The US city with direct UK flights, free attractions and riverside bars

EVERY trip to somewhere new should throw up an interesting piece of travel trivia.

So here’s a quick quiz question to begin.

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Which American city is almost a third of the size of London, far smaller in population and size than New York City, yet is also arguably one of the most powerful places in the world?

Want a clue? Well, there’s also a big White House located at number 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with a West Wing which wields rather a lot of political influence . . . 

Of course, it’s Washington DC, capital of the United States and a city with legislation and government running through its veins.

But as I discovered on my recent inaugural trip, this surprisingly petite place, geographically, isn’t only a top town for diplomats and policy makers.

It’s also a friendly, welcoming destination for any tourist to spend a few days in — packed with plenty of historical and cultural spots to explore, but also offering a wealth of foodie hotspots, art, shopping, outdoor activities and an enjoyable, buzzy nightlife.

My base for a few days was the sleek and stylish Morrow Hotel, which has modern, spacious rooms, a cool rooftop bar and is perfectly located in the NoMa region in the Northeast of DC (refer to the city the way the locals do — to Washingtonians, it’s just DC).

I loaded up my Metro Card, and after grabbing some delicious nosh at the nearby Union Market (unionmarketdc.com), which has 40 amazing food stalls, I was raring to go and explore.

The low-rise city is so compact that just packing some comfy trainers for walking and using the handy public monorail transport will have you covered. It’s a useful money saver, too.

Daily political business revolves around the Capitol Hill federal district — and Republican, Democrat or otherwise, like bees to a honey pot you simply can’t come here and not check it out for yourself.

Groaning with must-see historical heavyweights including the Library of Congress, Supreme Court, the offices of both the House of Representatives and US Senate, it also houses that beacon of American democracy and legislative monument the US Capitol Building.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a foreign ambassador to look around, as they offer a fantastic visitor tour.

Once you get through the tight security checks, guides will escort you around the campus, taking in the Crypt, the famous domed Rotunda — where many ex-presidents have lain in state — and the neoclassical amphitheatre-style National Statutory Hall.

Packed with architecture, art and artefacts, informative exhibitions, and a legacy of decisions that have shaped all of our lives, it’s a must-see.

Even better, the tour is free, although booking in advance is highly recommended (visitthecapitol.gov).

Nearby Ambar Restaurant was also a great find for dining when you’re on the Hill, with a mouth- watering Balkan menu (ambarrestaurant.com).

There are so many important sights it’s not easy to cram them all in.

There’s the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, Smithsonian Museum, Botanical Gardens and National Gallery, and of course the requisite photo op at the White House — now home to President Joe Biden.

I particularly loved the free-to-visit National Air and Space Museum (airandspace.si.edu) filled with fascinating aviation, science, spacecraft and lunar-themed exhibitions, demonstrations and discovery stations.

And a night-time cycle tour was a unique way to see lots of the city in just two hours (from £42, unlimitedbiking.com.)

But DC is a work hard, play hard kind of place, so away from the history, definitely make time to have some fun and soak up everything else that the buzzy capital has to offer.

Canal-laced Georgetown was one of my favourite areas.

Once a tobacco port, it’s now a lovely waterfront spot to walk or cycle around.

Packed with smart boutiques and incredible restaurants, you could happily spend all day here eating and shopping, and at night the buzzy riverside bars are a great place to grab a cocktail — no wonder JFK used to live here.

If you can get a reservation, book a table at Martin’s Tavern (martinstavern.com) for brunch or dinner.

Despite its cosy, booth-lined interior and homely menu, this place, founded in 1933, is famed for being a presidential favourite.

So you don’t know who you might spot doing some power-brokering at the next table.

I don’t know what the First Lady usually orders off the menu but my steak was delicious.

This tiny but mighty city certainly has a huge amount to offer.

Plus, it’s probably the only place where if you see a cavalcade pull up, it’s likely there really is a president in that car.

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