The Complete Guide To Washington, D.C.
Updated August 27, 2024
I grew up in the Washington, D.C. area, so it’s only fitting to provide a complete guide on what to do, where to stay, and definitely where to dine and drink. If you’re interested in diving into special experiences in D.C., click here for a myriad of posts!
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Where to Stay
While it’s right over the bridge, it’s a great place to stay and walk the waterfront, and is definitely magical during the holidays!
The Willard Intercontinental
The Willard’s impeccable service, spacious and comfortable rooms, and proximity to everything has made this a favorite of ours (check out our brief video tour of our room, here). For a magical experience, visit during Christmas Time as the entrance and the lobby are impeccably decorated, they have different musical performances every evening with holiday drinks available, and their Christmas ornament is a fantastic keepsake!
Previously the Trump International Hotel, the same look and feel has been kept in-tact. Learn more about that, as well as the beauty of these rooms, here.
other recommendations
The Four Seasons - While the Four Seasons’ experience is always impeccable, this one is special. Almost every celebrity stays in this hotel, whether they are performing (Jay-Z, Cardi B, Kanye West, etc.), are there to attend an event, such as the White House Correspondents Dinner (Kim Kardashian, Fred Armisen, Matthew Bomer, Owen Wilson, etc,); or are there for other reasons.
The St. Regis - Make sure to schedule afternoon tea when you’re there!
Where to Dine & Drink
Old Ebbitt Grill
American
Baked and Wired - One of few places with GREAT gluten-free cupcakes in Georgetown.
Blue Duck Tavern - Consistently great ratings and consistently great food!
Boundary Stone - Neighborhood pub serving bar food & whiskey in a vintage setting with exposed brick & tin ceilings.
Clyde’s - Known for consistently great food, such as their chili and steak salads. Check out Blackbeard’s video short here.
Compass Coffee - They are known for their nitro brew coffee.
Georgia Brown’s - Incredible southern food but I recommend going on a Sunday for their southern gospel brunch.
Service Bar - Quirky, laid-back hangout for cocktails & fried chicken eats boasting an intimate bar-within-bar.
Succotash - Great southern food with a fantastic whiskey selection. See Blackbeard’s video below:
Whiskey Charlie - Rooftop bar & outdoor deck with waterfront & city vistas for cocktails, wine, beer & comfort fare.
Asian
Chaplin’s - One of my favorite D.C. staples, not just because of its amazing ramen (which they can do gluten-free), but also because of the black and white Chaplin films projected onto the wall! Check out Blackbeard’s video below:
Maydan - Rose Previte's trendsetting eatery showcases Caucasian, North African & Middle Eastern cuisines
Tiger Fork - Chinese bistro for contemporary takes on Hong Kong dishes, matched by herb-infused cocktails.
European (Mix)
Chloe - Internationally inspired fare in urbane digs with a hip bar & casual lunch scene
Compass Rose - One of the best all-around dining experiences in D.C. If you have a group, request the bedouin tent.
The Fountain Inn - A 1783 tavern reborn as a rare spirits tasting room, cocktail bar & restaurant nestled in the heart of Georgetown, D.C..
French
Bistro Bis - The Capitol crowd frequents this upscale bistro for its classic French fare & cherry-wood decor.
Chez Billy Sud - Want to step back in time to a Provinçial French home while dining on incredible french food? Chez Billy Sud provides a great authentic French experience.
Convivial - The French food is great, but don’t expect to dine quietly in this restaurant. It’s a bit loud!
La Grand Boucherie - Modern French dishes served in an art noveau-style setting.
Le Diplomate - An old DC favorite that takes a few weeks to snag a reservation, Le Diplomate is everything and old French restaurant and bakery should be! The best time to go is brunch.
Marcel’s - Every political power player and foreign dignitary has eaten here, mainly due to the number of private dining spaces and the discretion of the staff. For the rest of us, it’s a special occasion kind of establishment.
Indian
Karma Modern Indian - High concept takes on Indian classics & creative drinks in dramatic space with a stadium kitchen.
Italian
Filomena - Filomena became my favorite place during major holidays as their over-the-top decor and special little surprises make the experience truly unique in D.C. (not to mention, the food and service are fantastic). If you go during that time, you must make the reservation one month in advance. Check out Blackbeard’s video below:
Fiola - A higher-end rustic Italian restaurant that people flock to. Be sure to make a reservation a week in advance.
Flavio - More of a casual rustic Italian dining experience, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
Minya’s Pizza (and speakeasy) - Not only do they have authentic pizza and paninis (no GF there, sadly), they also have a speakeasy. Get the code, head to the back of the shop, give them the code, and head down to the basement for cocktails… and pizza!
RPM - Years ago when City Center was first established, Giuliana and Bill Rancic opened RPM Italia - the second location for the Chicago-based restaurant (they have since added Las Vegas and West Palm Beach to their portfolio). The food and drinks are fantastic (they serve some pretty rare wines, including Blackbird Vineyards), and the people watching is great! Note: This is not a casual crowd that dines here.
TOSCA - Waiters in formal uniforms deliver fine Northern Italian fare in an elegant, neutral-toned setting.
Mainstays
1789 - Named for the year Georgetown University was founded, 1789 has antique-filled dining rooms in a renovated historic house. It was chosen as one of the 20 best restaurants in D.C. by Condé Nast Traveler! Be sure to make reservations in advance and dress up - it’s definitely a special occasion kind of place.
Corduroy - Also an upscale, special occasion kind of place, Corduroy offers a farm-to-fork eatery with a seasonal New American menu, modern decor & an upstairs bar.
Martin’s Tavern - Since 1933, Martin’s Tavern has been a cozy respite for many, including John F. Kennedy who proposed to Jackie O in one of the booths (there’s a plaque that commemorates that). Go for the drinks and skip the food.
Old Ebbitt Grill - Old Ebbitt Grill is the OLDEST bar and restaurant in D.C. and is still so popular you need to make reservations at least a week in advance. Definitely go during Christmas Time to see the large Nutcrackers out front! Check out Blackbeard’s video short of our brunch, here.
Round Robin - Round Robin is the second oldest bar in D.C., which happens to be located in The Willard Intercontinental Hotel - one of the oldest hotels in D.C, Famous (and sometimes, infamous) people have visited this bar, including Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Woodrow Wilson, Buffalo Bill Cody, and more.
The Hamilton - Also one of the oldest establishments in D.C., this place has been a go-to for happy hours every night of the week, live music, and grabbing a bite to eat, even in the wee hours of the morning. Be sure to make a reservation and also know that when you walk in the front entrance, it’s a bit chaotic with the bar right there.
Thunder Burger & Bar - This place has been around forever and while it looks dive-ish, it’s one of the most amazing burger places. Ask to be seated in the back.
Mexican
Lauriol Plaza - It’s a great place for happy hours or just catching up with friends. Make sure to visit during their margarita happy hours!
Michelin-rated
barmini by Jose Andres - Grab a cocktail before your reservation at minibar or go just for the drinks! Walk-ins are welcome but it’s better to purchase their cocktail flight in advance so you have a secured seat.
minibar by Jose Andres - Two Michelin Star restaurant with a pre-fixe menu, starting at $325 a person (without alcohol included).
Pineapples and Pearls - Years ago, Pineapple and Pearls earned two Michelin Stars for their 4-course tasting menu and since then, the restaurant as continued to flourish. The decor is playful and the food is fantastic.
Rose’s Luxury - Rose’s Luxury earned (and kept) their One Michelin Star rating and for good reason! Their $135 per person pre-fixe, small plate menu is full of fresh ingredients. You can also grab drinks in their upstairs bar. They finally accept reservations so be sure to book a few weeks in advance!
The Dabney - This One Michelin Star restaurant is nestled in Georgetown’s Blagden Alley and serves a pre-fixe menu of incredible dishes.
Spanish
Barcelona Wine Bar - Barcelona Wine Bar can now be found in a few locations, but the original opened in D.C. Their wine list and tapas are fantastic, though it gets crowded so be sure to make a reservation. Tip: Eat in the bar area on Fridays and Saturdays - you might run into an EDM DJ or two.
Trendy
Backroom at Capo Deli - What is a regular deli in the front, happens to be a glammed-out speakeasy in the back (look for the red refrigerator you need to open and go through). Call to make a reservation - it’s worth the effort to go!
Chicken and Whiskey - Go for the chicken and stay for the whiskey! Go all the way to the back of the diner and through the steel door to the whiskey bar. Check out Blackbeard’s video short here.
Peacock Cafe - The menu has been the same for over 20 years but the food and service are consistent! Dine outside with your pups or to enjoy nice weather, or sit inside for a more intimate feel.
Residents Cafe - A newer, trendier spot to be seen! Make sure to grab a table on their outdoor patio.
Trendy & Upscale
Bourbon Steak - Located in the Four Seasons, this is the celeb and power player hot spot (I’ve met Owen Wilson, Robin Wright, Fred Armisen, and Matt Bomer there). The food is great (definitely order the duck fat fries), but the people watching is better thus, head to the bar or out to the courtyard. Check out the pics below from our last trip - it’s so magical at Christmastime! If you head there during that holiday, rent a “cabin” for dinner!
Cafe Milano - Their menu, service, and decor have been the same for over 20 years and there’s great reason not to change it. Celebrities and power players alike come here for the consistency (and to be seen).
Iron Gate - Come on an empty stomach and order the meat platter. You absolutely won’t regret it!
Tail Up Goat - This has become a favorite in D.C. for their creative Mediterranean fare & Caribbean-inspired drinks.
The Alex - Located in the basement of the Graham Hotel (this is technically a speakeasy), they serve great drinks and decent food. In the summer, head up to their rooftop bar to take in the view.
Turkish
Ottoman Taverna - Striking space with open kitchen & mural serving Turkish fare, including traditional brunch items.
Nightlife
Anthem
One of D.C.’s newest large musical venues, Anthem sits on the SW Waterfront and hosts some of the biggest acts in the world. Tips: Be sure to go to the rooftop bar before the concert and also splurge on seats that are closer to the left or right side of the stage.
Zedd at Anthem
Echostage
Since 2012, Echostage (the #1 Club in the world) has been hosting the biggest EDM acts of all time. Their multi-million dollar sound and light system proves why they have earned that award time and again. Note: If you want to splurge, get the stage table - you won’t regret it!
NüAndroids
Founder Nayef Issa has successfully combined art with music to create unparalleled experiences in D.C. He has single-handedly brought all walks of life together to enjoy these kinds of experiences!
Soundcheck
The sister venue to Echostage, EDM artists come to Soundcheck to perform for more intimate crowds. Oftentimes, it serves as the after-hours spot for celebrity DJs to continue the party.
Things to See & Do
Historical Exploration
Brewmaster’s Castle (Heurich House Museum)
One of few gilded-age “castles’ left in the city that you’re able to tour!
Lincoln Monument
This will always be one of my favorite monuments of all time, given it’s position high on the hill, overlooking the rest of D.C. (It’s also been featured in quite a few movies and TV shows.)
National Cathedral
Make sure to wander the paths of the Bishop’s Garden.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
One of my FAVORITE memorials in the spring, especially around Cherry Blossom season! Definitely check it out around that time.
Tudor Place
Tudor Place is a Federal-style mansion in Washington, D.C. that was originally the home of Thomas Peter and his wife, Martha Parke Custis Peter, a granddaughter of Martha Washington. The property, comprising one city block on the crest of Georgetown Heights, had an excellent view of the Potomac River. The best time to visit it is during the spring and summer.
Washington Monument
Of course, the most iconic monument of them all is the Washington Monument. Getting tickets to take the elevator is hard to come by so keep on trying if they aren’t readily available. But, one of the coolest experiences ever was the anniversary of Apollo 11 and how the Smithsonian celebrated it by renting Disney’s projectors to project a short video of the entire mission, onto the monument.
The Arts & Sciences
One of the original virtual reality experiences in the country, Tati and Sandro have immersed thousands of people into digital art experiences that defy explanation. Make sure to go in the evening hours and purchase the cocktail ticket (they do have mocktails) for a super cool V.R. experience!
Culture House
It’s a great place to immerse yourself in art experiences. Click on the link to see what’s up-and-coming.
Ford’s Theatre
The place of Lincoln’s assassination - the box is still empty and some people claim they have seen his ghost.
Kennedy Center
One of the “perks” of growing up in the area is having access to incredible theatres, such as the Kennedy Center! Make sure to visit their rooftop bar when it’s warm and take in the views of the Potomac.
Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum
Anyone that knows me or at least have sifted through my posts, knows how much I love wax museums. This one is special, in that it features many of the most notable Presidents.
National Air and Space Museum
While only partially opened (as of 12/2022), this is a great museum to explore the history of aircrafts and space exploration.
National Gallery of Art
They have some wonderful rotating exhibits,
National Museum of American History
I found this to be one of the more “fun” history museums in D.C. as part of it is interactive.
National Museum of Natural History
Yes, Night at the Museum was partially filmed here. There are a lot of great exhibits, including the Hope Diamond which was finally given to the museum as it brought bad luck to whoever owned it.
National Portrait Gallery
While the exhibits rotate, it’s worth going in and grabbing a coffee and light snack in the sun-filled atrium.
National Theatre
So many wonderful acts have come through there, including Septime Weber’s Nutcracker Ballet (definitely buy tickets to that if you really want to get into the holiday spirit) and Beetlejuice.
The Fridge DC
A place dedicated to street art. The entrance is hidden down an alleyway.
The Reagan Building
A one-of-a-kind building that hosts both events and large-scale immeservie art experiences. It’s worth it to take a peek inside! (Check out a video short of the Snarkitecture exhibit, here.)
The Renwick Gallery
Hands down, this is one of my favorite galleries in D.C. due to the kinds of exhibits they have (The Burning Man Temple was incredible).
Unique Experiences
I went here once for a Halloween party and kept on coming back. This mansion is a series of row houses with hidden doors connecting each of them. While it serves as a hotel and inspiration for artists, it’s also a hodgepodge of eclectic items for sale in every room. The thought behind it is whatever your eye is drawn to is the kind of art you are inclined to be interested in.
Nationals Park
Baseball might not be for everyone but when you’re at Nationals Park, you become a fan for even a day. From the upstairs food and drink station areas, to all of the food stands across the park, to the restaurant you can snag a table at for the whole game, to just the regular seats, it turns the park into a super fun exerience!
Pinstripes
Right across the street from Filomena is an upscale bowling and bocce place with great food and drink. It’s a super fun way to spend a few hours!
Spy Museum
The Spy Museum is a full experience that starts with a debrief, then assigns you your identity, then takes you through two floors of the museum to learn all about spy life while completing your missions. It takes about 4 hours to get through it and is well worth the effort and the fee.
The Dupont Underground
What was once part of the Metro system is now an underground art gallery! Check the website often for new exhibits.
The Exorcist Steps
The most famous stairs in movie history, you, too, can climb these steps (they are steep and there are a lot of them) to the top and get a peek at the house that was also featured in the movie.
Walking Tours
I’ve been to the U.S. Botanical Gardens more times than I can count - especially when they have specialty exhibits like the “Corpse” flower that when it blooms smells like rotting meat (gross). It’s a nice way to spend a couple of hours!
Dumbarton Oaks
Hands down, one of my favorite places to wander during May and June! In 1920, after a long and careful search, Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss found their ideal country house and garden within Washington, DC. They eventually purchased a fifty-three-acre property, described as an old-fashioned house standing in rather neglected grounds, at the highest point of Georgetown. Within a year, the Blisses hired landscape gardener Beatrix Farrand to design the garden. Working in happy and close collaboration for almost thirty years, Mildred Bliss and Beatrix Farrand planned every garden detail, each terrace, bench, urn, and border. The upper sixteen acres were transferred to Harvard University in 1940 to establish a research institute for Byzantine Studies, Pre-Columbian Studies, and Garden and Landscape Studies.
Eastern Market
The Eastern Market is a fantastic place to pick up all sorts of goodies for a special dinner, picnic, or just because!
Franciscan Monastery Garden
The Franciscan Monastery not only has wonderful tours, it also has a working garden that is free to explore.
Hillwood House
I have always been fascinated with Marjorie Merriweather Post’s life, particularly after visiting St. Petersburg in 2019. From the greenhouse of rare orchids, to her impeccably kept home, to the entirety of the grounds; it’s one of my favorite ways to spend and afternoon!
A History Summary
17th century - Various tribes of the Algonquian-speaking Piscataway people, also known as the Conoy, inhabited the lands around the Potomac River and present-day Washington, D.C., when Europeans first arrived and colonized the region.
July 1790 - Congress passed the Residence Act, which approved the creation of a national capital on the Potomac River. Under the Residence Act, the exact location was to be selected by President George Washington, who signed the bill into law on July 16, 1790.
1791 and 1792 - A team led by Andrew Ellicott, including Ellicott's brothers Joseph and Benjamin and African American astronomer Benjamin Banneker, whose parents had been enslaved, surveyed the borders of the federal district and placed boundary stones at every mile point; many of these stones are still standing. The new city was also named after George Washington, within this time period.
1800 - Congress held their first session in the new district.
1801 - Congress passed the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801, which officially organized the district and placed the entire territory under the exclusive control of the federal government. The area within the district was organized into two counties: the County of Washington and the County of Alexandria. After the Act's passage, citizens in the district were no longer considered residents of Maryland or Virginia, which ended their representation in Congress.
1814 - During the War of 1812, British forces invaded and occupied the city and set fire to the government buildings, including the Capitol, the Treasury Building, and the White House, most of which were under construction and quickly repaired.
1830s - 1840s - With Alexandria no longer under Virginia’s control, the ports and its economy became neglected and suffered greatly. Seeing this, the federal government agreed to return the town, as well as the rest of Virginia’s land, back to Virginia.
1861-1868 - The American Civil War led to the expansion of the federal government with an increase in population, most notably, freed slaves. By 1868, they had the right to vote.
1871 - Congress repealed the individual charters of the cities of Washington and Georgetown, abolished Washington County, and created a new territorial government for the whole District of Columbia.
1873 - 1874 - the first Governor was appointed, but later replaced with a 3-member committee, due to the Governor bankrupting the new city.
1888 - Motorized street cars came into service.
1895 - early 1900s - Georgetown had poor housing and strained public works, leading it to become the first city in the nation to undergo urban renewal projects. Other projects included the L’Enfant Plan, McMillan Plan, and the Washington Mall being “upgraded” with modern Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts architecture.
1930s - Increased federal spending, under the New Deal, led to the construction of new government buildings, memorials, and museums in the district, though sacrificed spending on welfare and education for its residents.
WWII - 1950s - During WWII, the federal government expanded, which increased the population to over 800,000.
1961 - D.C. was granted 3 electoral votes in the electoral college for both president and vice president.
1968 - After the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, riots broke out in the city, primarily in the U Street, 14th Street, 7th Street, and H Street corridors, which were predominantly black residential and commercial areas. It took 3 days and nearly 14,000 federal troops and National Guardsmen to end it. It took over 20 years to rebuild from the damage.
1980s - today - Several attempts have been made to make D.C. the 51st state, but with no success.