One of the city's best walks is around the Tidal Basin, accessible from Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. by a recently reconstructed footbridge. Six varieties of cherry trees grow around the basin, century-old gifts from the people of Tokyo. The Jefferson Memorial stands at the south end, where the man himself stares out at the White House, grasping his Declaration of Independence. Past the new memorial to George Mason – credited with the Bill of Rights – is another to Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the form of four waterfalls accompanied by bronze statuary.

Further round is the Lincoln Memorial, the striking statues of soldiers in ponchos of the Korean War Memorial, and the unforgettable Vietnam Veterans Wall. It is from this vantage point, flanked by monuments and memorials, that famous leaders and common citizens have stood together to challenge and defend America's place in history.

The vibrancy of the regenerated Inner Harbour, combined with the charm of the city's historical districts, make a trip to Baltimore a must. Spend a morning exploring Chesapeake Bay by water taxi or visit the acclaimed National Aquarium on the waterfront.

Or, for a taste of the city's past, head to Fort McHenry, three miles out of town, site of the 1814 Battle of Baltimore which inspired Francis Scott Key to pen 'The Star-Spangled Banner'. The very mention of Washington D.C. conjures up familiar images: the obelisk of the Washington Monument, the neo-classical Lincoln Memorial, the imposing Capitol Building and, of course, the White House. And a stone's throw from these is the city's latest landmark, the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. Overlooking the Tidal Basin, the hotel is the perfect jumping-off point for the city's premier attractions.

Washington is well known for its crowd-pleasing Smithsonian Museums, particularly the 'big three': Natural History, American History and the Air and Space Museum. A short walk from the new Mandarin Oriental are some of the Smithsonian's lesser-known museums, including the Freer Gallery of Asian Art, the Sackler Gallery of Near- and Middle-Eastern Art, the National Museum of African Art, the serene Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Ripley Center, with its quirky exhibits.

As the city that is home to the headquarters for all the major US intelligence agencies, it is no surprise that Washington D.C. also boasts the world's only International Spy Museum, complete with fascinating tools and interactive gadgets.

The best high-end shopping is to be found in the outlying areas of Fairfax Square and Tyson's Galleria. Here the dollar can be converted into your favourite imports, from Hermès to Gucci and Prada. There are many smaller jewellers, boutiques and antique shops dotted around Georgetown and Dupont Circle.

A quintessentially Washington institution, Sam and Harry's (1200 19th Street NW; +1 (202) 296 4333) is the place to entertain clients, with its famous burgers. Perch on a bar stool and watch the parade of international politics.

Another stalwart is 1789 (1226 36th Street NW; +1 (202) 965 1789), with its colonial feel and upscale continental fare.

Among many competent options for French fine dining, Marcel's (2401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; +1 (202) 296 1166) stands out with its impressive Belgian-influenced cuisine.

The place to rub shoulders with socialites, sports stars and visiting celebrities, Café Milano (3251 Prospect Street; +1 (202) 333 6183) is also the place for outstanding, authentic Italian cuisine. The bar at Zola (800 F Street; +1 (202) 654 0999) has a lively evening scene. Kingpin (917 U Street; +1 (202) 588 5880) is more of a wild card: it doesn't open until about 10pm, but it does mix a mean drink.