The United States capital of Washington D.C. feels like a decidedly European city, both in terms of style and atmosphere. Seeing as the majority of the centre was primarily designed by French architect Pierre L’Enfant, and was supposed to mimic the general layout and architecture of Paris, this is not just a coincidence. When you look beyond the vestiges of the past however, what you find beneath is quite inescapably American.

I chose to visit D.C. during the summer months, when temperatures can soar to record highs. It certainly was quite warm whilst touring the capital for several days during my holiday to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Everywhere you turn in the city, you are confronted by national icons. There is the US Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Library of Congress, the US Supreme Court and the Jefferson Memorial to name just a few. You can also visit a smorgasbord of world-class museums, such as the National Air and Space Museum (containing the original Wright Flyer), the National Museum of American History (which has artefacts about everything American, such as the first US flag) and the National Museum of the American Indian. Most of these are grouped under the banner of the Smithsonian Institution (based in the Smithsonian ‘Castle’), which means they are free, and most are also grouped around the pleasantly green expanse of the National Mall. The best way to see the city is on foot; only take the D.C. Metro if travelling large distances. I would also recommend a visit to the National Archives, where you can see the original Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.

One of the most moving sights in D.C. is the collection of various war memorials, most inspiringly the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. The Korean Memorial features an entire squad of larger than life US Marine statues, appearing as though on patrol through a rice paddy field, whilst the Vietnam Memorial is a simple black granite wall sunk into the ground, with the names of the dead engraved upon it. Both of these are stark reminders of the sacrifice which ordinary Americans gave for their country.

The Lincoln Memorial and the reflecting pool certainly are a sight to behold. Inside, the huge marble Lincoln sits grandly in his chair, whilst the words to his Gettysburg Address and second Inaugural Address are carved into the walls. If desired, you can also go across town to Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. If you are hoping to visit the White House during your trip, you can more or less forget it, although you are more than welcome to stand outside and look at it. It is now so difficult to take a tour that you can only do it through a member of Congress, along with providing a thorough background check and booking up to six months in advance.

If you are to venture onto the other side of the Potomac into what is technically the city of Arlington, Virginia, it is much easier to visit Arlington National Cemetery, where America’s war dead are buried, along with seeing the Pentagon (although this naturally you also cannot enter). Of certain poignancy are the simple graves of President John Kennedy and his wife, where the eternal flame continues to burn brightly. It was also in Arlington Cemetery that I and the rest of my family nearly passed out from exhaustion, since it was so swelteringly hot there, and any shade was difficult to come by.

Washington D.C. is right at the heart of American culture. Whilst it may lack the modern cityscape which has made New York City famous, it more than makes up for it in imposing scale and classical grandeur. There is so much to see, and so many places to visit, it is exceedingly easy to get lost in this American dreamscape.