The US capital is a monumental city on a grand scale, filled with splendid Neoclassical buildings arrayed along triumphal boulevards, some of the finest museums in North America and, everywhere you look, high-powered politicians, lobbyists and bureaucrats charting the course of the nation, as well as the world. But this concentration of power and influence does not make the city unapproachable. A good public transit system, many free attractions and a wide range of neighbourhoods and cultural influences make the city a great focus for a short break.

Washington DC DIRECTIONS has all you need to get the most out of the city, including the top places to stay (and the best-value ones, for all budgets), the coolest bars and best ethnic restaurants ... in short the best that DC has to offer.

Browse the full-colour ideas section and you'll know exactly what you want to do, 24 hours a day. Flip to places, and you can explore the whole city, district by district, with every sight, restaurant, bar, club and shop located on our easy-to-use maps.

It's like having a local friend plan your trip.