Your Guidebook
Food scene
Indian food.
Indigo
243 K St NENew England-style seafood spot: e.g. stuffed clams, lobster rolls, rotating specials, cheesy smash burgers. Riverside patio right next to Nationals Park.
26 locals recommend
The Salt Line
79 Potomac Ave SENew England-style seafood spot: e.g. stuffed clams, lobster rolls, rotating specials, cheesy smash burgers. Riverside patio right next to Nationals Park.
Indian cuisine with indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, as well as delivery.
74 locals recommend
Rasika West End
1190 New Hampshire Ave NWIndian cuisine with indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, as well as delivery.
Daikaya The Izakaya
705 6th Street NorthwestRamen noodles for takeout and delivery.
Mediterranean cuisine: e.g. crispy Brussels sprouts with coriander seed and barberries, kebabs, pita breads, Greek yogurt cheesecakes. Limited dining on-site to go with takeout and delivery covering family-style feasts full of lamb, chicken, or smoked mushroom tagines.
121 locals recommend
Zaytinya
701 9th St NWMediterranean cuisine: e.g. crispy Brussels sprouts with coriander seed and barberries, kebabs, pita breads, Greek yogurt cheesecakes. Limited dining on-site to go with takeout and delivery covering family-style feasts full of lamb, chicken, or smoked mushroom tagines.
Has a six-course omakase menu filled out by seasonal dishes, options include tapas like short rib steamed buns, bento boxes, brunch, and sake. Patio seating with fire pits on a first-come, first-serve basis. Takeout is an option too.
Cranes
724 9th Street NorthwestHas a six-course omakase menu filled out by seasonal dishes, options include tapas like short rib steamed buns, bento boxes, brunch, and sake. Patio seating with fire pits on a first-come, first-serve basis. Takeout is an option too.
Cuisine from Trinidad: e.g. pimento-smoked jerk wings, crispy kale, whole fried snapper escovitch, cumin-rich geera pork belly with a packaged side of culantro sauce.
27 locals recommend
Cane
403 H St NECuisine from Trinidad: e.g. pimento-smoked jerk wings, crispy kale, whole fried snapper escovitch, cumin-rich geera pork belly with a packaged side of culantro sauce.
Laosing cuisine: e.g. crispy chili glazed wings, grilled pork neck with lemongrass, Lao papaya salad. Carry out, indoor dining, and outdoor service across a cozy tented patio (one-hour limit with a $20 deposit).
127 locals recommend
Thip Khao Restaurant
3462 14th St NWLaosing cuisine: e.g. crispy chili glazed wings, grilled pork neck with lemongrass, Lao papaya salad. Carry out, indoor dining, and outdoor service across a cozy tented patio (one-hour limit with a $20 deposit).
Malaysian cuisine. Order takeout or delivery. Tables are available in a dining room or on a patio.
24 locals recommend
Makan
3400 11th St NWMalaysian cuisine. Order takeout or delivery. Tables are available in a dining room or on a patio.
Dry-aged beef cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches with more kimchi, and fries covered with mushroom gravy and cheese curds, etc.
56 locals recommend
Ellē
3221 Mt Pleasant St NWDry-aged beef cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches with more kimchi, and fries covered with mushroom gravy and cheese curds, etc.
Mixes Asian, Italian, and Middle Eastern ingredients. Has a $75-per-person multi-course feasts featuring buttermilk grit cakes and a foie gras terrine with hazelnuts. Order à la carte bites or courses-out meals for pickup or delivery.
9 locals recommend
Rooster & Owl
2436 14th St NWMixes Asian, Italian, and Middle Eastern ingredients. Has a $75-per-person multi-course feasts featuring buttermilk grit cakes and a foie gras terrine with hazelnuts. Order à la carte bites or courses-out meals for pickup or delivery.
Sets an Arabic table with communal plates like lamb hindshanks rubbed in basturma spices, turmeric- and coriander-spiced chickens, or whole heads of cauliflower with tahina, zhug, za’atar, Aleppo pepper, and fermented dairy kishk. Has an outdoor setup. Also open for takeout and indoor dining.
65 locals recommend
Maydan
1346 Florida Ave NWSets an Arabic table with communal plates like lamb hindshanks rubbed in basturma spices, turmeric- and coriander-spiced chickens, or whole heads of cauliflower with tahina, zhug, za’atar, Aleppo pepper, and fermented dairy kishk. Has an outdoor setup. Also open for takeout and indoor dining.
Serves Korean bar food with a refined touch: e.g. seafood fried rice with buttered kimchi. Open for takeout, delivery, and indoor dining. A small patio out front offers a four-course tasting menu.
9 locals recommend
Anju
1805 18th St NWServes Korean bar food with a refined touch: e.g. seafood fried rice with buttered kimchi. Open for takeout, delivery, and indoor dining. A small patio out front offers a four-course tasting menu.
Spanish cuisine: e.g. sautéed shrimp, crispy cauliflower with smoked eggplant tahini, mushroom croquettes, and a strong cross-section of cheese, charcuterie, and bocadillos. Has heated sidewalk patio.
117 locals recommend
Estadio
1520 14th St NWSpanish cuisine: e.g. sautéed shrimp, crispy cauliflower with smoked eggplant tahini, mushroom croquettes, and a strong cross-section of cheese, charcuterie, and bocadillos. Has heated sidewalk patio.
Sushi Taro
1503 17th St NWMichelin-starred sushi bar. Has indoor dining & pick up.
Michelin-starred restaurant. Offers Italian food from Tues to Sat. To-go dinner for 2 comes with a wine pairing picked by its sommelier. Has a courtyard for aperitivo hour and tasting dinners.
48 locals recommend
Masseria
1340 4th St NEMichelin-starred restaurant. Offers Italian food from Tues to Sat. To-go dinner for 2 comes with a wine pairing picked by its sommelier. Has a courtyard for aperitivo hour and tasting dinners.
Cuisine from Central America: Honduran staples like plate-sized flour tortilla baleadas, fried chicken with plantain chips. There are also Salvadoran pupusas and pan con pollo as well a selection of Mexican dishes like: white pozole, chicken mole Poblano, and tacos. Call for takeout orders or walk in for limited indoor seating.
Benitos Place
1437 11th St NWCuisine from Central America: Honduran staples like plate-sized flour tortilla baleadas, fried chicken with plantain chips. There are also Salvadoran pupusas and pan con pollo as well a selection of Mexican dishes like: white pozole, chicken mole Poblano, and tacos. Call for takeout orders or walk in for limited indoor seating.
French cuisine: e.g. Muscovy duck paella à la Française, coq au vin, gruyere omelet topped with Parisian ham, cheeseburger, shrimp and grits flanked with bacon, smoked cheddar, bell pepper, and lemon zest. Except for escargot, the full menu is available for takeout and delivery. Open for happy hour, limited patio seating, and indoor dining for dinner seven days a week.
68 locals recommend
Convivial
801 O St NWFrench cuisine: e.g. Muscovy duck paella à la Française, coq au vin, gruyere omelet topped with Parisian ham, cheeseburger, shrimp and grits flanked with bacon, smoked cheddar, bell pepper, and lemon zest. Except for escargot, the full menu is available for takeout and delivery. Open for happy hour, limited patio seating, and indoor dining for dinner seven days a week.
St. Anselm
1250 5th St NESteakhouse with patio dining, delivery & pick up options.
Offers things like: fried chicken, double cheeseburgers, and bite-size pot pie poppers. Daily brunch bites. Takeout, delivery, and dine-in.
34 locals recommend
Unconventional Diner
1207 9th St NWOffers things like: fried chicken, double cheeseburgers, and bite-size pot pie poppers. Daily brunch bites. Takeout, delivery, and dine-in.
East African cuisine: e.g. Pliant chapati flatbread, spinach sauteed in coconut milk, and chicken curry. Go for indoor and limited outdoor dining or order delivery via third-party apps. Call for carryout and curbside pickup.
8 locals recommend
Swahili Village - The Consulate DC
1990 M St NWEast African cuisine: e.g. Pliant chapati flatbread, spinach sauteed in coconut milk, and chicken curry. Go for indoor and limited outdoor dining or order delivery via third-party apps. Call for carryout and curbside pickup.
Thai food. Order for pickup or in-house delivery, reserve a table for indoor or outdoor dining.
Baan Siam
425 I Street NorthwestThai food. Order for pickup or in-house delivery, reserve a table for indoor or outdoor dining.
Burmese food: turmeric-tinged mohinga curry, noodles and stewed catfish, lahpet thoke, pickled tea leaf salad interspersed with crunchy broad beans.
7 locals recommend
Thamee
1320 H St NEBurmese food: turmeric-tinged mohinga curry, noodles and stewed catfish, lahpet thoke, pickled tea leaf salad interspersed with crunchy broad beans.
Italian cafe: e.g. ratatouille omelets out of long-handled frying pans, pizza, 10-layer eggplant Parmesan, charred chicken and escarole salad. Order takeout or delivery.
Piccolina da Centrolina
963 Palmer Alley NWItalian cafe: e.g. ratatouille omelets out of long-handled frying pans, pizza, 10-layer eggplant Parmesan, charred chicken and escarole salad. Order takeout or delivery.
Offers things like: Taiwanese fried chicken, dim sum, crystal shrimp dumplings, lo mein topped with pork shoulder and chicken confit. Book a table or order pickup and delivery online.
284 locals recommend
Maketto
1351 H St NEOffers things like: Taiwanese fried chicken, dim sum, crystal shrimp dumplings, lo mein topped with pork shoulder and chicken confit. Book a table or order pickup and delivery online.
Sightseeing
History buffs might enjoy the man of few words' two famous speeches, the second inaugural address and the Gettysburg Address, which are both etched into the memorial's opposing walls. Art history and architecture aficionados will enjoy admiring the building's striking design by Henry Bacon, complete with 38 Doric columns, 36 of which signify the states in the Union at the time Lincoln passed away.
Though most agree the Lincoln Memorial is worth checking out during the day or at night, many recent travelers say the most captivating time to visit is after dark when the attraction is lit and less crowded.
697 locals recommend
Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NWHistory buffs might enjoy the man of few words' two famous speeches, the second inaugural address and the Gettysburg Address, which are both etched into the memorial's opposing walls. Art history and architecture aficionados will enjoy admiring the building's striking design by Henry Bacon, complete with 38 Doric columns, 36 of which signify the states in the Union at the time Lincoln passed away.
Though most agree the Lincoln Memorial is worth checking out during the day or at night, many recent travelers say the most captivating time to visit is after dark when the attraction is lit and less crowded.
Every spring, the Tidal Basin bursts with color as cherry blossom trees bloom into cotton candy-colored tufts, and they attract hordes of visitors. You can follow the path that leads around the basin, but many recent visitors recommended testing the waters in a paddle boat. Paddle boats are available to rent. You can pick up a paddle boat every day from March through October from the boat dock near Maine Avenue.
Even if you don't make it to town for the cherry blossoms, you won't want to miss the three memorials that can be found along the Tidal Basin's shores: the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
123 locals recommend
Tidal Basin
20245 National DrEvery spring, the Tidal Basin bursts with color as cherry blossom trees bloom into cotton candy-colored tufts, and they attract hordes of visitors. You can follow the path that leads around the basin, but many recent visitors recommended testing the waters in a paddle boat. Paddle boats are available to rent. You can pick up a paddle boat every day from March through October from the boat dock near Maine Avenue.
Even if you don't make it to town for the cherry blossoms, you won't want to miss the three memorials that can be found along the Tidal Basin's shores: the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
If you're any kind of art connoisseur, you should make a stop at the National Gallery of Art. Composed of the East Building, which houses the gallery's more modern works (think: Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko), and the West Building, which contains the collection's older works (from Sandro Botticelli to Claude Monet), this museum has enough to fill an entire afternoon; pace yourself and maybe order a coffee, gelato or lunch at one of the gallery's five bars and cafes.
Also, if you're traveling in the summertime on a Friday evening, past visitors recommend heading into the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for some jazz. Or, travelers suggest catching one of the free concerts offered in the East Building's auditorium and the West Building's East and West Garden courts. The latter are available every Sunday evening from February to June.
385 locals recommend
National Gallery of Art
Constitution Avenue NorthwestIf you're any kind of art connoisseur, you should make a stop at the National Gallery of Art. Composed of the East Building, which houses the gallery's more modern works (think: Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko), and the West Building, which contains the collection's older works (from Sandro Botticelli to Claude Monet), this museum has enough to fill an entire afternoon; pace yourself and maybe order a coffee, gelato or lunch at one of the gallery's five bars and cafes.
Also, if you're traveling in the summertime on a Friday evening, past visitors recommend heading into the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for some jazz. Or, travelers suggest catching one of the free concerts offered in the East Building's auditorium and the West Building's East and West Garden courts. The latter are available every Sunday evening from February to June.
Many travelers highly recommend a visit to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Kennedy Center houses the National Symphony Orchestra, the Suzanne Farrell Ballet and the Washington National Opera, as well as a number of other theater and musical performances throughout the year. You can take in a performance for free on the Millennium Stage.
The venue's rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River and the surrounding area. To learn about the theater's history and architecture, join one of the building's free guided tours. Tours are offered several times a day by theater volunteers.
498 locals recommend
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F St NWMany travelers highly recommend a visit to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Kennedy Center houses the National Symphony Orchestra, the Suzanne Farrell Ballet and the Washington National Opera, as well as a number of other theater and musical performances throughout the year. You can take in a performance for free on the Millennium Stage.
The venue's rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River and the surrounding area. To learn about the theater's history and architecture, join one of the building's free guided tours. Tours are offered several times a day by theater volunteers.
Designed to replicate the three-tiered crowns found in Yoruban art from West Africa, with bronze-colored latticework accents that honor the United States' slave roots, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture opened on the National Mall in 2016. More than 36,000 African American artifacts are displayed inside, including photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a fedora once worn by Michael Jackson.
Though you'll likely get emotional while looking around the property, past travelers said this museum is "phenomenal" and well worth a visit. But remember, this institution is still fairly new, so you'll need to obtain a free timed entry pass. Same-day tickets are available every day at 6:30 a.m., while advance passes for visits that are three months away are released on the museum's ticket page on the first Wednesday of every month at 9 a.m. Both are offered on a first-come, first-served basis until they run out. A limited number of walk-up passes are also handed out on weekdays starting at 1 p.m.
451 locals recommend
National Museum of African American History and Culture
1400 Constitution Ave. NWDesigned to replicate the three-tiered crowns found in Yoruban art from West Africa, with bronze-colored latticework accents that honor the United States' slave roots, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture opened on the National Mall in 2016. More than 36,000 African American artifacts are displayed inside, including photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a fedora once worn by Michael Jackson.
Though you'll likely get emotional while looking around the property, past travelers said this museum is "phenomenal" and well worth a visit. But remember, this institution is still fairly new, so you'll need to obtain a free timed entry pass. Same-day tickets are available every day at 6:30 a.m., while advance passes for visits that are three months away are released on the museum's ticket page on the first Wednesday of every month at 9 a.m. Both are offered on a first-come, first-served basis until they run out. A limited number of walk-up passes are also handed out on weekdays starting at 1 p.m.
Even if you're only in town for a short trip, visiting the Washington Monument and the White House – two marbleized symbols of the free world – is a must for any first-time D.C. visitor.
1097 locals recommend
The White House South Lawn
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NWEven if you're only in town for a short trip, visiting the Washington Monument and the White House – two marbleized symbols of the free world – is a must for any first-time D.C. visitor.
At 555 feet and 5 inches, the Washington Monument (at its completion in 1884) was the tallest structure in the world. And nowadays, you can ride one of the monument's glass-encased elevators to the top observation deck to enjoy 360-degree views of the city. You can explore the attraction's exterior for free 24 hours a day, but National Park Service rangers are only available from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. to answer questions. The monument itself is open to visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the National Park Service's Washington Monument page for more information.
790 locals recommend
Washington Monument
2 15th St NWAt 555 feet and 5 inches, the Washington Monument (at its completion in 1884) was the tallest structure in the world. And nowadays, you can ride one of the monument's glass-encased elevators to the top observation deck to enjoy 360-degree views of the city. You can explore the attraction's exterior for free 24 hours a day, but National Park Service rangers are only available from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. to answer questions. The monument itself is open to visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the National Park Service's Washington Monument page for more information.
The arboretum rewards its visitors with beautiful outdoor spaces. Its outdoor collections range from dogwoods to azaleas to magnolias, but none of the plants are the area’s primary attraction. Instead, most travelers make the trek here for the National Capitol Columns and its bonsai collection. The National Capitol Columns were built in 1828, decorated the Capitol building until 1958 and found their way to the arboretum in the 1980s. Now, the columns serve as an excellent place to snap photos or enjoy a picnic. The area’s bonsai trees sit in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, which boasts an astounding 300 miniature trees that staff members rotate through the museum’s three pavilions and special exhibits gallery.
Travelers appreciate the U.S. National Arboretum’s bonsai collection and Capitol Columns. Be sure to wear a pair of comfy sneakers and visiting during the spring or summer so that you can best take advantage the arboretum’s numerous winding walking trails and experience peak bloom for its various gardens.
350 locals recommend
United States National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NEThe arboretum rewards its visitors with beautiful outdoor spaces. Its outdoor collections range from dogwoods to azaleas to magnolias, but none of the plants are the area’s primary attraction. Instead, most travelers make the trek here for the National Capitol Columns and its bonsai collection. The National Capitol Columns were built in 1828, decorated the Capitol building until 1958 and found their way to the arboretum in the 1980s. Now, the columns serve as an excellent place to snap photos or enjoy a picnic. The area’s bonsai trees sit in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, which boasts an astounding 300 miniature trees that staff members rotate through the museum’s three pavilions and special exhibits gallery.
Travelers appreciate the U.S. National Arboretum’s bonsai collection and Capitol Columns. Be sure to wear a pair of comfy sneakers and visiting during the spring or summer so that you can best take advantage the arboretum’s numerous winding walking trails and experience peak bloom for its various gardens.
More than 2,700 animals call the Smithsonian's 163-acre National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute home, from Asian elephants to great apes to sea lions. While here, don't miss your chance to meet the zoo's most popular resident, a baby panda named Bei Bei. Also, be sure to look up every now and then as you stroll beneath the Orangutan Transport System (called the O Line): Chances are you'll spot orangutans swinging along cables between eight steel towers. Or, if you're more intrigued by the exotic animals native to South America, head over to the 15,000-square-foot Amazonia exhibit, home to creatures like titi monkeys and yellow-rumped caciques.
771 locals recommend
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave NWMore than 2,700 animals call the Smithsonian's 163-acre National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute home, from Asian elephants to great apes to sea lions. While here, don't miss your chance to meet the zoo's most popular resident, a baby panda named Bei Bei. Also, be sure to look up every now and then as you stroll beneath the Orangutan Transport System (called the O Line): Chances are you'll spot orangutans swinging along cables between eight steel towers. Or, if you're more intrigued by the exotic animals native to South America, head over to the 15,000-square-foot Amazonia exhibit, home to creatures like titi monkeys and yellow-rumped caciques.