INSIDER TIPS

There are a lot of rooftop bars in DC, but only Vue makes you feel like you’re looking down on the White House — and also offers a stellar view of the Washington Monument. Drinks aren’t cheap at the Hotel Washington’s rooftop bar, but the view is worth it. thehotelwashington.com

If you’re criss-crossing the city via the clean, comfortable subway, buy a three-day ($28/£21) or week-long pass ($58/£44). The Metro connects all four quadrants of DC via six colour-coded lines. wmata.com

Love food? Spend an afternoon grazing at the recently revitalised Union Market, which is a feast for the senses. The burgeoning postindustrial NoMa neighbourhood around it is sprinkled with cool coffee places and bars. unionmarketdc.com