A very good museum to go to, but you have to have a strong stomach. The pictures and documents about what happened there are unbelievable. The items that they have from the Holocaust are alarming. I felt very uneasy going there but it was a great experience in which everyone should have.

After living and working in Washington DC for some years now, I've come across a plethora of so-called city guides, most of which are lacking in nightlife fundamentals. However, it is my opinion that I have at last found my Shangri La. The website DC Social Insider.com seems to tout a very comprehensive website on Washington DC and her many exciting features. I suggest you check this site out should you live, visit or work in the DC metro area.

Washington,DC is my favorite place in the world, and I imagine- as a tourist- it's as close to heaven as one can get if one spends one's day- to-day life thinking up anagrams and mentally fitting tetris pieces into tree lines. Obviously there's the Smithsonian Museums, which you can spend weeks in and not get bored- there's too much good stuff to say, so I'll just leave it at that. Travel off the beaten path a little and head to the Folger Theatre which houses a huge collection of Shakespeare Archives, and one of the best professional Shakespeare repertory theatres in the country (the theatre itself is modeled after 'The Globe'), plus they have these really cool $3 rings in the gift shop. As far as food goes, if there's a sign in the window that hints that there are edible things inside- these edible things will be good. I'm a big fan of the bagels, and they don't get any better than in the northeast. And the politics! I love politics, and the loveliest thing about the city is you feel smarter just being there. A few hours will turn you into Arianna Huffington. You can stay a day here and leave satisfied, or years and not run out of things to do. I hold it on a pedestal, so I am biased, but it's a great rest even for those who are simply tired of the Boston-New York debate and looking for something diversion-ess to do.

Eastern Market is the place to go when you want to have a real American snack in an European-style indoor market. They have counters selling bagels, pastries, and cheese while the small Market Lunch counter in the corner sells hamburgers, sea-food and other greasy but good dishes. On weekends, there's a flea market outside the building where you can find paintings, photographs, posters, and furniture among other things. The market is located on Capitol Hill, where Congress interns and staffers live in shared townhouses. Capitol Hill is one of the cosiest and most laid-back neighbourhoods in DC and as it is becoming safer (between the Congress and Lincoln Park), it's worth visiting.

DC isn't exactly a shopper's paradise. There are only few areas with a noticeable concentration of good shops, such as M Street and Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown and Connecticut Avenue from around Dupont Circle down. To really go shopping, it's best to go to Virginia, to the Fashion Mall in Pentagon City. It's a real American mall with fountains, a food court, a movie theatre, a couple of department stores and four floors of shops. Although the Fashion Mall focuses on clothing stores (mostly business and casual clothing for DC lawyers and lobbyists), there's also a separate mall on the other side of the metro station where you can find a big bookstore and electronics chain store. There's plenty to browse and some of it is actually quite affordable so you can easily spend there a whole day. Don't expect to find anything original, though, just a convenient concentration of the usual upscalish US stores.

Going to a movie at the theatre located in the ground floor of the Union Station is an interesting experience since the audience reacts laudly to happenings on the screen. Watching Cast Away, a man shouted "Forget Wilson" to Hanks who was about to dive after his volleyball. Or, in The Wedding Planner, there is a scene where Jennifer Lopez acts quite badly: the audience started to laugh. The Union Station theatre is known among locals for this behaviour but you need to see a not-too-depressing movie to experience it.

If you want to see our nation´s Capitol interns at their absolute worst, I mean best, go to Politiki just steps from the Capitol. While at times Washington is all work and no play, many alcoholic, libidinous donkeys and elephants can be found at this Polynesian-themed bar setting themselves up for the scandals that will haunt them later in their career. Beautiful interns from all over the country take a break from flirting with elderly senators to break it down with some guys their own age. Split their patented jumbo drink, the Volcano, with three of your friends and you´ll all be taking the cab home. Remember, don´t pose for any pictures. Your nights at Politiki could be sure to haunt you later in your career.

In a city rich with art museums, do not miss the Corcoran. It is more intimate than the vaunted National Galleries and offers special exhibits that can offer a "point of view" not found in the others. It provides excellent educational programs that are open to internationals as well as locals.

Although it's a hike to get to this small, domed memorial in DC's southwest neighborhood, it's worth the trek. (Notice I say on foot--parking is not an option. Trust me.) It's pretty simple; The edifice has a beautiful statue of Thomas Jefferson surrounded by engravings of his most famous quotes about democracy. As an American, I found this a powerful place. The monument gives a visceral sense of the principles upon which the Unites States was founded. Especially beautiful in spring during cherry blossom season.

Adams Morgan can appear like any other college drinking strip, especially if you stick to 18th St. and don't venture into some of the smaller ethnic places. El Rincon Espanol is a Cuban restaurant and lounge featuring caribbean cooking, and even more smoking Cuban jazz and salsa. Upstairs holds the Tropical Lounge, a small venue (20 seats) and bandstand. This is a very friendly atmosphere, and on Thursdays you can find most of DC's latin musicians here to hang out, jam, and tell stories. The owner came out to offer delicious free chicken and rice to all the patrons. When was the last time a restauranteur offered you comida gratis? Check it out.