There are some absolute musts when visiting Washington D.C. For instance, posing for a picture in front of the White House, visiting the United States Congress and the monuments for a House of Cards experience, stopping by the National Air and Space Museum and enjoying a meal at one of well renowned chef Jose Andres’ restaurants.

Time must also be set aside for a stroll around the city’s gardens. For starters, there’s the U.S. National Arboretum, a botanical garden home of trees of all sizes, colors and shapes. Don´t miss the original Capitol Building’s columns, relocated here as a beautiful sculpture.

Then take advantage of a sunny day with a picnic on the National Mall, sandwiched between the U.S. National Congress and the famous obelisk. A good way to see the entire mall without running out of steam is by renting a bicycle and taking a ride around its perimeter. Then take a break, sit on the lawn and enjoy a nice lunch.

Finally, take a stroll around the Tidal Basin and the Potomac River, or if you’re an early riser, do as the locals do and go for a morning run. The lake is surrounded by monuments, beginning with the Jefferson Memorial, followed by Roosevelt and ending with Martin Luther King, Jr. Cross over to the National World War II Memorial and soon you’ll arrive at the Lincoln Monument.