Culturally speaking, D.C. is still as politically charged as you've heard: Networking is so embedded in the daily goings-on, the question "So, what do you do?" is a local punchline. The place is about power plays and shaking things up—but the buttoned-up Hill and K Street are hardly representative. The city has always attracted insurgents, nonconformists, and punks, and in recent years, they’ve made their presence known across dining, arts, and activism. From the smartly revitalized Wharf and Navy Yards—where the city’s long-dormant sports scene has been reawakened—to neighborhoods like U Street and Adams Morgan, luring fans to spots like Maydan, which blends Middle Eastern and North African flavors, and to the recent, avant-garde hotel newcomers, it’s the people away from the seat of the Capitol shaping the city today.
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Washington, D.C. Travel Guide
Plan Your Washington, D.C. Trip
How to See the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C., This Year
This year’s festivities blend virtual and socially distanced activities, so you don't have to worry about missing the bloom.
By Kristen Schott
8 Washington, D.C., Airbnbs We Love, From Historical Row Houses to Sunny Lofts
Bookmark these for your next trip to the nation's capital.
By Madison Flager and Adele Chapin
Featured
How This Female Hotelier Makes Activism Part of Her Company's Mission
With her new brand, Eaton, Katherine Lo is confronting gender inequality in the hotel lobby (and maybe even at the rooftop bar).
By Erin Florio
Dupont Circle Review: First In
A new high-design home for power players in the nation's capital.
By Sarah Firshein
The Wharf Opens in Washington, D.C.
The new complex on the Potomac adds a slew of restaurants, shopping, and recreation spaces.
By Zach Everson
16 Best Hotels in D.C.
Where to stay in the home of presidents and presidential suites.
By Adele Chapin and Laura Ratliff
Editor Recommendations
- The Watergate Hotel$$ | United States, Washington, 2650 Virginia Ave. NWThe iconic Georgetown hotel has been reborn, and now embraces a modern-but-retro feel.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Skylark - Hotel Zena Washington DC$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 1155 14th Street NWD.C.'s “future is female”–themed hotel packs a punchRead full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington D.C.$$ | United States, Washington, 3100 S St NW
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Viceroy Washington D.C.$$ | United States, Washington, 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NWThe prime location in D.C.'s downtown, combined with Viceroy's always-elevated service, make this a top choice that won’t break the bank.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Rosewood Washington, D.C.$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 1050 31st St NWA truly intimate feel that can’t be replicated.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Skylark - InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf, an IHG Hotel$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 801 Wharf St. SWD.C.'s new Wharf development is rapidly becoming the city's newest hotspot—and the InterContinental here nails it.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: IHG - Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown$$ | United States, Washington, 2401 M St. NW
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.$$ | United States, Washington, 1150 22nd St NW
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - The Ven Embassy Row Hotel$$ | United States, Washington, 2015 Massachusetts Ave. NWOne of the best small hotels in Dupont Circle.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Park Hyatt Washington D.C.$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 1201 24th St. NWA five-star option in the West End.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Gold List
Powered By: Skylark - The Jefferson$$$ | United States, Washington, 1200 16th St. NWAmerica's third president would happily stay here.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Gold List
Powered By: Skylark - The Dupont Circle Hotel$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 1500 New Hampshire Ave. NWWhere everyone seems like an ultra cool local, whether they are or not.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Conrad Washington, DC$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 950 New York Ave. NWA modern take on D.C.'s upscale hotel scene.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C., an IHG Hotel$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NWA revamped D.C. grand dame.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia
The Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
- 10 Best Museums in D.C. You'll Want to VisitIf there's one thing this city knows how to do, it's a museum.By Amy McKeever and Adele Chapin
- 3 Best Day Trips from Washington, D.C.Our tips for what to do in Loudon County, Shenandoah National Park, and Charlottesville.By Laura Ratliff and Kristen Schott
- The Best Way to See Washington, D.C. With Your KidsWith so many museums, monuments, parks, waterfronts, and other distractions, it's easy to chart a crowd-free course.By Paul Brady and Alex Postman
Editor Recommendations
- National Museum of African American History and CultureUnited States, Washington D.C., 1400 Constitution Ave NWA moving tribute to African American history and culture that requires advance planning.Read full reviewPowered By: GetYourGuide
- National Gallery of ArtUnited States, Washington, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NWThe most classic collection in Washington—if you want to see da Vinci, Rembrandt and Picasso, this is where you come.Read full reviewPowered By: GetYourGuide
- National Museum of American HistoryUnited States, Washington, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NWThe history of the United States is writ large at this institution, with artifacts representing pop culture, innovation, government history, and more.Read full reviewPowered By: GetYourGuide
- Nationals ParkUnited States, Washington, D.C., Address: 1500 S Capitol St SENationals Park is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America; from the upper decks, you can see the U.S Capitol Building.Read full review
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture GardenUnited States, Washington, Independence Ave. at Seventh St. SWThe most striking place in D.C. to see contemporary art.Read full review
- National Building MuseumUnited States, Washington, 401 F Street NWIn a city flush with stately edifices, this downtown museum, which is dedicated to architecture, engineering, and design, still stands out.Read full review
- United States Holocaust Memorial MuseumUnited States, Washington, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SWRemembering the story of one of the most important and horrible chapters in world history.Read full review
- Rock Creek ParkUnited States, Washington, D.C., 5200 Glover Rd NWSprawling out across a whopping 1,754 acres of public land, this is an urban oasis in DC.Read full review
- The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing ArtsUnited States, Washington, 2700 F Street NWA preeminent arts venue set on the Potomac, and home to the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera.Read full review
- National MallUnited States, Washington, 900 Ohio Drive SWNo first-time visit to D.C. would be complete without visiting the 1,000-acre National Mall.Read full review
- International Spy MuseumUnited States, Washington, D.C., 700 L'Enfant Plaza SWA light-hearted look at the world of espionage.Read full review
- Woolly Mammoth Theatre CompanyUSA, Washington, 641 D Street NWThis 265-seat theater prides itself on showcasing audacious new theatrical styles, and it's one of the city’s most unique venues.Read full review
- The AnthemUnited States, Washington,This state-of-the-art concert venue is the city's best new place to catch a show.Read full review
- District Winery$$ | United States, Washington, 385 Water St. SEThe District’s first winery, in Navy Yard, has a huge (and beautiful!) footprint, with a wine factory, event space, and restaurant.Read full review
- Bluejacket$$ | United States, Washington , 300 Tingey St. SEThis soaring brewery, restaurant, and bar is spread out over three levels in a historic building in Navy Yard.Read full review
Best Weekend Getaways from Washington, D.C.
Where to take a few days away from the capital.
By Julekha Dash
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Washington, D.C.
- 19 Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C.The nation’s capital is becoming a seat of power in the restaurant world.By Adele Chapin
- The 9 Best Rooftop Bars in Washington, D.C.This city has a secret advantage when it comes to drinks with a view.By Adele Chapin
- 12 Best Brunch Places in Washington, D.C.Our editors' picks for the city's favorite daytime meal.By Adele Chapin
- The 10 Best Coffee Shops in Washington, D.C.Where to get your caffeine fix in the capital.By Laura Ratliff
Editor Recommendations
- Rose’s Luxury$$ | Washington D.C., 717 8th St. SEComfort food with ingredients you never thought would go together.
- Centrolina$$ | Washington D.C., 974 Palmer Alley NWFresh Italian favorites from James Beard Award-winning chef Amy Brandwein.
- Old Ebbitt Grill$$ | United States, Washington D.C., 675 15th St. NWWashington’s oldest saloon comes with an excellent oyster happy hour twice a day.
- Bourbon Steak$$$ | United States, Washington D.C., 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NWA meaty Georgetown meal that will make you feel like a star.
- Pineapple and Pearls$$$ | Washington D.C., 715 8th St. SEThe team behind Rose’s Luxury flexes their imagination to the max.
- Rasika$$ | United States, Washington D.C., 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NWOne of the most exciting Indian restaurants in the country.
- Maydan$$ | United States, Washington D.C., 1346 Florida Ave. NWGet your fill of flavors from Tehran or Beirut.
- Del Mar$$ | United States, Washington D.C., 791 Wharf St. SWOne of the city’s smartest and most interesting dining rooms.
- Le Diplomate$$ | Washington D.C., 1601 14th St. NWIt’s as if someone picked up a Parisian bistro and dropped it in the middle of D.C.
- Fiola Mare$$ | United States, Washington D.C., 3050 K St. NWFabio Trabocchi's high-end Italian restaurant on the Georgetown waterfront offers top-shelf pasta and seafood with a view.
- Cafe Milano$$ | United States, Washington D.C., 3251 Prospect St. NWCome to this Georgetown institution to experience a bit of D.C. lore (with tiramisu!), and keep your fingers crossed for a celebrity sighting.
- Jack Rose Dining Saloon$$ | United States, Washington, 2007 18th Street NWAt any time, there may be upwards of 2,000 bottles of whiskey in stock at this Dupont Circle bar.
- POV$$ | United States, Washington, 515 15th St NWTo get better White House views, you'd have to schedule a tour with your Member of Congress.
This D.C. Hotel Has a Suite Dedicated to Women's Suffrage
Roll over, sip your morning coffee, and be inspired by history-making women.
By Betsy Blumenthal
More from Washington, D.C.
News & Advice
All Airbnb Washington D.C. Bookings Are Canceled for Inauguration Week
The move comes as federal officials and the mayor urge travelers to stay home for the presidential inauguration.
By Meredith Carey
News & Advice
Museums Are Collecting Artifacts and Stories From the Protests Against Police Brutality
Three Smithsonian museums are documenting this summer’s protests as they unfold.
By Jessica Puckett
Destinations
Inside Washington, D.C.'s Fresh Scene
D.C. is revving up as an arts and food hub.
By Corina Quinn
News & Advice
Washington, D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Season Starts in Two Weeks
Mark your calendars.
By Evelyn Wang
Places to Stay
Thompson Opening a D.C. Hotel Just Made Our Nation's Capital Way Cooler
It's the equivalent of hearing "love your outfit" from your friend who works in fashion.
By Erin Florio
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