Lincoln Memorial, Washington

Advantages: Free, interesting, historical
Disadvantages: Not that much to see

...sites. I think the Lincoln memorial is one of the iconic symbols of Washington and so was high on our list. SOME HISTORY: As a History teacher I always feel I should add a little information here! The Lincoln memorial commemorates Abraham Lincoln (yes the clue was in the title!). Abe (to his friends) was the 16th President of the USA and is famous for many reasons, most notably, getting assassinated! He was also President during the American Civil ...
...on it. Lincoln himself sits in the middle and is around 6 metres tall and 6 metres wide. Needless to say he makes his presence felt. He is carved from marble. You can't get too close to Abe as he is surrounded by barriers. There is an absolutely tiny shop to the left as you look out of the memorial. It sells books and posters to do with the Memorial, Lincoln, Martin Luther King and general American History. I picked up some postcards and copies ... Read review

Advantages: Ease of navigation around city, good public transport
Disadvantages: Having to tip everybody who does anything for you

...for a taxi I used the bus and for eleven dollars was taken to the nearest road intersection to my hotel. The bus staff were very polite and helpful. Navigation of the city: Marvellously easy as when it was designed it was done on a grid system enabling simple A to B transit. Get a city map and take a wander, it’s a marvellous place. Sites of interest: The Vietnam wall of remembrance, The Lincoln Memorial, The Washington Monument, the Whitehouse and Arlington National Cemetery. Overall this city represented good value for money and had plenty to see but I would suggest that before you go that save a small amount of money specifically for tips. The variety of food establishments was good ranging from the expected steak houses and diners to Thai restaurants all of which in my experience provided good value for money. All in all a city worth... Read review

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Advantages: Loads to see & do
Disadvantages: Sore feet

.... *************** Across the Potomac is Lincoln's Memorial. A gigantic building, with a statue inside to match – 16ft tall. The statue is awesome, and definitely not one to miss. You can only gauge the enormity of the statue by being there and comparing the size against humans. Close by is the Vietnam and Korean Memorials - both are very moving, although I preferred the Korean Memorial. There are figures of soldiers in the fields of war, and the pain on their faces is absolutely so real and incredible. The reflecting pool is beautiful, and, depending on which end you are, reflects either the Lincoln Memorial or Washington Memorial. The walk along the side of the pool is very relaxing. *************** There are tours, which will take you around the city, and these are highly recommended. They offer the same ' get on and off... Read review

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Advantages: Museums are beautiful, transport good and many surprises.
Disadvantages: few, same as most places- a little dirty and a few homeless people

...informative. The planetarium cost about $7 but we felt it wasn't that good as it was a story of the universe as opposed to learning about where star constellations are for instance. This museum is a must for any visitor- and its free for all! I saw all the regular sights like the Whitehouse which although in reality nothing special since its just a building is beautiful and has a lovely garden at the front to picnic in. The Lincoln memorial was crazily busy but I felt awed in its presence as there were a number of people who obviously had spent much of their lives wanting to see it. Sitting on the steps will also give you a great view of the Washington Monument and the recently opened WWII memorial which is a large water and marble memorial. I found it very majestic and spent a lot of time beside it. I recommend starting at the Lincoln Memorial... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful