Washington, D.C. (4th ed)

A primer on the national capital's many facets, the fully updated and revised "National Geographic Traveler, Washington, D.C.", is a must-have for any visitor.

Detailed, informative entries on the city's main sites - including the Capitol, White House, and museum-laden National Mall - provide background information on each place, along with logistics on how best to visit.

Included, too, are lesser known sites such as Dumbarton Oaks and its gorgeous gardens; bustling Eastern Market, a popular weekend brunch stop; and, Frederick Douglass' former residence, Cedar Hill.

Guided walks help you get to know different areas, including a brick sidewalk tour of stately Georgetown and a spin around the President's neighborhood.

You'll find 3D art depicting the U.S. Capitol and the White House, plus one of the majestic National Cathedral, as well as detailed museum floor plans.

Extensive features help explain some of the undercurrents of this fascinating place, including insights into the political machine and how the Old Guard Washington works. Organised into nine different neighbourhoods, the guide begins in the heart of the city, on Capitol Hill; and moves on to the Mall; the White House & around; the up-and-coming downtown; Georgetown; Dupont Circle/Adams Morgan; Cleveland Park; Anacostia and Northeast Washington; and, Arlington and Alexandria.

An excursions chapter covers the nearby Potomac River plantations (including Mount Vernon); and, historic Annapolis.

An informative chapter on Washington's history and culture kicks off the guide and a Travelwise with detailed practical information, including an extensive hotel and restaurant listing, rounds out the book.

This book is chock-full of "The National Geographic Traveler series'" attractive new features, such as Insider Tips from National Geographic and local experts on favorite or little known sites and events, as well as dozens of new, for this edition, sidebars highlighting experiences that allow the visitor to truly get inside the local culture.

Experiential sidebars include plane-watching at Gravelly Point along the Mount Vernon Trail; participating in the kite-flying festival; and, reliving black history in the U Street area.