Guidebook for Washington
Food Scene
Delicious as a lunch or dinner option! It's also my favorite spot to grab a coffee or matcha latte and work remotely. They have a great coffee shop upstairs with free wifi.
284 locals recommend
Maketto
1351 H St NEDelicious as a lunch or dinner option! It's also my favorite spot to grab a coffee or matcha latte and work remotely. They have a great coffee shop upstairs with free wifi.
Toki Underground
1234 H St NE Best ramen in DC!
RedRocks H Street
1348 H St NEEasy food option for a family. Delicious pizza!
My favorite local bistro with delicious farm-to-table dishes!
176 locals recommend
Sally's Middle Name
1320 H St NEMy favorite local bistro with delicious farm-to-table dishes!
Union Market is one of my favorite local hang outs! Don't be deterred by the warehouses -- Union Market is worth the walk! You'll find everything from cool pop-up shops, food stalls, coffee shops to some of the best oysters in the city! Don't forget to head over to Dolcezza for the best gelatto in DC!
906 locals recommend
Union Market
1309 5th St NEUnion Market is one of my favorite local hang outs! Don't be deterred by the warehouses -- Union Market is worth the walk! You'll find everything from cool pop-up shops, food stalls, coffee shops to some of the best oysters in the city! Don't forget to head over to Dolcezza for the best gelatto in DC!
Best gelatto in the city! Head to their factory for the best flavor options and really cool vibes.
30 locals recommend
Dolcezza Factory
550 Penn St NEBest gelatto in the city! Head to their factory for the best flavor options and really cool vibes.
My favorite coffee chain in the city. They have several locations in DC but the Blagden Alley location is my favorite. It's a converted carriage house that won't fail to impress!
163 locals recommend
La Colombe Coffee Roasters
924 Blagden Alley NWMy favorite coffee chain in the city. They have several locations in DC but the Blagden Alley location is my favorite. It's a converted carriage house that won't fail to impress!
Their coffee is on-point (skip the match...you'll thank me later) and their decor is stunning!
57 locals recommend
The Wydown at the Apollo
600B H St NETheir coffee is on-point (skip the match...you'll thank me later) and their decor is stunning!
Vegan paradise! They have everything from sit-down restaurant options to coffee to-go.
52 locals recommend
Fare Well
406 H St NEVegan paradise! They have everything from sit-down restaurant options to coffee to-go.
One of my favorite French options in DC! Check out their amazing brunch special -- $19.99 for an appetizer and entree with a glass of champs.
97 locals recommend
Le Grenier
502 H St NEOne of my favorite French options in DC! Check out their amazing brunch special -- $19.99 for an appetizer and entree with a glass of champs.
Delicious french food, awesome coffee and dessert, and one of the trendiest vibes in the city.
513 locals recommend
Le Diplomate
1601 14th St NWDelicious french food, awesome coffee and dessert, and one of the trendiest vibes in the city.
Tabard Inn
1739 N St NWA hidden gem! Head to Tabard Inn for a quintessential DC food scene.
We have several Michelin-starred restaurants near our AirBnB, but Masseria is currently our favorite. It's a hidden gem, the service is impeccable, it has a great bar and the food is mouthwatering!
48 locals recommend
Masseria
1340 4th St NEWe have several Michelin-starred restaurants near our AirBnB, but Masseria is currently our favorite. It's a hidden gem, the service is impeccable, it has a great bar and the food is mouthwatering!
Another one of our favorite Michelin-starred restaurants in the area. They don't take reservations (unless you are a party of 6+) so make sure to get in line no later than 4:30pm if you want to get seated. Yes, 4:30pm even though they don't open until 5:00pm. You can always hire a Task Rabbit to wait in line for you!
303 locals recommend
Rose's Luxury
717 8th St SEAnother one of our favorite Michelin-starred restaurants in the area. They don't take reservations (unless you are a party of 6+) so make sure to get in line no later than 4:30pm if you want to get seated. Yes, 4:30pm even though they don't open until 5:00pm. You can always hire a Task Rabbit to wait in line for you!
Rose's Luxury's sister restaurant with it's own Michelin star. The best part? they take reservations! They have a fixed menu price of $275/person but that includes all drinks, tax and gratuity. They won't even bring you a bill!
41 locals recommend
Pineapple and Pearls
715 8th St SERose's Luxury's sister restaurant with it's own Michelin star. The best part? they take reservations! They have a fixed menu price of $275/person but that includes all drinks, tax and gratuity. They won't even bring you a bill!
Yet another one of our favorite Michelin-starred restaurants in the area! Get the lamb with mint...you can thank me later.
62 locals recommend
Tail Up Goat
1827 Adams Mill Rd NWYet another one of our favorite Michelin-starred restaurants in the area! Get the lamb with mint...you can thank me later.
Looking for simply delicious food with great service and a cool ambiance? Then head to the Dabney in Blagden Alley. This is one of the most popular Michelin-starred restaurants in the city so they book up well in advance. Insider Tip: They always hold a few tables for walk-ins. Show up early but if you still have to wait for a table, grab drinks at the Columbia Room next door.
109 locals recommend
The Dabney
122 Blagden Alley NWLooking for simply delicious food with great service and a cool ambiance? Then head to the Dabney in Blagden Alley. This is one of the most popular Michelin-starred restaurants in the city so they book up well in advance. Insider Tip: They always hold a few tables for walk-ins. Show up early but if you still have to wait for a table, grab drinks at the Columbia Room next door.
This is one of our favorite secret spots for delicious latin food. They don't take reservations but that normally isn't an issue.
92 locals recommend
The Royal
501 Florida Ave NWThis is one of our favorite secret spots for delicious latin food. They don't take reservations but that normally isn't an issue.
My favorite spot for a matcha latte. They also have delicious breakfast sandwiches!
61 locals recommend
A Baked Joint
430 K St NWMy favorite spot for a matcha latte. They also have delicious breakfast sandwiches!
Best sandwiches shop in the city! It's in an alley so you'll have to go out of your way to find this place. It's worth it! Go well before they close. If they run out of bread -- which they often do -- they close early.
104 locals recommend
SUNdeVICH
1314 9th St NWBest sandwiches shop in the city! It's in an alley so you'll have to go out of your way to find this place. It's worth it! Go well before they close. If they run out of bread -- which they often do -- they close early.
BEST Indian food in the city! Grab a table outside and get ready for deliciousness!!
148 locals recommend
Indigo
243 K St NEBEST Indian food in the city! Grab a table outside and get ready for deliciousness!!
Really, really difficult to get in but worth the effort! Tehy don't take reservations and their space is very small. I'm talking 15-20 people max. If you are looking for something different, this is the place to go.
120 locals recommend
Bad Saint
3226 11th St NWReally, really difficult to get in but worth the effort! Tehy don't take reservations and their space is very small. I'm talking 15-20 people max. If you are looking for something different, this is the place to go.
Local to DC, Sweetgreen is a great option between museum visits. They have delicious seasonal salads!
23 locals recommend
sweetgreen Capitol Hill
221 Pennsylvania Avenue SoutheastLocal to DC, Sweetgreen is a great option between museum visits. They have delicious seasonal salads!
Ted's Bulletin
505 8th St SEGet their poptarts!
Best fixed price menu deal in the city! For $19.99/per person you get bread, a delicious salad and steak frites.
62 locals recommend
Medium Rare
515 8th St SEBest fixed price menu deal in the city! For $19.99/per person you get bread, a delicious salad and steak frites.
Oldest restaurant in the city, and right next to the White House. Enough said!
152 locals recommend
Old Ebbitt Grill
675 15th St NWOldest restaurant in the city, and right next to the White House. Enough said!
DC Wisey's
1440 Wisconsin Ave NWThe iconic macron shop has made it's way to Georgetown!
This is where President Kennedy proposed to Jackie. You can even request to sit in the booth where he proposed!
54 locals recommend
Martin's Tavern
1264 Wisconsin Ave NWThis is where President Kennedy proposed to Jackie. You can even request to sit in the booth where he proposed!
Head to this Georgetown staple for delicious burgers and pub fare. Feeling a little daring after your dinner? The Exorcist stairs are right next to the Tombs.
20 locals recommend
The Tombs
1226 36th St NWHead to this Georgetown staple for delicious burgers and pub fare. Feeling a little daring after your dinner? The Exorcist stairs are right next to the Tombs.
Drinks & Nightlife
Looking to have a fun night out with locals? Head to the H Street Country Club!
196 locals recommend
H Street Country Club
1335 H Street NortheastLooking to have a fun night out with locals? Head to the H Street Country Club!
Beer garden & roof deck! Awesome place to hang out with friends with massive-sized beers.
142 locals recommend
Biergarten Haus
1355 H St NEBeer garden & roof deck! Awesome place to hang out with friends with massive-sized beers.
Rock & Roll Hotel
1353 H St NEGreat for dancing!
Looking to get a little rowdy? Head to Miss Whiskey's!
119 locals recommend
Little Miss Whiskey's Golden Dollar
1104 H St NELooking to get a little rowdy? Head to Miss Whiskey's!
Great Speakeasy right on 14th street. Make sure to make a reservation in advance!
103 locals recommend
the Gibson
2009 14th St NWGreat Speakeasy right on 14th street. Make sure to make a reservation in advance!
Head to the W's rooftop bar for the most spectacular views of the Monuments! It's definitely a place "to be seen" to dress appropriately.
55 locals recommend
W Washington D.C.
515 15th St NWHead to the W's rooftop bar for the most spectacular views of the Monuments! It's definitely a place "to be seen" to dress appropriately.
Parks & Nature
United States National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NELooking for a quiet place to escape the city, or for a local secret spot for the cherry blossoms? Head to the beautiful Dumbarton Oaks!
39 locals recommend
Dumbarton Oaks Museum
1703 32nd St NWLooking for a quiet place to escape the city, or for a local secret spot for the cherry blossoms? Head to the beautiful Dumbarton Oaks!
This is where Justin proposed to me! It has the best views of the National Monuments, and you'll have them all to yourselves. Bring a picnic and enjoy the views!
7 locals recommend
Netherlands Carillon
This is where Justin proposed to me! It has the best views of the National Monuments, and you'll have them all to yourselves. Bring a picnic and enjoy the views!
Essentials
Whole Foods Market
600 H St NEGiant Food
1345 Park Rd NWCVS
645 H St NEThis is our go-to grocery shop for all of our Italian food needs! Everything from 100s of pasta options to some of the best wine options in the city. You'll arrive and think you've made a big mistake, but trust me, embrace your inner "guido" and walk in. It's been in this same spot since 1935 so that has to say something! They also have delicious Italian sandwiches!
45 locals recommend
A. Litteri
517 Morse St NEThis is our go-to grocery shop for all of our Italian food needs! Everything from 100s of pasta options to some of the best wine options in the city. You'll arrive and think you've made a big mistake, but trust me, embrace your inner "guido" and walk in. It's been in this same spot since 1935 so that has to say something! They also have delicious Italian sandwiches!
Getting Around
Head to Union Station to catch the metro, Amtrak, BoltBus, MegaBus, DC Metro Bus, etc.
629 locals recommend
Union Station
Head to Union Station to catch the metro, Amtrak, BoltBus, MegaBus, DC Metro Bus, etc.
NoMa-Gallaudet U New York Ave Station
200 Florida Ave NEDC Streetcar
2550 Benning Rd NEIt's free!
Shopping
Salt & Sundry
1625 14th St NWAll things you never knew you wanted/needed!
Shopkeepers
1231 Florida Ave NESightseeing
Needless to say, a must-do while in DC. You can reserve your FREE tickets to tour the Capitol via your Congressional office or via the US Capitol Visitor's Center website. The tour is wonderful! Have a hook up in the House or Senate? Ask to be taken to the House Floor, Speaker's Balcony and/or top of the Capitol dome.
670 locals recommend
United States Capitol
First Street SoutheastNeedless to say, a must-do while in DC. You can reserve your FREE tickets to tour the Capitol via your Congressional office or via the US Capitol Visitor's Center website. The tour is wonderful! Have a hook up in the House or Senate? Ask to be taken to the House Floor, Speaker's Balcony and/or top of the Capitol dome.
Unfortunately, the Monument is still closed so you will only be able to see it from the outside.
790 locals recommend
Washington Monument
2 15th St NWUnfortunately, the Monument is still closed so you will only be able to see it from the outside.
Go really early and sit on the steps to see the sun rise above the Capitol.
697 locals recommend
Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NWGo really early and sit on the steps to see the sun rise above the Capitol.
Worth the walk around the Tidal Basin to give TJ a visit.
258 locals recommend
Thomas Jefferson Memorial Bookstore
16 E Basin Dr SWWorth the walk around the Tidal Basin to give TJ a visit.
Most people skip the Teddy Roosevelt Island, but it's worth a visit.
165 locals recommend
Theodore Roosevelt Island Park
Most people skip the Teddy Roosevelt Island, but it's worth a visit.
One of my favorite memorials in DC! Especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season.
104 locals recommend
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
1850 West Basin Dr SWOne of my favorite memorials in DC! Especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season.
A solemn reminder of the price of freedom. Definitely worth a visit!
115 locals recommend
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
5 Henry Bacon Dr NWA solemn reminder of the price of freedom. Definitely worth a visit!
Korean War Veterans Memorial
900 Ohio Dr SWAlbert Einstein Memorial
2101 Constitution Ave. NWHidden gem!
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
1964 Independence Ave SWSpectacular Memorial with stunning views of the monuments. Walk over to the Netherlands Carillon for the best views of the monuments.
120 locals recommend
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Spectacular Memorial with stunning views of the monuments. Walk over to the Netherlands Carillon for the best views of the monuments.
Washington National Cathedral
Electric part of the city with plenty of restaurant options and nightlife.
107 locals recommend
Chinatown
604 H St NWElectric part of the city with plenty of restaurant options and nightlife.
Take a leisure walk from our AirBnB to the National Mall (approx. 25 minutes) and enjoy the National Monuments as you walk by. Don't try to walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial unless you are a very fit. It's a lot further than it looks!
1111 locals recommend
National Mall
Take a leisure walk from our AirBnB to the National Mall (approx. 25 minutes) and enjoy the National Monuments as you walk by. Don't try to walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial unless you are a very fit. It's a lot further than it looks!
Georgetown
Capitol Hill
Plan well in advance and send a White House tour request over to your Congressman/woman or Senator's office. The Secret Service will require that you provide sensitive information like your social security, etc. Tours are free and last about an hour.
1097 locals recommend
The White House South Lawn
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NWPlan well in advance and send a White House tour request over to your Congressman/woman or Senator's office. The Secret Service will require that you provide sensitive information like your social security, etc. Tours are free and last about an hour.
The trendiest part of the city for the best restaurant and nightlife scene! Lucky for you, that's where our AirBnB is located.
133 locals recommend
H Street Corridor
The trendiest part of the city for the best restaurant and nightlife scene! Lucky for you, that's where our AirBnB is located.
Where the locals hide from the hoards of tourists. Head to the Dupont Fountain with a sandwich for a perfect spot to people watch.
301 locals recommend
Dupont Circle
Where the locals hide from the hoards of tourists. Head to the Dupont Fountain with a sandwich for a perfect spot to people watch.
With Dupont Circle becoming more well-known, the locals are heading to Logan Circle. Restaurants, shops and bars galore on 14th Street, NW!
60 locals recommend
Logan Circle
With Dupont Circle becoming more well-known, the locals are heading to Logan Circle. Restaurants, shops and bars galore on 14th Street, NW!