WASHINGTON, DC feels familiar. When you first set eyes on the US Capitol building (home of The United States Congress), the Statue of Freedom standing triumphantly on top, you feel acquainted.

This close acquaintance is partly down to the big screen; from the Capitol building being flattened in Designated Survivor, to The Lincoln Memorial being blown to smithereens in Transformers: Dark Of The Moon, Hollywood can’t get enough of America’s capital.

But whether your knowledge of Washington, DC comes from the history books or House Of Cards, there’s nothing quite like seeing it for yourself. The city has often been overlooked by overseas visitors, who tend to make a beeline for the bright lights of NYC, but Washington, DC is a destination on the rise. Visitor numbers have been increasing for the past seven years, with a record 22 million tourists arriving in 2017.

It’s been the home of the US Government since 1790, but DC is much more than white-collar workers and congress. There are vibrant and diverse neighbours to explore, all buzzing with delicious eateries and lively bars. And the city is heaving with museums and galleries - most of which are free to visit.

Here’s your essential guide...

Segway the sights

Get your bearings with a guided Segway tour along the grassy National Mall, which stretches for two miles between the Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial, and is flanked by some of DC’s most impressive museums. Once you’ve mastered the Segway, you’ll be whizzing alongside iconic monuments, your guide explaining their history along the route. Highlights include rolling past the Capitol building, its white dome towering over you like an over-sized wedding cake. Bike and Roll DC (bikeandrolldc.com) offer a 2.5-hour Sites by Segway tour for $64/£52 per adult.

Get Lost in a Smithsonian museum or gallery

Whether it’s art, culture or science which piques your interest, make time to visit at least one Smithsonian museum or gallery. Washington, DC boasts 17 of them, with the majority clustered on the National Mall. They’re also free to enter, which makes seeing multiple museums in a day totally doable. Visit si.edu.

Don’t miss the National Museum of African American History & Culture (nmaahc.si.edu), which provides a vital reminder of how African American history has shaped America today. T

Go behind the scenes of the US government

As the federal heart of the USA, DC is crammed with government buildings. Some are closed to foreign visitors (including the White House), but those who let you past the red tape are well worth a visit.

Start with a tour of the U.S. Capitol (visitthecapitol.gov; free but book in advance) home to the legislative branch of the government. Guided tours include a look inside the Rotunda - the huge oil paintings adorning its interior walls are particularly impressive - and the Crypt, plus the National Statuary Hall, which is dedicated to sculptures of prominent Americans.

Head east to The Library of Congress (loc.gov; free), the largest library in the world containing more than 164 million items. Beyond books, the main draw is the grandiose and heavily ornamented Thomas Jefferson Building, Guided tours are available.

Top tip: Most US government buildings have airport style security, so leave extra time for entry if you’re on a schedule.

Feast on global flavours

From casual bistros in Georgetown, to Michelin-starred elegance in Downtown, DC is a foodie paradise.

Evenings in DC take on a slower pace; the selfie-stick ditherers diminish and popular landmarks get quieter. Take a relaxed amble along the National Mall and enjoy some key landmarks illuminated after dark, including the Washington Monument and Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Wrap yourself in a blanket of wellness

Staying in Washington DC is becoming more affordable thanks to a recent influx of mid-range hotels. The wellness-focused Eaton Hotel (eatonworkshop.com; doubles $139/£113 per night excluding breakfast) located in the heart of downtown, is both affordable and stylish - but it’s more than just a place to rest your head.

The Eaton is a cultural hub with co-working spaces, a dedicated yoga studi, an in-house radio station and community meeting rooms. The rooms are spacious and homely - and all feature a record player with vinyl collection included. The minibars include healthy snacks.

Getting there

North America Travel Service (0333 323 9099; northamericatravelservice.co.uk) offer a four-night Washington, DC package from £1,337 per person based on travel in September 2019. Includes direct flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles International Airport and four nights’ accommodation at the Eaton DC Hotel.