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
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).
Dupont Circle Review: First In
A new high-design home for power players in the nation's capital.
The Wharf Opens in Washington, D.C.
The new complex on the Potomac adds a slew of restaurants, shopping, and recreation spaces.
16 Best Hotels in D.C.
Where to stay in the home of presidents and presidential suites.
Editor Recommendations
- Hotel Zena, A Viceroy Urban Retreat$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 1155 14th Street NWRead full reviewD.C.'s “future is female”–themed hotel packs a punch
Readers Choice Awards - The Ven Embassy Row Hotel$$ | United States, Washington, 2015 Massachusetts Ave. NWRead full reviewOne of the best small hotels in Dupont Circle.Readers Choice Awards
- Park Hyatt Washington D.C.$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 1201 24th St. NWRead full reviewA five-star option in the West End.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - The Jefferson$$$ | United States, Washington, 1200 16th St. NWRead full reviewAmerica's third president would happily stay here.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - The Dupont Circle Hotel$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 1500 New Hampshire Ave. NWRead full reviewWhere everyone seems like an ultra cool local, whether they are or not.Readers Choice Awards
- Conrad Washington, DC$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 950 New York Ave. NWRead full reviewA modern take on D.C.'s upscale hotel scene.Readers Choice Awards
- InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C., an IHG Hotel$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NWRead full reviewA revamped D.C. grand dame.Readers Choice Awards
- Rosewood Washington, D.C.$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 1050 31st St NWRead full reviewA truly intimate feel that can’t be replicated.Readers Choice Awards
- Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square$$ | United States, Washington, 806 15th St. NWRead full reviewLuxury with a slightly French twist.Readers Choice Awards
- The Watergate Hotel$$ | United States, Washington, 2650 Virginia Ave. NWRead full reviewThe iconic Georgetown hotel has been reborn, and now embraces a modern-but-retro feel.Readers Choice Awards
- Viceroy Washington D.C.$$ | United States, Washington, 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NWRead full reviewThe prime location in D.C.'s downtown, combined with Kimpton’s always-elevated service, make this a top choice that won’t break the bank.Readers Choice Awards
- InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf, an IHG Hotel$$ | United States, Washington, D.C., 801 Wharf St. SWRead full reviewD.C.'s new Wharf development is rapidly becoming the city's newest hotspot—and the InterContinental here nails it.Readers Choice Awards
- The Hay-Adams$$$ | United States, Washington, 800 16th St. NWRead full reviewHome away from home to D.C.'s influential and powerful.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List
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The Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
- 14 Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.For those looking to go way beyond the Mall.
- 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.
- 3 Best Day Trips from Washington, D.C.Our tips for what to do in Loudon County, Shenandoah National Park, and Charlottesville.
- 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.
Editor Recommendations
- National Museum of African American History and CultureUnited States, Washington D.C., 1400 Constitution Ave NWRead full reviewA moving tribute to African American history and culture that requires advance planning.
- National Gallery of ArtUnited States, Washington, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NWRead full reviewThe most classic collection in Washington—if you want to see da Vinci, Rembrandt and Picasso, this is where you come.
- National Museum of American HistoryUnited States, Washington, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NWRead full reviewThe history of the United States is writ large at this institution, with artifacts representing pop culture, innovation, government history, and more.
- Nationals ParkUnited States, Washington, D.C., Address: 1500 S Capitol St SERead full reviewNationals Park is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America; from the upper decks, you can see the U.S Capitol Building.
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture GardenUnited States, Washington, Independence Ave. at Seventh St. SWRead full reviewThe most striking place in D.C. to see contemporary art.
- National Building MuseumUnited States, Washington, 401 F Street NWRead full reviewIn a city flush with stately edifices, this downtown museum, which is dedicated to architecture, engineering, and design, still stands out.
- United States Holocaust Memorial MuseumUnited States, Washington, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SWRead full reviewRemembering the story of one of the most important and horrible chapters in world history.
- Rock Creek ParkUnited States, Washington, D.C., 5200 Glover Rd NWRead full reviewSprawling out across a whopping 1,754 acres of public land, this is an urban oasis in DC.
- The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing ArtsUnited States, Washington, 2700 F Street NWRead full reviewA preeminent arts venue set on the Potomac, and home to the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera.
- National MallUnited States, Washington, 900 Ohio Drive SWRead full reviewNo first-time visit to D.C. would be complete without visiting the 1,000-acre National Mall.
- International Spy MuseumUnited States, Washington, D.C., 700 L'Enfant Plaza SWRead full reviewA light-hearted look at the world of espionage.
- Woolly Mammoth Theatre CompanyUSA, Washington, 641 D Street NWRead full reviewThis 265-seat theater prides itself on showcasing audacious new theatrical styles, and it's one of the city’s most unique venues.
- The AnthemUnited States, Washington,Read full reviewThis state-of-the-art concert venue is the city's best new place to catch a show.
- District Winery$$ | United States, Washington, 385 Water St. SERead full reviewThe District’s first winery, in Navy Yard, has a huge (and beautiful!) footprint, with a wine factory, event space, and restaurant.
- Bluejacket$$ | United States, Washington , 300 Tingey St. SERead full reviewThis soaring brewery, restaurant, and bar is spread out over three levels in a historic building in Navy Yard.
Best Weekend Getaways from Washington, D.C.
Where to take a few days away from the capital.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Washington, D.C.
- 19 Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C.The nation’s capital is becoming a seat of power in the restaurant world.
- 15 Best Bars in Washington, D.C.Capitol cocktails
- The 9 Best Rooftop Bars in Washington, D.C.This city has a secret advantage when it comes to drinks with a view.
- 12 Best Brunch Places in Washington, D.C.Our editors' picks for the city's favorite daytime meal.
- The 10 Best Coffee Shops in Washington, D.C.Where to get your caffeine fix in the capital.
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Editor Recommendations
- Rose’s Luxury$$ | 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.
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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.
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News & Advice
All Airbnb Washington D.C. Bookings Are Canceled for Inauguration Week
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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.
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.
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