THE US WASHINGTON DC NEIGHBOURHOODS DESTINATIONS


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t’s perfectly possible to treat Washington DC as a giant theme park of monuments, memorials and museums. And anyone who does so is probably going to have a thoroughly enjoyable time – there’s a strong argument for the US capital having the strongest cultural treasure trove on Earth. Fewer visitors, however, get


a feel for the real city beyond the Smithsonians and statues. And by diving into its diverse neighbourhoods, Washington DC suddenly becomes a lot more than a dry, political base.


◗ THE MALL Why go? This is the Washington DC the world knows about. Flanked by the Lincoln Memorial at one end and the US Capitol at the other, the often shabby patch of grass known as the National Mall is dotted with dozens of key memorials and museums, with the 169m-high Washington Monument standing proudly in the middle. What to do: The hard part is narrowing it down. Most of the Smithsonian Museums are on the eastern half, with the National Air and Space Museum being the standout. The Wright Brothers’ first plane, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St Louis, a nuclear missile and a lunar landing module are among an extraordinary collection. The National Museum of American History and National Museum of the American Indian


can provide an absorbing few hours too.


Of the memorials, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials are the grandest, but those devoted to the Korean War Veterans, Franklin D Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr have more detail and storytelling. They’re farther apart than many give credit for, so the best way to get around is on two wheels. Bike and Roll DC offers both bike rentals and cycling tours. bikeandrolldc.com


◗ CAPITOL HILL Why go? It may be the hub of power, but Capitol Hill is also a neighbourhood with character in its own right. Head southeast from the Capitol, and you’ll soon find a host of bars frequented by staffers and politicians – particularly at happy hour. The Eastern Market is also proudly local, and enjoyable to browse. What to do: The tours of the US Capitol – particularly the central rotunda and National Statuary Hall – are in equal measures fascinating and jaw- dropping. Opposite the Capitol is the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, and the Jefferson Building is so dazzlingly sumptuous that it’d distract anyone from reading. visitthecapitol.gov


◗ DOWNTOWN Why go? Just to the north of the Mall, the once-underwhelming


downtown area has pepped up in recent years with a host of hot restaurant openings. It’s also home to a strong contingent of DC’s less canonical (and often a bit more fun) attractions. What to do: The National Archives is the traditional big- hitter – people happily queue to go inside and see the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution. The Newseum and International Spy Museum both require paid entry in a city where most of the good stuff is free, but they’re worth it. The former looks at how the media works, and how it covered big events such as 9/11. The latter is about spycraft – which runs through everything from disguises and cleverly concealed weapons to Bond villains – and has input from spymasters on both sides of the Cold war. newseum.org; spymuseum.org


◗ DUPONT CIRCLE Why go? To the northwest of Downtown, Dupont Circle is where Washington starts to spring into life. Scores of buzzy bars and restaurants, hip bookshops and a strong gay scene make it the prime place to hang out at night. What to do: The Phillips Collection is arguably the most underrated museum. It houses a top-grade art collection – Gauguin, Van Gogh, Picasso and more – inside an already attractive mansion. phillipscollection.org


◗ THE U STREET CORRIDOR Why go? U Street NW has traditionally been where historically divided black and white Washington DC have met. It’s still the same, with a series of warm-natured rooftop and courtyard bars, Ethiopian restaurants and local-legend fast-food joints. Branching off it, 14th Street NW is brimming with hot bars and restaurants. What to do: A series of signs explain the area’s cultural significance, with key venues such as the Lincoln Theatre and Bohemian Caverns jazz club having a major place in Washington’s black heritage. The African-American Civil War Museum explores in depth the slavery that tore the US apart. afroamcivilwar.org


◗ GEORGETOWN Why go? A town in its own right before Washington DC arrived on the scene, Georgetown holds itself slightly aloof. Its personality is a hybrid, though – part well-to-do establishment enclave, part student area due to being sandwiched between two universities. With lots of gorgeous red brick buildings and some of the best shopping in the city, Georgetown has a high moochability factor. What to do: The Potomac Riverboat Company has short cruises leaving from Georgetown towards Alexandria, offering


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