Why go?

Washington DC’s stately elegance emanates from the neoclassical architecture along its famous Mall, America’s political heart. But the US capital’s appeal goes beyond its civic significance. This is a vibrant university centre and a culinary capital, thriving on its well-heeled international clientele. Its galleries draw art lovers from around the world, while party goers flock here for the nightlife.

What to do

The museums and monuments of the Mall are on most lists. The massive cast-iron dome of the US Capitol (00 1 202 226 8000, visitthecapitol.gov) caps 540 rooms, all connected by winding halls, tunnels and an underground train. The White House and Supreme Court are not far away. If you tire of the sights, book ballet, theatre or concerts at the Kennedy Center (00 1 202 467 4600, kennedycenter.org). In trendy Dupont Circle, be sure to visit the Phillips Collection (00 1 202 387 2151, phillipscollection.org), the US’s first museum of modern art, and home to European and American works. Stroll along the cobblestone streets in upscale Georgetown, past fashionable boutiques and original retailers. If you’re feeling sporty, rent a kayak and see the city from the Potomac River. The 500-acre Mount Vernon Estate (00 1 703 780 2000, mountvernon.org), the former home of the city’s namesake, first president George Washington, is a 24km drive from the centre.

Where to stay

Amid the unique shops and restaurants of Georgetown, the aptly named Georgetown Suites (00 1 202 298 7800, georgetownsuites.com) is an excellent mid-range option. Four blocks from the White House, the more upscale Washington Plaza Hotel (00 1 202 842 1300, washingtonplazahotel.com) has an outdoor pool in which to splash away the summer heat. For a refined bed and breakfast experience, Swann House is a gorgeous 19th-century mansion in Dupont Circle (00 1 202 265 4414, swannhouse.com). Or go all out at The Jefferson (00 1 202 448 2300, jeffersondc.com), a Relais & Chateaux member property whose luxurious rooms and extraordinary attention to detail convey the atmosphere of a sophisticated private residence.

Where to eat and drink

Washington DC’s international flair is embodied in its diverse culinary choices, from the spicy fare at Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant (00 1 202 462 4100, meskeremethiopianrestaurantdc.com) in Adams Morgan to brunch at Leopold’s Kafe (00 1 202 965 6005, kafeleopolds. com) in Georgetown with bratwurst, spätzle and Belgian waffles. La Chaumière (00 1 202 338 1784, lachaumieredc.com) is the city’s best French bistro, where traditional fare, from gizzard salad to St. Jacques Provençale, is matched by affable service in a warm setting. Awaken your inner cowboy at Charlie Palmer (00 1 202 547 8100, charliepalmer.com), near the US Capitol. As well as a wide variety of aged meats, from filet mignon to pepper crusted beef, it offers free corkage for American wine. Wine lovers should also head to Proof (00 1 202 737 7663, proofdc.com), whose eclectic, creative modern cuisine is matched by 40 by-the-glass options in a 1,000 bin list. Seafood fans, meanwhile, shouldn’t miss BlackSalt (00 1 202 342 9101, blacksaltrestaurant.com), a fish market and seafood restaurant known for its specific sourcing, notably of oysters. For dancing, the elegant Eighteenth Street Lounge (00 1 202 466 3922, eighteenthstreetlounge.com) has several bars and hosts live music, from funk and Latin to reggae. Blues and jazz fans should head for Georgetown’s Blues Alley (00 1 202 337 4141, bluesalley.com). The trendy U Street Corridor houses many fun clubs and bars, while if you want a late-night read, Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café (00 1 202 387 1400, kramers. com) in Dupont Circle is a bookshop with restaurant and bar.

Time running out?

Enter the beautifully dignified Lincoln Memorial (001 202 426 6841, nps.gov/linc) and contemplate the inscriptions of President Abraham Lincoln, notably his Gettysburg Address, delivered during the American Civil War but still resonant today.

Travel Information

Travel Information

The currency is the US dollar. Washington is five hours behind GMT. The flight time is around eight hours.

Getting There

United Airlines (united.com) flies from Manchester to Washington DC. British Airways (britishairways.com) flies from London Heathrow to Washington DC.

Resources

Destination DC (washington.org) is the city’s official tourism resource, with advice on city attractions and what to do.