Explore | Citybuzz - A Vidicom and Christy Ferer Guide to Travel

Washington D.C.

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+ Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum opened in Washington, DC on July 19, 2002. It is the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on an all-but-invisible profession that has shaped history and continues to have a significant impact on world events. The Museum features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display. Many of these objects are being seen by the public for the first time. These artifacts illuminate the work of famous spies and pivotal espionage actions as well as help bring to life the strategies and techniques of the men and women behind some of the most secretive espionage missions in world history. The mission of the International Spy Museum is to educate the public about espionage in an engaging way and to provide a context that fosters understanding of its important role in and impact on current and historic events. The Museum focuses on human intelligence and reveals the role spies have played in world events throughout history. It is committed to the apolitical presentation of the history of espionage in order to provide visitors with unbiased, accurate information.

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+ Tour Washington By Bike With Capital City Bike Tours!

Capital City Bike Tours is delighted to welcome you to Washington, DC and everything the U.S. Capital has to offer! We offer you the best orientation, an informative and entertaining guide and simply a great time. After over a decade of guiding hundreds of thousands of travelers throughout the world, we have become the city bike tour benchmark. Now, we are bringing our world-class tours to the nation's capital. On our tour, you'll get the company of a licensed guide, the use of a super-comfortable bike, great tips and advice about what to do in town, an educational and informative experience, a chance to meet other travelers, and simply the best day of your stay. We are also experts. We have the know-how. After guiding thousands of bike tourists through European cities since 1999 with our sister, Fat Tire Bike Tours, not to mention the thousands we have ushered through the Capital City via City Segway Tours, we've become the experts and we're excited to show you DC soon! Click here for more information.

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+ Contemporary Art at the Industry Gallery

Unique, funky, and contemporarily-hip are a few words to describe this one-of-a-kind Industry Gallery in the Northeast. With industrial materials like recycled glass, aluminum, and carbon fiber, artists from all over the world create new and innovative works to redefine the relationship between art and design. The gallery holds single-artist exhibitions to highlight the works of each international artist who is selected for his or her unique insight and ability to illuminate broad spectrums of international design. This is definitely the new destination for contemporary art connoisseurs, collectors, curators, or art lovers. Click here for more information.

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+ House of Washington – Tudor Place Historic House and Garden

Hidden in Georgetown’s Historical District, the Tudor Place was originally built in 1816 by George and Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Martha Custis Peter. This beautiful estate was home to the next six generations of her descendents over the course of 180 years. Currently, it is open to the public and exhibits more than 8000 pieces of silver, ceramics, jewelry, paintings, manuscripts, photographs, and furniture dated from 1750-1983. The collection brings to life the cultural and social history of over 200 years of the family and the city. For those interested in a deeper understanding of the Garden’s history, there are free docent led tours Tuesday through Saturday!

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+ Riding Down Memory Lane at the National Mall

Carousel rides have always been a fond childhood memory for many. Who can say no to those colorful, bright horses and fancy round cups? Just like the good old days, the Smithsonian Castle offers a charming carousel on the national mall for both children and kids-at-heart. The Smithsonian Carousel was built by Allan Herschell in 1947, with brilliantly 60 hand-carved and painted animals. If touring the National Mall with kids, taking a spin is a refreshing break for the restless kids tired of site-seeing and touring museums. At times, the line may be a bit long, but you can still enjoy the spectacular views of the monuments.

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+ Pentagon Memorial – A Day to Remember

The Pentagon Memorial honors lives lost during the 9/11 terrorist attack on Washington, D.C. in 2011. Adjacent to The Pentagon in Arlington, this outdoor memorial is a beautiful tribute to the 184 men and women who died in the tragedy. With its sleek and simple designs, this memorial helps visitors remember and reflect on the appalling incident. Every year during the event’s anniversary, an American flag is hung on the section of the Pentagon hit by Flight 77. If interesting in participating to commemorate the event, check online for related events.

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+ To be or not to be at the Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger Shakespeare Library is home to the world’s largest and finest collection of Shakespeare materials and to major collections of other rare Renaissance books, manuscripts, and works of art. It proudly serves as the primary repository for rare materials from the early modern period (1500-1750). Not only is this a world-renowned research center and a leading conservation lab, the Folger Library is also known for its plays, concerts, literary readings, exhibitions, and family activities year-round! The Folger Shakespeare for Kids program offers beginners’ activities, while local family workshops introduce the world of Shakespeare to kids and parents together. Believing that learning has no age limits, Shakespeare for Seniors strives to engage senior citizens with activities of the Elizabethan style. Most notably, the biggest event is hosted on the Sunday closest to Shakespeare’s Birthday where the whole Folger is open to visitors with cakes, entertainments, crafts and tours!

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+ Art, Music, and Exercise: The Perfect Trio at Sculpture Garden Ice Rink

Who knew exercising could also be so musical and artistically graceful?

Starting mid-November through mid-March the Ice Rink at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden will be open for general admissions. Skating in the cool crisp air while enjoying music from the state-of-the-art sound system and twirling amidst magnificent sculptures is truly a romantic, yet cultured experience.

Don’t forget to stop by the Pavilion Café to power up! The café boasts an unobstructed panoramic view of the Sculpture Garden. Did I mention that they serve fresh wraps, gourmet pizzas, hot coco, and even wine and beer?

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+ American History – One Portrait At A Time

The National Portrait Gallery archives portraits of people who made significant contribution to American history and culture from the era of our Founding Fathers to the current political arena. Each photograph and each portrait tells an expansive story which weaves into the tides of our cultural past.

Sauntering through the exhibits and taking a glimpse into the establishment of our great nation with portraits of proud Native American chiefs and those of revolutionary generals and explorers. From studying each expression of every portrait, you get a better glimpse of those who shaped out nation.

For more inspirations, take a trip up to the second floor to see the America’s Presidents collection.

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+ Living a Green Life at the US Botanic Garden

The United States Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. With clear glass domes, transparent greenhouse infrastructures, and beautiful, lively gardens, this Botanic Garden reminds visitors of the importance of plants to the human race and to the earth’s fragile ecosystem.

Not only presenting an eclectic array of plants from all corners of the world, the Garden highlights their aesthetical, cultural, economic, and ecological significance through exhibits and guides.

Maintaining over 26,000 types of plants, the USBG has committed itself to provide the public a place of scenic beauty and a chance to peruse an extensive collection of exotic flowers, herbs, cacti, and more.

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+ DC’s only Presidential Museum – Woodrow Wilson House

The Woodrow Wilson House is a national historic landmark and house museum that tells of President Wilson’s Washington Years from 1912-1924. Through informative guided tours and exhibitions, this museum promotes awareness of his celebrated life and ideals for the future as a world statesmen. Through visiting his house on S Street, NW, the Woodrow Wilson House allows visitors to peek into the private life of the twentieth century political icon. After a walk through the house, one can truly reflect on President Wilson’s accomplishments not only as a revered world leader who sought peace through finding the League of Nations, but also as a down-to-earth husband and loving father.

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+ A View From the Washington Monument

What else stands more proudly than the Washington Monument which overlooks the entire District of Columbia? This prominent structure marks the skyline of Washington, DC since 1884 and was built to commemorate President George Washington’s military leadership during the American Revolution. Standing 555’5’’ feet tall, the Egyptian obelisk offers an unobstructed view of the city for over thirty miles. For a bird-eye view glimpse of the District, reserve tickets at the National Park Service website, but reserve early since it is peak season from April to September and the tickets are very much in demand. Shh… Free tickets for same-day visitors can be obtained on a first-come-first –serve basis from the Washington Monument Lodge at 8:30 am.

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+ Finding Asia at the The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery is the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of Asian Arts. It features intricate Japanese screens with cranes, colorful cloisonné, and Chinese calligraphies. Other than these historical beauties, the true star of the permanent collection is the breath-taking Peacock Room. Originally, the Peacock Room was once a lavish dining room of a wealthy British gentlemen, but was relocated for display at the Freer Gallery. Take some time to examine the intricate collection of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain bowls and vases from the Qing Dynasty. Perching on the wall are wooden shutters and leather wall hangings of peacocks in rich, dark blue and gold, displaying their plumes in pride. In addition to the promotion of Asian arts, the Gallery also hosts an ongoing series of public programs of concerts, films, and even special lectures.

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+ West End Cinema – Where Stories Are Told

The West End Cinema is a quiet sanctuary for unique movie lovers for non-mainstream type of films. Doesn’t matter if you prefer to watch the current blockbusters, venture into foreign films such as Kurosawa’s black-and-white samurai epics, or reminisce the beauty of Audrey Hepburn, this independent art house cinema constantly provides new genres for your choosing. Not only exposing Washingtonians to a more eclectic selection of art house films, West End Cinema also pampers by offering a full bar and a wide range of concessions, from popcorn to confectionaries, to even gourmet sandwiches. Come and Take your pick – whatever s tickle your fancy.

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+ Bike Towards The Sunset with Bike and Roll

With a wide array of sights and attractions to explore in the nation’s capital, there is no better way to travel and sightsee by cycling. With Bike and Roll, a bike rental provider with a wide array of bike models to choose from, you can check in and out of the three kiosks by the National Mall, the Union Station, and at Old Town Alexandria.

Each rental comes prepared with a helmet, lock, flat kit, and a city map to better help you whizz past this lovely city safe and prepared. Trust me, stopping to smell the roses is easier on a bicycle.

Insider Tip: Renting bikes from Old Town Alexandria not only gives you a chance to stroll King Street, but cyclists can easily take the scenic Mount Vernon Trail to the famous George Washington’s Estate!

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+ Treasure Hunting at the Library of Congress

In “National Treasure,” you may remember seeing Nicolas Cage scurrying across the Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress in search of the fictitious Book of Secrets. However, what Cage didn’t tell you is all the other real treasures for you to find at the Library.

The Library truly is an unparalleled world resource with a collection of more than 144 million books, prints, recordings, and manuscripts in 460 languages. You have the option of joining the tourists and be rushed in and out of the visitor areas, or registering for a Reader Identification Card at the Madison Building and having access to the beautiful library with myriad of unique reading rooms, its vast collection, and the Internet for free!

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+ The City upon “The Hill”

Standing proudly as the epicenter of Washington, DC ,the United States Capitol is not only a historical complex housing the nation’s legislature, but it is also a symbol of the American people and the government. With a scheduled visit, you can take a peek at politicians bickering through bills, peruse through an important collection of American art, and tour the stately dome that has long served as the international symbol of democracy. The guided tour beings with a quick film, “Out of Many, One,” which highlights the important impact of Congress upon our daily lives. An informative tour detailing interesting facets of Capitol Hill’s unique history and its breathtaking beauty will definitely impress any visitors! Insider tip: If you visit when the Congress is in session, you can request visitor passes for the Senate and House Galleries to see your favorite politicians in action! intro_washington_dc