DC Tours and Transportation

Want to know where all the money comes from? Then get set to find out on one of Washington, DC's most popular tours when you visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Some of the exhibits include bills that are no longer in circulation, counterfeit money and a staggering $100,000 bill, along with a presentation of how money is produced and printed. In keeping with fiscal responsibility, the tour is actually free but during peak summer months, admission tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Aside from the White House, the United States Capitol building is the most visited building in Washington. This incredible building with its regal dome and classic architecture symbolizes democracy to everyone who sees it. The view from the front steps is like nothing else, so make sure you have your camera with you. Tours are available at the kiosk on the southwest side of the Capitol, and are free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan to get there early, as there are always plenty of people in line for this extremely popular attraction.

The United States Botanic Garden is a haven for not only nature lovers but for anyone who wants to find solace in its exceptional surroundings. The garden is a facility that features controlled climates so that some of the plants that are kept there can thrive as they would in their natural environments. Since the 1800s, this Garden has been gathering different types of plants and flowers from all over the world, not only for conservation efforts but to also explore their medicinal and cultural benefits. After you see all of this in the Garden's conservatory, stroll through Bartholdi Park to breathe in the fragrant flower beds and marvel at the fountain designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, who designed the Statue of Liberty. Check back regularly as the Garden often stages special exhibits and outdoor concerts.

The National Building Museum presents several fascinating exhibits that cover architecture, construction and engineering. And while several of the country's most famous structures are spotlighted, the actual museum building itself is an exhibit in its own right. This amazing venue features massive columns, a picturesque fountain and a highly decorated ceiling that reaches 15 stories upward. Several interactive exhibits are part of the many highlights, including temporary exhibits that focus on the development of ghettos, roads, factories, parks and more. If it was built, the chances are its story is within the walls of this incredible museum.