With its imposing snow-white buildings in typical Federal Style, perfectly maintained streets and squares and omnipresent tranquility, Washington D.C. just breathes patriotism. Even a simple walk through the streets of the Mall is impressive. A huge difference from New York, where I’d been just before, but definitely not less pleasant. Highlights are the Capitol, the Library of Congress, the many memorials around and close to Tidal Basin and the museums of the Smithsonian Institution. Almost all museums and sights are free of entrance, so you can easily spend a couple of days here without spending a dollar on entrance fees. PLANNING: 2,5 days in Washington D.C. Day 1 (afternoon): White House Visitor Center, White House, Tidal Bassin and memorials Day 2: Capitol, Library of Congress, National Museum of American Indian and National Air & Space Museum Day 3: US Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Museum of Natural History and National Museum of American History ...