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Food & History in Washington, DC

By Marcia Frost

Most people go to Washington, DC, only once in their lives on a family vacation or even a school trip. If you aren’t returning to the nation’s capital, you are missing a lot. The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument are a few things that aren’t going to change, but there are always new attractions popping up. The other thing you may not know is that DC has become a foodie haven. All types of cuisine can be found here to provide fuel for your exploring.

What You May Not Have Seen

Even if you have been to the Smithsonian Museums, it’s worth going again. After all, they are free! Exhibits are always changing and you’ll find new things to see. The same goes for the White House. Every President redecorates and there are always changes in the gardens.

The Smithsonian National Zoo has new guests for you to visit, but the Giant Pandas will always be there. Some of the attractions that have recently opened are Planet World Museum, an interactive, voice-activated museum; the Native American Veterans Memorial;  and the World War I Memorial.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial opened in 2011 and I found it very compelling and suggest a visit. The other ones you may not have seen and shouldn’t miss is the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which is on the National Mall.

An event I didn’t know about until my last trip to Washington, DC is the World Embassy Tour. This happens one day a year (usually in May) and is something you can’t experience anywhere else in the world. Embassies open their doors for visitors to learn about the many cultures represented on the city’s Embassy Row. When you step on their grounds, you are actually entering another country. 

Where You Should Eat

Washington, DC is a city filled with people from around the world so it makes sense that its food reflects that. For quick bites to stay or go, Alfa Pie House has freshly made and delicious Greek dishes, salads, and pastries. Brasserie Beck is a perfect lunch spot for a French meal you won’t soon forget.

Cuba Libre is as much an experience as it is a wonderful meal. The décor brings you right into Cuba and the food will support that. Everything is good here, but you must start with the Pineapple Guacamole. Also try their Mojitos.

The Turkish Ottoman Taverna offers a selection of Mediterranean items you probably haven’t had before. Enjoy the bread and dips, and order Sigara Borgl, stuffed with feta cheese. Everything was good here. The prix fixe dinner is a good way to sample a lot.

Where You Should Stay

Washington, DC offers dozens of options to stay in the city and the surrounding areas. It depends on the experience you are looking to have. Hotels range from those filled with history, such as the Watergate, to the luxurious, like the Four Seasons or the Waldorf Astoria. One of the most buzzworthy hotels in DC now is the Pendry DC, which opened in 2022 on the city’s newly renovated wharf. If you are looking for something better on the budget, consider heading a bit out of town. On one of my visits, I stayed at the Embassy Suites. It’s inside the Chevy Chase Pavilion, which has a mall and a rail station.

How You Should Get Around

The Metrorail system in DC is clean and easy to use to get to all of the city’s attractions. I traveled in a mobility scooter and had no problem. It has 97 stations in DC, Virginia, and Maryland. I also found the nation’s capital to have more handicap-accessible Ubers and Lyfts than any other city I had traveled to.

Another option is the Hop on, Hop off bus tours offered by multiple companies. It’s an excellent way of seeing a lot and not having to worry about transportation. Most of the tours make stops at the memorials and museums, as well as Arlington Cemetery and the White House. Check the itinerary before you pick one.

Getting There   Washington, DC is a very easy city to get to. Two major airports are within the city, Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National. In addition, Baltimore Washington Airport is close by.  You can also take Amtrak into DC from anywhere in the country.

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Washington D.C. Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 9, 2024

While the members of Congress and those who attend to them drive up the cost of living here, the city’s student population as well as all the free museums and institutes help keep D.C. a semi-affordable place to visit if you know what to do.

You’ll find an incredible food scene, lots of new and renovated live/work spaces, and a growing cocktail bar scene. Add in the history, tons of free museums, and iconic monuments, and you get an eclectic and fun city to visit with lots to see and do.

This travel guide to D.C. will give you a list of all my favorite tips on what to see, how to get around, and how to save money.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on D.C.

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Washington D.C.

1. Tour the Capitol Building

Located on Capitol Hill, this is where Congress has met since 1800 to write U.S. laws. You’ll start with a short intro film and visit the neoclassical Rotunda, the Crypt (not actually a crypt, but so-called because it resembles one), and the National Statuary Hall (originally built as the meeting location for the House of Representatives). Tours take place Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm. Tickets are free, but you need to reserve them in advance.

2. Explore the Smithsonian Museums

Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum, education, and research complex in the world. There are 17 museums, but some of the best are the Air and Space Museum, the Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Zoo, the Smithsonian Castle, and the American Art Museum. All Smithsonian museums are free to enter, and most are located right along the National Mall (with the exception of the Postal Museum and the Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum).

3. Take a walk through Georgetown

Georgetown is a historic neighborhood that used to be a transit point for farmers selling tobacco in the 1700s. Its home to the oldest house in DC (built in 1765 and appropriately called the Old Stone House), as well as Georgetown University (one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States). Today, the area is known for its fantastic shopping, waterfront harbor, dining scene, and nightlife. Spend some time strolling around taking in the beautiful and well-preserved Georgian homes and architecture. For a unique experience, take a ghost tour of Georgetown with Visit DC Tours .

4. Visit Arlington National Cemetery

This 639-acre (258-hectare) cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 military personnel as well as President John F. Kennedy and his family. An eternal flame marks JFK’s grave. Nearby you can find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a changing of the guard ceremony takes place every 30-60 minutes. The cemetery is open daily, 8am-5pm and free to visit if you’re on foot (no vehicles/bicycles are allowed unless attending a service). For an in-depth 5-hour walking tour, go with Babylon Tours .

5. Check out the monuments

Other things to see and do in washington d.c., 1. tour the white house.

Take a tour of where the most powerful person in the country lives. Built in 1800, here you can learn the history of the building and all those who have inhabited it. You have to apply in advance to get tickets through your member of Congress (within 21-90 days of your visit). If you are a citizen of a foreign country, you need to arrange tours through your embassy in D.C. You will be asked to provide security information several weeks before your tour to be approved so be sure to book early! Tours are free.

2. Visit the Supreme Court

This Neoclassical building, known as the Marble Palace, was built in 1935 and is home to the highest court in the land. Court sessions are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis and there are free 30-minute lectures in the main hall that explain how the court functions. Definitely try to attend one of the lectures as they offer a lot of information about how the court works.

3.Visit the Holocaust Museum

The Holocaust museum is both wonderful and heart-wrenching. It features a large permanent exhibit that takes up three whole levels and tells the story of the Holocaust through films, photos, artifacts, and first-person stories. Exhibits show how the United States responded to Nazism, including first-person stories about the soldiers who saw the aftermath of the Holocaust. There’s even an exhibit that talks about the path to genocide through what happened to the Rohingya in Burma. It’s a very moving museum. Be prepared to cry. Tickets are free but must be reserved online (with a $1 USD advance reservation fee).

4. Take a free walking tour

One of the best ways to take in the city is on a free walking tour (I always start my visits to a new city with one). You get to see the city’s main sights, learn about its history, and have an expert on hand to ask any questions you have. Free Tours by Foot has a good selection to get you started. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

For a unique paid tour, check out the history tour & pub crawl from D.C. Crawling . The tour is $59.

5. Visit the National Zoo

This zoo opened in 1889 and is home to over 1,800 animals spread over 160 acres (65 hectares). Here you’ll find lemurs, great apes, elephants, reptiles, pandas, and more. It was one of the first zoos in the world to create a scientific research program too. While I normally don’t like zoos, the scientific and conservation work they do here is ethically done and with great care to the animals. As part of the Smithsonian, the zoo is free to visit though you will still need to make a reservation online.

6. Visit the Spy Museum

Opened in 2002, the International Spy Museum has exhibits on both historical and contemporary spy craft. See shoes with false bottoms, photos of infamous spies, and interviews with former intelligence officers. There are over 7,000 items in the collection, with information going back to ancient Egypt and Greece and how their spies operated. It’s super interesting! Tickets start at $27 USD.

7. See the cherry blossoms

If you’re in Washington between March and April, don’t miss the Cherry Blossom Festival, which brings in 1.5 million visitors each year. The trees were a gift from Japan to the United States in 1912 and their blossoming is marked by a celebration that includes concerts and fireworks. Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park, and the Washington Monument are the best places to see them up close.

8. Visit Alexandria’s Old Town

Head across the river to Alexandria, VA, a small town with cobblestone streets dotted with colonial buildings and historical landmarks. You can grab a drink or a meal at one of the many restaurants along the waterfront or visit the Carlyle House, a manor from the 1700s. For a look at what the pre-Revolutionary Alexandria harbor was like, check out the replica of the first ship commissioned by the Continental Navy, the Providence. One of the most fun things to do here is the pub crawl/haunted ghost tour, where you explore historic places and haunted buildings while also visiting different pubs. Nightly Spirits runs tours for $30 USD per person. While you’re here, don’t miss the old colonial manors, the former torpedo factory, and the skinniest historic house in the USA (it’s just 7 feet wide!).

9. Explore the National Gallery of Art

The museum was dedicated in 1941 and currently houses more than 150,000 works of art. There are has two wings to explore: the east wing, which houses the gallery’s more modern works (including works by Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko); and the west wing, which contains the collection’s older works (such as works by Sandro Botticelli and Claude Monet). There’s even a painting by Leonardo da Vinci on display. You’ll see a lot of artists painting here and it’s fascinating watching them work to recreate these historic masterpieces. During the summer, the Sculpture Garden often hosts live music too. Admission is free but reservations need to be made online.

10. Visit Embassies during Passport DC

During this annual springtime celebration, more than 70 embassies open their doors to visitors, staging cultural demonstrations, food tastings, and music and dance performances. It’s a remarkable way to spend a few days learning about various cultures and eating tons of delicious food! It takes place every year throughout the month of May. You can learn more at culturaltourismdc.org .

11. Visit the Library of Congress

This is the largest library in the world. There are over 16 million books here and over 120 million other items. Established in 1800, over 3,000 staff help keep this place running. It’s the main research center of the U.S. Congress and is home to the U.S. Copyright Office. Check the website for any special tours happening during your visit (sometimes they open the Music Division’s Whittall Pavilion for public viewing). Don’t miss Thomas Jefferson’s library, Bob Hope’s personal documents (including his famous joke file), and the Gershwin Room dedicated to famous musicians.

12. Hang out on the Tidal Basin

Built in the 19th century, the Tidal Basin is a manmade pond stretching two miles along the National Mall. It covers 107 acres and is about ten feet deep. It serves as a popular hangout spot for locals and visitors and is the best place to see the cherry blossom trees each spring. If you walk the 2.1-mile Tidal Basin Loop Trail, you can see a number of historical sites and memorials like the John Paul Jones Memorial, the Japanese Pagoda, and the site where the first cherry tree was planted. In the spring and summer months, you can rent a paddleboat ($38 USD/hour for a 4-person boat) and spend the afternoon relaxing on the pond.

13. See the National Arboretum

The 446-acre (180-hectare) National Arboretum provides a quiet oasis and is a peaceful spot to hang out with a book and enjoy some nature away from the busy city. It’s home to the National Capitol Columns, giant historic columns that once supported the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol from 1828-1958. Surrounding the columns are gardens as well as exhibits devoted to botanical research and conservation. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is located here as well. The arboretum and museum are free to visit with no advance tickets needed.

14. Explore the National Archives Museum

The National Archives Museum houses the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution, plus one of the few remaining copies of the Magna Carta left in the world. It’s a great place for history buffs as it’s filled with really informative panels. If you’re traveling with children, there are plenty of interactive exhibits inside too. They also host history lectures and panels, so check the website to see what’s happening during your visit. Admission is free, but space is limited, so online reservations are a good idea. There is a $1 convenience fee for making online reservations.

15. Go distillery hopping

If you’re a fan of fine spirits, Washington has several distilleries around the city — many of which are within walking distance of one another. You can visit Republic Restoratives, One Eight, and Don Ciccio & Figli without having to walk far. Most have a tasting room and some even offer self-guided tours.

16. See live music at Wolf Trap

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is a scenic nature park that doubles as a music venue. It hosts tons of live music year-round at the Filene Center. Big performers like Lenny Kravitz, Sting, and The Beach Boys have played here in the past so check the website to see what’s on during your visit.

17. Take a food tour

Blue Fern DC runs a food tour around U Street, which was the heart of Black culture in the USA from the 1920s-1940s. Learn about the history of the area and sample some iconic dishes as you explore. Tours are three hours and start at $112 USD per person. You’ll hear stories about “Black Broadway” during the Jazz Era and how the Civil Rights movement impacted this area while you enjoy samples of the cuisines that directly relate to the stories you’ll hear. Unscripted Tours will take you through a handful of local neighborhoods, like NoMa and Swampoodle, and give you a chance to sample their flavors. This tour is three hours and costs $125 USD per person. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the Underground Donut Tour is the perfect choice. You’ll stop at four different donut shops and learn about their history and significance to the area along the way. The tour is two hours long and costs $70 USD per person.

Washington D.C. Travel Costs

Hostel prices – During peak season, a bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs around $58-68 USD per night, while the same dorm costs $32-50 USD in the off-season. For a room with eight beds or more, expect to pay around $45-60 USD in peak season and $35-45 USD in the off-season. Private double rooms cost around $125 USD per night in peak season and around $105 USD per night in the off-season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some hostels have self-catering facilities. Most do not offer free breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city starting at $20 USD per night for a basic two-person plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at $140 USD in peak season. These are a little bit outside of downtown. If you want to be closer to the main attractions, prices start closer to $170. There’s not a huge change in hotel prices throughout the year, but be sure to book early to get the best prices.These rooms usually come with free wifi, free toiletries, and a coffee maker. Some of them also have fitness centers and parking available, typically for a daily fee.

There are lots of Airbnb options here as well. Private rooms start at $80 USD per night while an entire home/apartment costs at least $125 USD (though they average double that so be sure to book early).

Food – Despite being home to some of the country’s wealthiest dignitaries, there are a lot of cheap food options here. You can get bowls of chili from the world-famous Ben’s Chili Bowl for around $7 USD. Be sure to also try half-smokes, a sausage that is smoked before it’s cooked (it’s the city’s signature dish). You can find them for $8 USD. Mumbo sauce is a local favorite that’s like barbecue sauce, but a bit sweeter. You an find it most restaurants and food trucks.

You can find a simple breakfast at a local café or coffee shop for around $10 USD. For something heartier, you’ll spend more like $15-$20 USD. There are plenty of spots around the city to grab a quick lunch of sandwich or salad for $10-$15 USD.

Chinese food costs around $11-15 USD while a large pizza is around $25 USD. Indian food costs between $15-20 USD for a main dish while fast food (think McDonald’s) is $12 USD for a combo meal.

For a casual meal at a restaurant with table service, expect to pay around $25 USD. For a three-course meal with a drink, prices start at $55 USD and go up from there.

Beer costs around $9-10 USD while a latte/cappuccino is $5.50 USD. Bottled water is $2.50 USD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay about $55-60 USD per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking Washington D.C. Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Washington D.C, expect to spend about $90 per day. On this budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, use public transportation to get around, cook all your meals, and do free activities like visit the Smithsonian and take free walking tours. If you plan on drinking, add another $20-30 USD per day to your budget.

A mid-range budget of about $220 USD per day covers staying in a private Airbnb, having a few drinks at the bar, taking the occasional taxi to get around, eating out for a few meals, and doing some paid activities like in-depth walking tours and museum visits.

On a “luxury” budget of about $400 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, drink as much as you’d like, eat out anywhere you want, and do more guided tours and activities. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Washington D.C. Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Washington can be an expensive city if you’re eating and drinking out a lot. However, budget travelers have endless options for free attractions and cheap food to help keep costs down. Here are some ways to save money in D.C:

• Visit the museums and monuments for free – Most of the museums in D.C. are free. The D.C. museums are some of the most incredible in the U.S. Along with all the museums, the monuments are also free to see.
• Redeem hotel points – Sign up for hotel credit cards and use those points when you travel to save some money on accommodations. There’s nothing better than free nights and most cards come with at least 1-2 free for signing up. This post can help you understand the basics so you can start earning points today and have plenty for your trip.
• Take a free walking tour – DC Walkabout and Free Tours by Foot offer free walking tours of the city. I suggest doing one of these when you arrive so you can ask the tour guide all your questions and get recommendations on what to do in the city. Just be sure to tip your guide!
• Check out the public performances – The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage offers free performances on a weekly basis. Some theaters offer student and senior pricing, and you can also save money by purchasing last-minute tickets.
• Free outdoor theater – During the summer, free outdoor movies are offered at many places around the city. Ask your hotel/hostel staff for details or check with the local tourism office.
• Walk everywhere – Since most of the monuments and museums are in the central area, you can walk everywhere to save money.
• Check out free embassy events – Even when it’s not Passport DC month, DC’s embassies host year-round events. Some are paid concerts or lectures, but often embassies will host free events like screenings and book signings. Eventbrite.com has a regularly updated list.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around the city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing has plenty of hosts throughout the city who can show you around and let you stay with them for free. I’ve used it plenty of times and have really enjoyed it as a way to meet people and get insider tips and advice.

Where to Stay in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. has several affordable hostels around the city. Here are my favorites:

• U Street Capsule Hostel
• DUO Housing DC
• Highroad Hostel Washington DC
• Generator Hostel
• Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
• Washington Plaza Hotel
• Club Quarters Hotel White House

How to Get Around Washington D.C.

Public transportation – D.C’s subway system can get you to most places around the city. There are six color-coded lines, accessible via a rechargeable SmarTrip card. It costs $10 USD to buy and $8 USD of that is fare money (you can also use the SmarTrip app and use your phone as a contactless payment method, bypassing the need to get a physical card). Fares cost between $2-6 USD, depending on distance traveled and time of day (fares increase a little during rush hour).

There’s also an extensive bus system and monorail in the city. You need to pay with exact change or use your SmarTrip card. Fare for the bus is $2 USD and fares for Monorail vary by time. There are passes for the monorail and bus available as well ($13 USD for a day pass, $28 USD for a three-day pass, and $58 USD for a seven-day pass).

The DC Circulator bus runs between the main tourist areas, including Union State, the National Mall, and the White House area. Fares are $1 USD (you can also pay with your SmarTrip card).

There’s a limited streetcar route that also departs from Union State. It’s free to ride.

Bike rental – Capital Bikeshare is Washington D.C’s main bike-sharing program, with over 4,000 bicycles around the city. For a single trip, it costs $1 USD to unlock and then $0.05 USD per minute for a classic bike and $0.15 USD per minute for an ebike. A 24-hour pass is $8 USD (which covers unlimited 45-minute trips on a classic bike and $0.10 USD per minute on an ebike).

There are also lots of scooters here, including Bird, Jump, Lime, and Lyft. Most cost $1 USD to unlock and then $0.40 USD per minute. You need to download their apps to use them.

Water taxi – Potomac Riverboat Co. runs the water taxis up and down the river, between Georgetown, the Wharf, and Old Town Alexandria. Fares range from $22-27 USD per trip.

Taxis – Taxis are super expensive here! Fares start at $3.50 USD and then it’s $2.16 USD per mile after that. Skip them if you can.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a cab.

When to Go to Washington D.C.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit Washington. Autumn is particularly beautiful as the leaves change, but the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the end of March/early April is well worth the trip. May is also a good time to visit for Passport DC month. Average autumn temperatures are 68°F (20°C), while spring is slightly warmer with temperatures getting up to 75°F (24°C) in May.

Summer is peak season in D.C., which means more crowds and inflated prices. In July, temperatures can climb to 89°F (31°C) or higher. On the other hand, the atmosphere in the city is lively during this time and if you can tolerate the heat, it’s a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the free attractions. The city puts on an incredible Fourth of July celebration with tons of fireworks and festivities. Memorial Day is another great time to be in the city to see the parades, concerts, and there’s even a motorcycle rally for veterans. You can also enjoy Summer Restaurant week when local restaurants offer specially-priced menus so you can try some of the best food in the city for much cheaper than usual.

Winter is the off-season. Temperatures can drop to below freezing at night and with high temperatures during the day are between 42°F-47°F (6°C-8°C). Howerver, this is when you’ll get the cheapest accommodation rates. Plus, all the museums and historic sites are crowd-free so if you can stick to indoor activities this is an ideal time to come. There are outdoor events happening, but you’ll definitely want to bring plenty of warm layers. The National Christmas Tree Lighting happens in late November or early December. Georgetown GLOW is an illuminated art event that lights up the historic neighborhood in the evenings throughout December and into January.

How to Stay Safe in Washington D.C.

D.C. is a safe place to travel as violent attacks here are very rare. As with any big city, pickpocketing and petty theft is your main concern, especially around nightlife areas like Shaw, Adams Morgan, and the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station. In general, be vigilant when taking public transportation and around tourist attractions. Thieves are known to take advantage of distracted visitors.

Around the main tourist areas and monuments, watch out for scams. You can learn more about some common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here but the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, I would read one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Washington Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Washington D.C. Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

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10 Great Solo Travel Experiences in Washington, DC

Embark on your own personal adventure through the nation’s capital, from free museums to concerts, outdoor recreation, tours and much more..

Sometimes you just need to be alone. Whether it's a break from the crew during your trip or you're just into checking out a city on your own schedule, DC is a wonderful place for independent, individual explorers. Thanks to its bounty of museums, free activities, scenic outdoor spaces and cultural offerings, the nation’s capital is frequently regarded as an ideal destination for solo adventures – just ask Travel + Leisure , Glamour  and  Good Housekeeping .

Take in a free museum

National Museum of Asian Art

Few solo activities can inspire reflection and intellectual stimulation like a tranquil visit to one of DC’s awesome (and free) museums . For both contemporary and historic art, head to the National Gallery of Art , the Smithsonian American Art Museum , the Renwick Gallery or the Hirshhorn Museum , among many others. History buffs can always have a field day in DC; must-sees include the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture .

Quick tip: for the most contemplative experience, visit a museum soon after it opens (most Smithsonian museums open at 10 a.m.) or in the afternoon (2 p.m. or later).

Marvel at a live concert or theater production

With so many music venues across DC, your options for a music-filled night are plentiful. Venues like Capital One Arena , The Anthem and 9:30 Club are usually top-of-mind for visitors and the largest music acts that come into town. However, places like Black Cat , DC9 , Union Stage and Howard Theatre also frequently host shows and provide a more intimate atmosphere. DC theaters also make for a great evening on the town, especially during the fall and winter when production slates are in full swing.

Enjoy a wellness day at a hotel

From enhanced fitness facilities with natural light and outdoor workout areas to special amenities like hydration stations and morning group classes, DC hotels emphasize wellness with a passion. The Marriott Marquis , The Morrow Hotel , The Darcy , Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill and Westin Georgetown Washington , DC are just a few of the locales redefining healthy stays. Others include the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown , which features 12 wellness rooms complete with air purifiers, Tempur-Pedic mattresses and Vitamin C showers. Eaton Hotel goes even further with crystal greetings and Himalayan salt lamps along with services like yoga, reiki and sound baths.

Traverse DC’s neighborhoods

The variety of experiences found across the neighborhoods of the nation’s capital is what makes the District such a special place to visit. A solo stroll can be a great way to discover shops, restaurants, bars, attractions and activities you would not have encountered otherwise. Some standout neighborhood vibes include Georgetown ’s cobblestone streets, the hustle-and-bustle of 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan , the bounty of businesses to be found along U Street , the plethora of shops and restaurants in Dupont Circle and Logan Circle , H Street ’s revitalized digs and the vibrance of Downtown and Penn Quarter .

Take a walk or ride a bike

When it comes to walkability, DC is always at or near the top of any ranking of U.S. cities; some even position it as one of the most walkable in the world . The nation’s capital prides itself on providing both residents and visitors alike with plenty of space for recreation, with wide bike lanes on streets, more than enough space for taking in sights on foot and a variety of running trails . Outdoor activities and adventures are plentiful; you can take in the scenery of the National Mall , scamper through Rock Creek Park , admire the Capitol Columns at the U.S. National Arboretum or visit one of the city’s numerous national parks and spectacular gardens .

Visit a market

There’s just something about meandering through a market – the diversity of vendors, the smells, the samples, the atmosphere, the people, the languages, the sounds – that allows for a deeper look into the spirit and soul of a city. You will get that and more (plus buckwheat pancakes from Market Lunch on weekends) at Capitol Hill ’s Eastern Market , a community hub for more than 150 years. Of course, no trip to DC is complete without a stop at Union Market in NoMa , a breathtaking food hall that also features kitchenware boutiques and much more. The District is also home to a collection of farmers’ markets , many of which are year-round.

Browse and read at a bookstore or coffee shop

Solid State Books

There are few solo activities as relaxing as a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate ) and a good book. Fortunately, DC loves to read and thrives on coffee. There’s a wealth of independent bookstores that offer great browsing and a healthy dose of charm as well as cafes and bakeries that beckon with the scent of fresh-brewed roasts and spaces to kick back with your current read. Local spots get especially creative with hot and cozy drinks in the fall and winter. 

Go shopping

With so many free things to do in the nation’s capital, you’ll have some extra spending money for a shopping excursion . There’s so much high-end fashion to be found at CityCenterDC while neighborhoods such as Georgetown , Dupont Circle and 14th Street are known for their menagerie of stores. It doesn’t stop there: the city is also home to a vibrant collection of Black-owned and women-owned businesses (which are among the many locally owned shops in DC ), indie boutiques , thrift stores  and even museum gift shops .

Treat yourself at a restaurant or bar

DC’s award-winning dining scene also features a litany of high-value spots . Some eateries/bars separate themselves from the rest with offerings that are particularly amenable to solo diners: Bistro du Jour (small Parisian-sized tables), Opaline (cozy bar seating), Chef Geoff’s West End (a big bar and high-top area), Love, Makoto (new foodie haven), Unconventional Diner (lively old-school diner atmosphere near the Convention Center), L’Ardente (a reservable pizza bar for solos), ilili (picturesque setting at The Wharf with signature cocktails), Residents Café and Bar (heated patio plus friendly bartenders) and The Grill (waterfront views and dirty martinis).

Choose from an array of themed tours

DC Design Tours

Thanks to its landmarks and easily navigable terrain, the nation’s capital is a joy to tour. For your solo journey, you can choose from all kinds of themed excursions, from a Mangia DC Food Tour to treks through the spooky side of DC to on-the-water adventures to architecture tours to info-packed expeditions to some of the most notable spots in the District.

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