8 Gorgeous Photos of Washington DC (in Black and White)

By Mark Wiens 21 Comments
Washington DC, United States
Washington DC, United States

1. Washington Monument

It was my first time to visit the capital city of the United States.

I was surprised at how pleasant the city was, a great place to walk around and check out the many familiar sites of historical significance.

Like visiting the attractions in Egypt, I already had so many mental pictures engrained into my mind of Washington DC – but seeing everything in reality was just so much better.

I decided to convert a few iconic photos of Washington DC into black and white for this photo essay.

Photos of Washington DC
National Archives in Washington DC

2. National Archives

The National Archives is home to some of the most important foundational documents of the United States including the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence (strictly no photos allowed inside).

Streets of Washington DC
Streets of Washington DC

3. Streets of DC

The central area of importance is known as The National Mall. The streets are well organized and filled with a pleasant selection of historical buildings.

Jefferson Memorial
Jefferson Memorial

4. Jefferson Memorial

Along with the cherry blossom trees, the view across the shadowy lake at Jefferson Memorial was spectacular!

Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln

5. Lincoln Memorial

Abraham Lincoln is one of the most famous former presidents of the United States. His memorial was much grander than I had previously imagined!

Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

6. Cherry Blossoms

I happen to be in Washington DC for the National Cherry Blossoms Festival which takes place this year from March 20 – April 27. The trees were in full bloom, an intricate sea of white and pink flowers brightening up the city.

The White House
The White House

7. The White House

No visit to Washington DC would be the same without a first hand view of the most famous residence in the nation: The White House.

United States Capitol
United States Capitol

8. U.S. Capitol

But the most iconic landmark of all, depicted on the US $50 note, is the United States Capitol!

Have you been to Washington DC?

21 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • Holly

    8 years ago

    I would love to know if you are willing to sell your photos, specifically the one of the Jefferson Memorial. My husband proposed there 13 years ago and that picture in a frame would make an awesome wedding gift.

    Thanks!!

  • Joleen W

    11 years ago

    Hello! I was wondering if there is a way to purchase prints of your pictures? Would love to use them for decor…

    thank you!

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Joleen, thank you very much for your interest. Which photo would you like?

  • Marje

    12 years ago

    Beautiful pictures, Mark! I was in DC for 3 days about 10 years ago and this post brought back the nice memories of those few days.

    Now, I think I’ll take out those pics of I took with my film point-and-shoot …. I remember that the pics came out nice just because the mall has among the world’s most iconic and distinct structures.

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Thanks Marje, glad this post brought back some memories! It was my first time in DC and it was pretty cool to see all these buildings I had seen in so many photos and videos previously. Have fun looking at your old photos!

  • Donny

    12 years ago

    DC does have some awesome Ethiopian food! In fact DC has tons of great food from around the world. Really like your photos too.

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Thanks Donny – yah, I wish I would have had a few more days to spend eating around DC, gotta go back again!

  • 2Summers

    12 years ago

    Hi Mark, what great pics of my home city! You’ve made me a little homesick. Glad you enjoyed your time in DC. Did you get to sample any of our great Central/South American street food while you were there? If not, check out the weekend food market in Adams Morgan the next time you are there 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Thanks! Unfortunately I only had 2 days in DC and wasn’t able to do too much food exploration – but I did get some great Ethiopian food! I hope to return another time! Next time I’ll have to check out Adams Morgan!

    • 2summers

      12 years ago

      Glad you got some Ethiopian food at least. Another great D.C. specialty.

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Yes, very very good!

  • John

    12 years ago

    Beautiful photos! B&W is really well suited for DC.

  • Christy @ Technosyncratic

    12 years ago

    Love the photo of the Lincoln Memorial!

  • Jeff

    12 years ago

    Are you still there? Need any tips for awesome places to eat?

  • Rachel

    12 years ago

    I lived in DC for a couple years recently. Great pictures! I miss it – especially the food. Hope you got to a food truck or two!

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Hey Rachel,
      I was only there for 2 days and missed out on the food trucks… but I did get to eat some delicious Ethiopian food that I had really been craving. If I go back I’ll have to get some recommendations from you! Thanks for checking out this article!