Fall in Washington D.C. Part 1 🍁☁️

My first solo trip after arriving in the U.S. was both exciting and unexpectedly challenging. I had booked flights and accommodation early, only to realize right before departure that many museums and national parks were closed due to the government shutdown 😅. But with a “since I’m already here, let’s treat it as a culinary trip” mindset, I embarked on this unique adventure. 🏠 Stay I checked into the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC—a building that once served as the U.S. Postal Service Headquarters and later as the Trump Hotel. Its exterior showcases a grand and romantic Roman Revival style. The atrium is absolutely luxurious: a nine-story-high space under a glass dome, evoking the magnificence of a European train station hall, complemented by a talented harpist performing softly 🎵. From my room, I could see the Washington Monument illuminated against the night sky. 🏛️ Explore I dedicated 1 to 1.5 days to visiting the iconic landmarks—walking the National Mall to see the Lincoln Memorial, Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, White House, and Capitol Hill. After covering the classics, I explored some lesser-known but equally fascinating spots that remained open: 📍 Folger Shakespeare Library If you love Shakespeare or classical literature, you’ll be captivated by this gem near Capitol Hill. Home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s original works 📖, the library was founded by two passionate collectors dedicated to preserving the playwright’s legacy. In the softly lit exhibition hall, you can view over 80 copies of the “First Folio”—the printed collection that preserved Shakespeare’s plays after his death. Without it, masterpieces like Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth might have been lost forever. Though small, the library radiates warmth, with incredibly kind staff and volunteer guides. Don’t miss the cozy second-floor café, perfect for a quiet study session or coffee break ☕. 📍 National Building Museum Student tickets are just $7, and the current exhibitions are thoughtfully engaging. This museum tells the story of spaces—from the skylines of American cities to the design of ordinary homes. Two exhibits stood out to me: Brick City: Created by UK artist Warren Elsmore, this section uses LEGO bricks to recreate iconic global architecture. From cyclists in Amsterdam 🌷 to colorful row houses in San Francisco and the Roman Colosseum, it offers a fun yet insightful look at how architecture varies across cultures. Mini Memories: This exhibit explores how we remember cities through objects and miniatures. One highlight is a model of the first modern McDonald’s in Illinois, complete with its classic golden arches—a nostalgic and charming detail worth capturing 😊. Though the shutdown altered my plans, it also led me to discover quieter, more intimate cultural spaces—reminding me that sometimes the best trips are the unplanned ones. #DC #Washington #Travel #Library #Museum #Guide