Washington, D.C./National Mall

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The Washington National Mall, a national park, is a famous 2-mile long tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly boulevard in Washington, D.C. stretching from the Capitol Building in the east to the Lincoln Memorial and Potomac River on the west. The park is home to many museums of the Smithsonian Institution, some of the best free museums in the nation, as well as many famous memorials and monuments. It's the #1 destination for visitors in the city, and receives 25 million visitors per year.

Islam & Masjids near Washington National Mall

Islamic Center of Washington - 2551 Massachusetts Avenue NW]]

Washington, D.C. is a diverse city that welcomes people of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions. One of the many faiths represented in the nation's capital is Islam, with several masjids and Islamic centers located in the city. For those looking to training their faith near the Washington National Mall and there are several options available.

Islamic Center of Washington

The Islamic Center of Washington is located just a few blocks away from the National Mall, making it a convenient location for both local residents and tourists. The center was opened in 1957 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who wanted to establish a place of worship for Muslims in the United States. Today and the center serves as a mosque and cultural center, hosting events and activities for the Muslim community in Washington, D.C. and beyond.

Fazl Mosque Washington

Another mosque near the National Mall is the Fazl Mosque. Located in the northwest neighborhood of Woodley Park, this mosque was built in 1957 and serves as the national headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the United States. The mosque is open to visitors and offers a peaceful atmosphere for prayer and reflection.

Masjid Muhammad near Washington National Mall

For those looking for a more historic mosque experience, Masjid Muhammad is located in the historic Shaw neighborhood of D.C. This mosque was the first built by African American Muslims in the United States and has a rich history dating back to the Civil Rights Movement. Today, Masjid Muhammad serves as a spiritual and cultural center for the local Muslim community and welcomes visitors of all backgrounds.

In addition to these masjids and there are also several other Islamic centers and organizations located throughout the city that offer resources and services to the Muslim community. These include the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, VA and the Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring, MD.

Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center

The Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center is located in Falls Church, Virginia, just a short drive from the National Mall. This sprawling facility spans over 15,000 square feet and offers a wide range of services to the Muslim community in and around the Washington DC area.

One of the most important services provided by the center is daily prayers, which are held five times a day in the spacious prayer hall. These prayer services are attended by hundreds of worshipers, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for Muslims in the area. Additionally and the center provides a space for Friday congregational prayers, which draw an even larger crowd and offer an opportunity for community members to connect with one another.

In addition to prayer services and the Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center offers a range of educational programs for both children and adults. The center's weekend Islamic school provides a comprehensive education in Islamic studies, including Quranic studies, Arabic language classes, and Islamic history. The center also hosts a variety of lectures, seminars, and workshops on topics such as marriage, family life, and social justice, providing a space for community members to deepen their understanding of their faith and engage with current issues.

Beyond its religious and educational offerings and the Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center is also a hub for community engagement. The center hosts regular events and activities, such as community dinners, picnics, and cultural festivals, providing opportunities for community members to come together, celebrate their diversity, and strengthen their bonds. The center also offers a range of social services, including counseling, legal assistance, and financial aid, to help community members navigate the challenges of daily life.

Overall and the Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center serves as a vital resource for the Muslim community in and around Washington DC. Its diverse offerings, including prayer services, educational programs, and community engagement opportunities, make it a vibrant and welcoming space for Muslims of all backgrounds and ages. As the Muslim community continues to grow and thrive in the nation's capital and the Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center will undoubtedly continue to play an important role in its development and success.

Muslim in US Politics

Ilhan Omar 02 - Ilhan_Omar_02

The first Muslim representative to be elected to Congress was Keith Ellison, a Democrat from Minnesota's 5th congressional neighborhood. He was elected in 2006 and served until 2018. During his tenure, Ellison was a strong advocate for social justice issues, including criminal justice reform, voting rights, and income inequality.

In 2018, Ellison stepped down from Congress to run for Attorney General of Minnesota, a position he currently holds. His successor in Congress was another Muslim politician, Ilhan Omar, who won the election for Minnesota's 5th congressional neighborhood.

Governor of Minnesota MuslimDay06 (32910214173) - Governor_of_Minnesota_MuslimDay06_(32910214173)

Omar's election to Congress in 2018 was historic in many ways. She is the first Somali-American and one of the first two Muslim women to serve in Congress. Her election was significant for many in the Muslim community, who saw her victory as a symbol of hope and progress.

Since taking office, Omar has been a vocal advocate for human rights issues, including immigration reform, healthcare, and climate change. She has also been a staunch critic of President Trump's policies, particularly his travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries.

However and the Muslim community in the United States still faces many challenges, including discrimination, hate crimes, and Islamophobia. The election of Muslim politicians to high office is a positive step forward, but more work needs to be done to address the issues facing the Muslim community and also solving the issue in Palestine and US wars against Muslim countries.

In conclusion and the election of Muslim politicians to Congress and the Senate is a significant achievement for the Muslim community in the United States. Their presence sends a powerful message of representation and inclusivity. While there is still much work to be done and the election of Muslim politicians is a step in the right direction towards a more diverse and equitable society.

Washington National Mall Halal Travel Guide

Lincoln Memorial by night - Lincoln illuminated and presiding over the Mall

History of Washington National Mall

D.C.'s city planner, Pierre (Peter) Charles L'Enfant, planned the park as the cultural center of the city in the late 1700s, but it didn't take the form it is in today until the early 1900s.

In the 1840s and the Mall was mainly used to cultivate vegetables and dump trash. In 1846, after much heated debate, under President James K. Polk, Congress established the Smithsonian Institution with the funds donated by James Smithson 20 years earlier. In 1855, construction of the Smithsonian Castle was completed, setting the precedent for educational buildings on the Mall. However, it was hard to access due to the Washington Canal, which ran along what is now Constitution Avenue. Meanwhile, in 1848, construction on the Washington Monument began.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station was constructed in 1855 on the site of what is now the National Gallery of Art. The noise from trains frequently disrupted sessions of Congress. In addition, around 30 people died per year crossing the surface-level train tracks. In 1881, President Garfield was killed at this station 4 months into his term.

The year 1900 marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of Washington and inspired calls for a redesign of the Mall in accordance with L'Enfant's original grand plan. In 1901, Congress created the McMillan Commission, which included Frederick Law Olmstead, a landscape architect that designed New York City's Central Park. After touring cities in Europe and the McMillan Commission made numerous recommendations to emphasize the importance of the Mall including landscaping the Mall into a grassy area lined with elm trees, building the Lincoln Memorial, Memorial Bridge and the reflecting swimmingpool and the Tidal Basin, and the Jefferson Memorial, and moving the train station off the Mall.

Many monuments and memorials were added later on including those for Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Martin Luther King, Jr. , as well as recent wars: World War II and the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

The Mall has served as the principal gathering space for the nation's most important civic events, especially major protests and inaugural events. The Mall, particularly the Lincoln Memorial, has had an important history in the civil rights movement: in the 1963 March on Washington, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous I Have a Dream speech.

Over the years and the Smithsonian expanded to include an extraordinary collection of free public museums and the majority of which are in the eastern one-mile stretch of the park. The public favorites are the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History, famed for their respective magnificent collections of U.S. spacecraft and complete dinosaur fossils. The expansion continues, with the National Museum of African American History and Culture being the newest addition to the Mall.

Travel as a Muslim to Washington National Mall

By Metrorail

The Metrorail was designed to be extremely convenient to the Mall and is the best option to get there if it is too far to walk or bike from your accommodation.

• The Smithsonian Metrorailway station is serviced by the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines, much like other stations in Downtown. The exit is convenient to get to many of the museums of the Smithsonian Institution. Federal Center Southwest Metrorailway station is also serviced by the same Lines and is closer to the easternmost museums. The Archives/Navy Memorial Metrorailway station in the Washington, D.C./East End|East End on 7th Street Northwest and L'Enfant Plaza Metrorailway stations are both 0.3 miles from the Mall.
• The closest Metrorailway stations to the Lincoln Memorial on the west side of the Mall are Foggy Bottom station in the Washington, D.C./West End|West End (0.8 miles), Arlington Cemetery, just across the Arlington Memorial Bridge in Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington (0.8 miles), and Smithsonian station (1.2 miles)

Travel on a Bus around Washington National Mall

Routes #31 and #32, #36 all run northwest up Pennsylvania Ave to Monday Street through Georgetown, and then up Wisconsin Ave all the way to neighborhoods in Washington, D.C./Upper Northwest|Upper Northwest. You can catch these buses as far south as Independence Ave west of the Capitol Building (after which they run up 7th Street to Pennsylvania Ave).

Routes #52, #53, and #54 provide a quick service up 14th Street through the Mall to nightlife hotspots in Washington, D.C./Shaw|Shaw.

Routes S1, S2, & S4 operate service up 16th Street, through Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle and Washington, D.C./Columbia_Heights|Columbia Heights all the way to Silver Spring. This bus is convenient if you want to catch the Sunday Drum Circle in Meridian Hill Park.

How to travel around Washington National Mall on a bicycle ?

Capital Bikeshare and the D.C.-area's bike-share service, has stations all over the city and throughout the Mall area, making it one of the easiest ways to get to and around the Mall. Just find the station nearest your hotel, get a daily membership, bike down to the Mall, and dock your bike at one of the stations.

Once you are on the Mall, Capital Bikeshare is the best mix of speed and convenience for moving around the Mall -- or for leaving the Mall to grab lunch in the Washington, D.C./East End|East End, where the food is better than the food trucks on the Mall. Museum-going is a tiring affair, and biking can help conserve your energy and stay out of the sun.

By car

Driving in and around the Mall is a great recipe for a headache due to chronic traffic jams, unintuitive traffic patterns, and very limited parking. Driving towards a monument doesn't mean the road will lead you towards it - more likely, it will hurl you across the river into Virginia. If there is a special event going on, you can easily get stuck for hours. Parking garages throughout the Washington, D.C./West End|West End and Washington, D.C./Penn Quarter|East End fill up early with office workers. Garage prices are steep. The 2,194 vehicle garage at Union Station, costing $24/day, usually has space available. Double check the garage hours, so you can exit before the garage closes!

On evenings and weekends during the winter, it is sometimes feasible to find metered parking on the Mall, with two hour limits, although it may take a while to find a space. There is no enforcement of the time limit on Sundays or Federal holidays, so if you are lucky enough to find a spot, you can stay as long as you wish.

The main north-south routes are 7th St, 14th St, and 17th St, while Pennsylvania and Independence Ave are the main routes for east-west traffic. If coming from Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington and the simplest routes are I-395 to 14th St, or the Arlington Memorial Bridge to Independence Ave.

By taxi or rideshare

Taxis and rideshares are easy to get all day and night, and can be a especially convenient option from Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown, Washington, D.C./Capitol Hill|Capitol Hill, or Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington. Aside from peak tourist seasons such as during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, when traffic slows to a halt and these can be a nice way to take a load off your feet and quickly get from one end of the Mall to the other.

How to get around Washington National Mall

By circulator bus

• National Mall Circulator Bus ($2) is a bus that runs Sunday - Thursday 7AM Monday - 7PM, F-Sa 9AM Monday - 7PM, with service to 8PM in the summer. Its route begins at Union Station, travels along Louisiana Avenue and loops around the Mall via Madison Drive, Constitution Avenue, West Basin Drive, Ohio Drive and Jefferson Drive, with a stop at all of the major points of interest.

By pedicab

Pedicabs have been authorized by the National Park Service to provide transportation and tours around the National Mall. They can be found in any of the 10 official pedicab stands in front of the major museums and monuments. They can also be flagged down on the street. Rates are negotiable. Many people find a pedicab ride to be the highlight of their trip to Washington D.C. Many companies offer pedicab tours of D.C.; these are best booked in advance. For more information, see Washington D.C.#Get_around.

What to see around Washington National Mall

National Mall, Washington DC (43925452312) - National_Mall,_Washington_DC_(43925452312)

There's a lot to see on the Mall. You can walk the whole Mall on an afternoon to admire the sights and monuments, but note that it is bigger than it looks—over two miles end-to-end (3.2 kilometers)—an illusion that is reinforced by the sheer size of the Capitol Building, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. What looks like a short stroll can quickly turn into a long, painful march in the sun on a D.C. humid summer day.

Moreover, you will want to budget some good time to visit the museums. Even a month's visit would not be enough to really devour all the Smithsonian's collections, so pick and choose according to your interests. The art galleries are fantastic, but bad for kids, who will on the other hand love the Natural History and Air and Space Museums (as will adults).

A great way to see a lot during a limited stay is to visit museums during the day and monuments at night. The museums usually close at 5PM, so head to dinner after the visit and then take a long walk to visit the monuments in the dark when the air cools, and when the monuments are their most beautiful. It's a popular activity in the summer, so you won't be alone even after midnight.

Museums

National Museum of Natural History Rotunda pano - The Rotunda at the National Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian is a complex of 19 free museums and the majority of which are on the east end of the Mall, all of which are free, and are open every day except Christmas.

East–west along the north side:

• National Gallery of Art - Opening from Monday to Saturday 10AM Monday - 5PM; Sunday 11AM Monday - 6PM National Gallery of Art National Gallery of Art - West Building - The staggering depth and breadth of the world-class collections here are a clear testament to U.S. wealth and power. The east building of this museum is devoted to modern art, while the west building showcases traditional, mostly European, paintings and sculptures. The west wing's impressionist gallery is likely the most popular, although it would be a shame to skip the east wing's fauvist and abstract expressionist galleries. Just west of the buildings is the relaxing sculpture garden, with a foot swimmingpool for cooling off tired feet. There are dining options within the Gallery. Among popular options are the Garden Café and various dining options in the area connecting the east and west wings of the museum. Also, food is available in the park on the Gallery grounds.
• National Museum of Natural History - ☎ +1 202 633-1000 | Opening Hours: 10:30AM Monday - 5:30PM daily, 10AM Monday - 7:30PM during the summer National Museum of Natural History National Museum of Natural History - The real show stoppers here are the gargantuan, complete dinosaur fossils, and you won't have to search to find them! Further into the museum you'll find displays of world cultures, meteorites, mineral samples, and the evolution of life from beginnings to today. Don't leave without seeing the overawing precious rock collection, including the Hope Diamond and the enormous blue diamond of legend. A dining area is on the first level of this museum. The food is good, but somewhat pricy.

• National Museum of American History - ☎ +1 202 633-1000 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 5:30PM daily National Museum of American History National Museum of American History 1 - There is a lot here in one of the city's most informative museums, covering topics ranging from war to technology, social and political history. The biggest draw, though, is the Treasure Room , with an astonishing set of iconic Americana objects, ranging from the original Star-Spangled Banner and Abraham Lincoln's top hat, to Kermit the Frog and Dorothy's ruby slippers!
• National Museum of African American History and Culture - ☎ +1 844 750-3012 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 5:30PM National Museum of African American History and Culture Smithsonian-nmaahc-outside-20160720 - The newest museum on the Mall, with a collection of remarkable artifacts illustrating the history of African American culture, from the years of slavery to the Civil Rights Movement to pop culture figures. Given the interest in the museum, admission is refused without a timed entry pass. A few walk-up passes are released on weekdays (not weekends) at 1PM, but otherwise passes must be booked online. A limited number of same-day passes are available online every morning starting at 6:30AM, but they go quickly; the only other option are advanced passes, booked 3 months in advance.

East–west along the south side:

• National Museum of the American Indian +1 866 400-6624 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 5:30PM daily National Museum of the American Indian National Museum of the American Indian This museum displays the cultural traditions of the Native peoples of North, Central, and South America. It focuses on 20th century and present day culture much more than pre-Columbian and colonial periods. The exhibits can be fascinating, but are not as grandiose as those of the other museums. Perhaps the most important attraction is the gorgeous building itself, designed by famous Native Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal of Blackfoot descent, echoing the ancient stone formations of the American Southwest, and surrounded by manifestations both metaphorical and literal of natural North American landscapes.
• National Air and Space Museum - ☎ +1 202 633-1000 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 5:30PM daily National Air and Space Museum Smithsonian Air and Space Museum - The most-visited museum in the U.S., with over 8 million visitors per year, this impressive repository covers the history of human flight, rocketry and space flight. It contains thousands of impressive artifacts, including the Wright brothers' 1903 Flyer, Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, Apollo 11's command module Columbia, and the simulated bridge of an aircraft carrier. Enthusiasts should try to also make it to the Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum out in Chantilly (Virginia)|Chantilly near Dulles International Airport; the Center houses full aviation and space aircraft (e.g., SR-71 Blackbird, Enola B-29, Concorde, Space Shuttle Discovery, etc.) that would not fit on the Mall.
• Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden - ☎ +1 202 633-5285 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 5:30PM daily; sculpture garden 7:30AM Monday - dusk Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Hirshhorn Museum DC 2007 Home to D.C.'s premier collection of international modern and contemporary art, housed in an intimidating brutalist spaceship of a building. The exhibits are wonderfully stimulating and cutting-edge, albeit often not made accessible to casual viewers (a free docent-led tour available noon-4PM can be helpful), and very often not muslim-friendly with very graphic content. The museum tries to make it clear when you are about to walk into an "adult exhibit," but do not count on this if you are with children. The sculpture gardens, however, are great fun for kids, and a nice quiet escape from the Mall proper. And this modern sculpture collection of several Rodins, a huge Lichtenstein brushstroke, and other famous works, is world-class!
• Arts and Industries Building - ☎ +1 202 633-1000 Arts and Industries Building Smithsonian ArtsAndIndustries - This beautiful building was the first major museum on the mall, built as the National Museum in 1881 to house the Smithsonian's earliest collections. The collections have since been moved to the Natural History and American History museums, but the building still does host occasional exhibits (and serves as office space for the Smithsonian).
• Smithsonian Castle - ☎ +1 202 633-1000 | Opening Hours: 8:30AM Monday - 5:30PM daily Smithsonian Institution Building Smithsonian Building NR - This distinctive brick-red structure was the original Smithsonian museum. The building now presents an overview of the Smithsonian system as well as occasional exhibitions.
• National Museum of African Art - Connected to the Freer & Sackler galleries via tunnel ☎ +1 202 633-4600 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 5:30PM daily National Museum of African Art National Museum of African Art DC 2007 003 - much smaller museum of art than the massive National Gallery and Hirshhorn museums, but it is excellently exhibited, and extremely muslim-friendly, with daily events and programs for kids. The exhibits subvert the name of the museum, showing that creative arts from the African continent, traditional and contemporary, are too diverse to fit neatly under the title of "African Art." The museum hosts frequent performances of storytellers, musicians, films, etc.

Vietnam Memorial roses - Roses at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

• Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery - ☎ +1 202 633-1000 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 5:30PM daily Freer Gallery of Art Freer Gallery of Art - desc-front of building closeup - from-DC1 Asia is a rather large place, and a tour through these Asian Art museums is a bit like a travel from Japan to Türkiye. The Asian galleries, along with the connected African Art museum are a lot quieter and more peaceful than the huge museums to the east, which can be quite a relief! Like their companion museum above and the Freer and Sackler galleries host very frequent events.

• International Spy Museum - 700 L'Enfant Plaza Southwest GPS: Metro: L'Enfant Plaza ☎ +1 202 393-7798 | Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM or 9AM Monday - 6PM daily, last admission two hours before close Adults: $21.95; Seniors: $15.95; Youth (7-11): $14.95; Children aged 6 and under: Free International Spy Museum Exhibits are interesting to anyone even marginally interested in espionage and Cold War history, and it also has a great exhibit tailored specifically to kids.

West section

East–west:

• Washington Monument - ☎ +1 202 426-6841 | Opening Hours: open daily except for July 4th and December 25th- regular hours-9AM Monday - 4:45PM, summer hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 9AM to 9:45PM Free Washington Monument Washington Monument Dusk Jan 2006 No man looms larger over American history than the first president, and no monument looms larger over D.C. than this, both the world's tallest stone structure and its tallest obelisk. When completed in 1884 it was the world's tallest structure, and remains the tallest building by far in D.C. Viewed from either end of the Mall its size may not be evident, but enter the enormous square on which it stands, and you'll realize just how monumental it is. The view from the 555-foot top is great on a clear day, allowing you to see up and down the Mall, and out as far as the Shenandoah Valley. The observation level is closed until 2019 due to a broken elevator that needs to be repaired so tickets to the top are not available due to elevator not working. Entrance is by timed ticket, which are distributed on a first come first served basis starting at 8:30AM from a National Park Service booth on 15th Street east of the monument.
• National World War II Memorial - +1-800-639-4992 National World War II Memorial WwII memorial dec2005 - Many of D.C.'s monuments have a simple, sudden, and grandiose impact, and don't require much time to visit. Not so for this new memorial. WWII was the defining event of the twentieth century, in which sixteen million U.S. soldiers served, and 400,000 died—the enormity of the war is hard to grasp in one's mind, and the architect aimed to convey that enormity in this central memorial. To best appreciate it, you will have to walk around and slowly take it in. Kilroy was here—look for the hidden carving behind the Pennsylvania obelisk.
• Reflecting Pool - Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Lincoln memorial seen from washington memorial - The view from the Lincoln Memorial, with the 2,000 ft Reflecting Pool in the foreground and the Washington Monument just behind, and the Capitol Building in the distance, is famous and not to be missed. This was the setting for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream speech, which he gave from the steps of the memorial over a crowd of 200,000 that didn't fit very well—many of them stood in the swimmingpool itself!
• Declaration of Independence Memorial - Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence - zoomed 2 AA little known memorial stands on the island in the Constitution Gardens Lake, dedicated to the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Not content to reside only on the document itself and their signatures have been reproduced here, etched in large granite blocks.
• District of Columbia War Memorial - District of Columbia War Memorial Dc war memorial The Mall's only local memorial, and the only memorial to WWI, is this small structure in the form of a Doric-style open-air temple serving as tribute to the 26,000 Washingtonians who served in the Great War. You'll find here the names of the 499 who died engraved at the memorial's base. Recent attempts to re-dedicate the memorial as a national WWI memorial have ironically sparked fierce Washingtonian pride in the monument—the only local monument on the Mall, with local residents seeing this as just one more indignity aimed at the city by a Congress for which it cannot vote.
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Vietnam Veterans Memorial US Navy 061117-N-5307Monday - 113 John Nugent, Vietnam veteran, plays the bagpipes as a part of the opening ceremony at the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall at Mt. Trashmore Park - Often described as the most moving memorial in the city and the Vietnam Memorial stands as tribute to those who died or went missing, intended to transcend political controversy in remembrance of the soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Its centerpiece is a simple black granite wall engraved with the 58,256 names of each.

• Korean War Veterans Memorial - Korean War Veterans Memorial Aerial view of Korean War Veterans Memorial - This memorial is a little hidden in the woods, and perhaps that's appropriate for the memorial to the one major war of the twentieth century (in which over 600,000 allied troops died) that did not leave such a huge impression in the American mind—the Forgotten War. It's easily one of the city's most powerful, though. The focus of the monument is the nineteen very realistic steel statues of American soldiers moving across the landscape (nineteen, because they total 38—referring to the 38th parallel—when reflected in the water). The lighting at night leaves an especially disconcerting, ghostly impression. The best time to visit might be after a winter snow storm, which will help you remember the worst hardship of the war—the snowy marches through the cruel Siberian winds.
• Lincoln Memorial - Lincoln Memorial Aerial view of Lincoln Memorial - east side EDIT.jpeg - Most of the D.C. memorials, especially those for U.S. leaders, are meant to awe and impress in a very direct manner. None more so than this impressive monument in a commanding location at the end of the Mall. Modeled after the Greek Temple of Zeus, Lincoln sits with a commanding presence overlooking the reflecting pool, straight across the Mall to the Washington Monument and beyond it the Capitol Building. Few monuments in the world can match the simple power of the Lincoln Memorial at night.

Tidal Basin area

• Bureau of Engraving and Printing - 14th and C Streets Southwest GPS: 38.88560, -77.03332 ☎ +1 202 874-2330 +1-866-874-2330 Bureau of Engraving and Printing#District_of_Columbia_location United_States_Bureau_of_Printing_and_Engraving_-_2012-03-15 - Not a museum, this is where the Treasury prints money. Free 1-hour tours run every 15 minutes on weekdays, but no and they do not give out free samples. It's plenty worth it to come, if only to drool at the millions of dollars created literally in the space of your tour.
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial - Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial FDR Memorial and Cherry Trees - Filled with sculptures, wartime and depression perioid quotes, and numerous waterfalls (beautifully lit up at night) and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is one of the city's most peaceful and contemplative places for a walk. It is divided into four sections, each dedicated to one of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's four terms in his twelve year presidency.
• George Mason Memorial - George Mason Memorial George Mason memorial - Possibly the hardest memorial to find on the Mall—perhaps fitting for the least known founding father memorialized here. George Mason is best known in the D.C. area for the nearby university named in his honor. Ideally, though, he would be better known as the drafter of the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights, which served as the basis and inspiration for the American Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights, as well as the French Declaration of the Rights of Man, and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It's a beautiful memorial, and can be empty even in the height of tourist season.
• Jefferson Memorial - ☎ +1 202 426-6841 Jefferson Memorial Jefferson Memorial - Thomas Jefferson played an outsized role as one of the republic's founding fathers and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and the third president. Accordingly, he has an enormous statue in a circular, neoclassical, open-air building, based largely on the design of the Rome/Old Rome#See|Roman Pantheon, and standing prominently on the bank of the Tidal Basin. Quotes from Jefferson's writings, including the Declaration of Independence, are reproduced on the walls.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial - ☎ +1 202 426-6841 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial The newest of the Mall's memorials, dedicated to the fallen civil rights leader. You enter between two slabs of granite that symbolize a "Mountain of Despair" before standing before the "Stone of Hope", both named based on a line in King's "I Have a Dream" speech. A 30-foot likeness of King is carved out of the Stone of Hope overlooking the Tidal Basin, while a nearby wall contains inscriptions of quotes from many of King's speeches.
• Japanese Lantern - GPS: 38.886667, -77.041389 - Japanese Lantern (Washington, D.C.) Japanese lantern Two lamps were sculpted in 1651 and placed in Tōshō-gū temple, in Ueno Park, Tokyo. In 1954 the governor of that city gave one of those lamps as a gift to the people of the United States.

What to do around Washington National Mall

The Mall is a public gathering space not just for protesters and pigeons, but also for local residents and visitors alike who are more interested in a jog, a game of frisbee, or just a picnic out on a beautiful section of the nation's capital, in the company of monuments, history, and public art. Keep in mind, though, that a hot summer day, with the unbearable humidity, can be the worst time of the year for this—you will inevitably rush inside to the air-conditioned sanctuary of the nearest museum.

• Smithsonian IMAX Theatres the Natural History Museum & the Air and Space Museum - ☎ +1 202 633-4629 - $9 Shows IMAX films during museum opening hours, mostly on topics related to the museums.
• Ice Rink National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden - ☎ +1 202 289-3360 | Opening Hours: Nov–March: Monday - Thursday 10AM Monday - 7PM, F-Sa 10AM Monday - 9PM, Sunday 11AM Monday - 7PM $8.50 adults, $7.50 children, students, and seniors; $3 skate rental - A relaxing place just outside the National Gallery of Art to enjoy the fresh air, listen to music, and enjoy the surroundings, including a view of the National Archives building. Take a break from skating to enjoy hot cocoa or a meal at the Pavilion Café, next to the skating rink. Note that the sculpture garden itself closes Monday to Saturday 5PM, Sunday 6PM, and access after that time is restricted to the ice rink only.
• Tidal Basin Paddle Boats - 1501 Main Ave Southwest GPS: 38.88463, -77.03471 ☎ +1 202 479-2426 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 6PM daily 15 March–Labor Day; otherwise W-Su only $18/2-person boat per hour; $30/4-person boat per hour Paddling around the Tidal Basin, admiring the monuments and the surrounding parks has got to be one of the best ways to laze about on the Mall. It's also one of the best ways to get sunburnt on the Mall, so bring lotion!

Festivals and events

• Jazz in the Garden - 700 Constitution Ave Northwest GPS: 38.89129, -77.02351 Pavilion Café in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden ☎ +1 202 289-3360 | Opening Hours: 5PM Monday - 8:30PM every Friday night, starting on the last Friday of May, ending on the last Friday of August Free Summer open-air jazz concerts at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Hugely popular, and a great time if you don't mind the crowds. Get there early.

Muslim Friendly Shopping around Washington National Mall

The Mall is a great place to get souvenirs. All the museums have excellent gift shops and those owned by the Smithsonian are tax-free. The largest can be found in the National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum. Of course and the cheaper option is to pick up your souvenirs from the street vendors along the Mall, although, as you would expect and the quality is a big step down from the museum shops.

Halal Restaurants around Washington National Mall

Sakina Halal Grill near Washington National Mall

If you're looking for a Halal restaurant near Washington National Mall, you might want to consider Sakina Halal Grill located at 1108 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States. This Pakistani restaurant offers a variety of tandoori specialties, biryani, Kebab, and other traditional dishes, making it a perfect choice for those looking for an authentic Halal dining experience.

Sakina Halal Grill is known for its delicious food and warm hospitality. The restaurant has a casual yet elegant ambiance, making it perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure that each guest has a memorable dining experience.

One of the main attractions of Sakina Halal Grill is its lunch and dinner buffet options. The buffet includes a variety of dishes, ranging from appetizers to main courses and desserts. The buffet is reasonably priced and offers an excellent value for money.

If you prefer to order from the menu and there are plenty of options to choose from. The restaurant's tandoori specialties are particularly popular, with dishes like Chicken tikka, seekh Kebab, and tandoori Chicken being some of the top favorites. The biryani is also a must-try dish, with its flavorful Rice and tender meat.

Sakina Halal Grill also offers Vegetarian and vegan options, making it a perfect choice for those with dietary restrictions. The restaurant's chana masala, daal makhani, and saag paneer are some of the top Vegetarian dishes.

In addition to its delicious food, Sakina Halal Grill also offers a catering service. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a large event and the restaurant can provide you with delicious food and excellent service.

New York Grill near Washington National Mall

New York Grill Halal food, located at 1764 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC 20009, is a popular spot for those looking for delicious and authentic halal food. With a wide range of menu options and great client service, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite among local residents and tourists alike.

One of the things that sets New York Grill Halal food apart is the quality of the ingredients used in their dishes. All of their Meat is halal and sourced from trusted suppliers, ensuring that clients can enjoy their meals with peace of mind. Their menu features a variety of dishes, from classic American Burgers and fries to Middle Eastern specialties like shawarma and falafel.

One standout item on the menu is the Chicken tikka masala, a classic Indian dish that is made with marinated Chicken in a creamy tomato sauce. The dish is served with Rice and naan bread, and the flavors are bold and delicious. Another popular option is the lamb gyro platter, which comes with seasoned lamb Meat, Rice, salad, and pita bread.

For those looking for a more traditional American meal and the New York Grill Halal food has a great selection of Burgers and sandwiches. Their classic Burgers is made with a juicy beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and onion, and can be customized with a variety of toppings. They also have a delicious Philly cheesesteak sandwiches that is sure to satisfy any craving.

The restaurant itself is clean and welcoming, with a casual and relaxed atmosphere. The staff is friendly and attentive, and always willing to make recommendations or answer any questions. The prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner with friends and family.

The Halal Guys near Washington National Mall

The Halal Guys is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain that started as a food cart on the streets of New York City in 1990. Today, it has over 100 locations worldwide, including one in Washington, DC, located at 1331 Connecticut Ave NW. The restaurant is known for its mouth-watering halal cuisine, which includes gyro and Chicken platters, falafel, and sandwiches.

The Halal Guys have gained a reputation for providing high-quality, delicious halal food at affordable prices. Their secret is in their unique blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, combined with fresh ingredients and made-to-order dishes. The restaurant prides itself on using only the highest quality ingredients, including halal-certified meats that are never frozen.

One of the most popular dishes at The Halal Guys is the Chicken and gyro platter. It consists of marinated Chicken and gyro Meat, served over a bed of Rice, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and their famous white sauce. Clients rave about the tenderness and juiciness of the Chicken and the flavorful blend of spices in the gyro meat.

For Vegetarian, The Halal Guys offer a delicious falafel sandwiches and platter. The falafel is made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, and is deep-fried to perfection. It's then served in a warm pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and the restaurant's signature white sauce.

The Halal Guys' white Sauce is a secret recipe that has become the stuff of legends. It's a creamy, tangy Sauce that complements the savory flavors of the Meat and vegetables perfectly. The restaurant offers a range of other Sauces as well, including a hot Sauce for those who like their Vegetarian food with a bit of a kick.

The restaurant has a simple ordering process that involves choosing your dish, selecting your protein, and adding toppings and Sauces as desired. The portions are generous, and the prices are affordable, making it an excellent option for lunch or dinner.

The Halal Guys in Washington, DC, is open daily at 11 am, making it a convenient option for those who want to grab a quick, delicious meal on the go. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with ample seating, making it a great spot to dine in as well.

Halal Wrist near Washington National Mall

Halal Wrist is a must-visit eatery for anyone looking for a quick meal in Washington, DC. Located at 3019 Georgia Ave NW, this restaurant serves up some of the most delicious and authentic Halal food in the area. With a focus on quality ingredients and impeccable client service, Halal Wrist has become a favorite among local residents and visitors alike.

One of the most popular dishes on the menu at Halal Wrist is the Falafel Bowl. This vegan dish is a delight for anyone who loves falafel. The bowl is loaded with fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles, and then topped with a generous serving of crispy falafel. The dish is then drizzled with a tangy tahini Sauce that brings all of the flavors together perfectly. The Falafel Bowl is a perfect example of how Halal Wrist uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and healthy.

Another favorite at Halal Wrist is the Halal Wrist Wrap. This wrap comes in three different options: Chicken, gyro, or falafel. Each wrap is packed with a generous serving of protein, fresh veggies, and a variety of Sauces and spices. The Chicken and gyro wraps are both delicious, but the vegan falafel wrap is truly outstanding. The falafel is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the wrap is filled with a variety of fresh veggies and a tangy tahini sauce. The wrap also comes with a side of fries, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

In addition to their delicious food, Halal Wrist is also known for their exceptional client service. The staff at Halal Wrist is always friendly and welcoming, and they go out of their way to make sure that every client has a great experience. Whether you are a regular client or a first-time visitor, you will feel right at home at Halal Wrist.

Overall, Halal Wrist is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious Halal food in Washington, DC. Their Falafel Bowl and Halal Wrist Wrap are both outstanding dishes, and their exceptional client service sets them apart from other restaurants in the area. If you are looking for a delicious meal in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, be sure to check out Halal Wrist.

Food Corner Kabob & Rotesserie

This restaurant, run by Nora Mas, has been earning rave reviews from clients for its delicious food, friendly staff, and excellent service.

One of the standout dishes at Food Corner Kabob & Rotesserie is the lamb and Chicken kabobs. Cooked to perfection and these juicy and flavorful meats are sure to satisfy any carnivorous cravings. And if you're looking for something a little different, try the fish or Cheese Burgers - both are made with fresh ingredients and priced affordably.

But it's not just the food that sets Food Corner Kabob & Rotesserie apart. Many clients have noted the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant, as well as the attentive and friendly staff. Whether you're dining in or getting takeout, you can expect prompt and courteous service.

Overall, Food Corner Kabob & Rotesserie is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious halal food in the DC area. With its tasty kabobs, fresh burgers, and welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder that so many clients keep coming back for more details. So why not stop by and try it out for yourself? You won't be disappointed!

Telecommunications around Washington National Mall

Most of the Washington National Mall, including inside of the museums, has free WiFi.

Stay safe as a Muslim around Washington National Mall

The National Mall is very heavily policed and very safe. Muggings have occurred at night and received major press coverage due to their sensational nature, but they are extremely rare. Use the most basic common sense and you're guaranteed a lovely evening late into the night. (Note, though, that the fountains are turned off at midnight, so it is better to see the sights beforehand.)

Explore more Muslim Friendly Destinations from Washington National Mall

• Some of the city's best museums are not on the Mall! The Washington, D.C./East End|East End is home to many more renowned museums, including the National Archives, where you'll find the U.S. Constitution, and the International Spy Museum.
• The three branches of the government are located just around, but not on and the Mall. The White House is just north of the Washington Monument in the Washington, D.C./West End|West End; the must-see Capitol Building and the Supreme Court are just east on Washington, D.C./Capitol Hill|Capitol Hill.
• The most famous war memorial in the area, Arlington National Cemetery is just across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial, via the Arlington Memorial Bridge in Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington. At the northern tip of the cemetery is the marvelous Iwo Jima Memorial; at the southern tip and the Pentagon.

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