The National Mall, Washington DC
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National Mall, Washington - by Matti Blume (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
The National Mall is commonly used to refer to the area between the Lincoln Memorial (west side) and the United States Capitol grounds (east side with3km between those), with the Washington Monument slightly to the west of its centre. It is lined by several museums of the Smithsonian Institution, sculptures, and memorials such as the WW2 Memorial or the Korean War Memorial. The name is derived from that of The Mall in London, the city's most fashionable promenade at the time L'Enfant designed the city of Washington.
Access & Transport
There are buses stopping along the northern and southern edge and also bisecting the rectangle next to the Washington Monument. The western side does not have metro stations close by, but the eastern part (closer to the Capitol Building) has the Smithsonian metro station (Blue, Orange, Silver lines).
Instructions & Recommendations
It is a very long stretch to walk back and forth; a more natural way to visit is to criss-cross the mall between several attractions such as the Lincoln Memorial, The Washington Monument and some of the museums. Renting a bike is another option.
Environmental & Social
Green activity (besides the lighting at night) and preserves the city and nation's architectural and cultural heritages + large park for the community / residents
Conclusion
Washington's National Mall is an incredible and unique sight - the scale is such that only aerial shots can do it justice but the several monuments can be enjoyed piecemeal. A good walk / cultural activity combo.
Key positive
Plenty of sights and museums around
Centrally located
Key negative
None
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
Updated in August 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo