DK Travel : Washington, D.C.

A symbol of democracy the world over and the seat of American government, Washington, D.C. confronts visitors with stirring icons and monuments at every turn. This sparkling self-styled city on the Potomac River is full of marble and light, with beautiful landscaping touches and centuries-old architecture. Built on top of former swampland, Washington was deliberately designed into quadrants, with the US Capitol at its hub. Its many unmissable sights provide unparalleled access to the workings of government, internationally famed museums with priceless exhibits, and the cultural and spiritual foundations of the city and the nation.

Torpedo Factory Art Center

The building was originally a factory to manufacture torpedoes. Today, the site contains 83 studios where artists and craftspeople create work and offer it for sale on site. Prints, ceramics, photography, painting, and sculpture.
Tortilla Coast

Great Tex-Mex food. George W. Bush was a customer before his election.
Treasury Building

This Greek Revival building maintains features from its 1836 beginnings.
Treasury Building

The Greek-Revival style of this old building, designed in 1833, suggests a Temple of Money, and the imposing interior design confirms the seriousness with which the republic has always treated its currency. The restored Salmon P. Chase Suite and the Andrew Johnson Office reflect the gravity of official actions during and after the Civil War. The burglar-proof vault is always a hit with visitors because of the beauty of its cast-iron walls and its demonstration of the low security needs of a simpler day.
Tudor Place

This house museum would be remarkable for its beauty even without its historic interest. Completed in 1816, the house was built by Thomas Peter, son of a Georgetown tobacco merchant, and Martha Custis Peter, granddaughter of Martha Washington. The Peter family occupied the house for six generations and provided hospitality to many prominent guests. The formal gardens are exceptional.
Tysons Corner Center and Galleria at Tysons II

This huge shopping complex has many anchor stores – Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Hecht’s, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Neiman Marcus. Two separate malls are separated by Chain Bridge Road. There’s plenty of parking, and some hotels run shuttle buses.
Tysons II Galleria Beyond Comics 2

Countless wares, fascinating for all ages, fill this shop. Not just comics but also action figures, T-shirts, posters, and novelties.
U Street, NW

For much of the 20th century, U Street, NW was the main street of this bustling and prosperous African-American neighborhood. Opened as a movie theater in 1922, the Lincoln Theater has now been refurbished and presents performances of every kind. Next door is the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl, turning out great simple food for capacity crowds. The legendary jazz musician Duke Ellington played his first paid performance at True Reformer Hall at the junction of 12th and U Street, NW. The poignant sculpture and plaza of the African-American Civil War Memorial commemorates African-Americans who served in the Civil War.
Ulysses S. Grant Memorial

This equestrian grouping honors the Union victory in the Civil War. Sculptor Henry Shrady (1871–1922) took 20 years to complete the work (see Top 10 Statues).
Union Station

Opened in 1907, this magnificent Beaux Arts building is still a fully functional transportation hub. The lofty barrel-vaulted concourse, decorated with 70 lbs (32 kg) of gleaming gold leaf, is one of the great public spaces in the city – the Washington Monument, laid on its side, would easily fit within its length. Over 23 million people pass through the station each year. A $160 million restoration, completed in 1988, made the terminal an important retail and entertainment center, with over 130 shops, numerous restaurants, and a 9-screen cinema, as well as expanding its transportation role.

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For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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