A Guide to Washington DC

The epicentre of political power in the United States and one of the most important political centres in the world, Washington DC manages to be impressive without being austere, pretty without being kitsch, and is one of the few major cities that operates despite, not because of the tourist industry. Famous for its ‘no skyscrapers’ rule, the clear-sighted views across the city from every quarter reveal a mixture of Regency, Georgian and Victorian architecture, imposing granite and marble buildings, iconic monuments and structures around every corner and surprisingly generous green spaces which prevent the city from feeling quite as crowded as some of its powerhouse counterparts. The pristine dome of the Capitol Building can be seen from almost anywhere in the city, a reassuring bearing as well as a reminder struck through the city of its significance and purpose on the international scene. With cheap flights to Washington available across the airlines, now’s a better time than any to visit.

It is impossible to visit Washington without doing the obligatory tour of the Big Three: the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and Congress. The famous White House Tour is tricky to procure – you will need to contact your Embassy and book well in advance as they operate on a first-come first-served basis – but worth it for the sheer novelty of being able to walk through the halls and select rooms of a house that not only operates as a political base but also as a fully functional working home to the President and his family. A photo collection provides a surprisingly candid glimpse into the life and history of the presidents who have lived here, and though the tour is self-guided, children can request a Junior Rangers Guide. Over at the Lincoln Memorial, the atmosphere is more jovial, with visitors clambering up the marble steps remembering or reconstructing in their mind’s eye the many famous speeches delivered from this point out to the city and its people. This also the spot from which to gain the best views out onto Capitol Hill and the city – a perfect photo opportunity.

Under the shadow of these and other political monuments, the Washington locals are fiercely intellectual, and the young and trendy who have emigrated here in search of a particular American Dream debate over wine and beer in the many bars well into the evening. But they are friendly, too, and in the evening the bar and café culture is thriving. Try the Adams-Morgan district for a good mix of uptown eateries and bars. Or if you’re going during the day, you’ll want to carve out time for a visit to trendy Georgetown.

If the whizz and whirr of the political machine has made you feel a little dizzy, then The Mall is the place to unwind and immerse yourself in more cultural pursuits. Most of the Smithsonian institutes can be found in this prestigious part of the city, showcasing collections that chart the history of the city (National Museum of American History) to the world’s largest collection of historic air- and spacecraft (The National Air and Space Museum). Highlights include the stunningly extensive Asian art collection at the Freer Gallery, and innovative use of outdoor space in the Sculpture Garden at the National Galley of Art. For a more intimate, downtown art centre, head to Dupont Circle in the northwest of the city, a historic district brimming with laid-back creative folk who hang out in the famous Kramer’s bookshop, several private art collections and a lively chess community. The centre of the Circle is a popular meeting and hang-out spot, with park benches, grassy patches and a fountain.