Visitors on the Lincoln Memorial steps with the Washington Monument in the background
Not since the last series of House Of Cards has there been so much intrigue in America’s capital Washington, where President Donald Trump took office in January.
Since then he has become renowned for his constant tweets and no-nonsense, blunt statements to America’s friends and foes.
Last week he made his first barnstorming speech to the United Nations in New York and true to form, alarmed some and amused others.
Previously New York was his actual home, where he famously posed alongside ex-Ukip leader Nigel Farage in a gold-plated lift inside Trump Towers.
Now, while images of Washington DC’s most recognisable sights including Capitol Hill, the Washington Monument, John Marshall Park and the Lincoln Memorial are rarely off our TV screens, the temptation for me to visit these most iconic landmarks in person had never been greater.
Enthralled by drama House Of Cards, the real-life soap opera that saw President Trump surprise the world and win office amid a furore of conflicting sentiments only enhanced my desire to visit the city that has become the backdrop to what is likely to be one of the most turbulent – and potentially defining – periods for the “special relationship” in recent history.
Washington is so steeped in political history it was even named after the first American president, which is why it is the perfect destination for any political anorak like me.
Here’s a snapshot of the city:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Perhaps the most iconic building in the world after the Palace of Westminster, tours to The White House recently resumed.
Trump personally welcomed the first group of tourists.
However, as of now the British Embassy still does not have the facility to process passes.
But that does not mean visitors cannot enjoy The White House experience – albeit from afar.
The W Washington DC (formerly the Washington Hotel) boasts stunning views as the backdrop to your essential holiday snaps, such as the Washington Monument.
You could, of course, take pictures from outside the north or principal façade of The White House with its columned portico and the back with its circular portico, watched over by dozens of security guards on foot, on bicycles, even balancing on Segways.
Sculptures of US soldiers at the Korean War Veterans Memorial
THE US CAPITOL BUILDING
No less iconic is the beautiful neoclassical architecture of the sprawling Capitol Building, which features the Statue of Freedom on top of its dome.
It’s home to the Senate and House of Representatives, and is open to tourists who can book a guided tour which begins at one of the Capitol Visitor Center’s orientation theatres with a 13-minute film, “Out of Many, One,” which will take you on a journey through the country’s struggle to establish the world’s first truly representative democracy and introduce you to the magnificent building that houses Congress.
Once inside the historic Capitol, visitors will see the Crypt, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall.
WASHINGTON MEMORIAL
You can’t go far in Washington without seeing the Washington Memorial on the National Mall – the world’s tallest stone structure and obelisk at almost 557ft, located due east of the Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial.
It is well worth a visit, even though the impressive structure made of marble, granite and bluestone gneiss cannot currently be scaled due to the renovation of the elevator.
However the National Park Service hopes it will reopen to visitors in 2019.
SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICANAMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE
Designed to replicate the three-tiered crowns found in Yoruban art from West Africa, with bronze-coloured latticework accents that honour the Africans the United States enslaved, the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture opened on the National Mall last year.
More than 36,000 artefacts are displayed, including photographs of Dr Martin Luther King Jr and a fedora once worn by Michael Jackson.
VIETNAM VETERANS AND KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL
One of the most moving war memorials, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – or “the Wall,” as it is commonly referred to – is a long black granite wall with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who perished during the Vietnam War emblazoned on its surface.
Any visit is not only heartbreaking but thought-provoking and powerful.
When you’re wandering along the eastern side of the Mall, venture also to the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
Paying tribute to the 1.5 million who served in “The Forgotten War,” this privately-funded site contains 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers in combat.
In a triangular area known as the Field of Service, soldier statues march toward an American flag.
Next to the soldiers is a 164ft-long granite wall that pays homage to the unnamed troops that fought in the Korean War.
Another highlight of the memorial is the Pool of Remembrance, a tranquil place for reflection.
Both memorials are free to explore 24 hours a day but are only staffed by National Park Service rangers from 9.30am to 10pm.
Admire the magnificent dome in the Capitol Building
EAT & DRINK
After a long day on the tourist trail, food is soon very much on the menu and I was lucky enough to receive a great recommendation from a friend about amazing restaurant the Tabard Inn (tabardinn.com) which also happens to be one of the city’s oldest continuously operating hotels.
Start with a cocktail in the lounge before heading to the dining room, with its American-focused menu.
There are scallops – simply the best I’ve tasted – fried oysters, burgers and a Syrian Shish Kebab.
Hank’s Oyster Bar (hanksoysterbar.com) is a chain (there are three) which serves seafood staples such as crabcake sandwiches, lobster rolls and, of course, oysters.
Try the one in trendy Dupont Circle, which has outdoor tables. Afterwards, have a nightcap in one of the many bars dotted in the surrounding streets.
Try Off The Record at The HayAdams (hayadams.com) if you are looking for more of an intimate tipple.
This superb upscale hotel right opposite The White House is filled with journalists and politicos.
The walls of the basement bar are adorned with political caricatures and the hotel’s main restaurant, The Lafayette, is the spot for high-powered lunching.
President Donald Trump took office in January
STAY
The Hay-Adams (dialling from the UK:001 202 638 6600/hayadams.com) is luxury Washington-style with wallpapered rooms, rich fabrics and canopied beds, with many offering top views across to The White House.
It’s olde-worlde glamour with a clientele to boot.
Service is impeccable and the people-watching is the best in town.
Doubles from £294, room only.
GETTING THERE
British Airways (0344 493 0125/ba.com) offers return flights from London Heathrow to Washington from £636.
Washington tourism: washington.org
