Founded back in 1751 near the Potomac River, the cobbled streets of Georgetown have long been part of a charming and historic suburb lined with beautiful Georgian mansions and brick houses. Today its charms have made it a National Historic Landmark.

Head for the Georgetown Visitor Center and grab a map and pocket guide, so you can explore landmarks like the Old Stone House built in 1765, or the City Tavern Club, which the nation’s founding fathers used to frequent. At Tudor Place House and Garden, you’ll find over 8,000 pieces of art and furniture dating back centuries vying for your attention and there are stunning landscaped gardens waiting to be strolled. The Custom House and Post Office is one of America’s earliest, and also a fascinating sight. To learn more about these attractions, there’s a free walking tour leaving the visitor centre at noon.

Close by, you’ll also find the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, along which you can take an hour-long ride on a replica 18th century boat, drawn by mules walking along the towpath. The canal stretches nearly 300 kilometres from Georgetown all the way to Cumberland, Maryland, and was built to transport wood, coal and goods as an alternative to the Potomac. You can even walk or cycle along part of the towpath and see the historic spots along the water.

America’s oldest Catholic university is also located here. Established in 1789, Georgetown University’s alumni include former President Bill Clinton.

There are also plenty of great spots to shop and eat out in the district, especially on Wisconsin and M streets. Or you can visit the Georgetown Waterfront Park for dinner overlooking the Potomac River.

Just 12 minutes by car to the north-west of central DC, Georgetown is easy to reach by bus – including on the DC Circulator, the D6 and the S4. The 36 will also take you from the National Mall at the corner of NW 7th and NW Constitution Avenue.