Georgetown

This historic district’s main strip is studded with premium designer stores and all-American brands such as Banana Republic, Rag & Bone and J. Crew, but off any alleyway you’ll find charming one-off boutiques and trendy coffee shops like Blue Bottle Coffee. If you’re not in Georgetown to shop, the colourful row homes flanked by elm trees make for a pleasant afternoon stroll.

washington.org/dc-neighborhoods/georgetown

Downtown

No surprise that the grid of streets just north of the National Mall contains some of the most accessible shopping in Washington DC. There are high-street brands like H&M and Urban Outfitters right next to a glut of restaurants and well-placed cafes.

CityCenterDC is a landmark new development (early next year it will welcome the city’s first Conrad hotel) with outlets of premium brands such as Tumi, Hermès and Gucci alongside restaurants and public event spaces.

If you need a break, not far is newly opened Eaton DC, a hotel that wants to connect local entrepreneurs and activists with the city’s decision-makers via workshops and events.

citycenterdc.com