WASHINGTON, D.C.
I’ve lived in DC for almost 4 years now. It’s home! This guide compiles some of my favorite places to go with some help from local friends – shoutout to Mel, Ali, Hayley and Paige! It was incredibly hard to narrow down the list. It’s easy to get lost in all the tourist attractions in our nation’s capital, so hopefully, this guide will help you find hidden gems and make some worthwhile stops. Happy traveling!
Travel Tip:
- DC actually has good public transit, a rarity in the U.S. You can travel around the city easily by either Metro or Bus. Uber/Lyft is always an option, but for a less expensive option check out the public transit.
One fun thing:
- If you’re in town on a warm day, one of my favorite things to do with visitors is to have a picnic on the National Mall. Get takeout from one of the lunch options, grab a blanket and head down to the Mall to people-watch and enjoy the sun.
- The Line: for almost a year I thought this hotel was a church. It used to be, but now it’s a gorgeous modern hotel with multiple restaurants, bars and a café.
- CLOSED APRIL 2021 – Adam’s Inn: a B&B that has a homey feel. It can be a cheaper option in the area.
- AirBnB: a great option as well. There are plenty of available rentals in all parts of the city.
- Monuments at night: the best time to see the sites. At night, the National Mall isn’t as packed with tourists, the monuments are all lit up and it’s gorgeous. My recommendation is to start at the Lincoln Memorial, check out the view along the reflecting pool to the Washington Monument and then wander over to the Vietnam War Memorial to the left and the Korean War Memorial on the right.
- Portrait Gallery: my pick for best museum in the district. D.C.’s free museums are awesome and there’s something for everyone whether it be Air & Space or the American Art Museum. The Portrait Gallery holds the gallery of presidential portraits, of course, but also exhibits on American sports figures, 20th century Americans, and more. They also have a beautiful indoor atrium you can go to for a break.
- Water taxi waterfront tour: a fun way to see both Georgetown and the Wharf. Start at either area, explore and then take the water taxi to the next location! The Wharf was recently developed and has restaurants, walking paths and unique public areas. Georgetown has lots of shops, restaurants and a waterfront area perfect for a stroll. It’s also great to see more of the city from the Potomac.
- Go to a game in the Navy Yard: a must for the sports enthusiast. The Navy Yard is home to both Audi Field (soccer) and The Nationals Stadium (baseball). Catch the 2019 World Series Champions at the Nationals Stadium. Watch DC United, DC’s men’s soccer team or the Washington Spirit, DC’s women’s soccer team at Audi. Regardless of which team you root for, the atmosphere is always electric. I love going to The Bullpen or Bardo Brewing, both outdoor spots for a drink before or after a game.
- The National Arboretum: an open outdoor space to go on a walk, enjoy cherry blossoms or take in their variety of flora and fauna. During Cherry Blossom season, the Tidal Basin can become too crowded and overwhelming and the Arboretum is a perfect alternative.
- Elle: the quintessential bakery coffee shop combo. I love their breakfast sandwiches and practically any baked good they offer, especially the ginger blueberry scone. It’s great for a quick to-go stop, but also has a lovely seating area as well.
- Flip it LJ Diner: a small hole in the wall diner that will give you small-town vibes. It’s family-run and they never let your coffee cup empty. Their huevos rancheros are to die for. No website – it’s that much of a hidden gem.
- Unconventional Diner: the modern American spot for a leisurely brunch. Try their Moroccan grits or blueberry pancakes.
- Sequoia: the best spot in town for a bottomless brunch, something DC is known for. Their deal is for bottomless drinks and food. While it’s on the pricier end, it’s definitely worth it. Favorites include unlimited crab legs, shrimp and oysters.
- Federalist Pig: the best spot for BBQ in the district. They are open until they run out of meat at night, which can be early on some days, so I always like to bring friends here for lunch. My favorites on the menu include the Big Cheese sandwich, the brussels sprouts and mac & cheese.
- Chaia Tacos: a plant-based option for lunch that always bursts with flavor. When I worked downtown, I’d frequent this spot for lunch almost every week, and there’s also a location in Georgetown. It’s quick and easy.
- Mangialardo‘s: you’re not going to find a better sub in all of DC than you will at Mangialardo. It’s a bit out of the way, but worth the trip. Try the “G-Man sub,” it’s my favorite.
- Call Your Mother: rumored to have the best bagels in the District. It’s a great spot for lunch or breakfast. My favorite sandwiches include The Sun City and The Boca Club.
- Thip Khao: my absolute favorite restaurant in DC! It’s a Lao restaurant with flavor-packed food and a fun atmosphere. I recommend the beef jerky and the Naem Khao with pork.
- Lapis: a cozy Afghan restaurant. They have small plates – to share or not to share – that are very tasty. Any of the dumplings or dishes with lamb are my favorite.
- El Rinconcito II: a hole in the wall favorite. My neighborhood is known for its Salvadorian food and this restaurant is the best. Their pupusa platter is a great deal and delicious. The website links to their original location.
- Little Serow: a prix-fixe menu for a spicy food lover. Little Serow doesn’t take any reservations and doesn’t have any signage out front, you have to find it! Look for a line by the door starting around 30 mins before they open. For $50 you get a 7 course Thai meal that will test your spice tolerance.
- Ice Cream Rivals: a fierce competition between Jeni’s and Ice Cream Jubilee. If you want to try one after the other, head over to 14th St where the store locations are half a block apart. My pick is Jubilee, their honey lemon lavender flavor in particular. My friend, Paige’s pick is Jeni’s with pineapple upsidedown cake as her go-to flavor.
- Baked & Wired: the best cupcake spot in Georgetown — don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. The frosting to cupcake ratio is perfect and their flavors are incredible. I also love their “chaider” and quiches from the café side.
- POV Rooftop: a bar with a view. The rooftop boasts scenic views of the Washington Monument, White House, and more. The top floor of the W Hotel. Pricey, but worth going for a drink and the view.
- Wet Dog: a bar with a great outdoor patio setup and fun vibes. Depending on the season, they have a “ski lodge” area or an outside games area.
- The Backroom: a speakeasy accessed from a freezer door in Capo Deli. Gets crowded, but always fun to spend some time.
- Wonderland Ballroom: your local watering hole for the real ones. Dive bar aesthetic with two floors and a patio.
Alyssa
You have never led me astray in a city – I swear by your travel tips!!
Amelia Meyer
Ok this girl MUST know her stuff. Any foodie knows that the measure of a good cupcake is the proper frosting to cake ratio. LOVE IT