washington, d.c.

Our Nation's Capital. The Federal City. A place where history meets power. Washington, D.C., as it’s formally known, is celebrated for its iconic landmarks, the White House, and cherry blossoms, but there’s far more to explore beyond the National Mall…

As JFK once said, “Washington is a city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm.” But also, is it really a city? Or a state? Or just the Capitol of this incredible country, the United States of America? Who really knows. Whatever it is, it’s a melting pot of historical significance and passionate culturally-diverse people. O, and currently the incredible place that I reside so I am slightly biased. And how lucky you are to hear the know-how on navigating this destination from a local. You’re welcome.

Let me start off by saying that it is perfectly fine to power through DC with a map in hand on a hop-on hop-off bus alongside excited tourists from all over the world. But that is NOT where I am going with this blog. This is going to provide you the perfect blend of traditional experiences with an elevated taste and insider knowledge.

DC Neighborhoods

DC is made up of 10+ completely unique neighborhoods which each bring their own personality. My favorites include:

Shaw - where the locals are (where i live :)) it’s unpretentious and diverse. No touristy spots here, stop by for a culinary experience or beer garden. Have dinner here at a latin-american favorite, The Royal, where you have to order the Crispy Pork Belly which is served over a Salvadoran street corn. For after-dinner drinks, pop into Service Bar where cocktails are crafted hyper-seasonally and with incredible passion
Wharf - newly reinvented, the Wharf boasts awesome outdoor movie nights and trendy rooftop bars. Have breakfast at Toastique and enjoy their smoked salmon gourmet toast. On the boardwalk you’ll find the area’s most gawk-worthy yachts and if you’re like me, you’ll always be searching out new friendships with their owners (still no success). The Wharf has a beautifully well designed, modern music venue, The Anthem, where you can catch everything from comedy, concerts, MMA, and more. For dinner before the show, head to Hank’s Oyster Bar to get the best fresh sourced oysters from both US coasts, or really any seafood your heart desires. For an elevated after the show cocktail, head to the newly opened Moonraker rooftop bar at the Pendry hotel. The views are stunning over the harbor and Potomac river, firepits will keep you toasty even in the fall or spring, and the Ichigo-Go Highball is worth every penny (and believe me, it costs a few of those)
Dupont - classic DC, this is one of the most desirable places to live for good reason. Convenience to everything. Stunning classic architecture. Beautiful parks. If you’re out in the afternoon and need a day-drinking spot, pop into the Mission Dupont Circle where no-frills Mexican food can be scarfed down with a big smile on your face while you indulge in pitchers of margaritas at stellar happy hour prices (offered every day of the week, even the weekends!).
Georgetown - probably the most famous DC neighborhood, gorgeously located on the Potomac River. Great for boutique shopping and nighttime ghost tours. For a sweet treat, skip the over-hyped Georgetown Cupcakes and stop into Levain Bakery for the world’s greatest chocolate chip cookie. For dinner, head to Fiola Mare where contemporary seafood meets incredible water views. Georgetown is not a place for nightlife so meander over to 14th street or 18th street neighborhoods if you’re looking for a nighttime adventure
Alexandria - just outside DC, you’ll find the beautiful riverfront neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia. Have dinner at Mia’s Italian Kitchen. If you want a cool spot in the evening to enjoy some live jazz music and a cigar, head to Two Nineteen Creole Restaurant.

Eats

DC has an incredible variety of diverse cuisines. First and foremost, you should try Ethiopian food if you’ve never had it before. DC has the largest population of Ethopians outside of Africa and they offer a cuisine which is packed in flavor. You will find many Ethiopian restaurants but here are two of my favorites; Family Ethiopian Restaurant or Abuare Restaurant, both of which offer an authentic experience. Take my advice and just order with the server an assorted platter of meat and veggies and let your taste buds thank you. And please make sure to only use your right hand to eat. Favorite restaurants by all cuisines:

Favorite restaurants by all cuisines:

Indian - Rasika
Mediterranean (Turkish/Greek/Lebanese) - Agora DC
Middle Eastern/North African - Maydan
Thai - Thai Chef Street Food
Japanese - Chaplin’s Restaurant
Filipino - Purple Patch
Peruvian - Pisco y Nazca
Chinese - Bar Chinois
Korean - Anju
French - Le Diplomate
Italian - Centrolina
American - Old Ebbitt
Spanish - Taberna del Alabardero
Latin American - The Royal

Where to Stay

On a budget:

The River Inn - I know, anything with Inn in its name either gives you the creeps or makes you feel like you’re in Stars Hollow. But trust me, this charming hotel will do nicely for those who want to save more of their DC funds for fun and adventures. Located in Foggy Bottom neighborhood, this all-suite hotel is perfect for packing in a few extra friends (or even a floof) for the weekend. Walking distance to the Kennedy Center (gotta check out a performance here, hello National Symphony Orchestra!) and Georgetown, inclusive of complimentary bike rentals or a quick metro ride away from everything else, the world is your oyster at The Inn

A little splurge won’t hurt anyone:

The Moxy - a hip hotel, with well appointed (yet small) rooms and a lively lobby make this causal stop a great option for many travelers (not your 80 year old grandparents tho). The prime location will bring you here, but the free drink token at check in will keep you here

Roll out the red carpet:

Conrad Washington, DC - located in City Center DC, smack dab in the middle of the city, here you will be walking distance to nearly everything. This modern hotel boasts personalized service in an innovative and thoughtful environment, plus incredible rooftop bar with views of the monuments!

What to Do

Let me start by clarifying one VERY important thing. The National Mall is NOT actually a mall. I know, I know, it’s very confusing, but you’ll be glad I told you before you went looking for the nearest Zara. This is the 3 mile long grassy landscape that nearly all monuments and museum are located on. Okay, moving on to the good stuff. P.S. if I notated it with an asterisks *, that means you need to go online ahead of time to get a free-timed entry ticket, two asterisks ** means you need to pay for a timed entry ticket.

Museums

My favorites:

Holocaust - so powerful, it’s a can’t miss *
African American History - incredibly well designed and thought provoking *
Portrait Gallery - my preferred art gallery
National Archives - did anyone say Nicholas Cage?? Here you can see the original Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence *
Library of Congress - one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen *
Spy Museum - get a spy identity, go on a mission, and see how smart you really are. This is actually really interesting, no matter what age **
National Gallery of Art - beat out by the Portrait Gallery in my opinion, this stellar museum is still worth seeing if you are an art buff

Cool if you’ve got more time:

Natural History - mummies and dinosaurs and gems, o my! Feel free to tackle this one but please note that you will be dodging parades of children on field trips
American History - you will want to be a history buff if you go here. The sheer amount of information is overwhelming (but in a good way)
Native American History -
Air & Space Museum (there are two - which are confusing) - the smaller one is in DC along the National Mall and the larger one is near Dulles Airport (45 min away). Both are great, it just depends on how much time you have *
The Capitol - cooler on the outside (I might get in trouble for saying that) *
Museum of the Bible
Planet Word -

Monuments:

Washington Monument

$1 to get in, if you can manage to secure one of only 15 tickets offered per hour. Meaning book this ahead of time
If, like most people, you did not think of getting this ahead of time, not to fret, I have an awesome second choice for you. The Waldorf Astoria Hotel, aka the Old Post Office Building has a clock tower inside which is much less well know and no tickets required, o and free! Run by the NPS, you will get a 360 degree view of DC

World War II + Reflecting Pool + Lincoln Memorial

These can be knocked out all in the same venture, amazing for the views but you won’t need to spend all day here.

P.S. if you’re visiting in Spring/Summer/early Fall, hit these instead at night via a bike ride and you’ll fall in love with DC even more

Jefferson Memorial + Tidal Basin + MLK Memorial

Again, these beauties are all clumped together. I suggest taking the one-mile jaunt around the basin (it’s like a lake for those of us who like me did not know what the tidal basin was) on foot and you’ll run into these two memorials along the way

P.S. this is where the peak cherry blossom trees can be found during March/April. Absolutely to-die-for scenery but my suggestion is to get there by 8a or don’t go at all. But what do I know?

The White House

So iconic, yet so incredibly painful to try and visit. WHY MR. PRESIDENT?? So let’s just say this, unless you happen to stumble upon this fabulous little blog at least 1.5 months before you’re coming to visit and have found time to bother your state’s senator, you won’t be getting inside. But stop by and wave from a distance and then keep things moving

What Would We Do Differently?

More tours! Swamp tour, plantation tour, and cemetery tour
Don’t eat too much at brunch- you’ll be too full to eat anything else the rest of the day and there are so many good things to try!
Explore the Garden District more thoroughly
Go out on Frenchman Street instead of Bourbon Street