While governmental maneuverings may be the mechanism driving Washington D.C. forward, the less-political visitor will find here expansive parks, a plethora of cultural sights and as assortment of landmark structures.
Union Station played a crucial role in the development of modern Washington, redirecting the railroad tracks from what was able to become the National Mall and because it served as a station large enough to handle the growing tourism to the U.S. Capitol. The terminal quickly became a center of Washington life, at some times during WWII as many as 200,000 people passed through in a single day.
Today, Union Station has come back from a dilapidated state following the decline of railroad travel. The station is again one of Washington's busiest and best-known places with around 20 million people passing through each year.
The best way to get around Washington D.C. is still via the metro due to traffic and parking constraints. Given this, visitors are bound to pass thorough Union Station. There is some shopping and a few good restaurants as well as a very large and well kept central lobby with tables and benches to help one relax and unwind. Navigating the station is not difficult but it does get quite crowded during rush hours.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
Open all hours all year, stores are open 10am - 9pm Monday-Saturday, noon - 6:00 pm Sunday
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