--- title: Washington DC Travel Guide: What to See, What to Eat, Where to Stay description: Everyone knows the basics when it comes to visiting the nation’s capital—see the White House, the Capitol, Supreme Court, the monuments—but the locals know there’s... canonical: https://time.com/2899928/washington-d-c-travel-guide/ author: Elizabeth Dias article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2014-07-09T13:28:07.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-05-11T04:42:56.122Z og:title: Washington, D.C.: See This, Skip That og:description: Everyone knows the basics when it comes to visiting the nation’s capital—see the White House, the Capitol, Supreme Court, the monuments—but the locals know there’s... og:url: https://time.com/2899928/washington-d-c-travel-guide/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1c5d2f12d9268335/698698a5adae44f2e6543ccd/washington-dc-capitol-building.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: The US Capitol and Reflecting Pool. og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Washington, D.C.: See This, Skip That twitter:description: Everyone knows the basics when it comes to visiting the nation’s capital—see the White House, the Capitol, Supreme Court, the monuments—but the locals know there’s... twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1c5d2f12d9268335/698698a5adae44f2e6543ccd/washington-dc-capitol-building.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # Washington, D.C.: What to See and What to Skip by [Elizabeth Dias](https://time.com/author/elizabeth-dias/) ## Elizabeth Dias Jul 9, 2014 1:28 PM UTC  View of the U.S. Capitol over the Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C on Oct. 6, 2013. View of the U.S. Capitol over the Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C on Oct. 6, 2013.Jon Hicks—Corbis by [Elizabeth Dias](https://time.com/author/elizabeth-dias/) ## Elizabeth Dias Jul 9, 2014 1:28 PM UTC Everyone knows the basics when it comes to visiting the nation’s capital—see the White House, the Capitol, Supreme Court, the monuments—but the locals know there’s a lot more that is worth checking out. Here’s a rundown of the best of DC: **What to See**  A woman reads a magazine while enjoying classical music at the exhibit "Orchid Symphony" in the conservatory of the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., on March 12, 2014. Kevin LaMarque—Reuters If you like art but are overwhelmed by the more popular art museums on the mall, the [Phillips Collection](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.phillipscollection.org) offers an intimate modern art collection, with Renoirs and Rothkos tucked away in a Edwardian Dupont row home. Even if you don’t go to a show or concert, check out the [Kennedy Center](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.kennedy-center.org%2findex.cfm) rooftop for skyline views of the city. The [Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fairandspace.si.edu) is classic fun for all ages, and the [United States Botanic Garden](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.usbg.gov) is a refreshing natural respite from the hustle by the Capitol—in the winter, it even has an exhibit that recreates DC out of plants. The district has several summer Screen on the Green options: [NoMa Summer Screen](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.nomabid.org%2fnoma-summer-screen%2f) complete with local food trucks, [Golden Triangle](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fgoldentriangledc.com%2fdo%2fgolden-cinema-series1) Cinema Series, and, new in 2014, [Films at the Stone](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fdc.about.com%2fod%2ffilmfestivals%2fa%2fFilms-At-The-Stone.htm), at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. [Meridian Hill Park](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.nps.gov%2fmehi%2findex.htm)on 16th is famous for its tiered fountains and a fun drum circle that meets on the upper level every Sunday afternoon. A bit farther out, the [Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.nationalshrine.com) is the largest Catholic church in North America, and [Washington National Cathedral](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.nationalcathedral.org) is the sixth largest cathedral in the world. Sports fans might want to check out a [Nats game](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwashington.nationals.mlb.com%2findex.jsp%3fc%5Fid%3dwas) or [DC United](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.dcunited.com) match. **What to Skip**  Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 24, 2012. Frederic Soltan—Corbis Most important tip: skip the memorials during the day—instead, go at night to see them lit up, and don’t miss the World War II and Vietnam Wall shrines. The [Newseum](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.newseum.org) is a tough sell for the $22.95 entrance fee, especially when the Smithsonian history museums are free and have similar exhibits. [Georgetown Cupcake](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgetowncupcake.com) never ceases to be an endless tourist fascination thanks to a television show, but [Baked and Wired](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fbakedandwired.com) down the street has no line, and superior cupcakes.[](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fjackrosediningsaloon.com)Adams Morgan has turned into the college kids nightlife spot, so if that’s not your scene, only Jack Rose (whiskey heaven) and [Las Canteras](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.lascanterasdc.com) (best Peruvian, even in a [lime shortage](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2ftime.com%2f57173%2fa-costly-lime-shortage%2f)) are worth the trip. [Ben’s Chili Bowl](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fbenschilibowl.com) downtown is a tourist trap.[National Harbor](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fnationalharbor.com) is farther than you think, and without good public transportation, cabs can be pretty pricey for the corporate-feel payoff. [Jazz in the Sculpture Garden](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.nga.gov%2fcontent%2fngaweb%2fcalendar%2fjazz.html) can be fun, but less fun since BYO alcohol is a no-go for your picnic.  Union Market on April 5, 2014 in Washington, D.C. Leigh Vogel—Getty Images **Where to Eat** * DC is a foodie heaven, so much so that its hard even for locals to keep pace with the new restaurant openings. Here’s some to get you started: * Coffee. [Filter](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.filtercoffeehouse.com) and [Dolcezza](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fdolcezzagelato.com) (also known for its gelato) are hip DC’s espresso spots. [Many places](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fvigilantecoffee.com%2fpages%2fproudly-serving-vigilante-coffee) also serve DC’s local brew, Vigilante Coffee. * Brunch. If DC is a happy hour town during the week, it is brunch-obsessed on the weekends. [Le Diplomate](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2flediplomatedc.com) boasts delicious French-inspired plates, [Farmers Fishers Bakers](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.farmersfishersbakers.com) has an unreal buffet spread, [The Pig](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.thepigdc.com) is known for its pork and bourbon maple syrup, [Red Rocks](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.redrocksdc.com) has a chill outdoor patio, [Ted’s Bulletin](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2ftedsbulletin14thstreet.com) is good for families and its homemade pop tarts, and [Masa 14](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.masa14.com) is a must for its bottomless drinks. If you don’t mind waiting, the blueberry buckwheat pancake line at[Market Lunch](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.easternmarket-dc.org%2fdefault.asp%3fcontentID%3d46) inside Eastern Market is a fun activity. * Lunch. If you try one spot, make it [Union Market](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2funionmarketdc.com). It’s a warehouse full of different local food artisans and pop-up kitchens, making it good for a group with lots of different taste buds. * Dinner. You can’t really go wrong at any of the places on 14th Street between Logan Circle and U Street, or with anything in chef Jose Andres’ restaurant group (including [Zaytinya](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.zaytinya.com), [Oyamel](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.oyamel.com), [Jaleo](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.jaleo.com), and [minibar](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.minibarbyjoseandres.com)). Mike Isabella’s [Graffiato](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fgraffiatodc.com) is famous for its seasonal small plates.[Tosca](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.toscadc.com) is the finest and freshest Italian around. [Founding Farmers](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wearefoundingfarmers.com) offers farm-inspired goodness, or for a quick and delicious bite, there’s always burgers and milkshakes at [Good Stuff Eatery](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.goodstuffeatery.com). Belgian-fare [Brasserie Beck](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fbrasseriebeck.com), 555-beer-cellar [Birch and Barley](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fbirchandbarley.com), modern-Indian [Rasika](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.rasikarestaurant.com)…we could go on and on. Columbia Heights on 11th St. has gems like [Room 11](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.room11dc.com), [El Chucho](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fwww.facebook.com%2fpages%2fEl-Chucho-Cocina-Superior%2f239994009413803), and [Meridian Pint](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.meridianpint.com). The more adventuresome may want to check out the Atlas District, H Street NE from Union Station out to Benning Rd NE, a hipster haven with favorites including [Ethiopic](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.ethiopicrestaurant.com) and, Washington’s best, [Toki Underground](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2ftokiunderground.com%2f%23%2f) ramen. The best kept dining secret? [Little Serow](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2flittleserow.com), a northern Thai speakeasy does not take reservations, but its seven-course, prix-fix menu will blow you away. Definitely worth putting your name in early and then grabbing a drink at nearby [Hanks Oyster Bar](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fhanksoysterbar.com) while you wait. **Drinks**  The bar inside Proof on G street in Washington, D.C. Darko Zagar For a classic DC experience, [Point of View](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wwashingtondc.com%2fPOV-Roof-Terrace-Washington-DC), the W Hotel’s Rooftop, is a must—it overlooks the White House. [DNV Rooftop](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.zentanrestaurant.com%2frooftop%5Foverview.php)at the Donovan House has great views to the city’s north. Cocktails are great at [Pearl Dive](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.pearldivedc.com) and [Bar Charley](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fwww.facebook.com%2fbarcharleydc). For wine, check out [Barcelona](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.barcelonawinebar.com%2fwashingtondc.htm) or [Proof](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.proofdc.com). Beer is top-notch at [Right Proper Brewing Company](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2frightproperbrewery.com) (while you’re at it, try out some of the new places cropping up in Shaw), [Biergarten Haus](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fbiergartenhaus.com), and [Granville Moore’s](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.granvillemoores.com). [Nellie’s Sports Bar](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.nelliessportsbar.com), [Satellite Room](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fsatellitedc.com), and [American Ice](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.amicodc.com) are the go-to’s on U Street. Dining Pro-Tip. Get reservations. Most places are on [OpenTable,](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.opentable.com%2fwashington-dc-restaurants) and DC is definitely a reservation culture, so walking in can mean a long wait. **Where to Stay** The [Hay-Adams](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.hayadams.com) features stunning views of the White House and the Washington Monument, and it’s where President Obama and his family stayed before they moved into the 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. If you want luxury in the heart of Georgetown, book a room at the [Four Seasons](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.fourseasons.com%2fwashington%2f)—just don’t expect it to come cheap. [Le Méridien](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=http%3a%2f%2flemeridienva.com) just over the Potomac in Rosslyn is a stylish, boutique spot, or if you want to skip the hotel route, you can check out Airbnb’s [neighborhood guide](https://tmpowa2.timeinc.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=ApuJslS-Rk6jCGiEhLiMTCsYnD6DX9EIi7EmVMkZSvHMx%5FNjJ45aGRyZwjujXLm%5FnZXbZJxLDx8.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fwww.airbnb.com%2flocations%2fwashington-dc). ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/2899928/washington-d-c-travel-guide/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/2899928/washington-d-c-travel-guide/"},"headline":"Washington, D.C.: What to See and What to Skip","datePublished":"2014-07-09T13:28:07.000Z","dateModified":"2026-05-11T04:42:56.122Z","description":"Everyone knows the basics when it comes to visiting the nation’s capital—see the White House, the Capitol, Supreme Court, the monuments—but the locals know there’s...","url":"https://time.com/2899928/washington-d-c-travel-guide/","keywords":["Living","Travel","Smithsonian","washington DC"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1c5d2f12d9268335/698698a5adae44f2e6543ccd/washington-dc-capitol-building.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Elizabeth Dias","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/elizabeth-dias/"}],"articleSection":"","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1c5d2f12d9268335/698698a5adae44f2e6543ccd/washington-dc-capitol-building.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"The US Capitol and Reflecting Pool.","caption":"The US Capitol and Reflecting Pool.","creditText":"Jon Hicks—Corbis","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/tag/time-section-living/","name":"Living"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/2899928/washington-d-c-travel-guide/","name":"Washington, D.C.: What to See and What to Skip"}}]}] ```