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Washington, DC Travel Guide

Posted by opalsandobsessions on

Hello all!

Since moving to Washington, DC about three years ago, I’ve fully embraced living in this city. I’ve loved exploring all that DC has to offer in both food and culture and want to share that with anyone who plans to visit in the future!

In honor of the Fourth of July being one of the most touristy times in DC, I decided it would be the perfect time to give any potential visitors the rundown of my favorite DC hangs, haunts, and restaurants!

Food 

DC is truly a foodie city and is a paradise for food lovers and experimental testers everywhere! I will say, DC is also famous for it’s brunches so I’ve included a few of my favorite spots on this list.  I’ve chosen some of my favorite places to dine and I will keep adding to it as I continue to explore my city, but do let me know if you’re looking for any specific type of food that I can add in.

  • Best Classic DC Brunch: Busboys & Poets or Farmers, Fishers, Bakers
  • Best Unique Brunch: Halfsmoke
  • Best Healthy Brunch: Emissary or Bluestone Lane
  • Best Upscale Brunch: Iron Gate
  • Best Iconic Restaurant: Le Diplomat
  • Best Happy Hour: Eno Wine Bar
  • Best Casual Bar: Vinoteca
  • Best Pop Up Bar: Drink Company’s PUB
  • Best Rooftop Bar: Colada Shop
  • Best Italian: I Ricchi
  • Best Upscale Italian: San Lorenzo
  • Best French: Le Chaumiere
  • Best Asian Fusion: Teaism (lunch) and Kyirisan (dinner)
  • Best Ramen: Chaplains
  • Best Pho: Pho 88 in Chinatown
  • Best Tapas: Boqueria
  • Best Unlimited Tapas: Toro Toro
  • Best Indian Food: Rasika West End
  • Best Afro-Caribbean: Kith and Kin
  • Best Casual Mexican: El Centro DF or Mission
  • Best Austrian: Kafe Leopold & Konditorei
  • Best Ethiopian: Cher Cher
  • Best Afternoon Tea: The Line or The Watergate
  • Best Cupcakes: Baked + Wired
  • Best Acai Bowl and Smoothies: South Block or Fruitive
  • Best for a Big Celebration: Fiola Mare

Best vegetarian spots:

Museums

  • Best Smithsonian Gallery: Renwick Gallery ( My all time FAVORITE)
  • Best Smithsonian Museums: National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Museum of African American History and Culture (if you can get in)
  • Best Kid-Friendly: National Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum, and International Spy Museum
  • Best Out of the City: Hillwood Museum and Gardens and the Kreeger
  • Best Must-Visit Museum: The Newseum
  • Best Unique Museums: Smithsonian Sculpture Garden, Hirschhorn, Freer-Sackler
  • Best Off-The Beaten Path Museums: Phillips Collection, The Kreeger

Tours

  • White House interior and grounds
  • Library of Congress
  • National Portrait Gallery
  • The Capitol
  • Old Town Alexandria?

Iconic Memorials:

Performances:

  • The Kennedy Center: Ballet or Opera
  • Folger Shakespeare Theater: Shakespeare plays with a modern, fun twist
  • Ford’s Theater
  • Lincoln Theatre
  • Wolf Trap: outdoor concerts, plays, and opera
  • Warner Theater
  • The Black Cat: for local bands almost every night

Seasonal Events:

Restaurant Week: August and February every year

Cherry Blossom Festivities: March through May every year

Christmas (and Holiday Season) Celebrations: From Thanksgiving until early January

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