concept of Feng Shui. The interio |  | The Fairmont Large and roomy guest rooms in muted earth tones with comfortable furniture. Those facing the inner |
 | Georgetown Suites The hotel offers friendly service, clean, bright, and spacious lodging and up-to-date amenities. It |  | Hotel Lombardy This European boutique hotel has a multinational feel and look. The whole hotel is peppered with Chi |
 | Alex Whether you go for cutting-edge looks from the latest designers or vintage Balenciaga and Dior, this |  | Macy’s Centrally located in downtown, Macy’s is a department store that offers everything from men’s an |
 | Neiman Marcus A high end department store where you literally burn money. Located on Friendship Heights, the caref |  | Saks Fifth Avenue Saks is a Washington institution with a wide selection of women's European and American couture clot |
 | All About Jane This popular women’s boutique is a great shop with reasonable prices and designs for truly unique |  | Betsy Fisher Catering to women of all ages and sizes in search of contemporary and trendy styles, this store stoc |
 | Lighting of the National Christmas Tree On the Second Thursday in December, the President illuminates the national Christmas tree and lights |  | Smithsonian Kite Festival The Smithsonian Kite Festival, traditionally part of the Cherry Blossom Festival, also takes place l |
 | National Cherry Blossom Festival Hundreds of thousands of city residents and visitors from across the globe make it a point to visit |  | Mardi Gras During the last Tuesday (Fat Tuesday) of the month, Mardi Gras is celebrated with great gusto. This |
 | Orchid Show Held in mid-January at the U.S. Botanic Garden, this show is a visual treat for flower lovers. |  | Memorial Day Memorial Day ceremonies including speeches, military bands and keynote addresses take place late May |
 | Kaz Sushi Bistro Cuisine: Japanese The chef here uses many clever combinations to separate the sushi from the |  | Rosa Mexicano Cuisine: Mexican Talk about shocking pink (the color used in the décor)!! That doesn†|
 | Nora Cuisine: American Set in a quaint carriage house on one of DuPont’s beautiful corners, Nora |  | Charlie Palmer Steak Cuisine: American / Steakhouse A muted blue and orange color scheme and a bold, award-winning |
 | Pavilion Café Cuisine: Pizzeria If you want a view with your food on a budget, then the Pavilion Café is t |  | Gerard’s Cuisine: French Dine at Gerard's Place for elegant French cuisine that's among the best in th |
 | Fast Facts Location: Eastern Coast of USA on the north bank of the Potomac River within the District of Columbia, an area bordering the state of Maryland. Country Dialing Code: +1 City code: 202 Emergency Numbers: 911- This number that can be dialed for free from any phone (even a pay phone) to obtain assistance . Telephone Directory services: 411 is the number for directory assistance, though a charge will apply; 1-800-Free-411 is the number for free. Directory assistance (though callers will listen to ads). Population 572,059 Languages spoken: English Time Zones: GMT/UTC -5 (Eastern Time) Washington DC observes Daylight Saving Time, April – October. Average January Temperature: -4 º C Average July Temperature: 30 º C Annual Rainfall: 110 mm Electrical Plugs: 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the two, flat-pin type, though three-pin plugs are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter, which can be purchased in most major Weights & Measures: Imperial Currency: US Dollar, Code: USD, Symbol: US $, currently, 1US $ = 3.673 UAE dirhams |
