Guidebook for Washington
Food Scene
One of the best new restaurants in DC. Pricey and a bit of a wait, but so so good. I usually get there at around 5 on the weekends to make sure I get a table as it is a small restaurant
82 locals recommend
Himitsu
828 Upshur Street NorthwestOne of the best new restaurants in DC. Pricey and a bit of a wait, but so so good. I usually get there at around 5 on the weekends to make sure I get a table as it is a small restaurant
Baked & Wired
1052 Thomas Jefferson St NWBest cupcakes in DC. Great coffee
Bullfrog Bagels
317 7th St SEBest bagels in DC
Classic French restaurant in DC. Great for a nice dinner out but also a go-to for brunch on the weekends
513 locals recommend
Le Diplomate
1601 14th St NWClassic French restaurant in DC. Great for a nice dinner out but also a go-to for brunch on the weekends
Peregrine Espresso
660 Pennsylvania Ave. SEGreat coffee and a short walk from the apartment
Amazing coffee and other drinks. A great place to relax and sit down on their couches and comfy chairs. One of my favorites is the frozen chai latte. A must if you find yourself in Adams Morgan.
252 locals recommend
Tryst
2459 18th St NWAmazing coffee and other drinks. A great place to relax and sit down on their couches and comfy chairs. One of my favorites is the frozen chai latte. A must if you find yourself in Adams Morgan.
Amazing Ramen. Best to go off peak hours because it does not take reservations and is a pretty small restaurant. It can often be up to an hour wait but you can go put your name down and then get a text from them when your table is ready. I've done this and left to go ice skating at the Sculpture Garden while I was waiting!
82 locals recommend
Daikaya The Izakaya
705 6th Street NorthwestAmazing Ramen. Best to go off peak hours because it does not take reservations and is a pretty small restaurant. It can often be up to an hour wait but you can go put your name down and then get a text from them when your table is ready. I've done this and left to go ice skating at the Sculpture Garden while I was waiting!
Historic market a short walk from the apartment. They have vendors inside Eastern Market on 7th Street as well as a farmers market and flea market on the weekends.
699 locals recommend
Eastern Market
225 7th St SEHistoric market a short walk from the apartment. They have vendors inside Eastern Market on 7th Street as well as a farmers market and flea market on the weekends.
Over 40 vendors at Union Market with a wide variety of amazing food, including Korean tacos, ice cream, Belgium waffles, etc.
906 locals recommend
Union Market
1309 5th St NEOver 40 vendors at Union Market with a wide variety of amazing food, including Korean tacos, ice cream, Belgium waffles, etc.
One of three of Spike Mendelson's restaurants on Capitol Hill. Offers over 14 different kinds of pizza by the slice
76 locals recommend
We, The Pizza
2100 Crystal DrOne of three of Spike Mendelson's restaurants on Capitol Hill. Offers over 14 different kinds of pizza by the slice
Drinks & Nightlife
A great place to go to at night for live music and drinks. A classic staple of DC nightlife
123 locals recommend
Madam's Organ
2461 18th St NWA great place to go to at night for live music and drinks. A classic staple of DC nightlife
Jack Rose Dining Saloon
2007 18th St NWIf you like whiskey, this is the place for you
9:30
815 V St NWFun place to go see a show
Great casual bar in Petworth with a rooftop deck and board games. Next door is Lyman's Tavern, which has around a dozen pinball machines and an outdoor patio.
127 locals recommend
Red Derby
3718 14th St NWGreat casual bar in Petworth with a rooftop deck and board games. Next door is Lyman's Tavern, which has around a dozen pinball machines and an outdoor patio.
This is a very popular area to go for nightlife. 18th Street is lined with fun casual bars.
287 locals recommend
Adams Morgan
This is a very popular area to go for nightlife. 18th Street is lined with fun casual bars.
U Street Northwest
U Street NorthwestA popular area for nightlife
Sightseeing
There is a lot to do and see at the National Mall. Some of my favorite things to do include pedal-boating on the Potomac with a view of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, going to the East Wing at the Smithsonian and then getting gelato at their cafe, and going to the Hirschorn Museum for whatever unique exhibitions they have on display. I haven't had a chance to visit this museum yet, but if you have time you should definitely visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, although you need to get Advanced or Same-Day passes online. Advanced tickets are available months in advance and Same-Day passes are available starting at 6:00 am on the day of your visit.
1111 locals recommend
National Mall
There is a lot to do and see at the National Mall. Some of my favorite things to do include pedal-boating on the Potomac with a view of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, going to the East Wing at the Smithsonian and then getting gelato at their cafe, and going to the Hirschorn Museum for whatever unique exhibitions they have on display. I haven't had a chance to visit this museum yet, but if you have time you should definitely visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, although you need to get Advanced or Same-Day passes online. Advanced tickets are available months in advance and Same-Day passes are available starting at 6:00 am on the day of your visit.
Shopping
Georgetown is a great place to visit for shopping as well as seeing the historic neighborhood and the beautiful waterfront. Grab a drink or a meal at one of the restaurants on the water. A wide variety of stores are situated along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
664 locals recommend
Georgetown
Georgetown is a great place to visit for shopping as well as seeing the historic neighborhood and the beautiful waterfront. Grab a drink or a meal at one of the restaurants on the water. A wide variety of stores are situated along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
Great vintage store in Adams Morgan! Worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood
9 locals recommend
Meeps Vintage
2104 18th St NWGreat vintage store in Adams Morgan! Worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood
A great vintage store in Woodley Park/Adam's Morgan area, with clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc.
Via Gypset
2311 Calvert St NWA great vintage store in Woodley Park/Adam's Morgan area, with clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc.
Essentials
Small organic grocery store a short walk from the apartment
85 locals recommend
Yes! Organic Market Capitol Hill
410 8th St SESmall organic grocery store a short walk from the apartment
Harris Teeter Pharmacy
1350 Potomac Ave SEBalance Gym Capitol Hill
214 D St SEAround the corner from the apartment
Getting Around
Capitol South Station
355 First St SECapital Bikeshare - 3rd & D St SE
Parks & Nature
This is in Potomac, MD which is a pretty far drive but if you are into nature this trail is really fun for all ages. There is a flat walking path along the C&O Canal or the Section B trail which weaves along the Potomac River.
49 locals recommend
Billy Goat Trail Section C
Billy Goat Trail Section CThis is in Potomac, MD which is a pretty far drive but if you are into nature this trail is really fun for all ages. There is a flat walking path along the C&O Canal or the Section B trail which weaves along the Potomac River.