Founded by Constitutional decree to be the nation’s capital, the site of Washington, DC was chosen by George Washington himself. While his legacy, among others’, stands tall through the iconic monuments and memorials, the city is also studded with lesser-known gems. One such treasure is the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, housing millions of items, including Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection, which he sold for $23,950 in 1815 (about $488,600 today).

Washington, DC has long been a vibrant hub for diverse communities to advocate for inclusivity and progress and put their power of free speech to work. From suffragists in 1913 to Vietnam War protests in the 60s and 70s, and the pivotal March on Washington in 1963, the city has been a cornerstone for powerful movements. Because DC supports the freedom of free speech, it is a hub for diverse populations to demonstrate on their behalf to make the city more inclusive and progressive, only building on the legacy of DC as the U.S. capital.

Today, Washington, DC is known to be a tolerant, inclusive city. The district is energetically multi-cultural, with Hispanic and Asian cultures woven brightly through the fabric of the city, and a rich infusion of African American heritage, thanks largely to the emancipation of its slaves in 1862, reflected vibrantly in its food and music scenes. Notably, it’s also LGBTQAI+ friendly and was one of the first American destinations to legalise same-sex marriages, having done so in 2010.

Either way, for all the reasons I’ve outlined above, Washington, DC, is the place to be this year – hit the link below to start planning your getaway now.

5 reasons why Washington, DC should be on your city break bucket list, according to a travel writer