BREAKFAST
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest
'Great eggs Benedict and a place where you can see the world’s most influential power brokers tucking into their granola. Under the Republicans it was more a steak and eggs kind of place.' Matt Marshall, communications director
LUNCH
CAFE MILANO, Prospect Street, Northwest
'Fantastic Italian. Discreet service and a wonderfully indiscreet clientele, from deposed royalty to retired senators and aspiring reality TV stars. There’s plenty to ogle.' MF
BEN’S CHILI BOWL, U Street, Northwest
'This is at the diametrically opposite end of the salary scale, there’s no Versace here. But it’s such a Washington landmark that President Obama has dropped in a few times. The menu is limited but the chili half-smoke is to die for – and if you have too many, definitely to die from.' MM
DINNER
CENTRAL, Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest
'Great modern French/American food: it has an open kitchen that keeps a discreet distance so you don’t feel you have to join in the washing-up. With its noisy crowd it feels almost like New York.' Katty Kay, BBC Washington Correspondent
TWO AMYS, Macomb Street, Northwest
'This serves the best pizza east of Naples. Wonderful prosciutto, cheeses… everything you would expect from an Italian family restaurant. And it’s so loud you can let your children run riot. You can’t book and you may have to queue, but once you’ve put your name down you can wait at the bar opposite.' Alice Frei, student
CULTURE
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
'Washington is blessed by the Smithsonian Institution, which was founded by a Brit in 1826 who wanted to bring culture to America’s capital. It has helped to fund virtually all the museums along the Mall. From the funky postmodern art at the Hirshhorn to the world famous Air and Space Museum, the museums are free. So you can wander in and out without feeling poor or guilty.' MF
DAY OUT
MIDDLEBURG
'Go to Middleburg in Northern Virginia, which is only about an hour’s drive from the White House. This is a small, beautiful, well-kept town with some great shops, an excellent pub – try the Hunter’s Head in nearby Upperville – and a few very grand Virginia mansions with vineyards and stables. It’s the Cotswolds with Tuscan weather.' MF
SEGWAY TOURS
'If you want to see the splendour of Washington without sitting in a cab or getting really sore feet you should try the Segway Tours. Loads of fun but you do have to wear a helmet. Speeds can reach a surprising five miles per hour.' Sarah Robbins, BBC World News America
SHOPPING
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, Wisconsin Avenue, Northwest
'For the best power-dressing in the world’s most powerful capital go to Saks Fifth Avenue at Wisconsin Avenue and ask for stylist Mike Davis. He’ll make you think he’s your personal dresser.' David Frulla, lawyer
HU’S SHOES, M Street, Northwest
'This has great footwear for fetishists and fashionistas alike, all of who believe that life begins below the ankle.' Jo Petherbridge, PR executive
BARS AND NIGHTCLUBS
W HOTEL, 15th Street, Northwest
'The bar at the new W Hotel is jaw-droppingly cool. It boasts fantastic views of the White House and the Washington monument. It’s highly recommended that you book.' Penny Quested, artist
THE GIBSON, 14th Street, Northwest
'This tiny bar has the best cocktails on the eastern seaboard. In a different era this would have been the coolest speakeasy in town. It’s very discreet. Ring ahead to be put on the list.' Kate Farrell, TV producer
WHAT TO BRING HOME
OBAMA SOUVENIRS
'Obama paraphernalia, from tea towels to hankies. Or, if you can get onto one of the rare White House tours, request a visitor’s pass from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.' MF
Matt Frei is an anchor for BBC World News America.
