The storm had already claimed the lives of at least two people in China's Hainan and 16 people in the Philippines
1. My personal favourite is the Newseum, a fascinating museum about the history of news and journalism. While it does charge a hefty entry fee ($22.95 + tax), a visit to the Newseum is worth every cent. There's a huge chunk of the Berlin Wall that tells the gripping story of how news and information helped topple a closed and oppressive society and features Checkpoint Charlie - Berlin's best-known East-West crossing. The other exhibits include an incredibly moving 9/11 display as well as video and front pages of over a 1,000 newspapers worldwide from that day. However, one of DC's best-kept secrets is the view that opens up from the fifth floor terrace. You get a panoramic shot of one of the most famous streets in the United States - Pennsylvania Avenue. This is also a great spot to take a coveted picture with the Capitol as the background. Keep your camera at the ready.
(Open daily from 9am to 5pm. Located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC, 20001; www.newseum.org)
(Getting there: 700 New Hampshire Ave NW)
(Getting there: 1967 Calvert St NW)
(Getting there: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC)
5. "House where Lincoln died." That's the small, obscure sign on the tiny four-storied building opposite the much more famous Ford's Theatre. However, unlike its better-known counterpart - where President Lincoln was assassinated - the 'House where Lincoln died' is often overlooked by tourists. Its interactive display follows the assassin John Wilkes Booth on his journey across state lines, after he fatally wounded the President, until he was captured and hanged for treason. Make sure you take a look at the circular tower of books surrounded by a spiral staircase on your way out. This 'Book Tower' contains about 6,800 books written about President Lincoln, from biographies to comic books.
How to get around
The best way to get around Washington DC is the DC Metro (subway or underground). You can find a metro map of all the different lines when you first enter the metro station as well as online. Cabs are also relatively cheaper in DC (than New York City) and are a hassle-free way to get from one place to another. Uber is generally the preferred mode of travel for Washingtonians. However, walking is an alternative during the summer months.
How to get there
You can fly to Washington DC's Dulles International Airport from the UAE on any of the daily flights operated by Emirates (out of Dubai) or Etihad (out of Abu Dhabi). Both fly non-stop to DC.
Where to stay
Economy - Hilton Garden Inn Alexandria Old Town (hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com)
Mid-Range - Swann House, Dupont Circle (www.swannhouse.com)
Top-end - Ritz Carlton, in the grand West End neighbourhood (www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/washington-dc/dc)
The storm had already claimed the lives of at least two people in China's Hainan and 16 people in the Philippines
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