A must-see with tons to explore. Remember your cover when entering, and see the history of spies. What else can you do? Well, that's confidential. And an inside spy tip, mention AAA for a discount.
Despite what you think of congress, come by for an iconic view of the building that houses the US' body of legislation.
Check out American Presidents for portraits of the 43 presidents of the U.S., incl. the greatest historical painting in our nation's history, Gilbert Stuart's "Lansdowne" portrait of George Washington
The tiki terrace is a hidden gem upstairs. Thursdays have half-priced happy hour from 5-9 with fun drinks like the Coco Face and Navy Grog. Make sure you try the fried chicken skins! Read more.
You’ll pick up the Myrrh perfume you didn’t know you were lacking and stumble upon a local florist pop-up all in the same visit. It’s an urban bohemian paradise for Anthropologie graduates. Read more.
Get the signature Pineapple and Pearls and the Mexican Hot Chocolate buns, if you can. Wait, you can get pistachio milk in your coffee?! Read more.
For a caffeine kick in the pants, sip on an Espresso Cola, an unholy combination of Mexican Coca-Cola and two shots of espresso. Another must-try: The Nutella mocha. Yes, Nutella. Read more.
The Smithsonian Institution was founded for the "increase and diffusion" of knowledge from a bequest to the United States by the British scientist James Smithson, who had never visited the US himself.
For dinner, call ahead for reservations at Old Ebbitt Grill (001 202 347 4800). It's one of the city’s landmark restaurants and a favourite of former presidents including Theodore Roosevelt.
Stop in for a delicious fresh coffee, or stay for a sandwich (starting at $5). They use local produce from farmers markets and have a garden on the premises. They close at 6pm on weekends. Read more.
Everyone comes to get the salty oat cookies ($1.95), but the Bento boxes ($8.75) have a little more substance. Of course they have lots of tea iced or hot. They even use tea to flavor their salmon. Read more.
If you like classic diner fare, milkshakes, burgers, etc...this is the place. Breakfast is served all day, and the classic 2 eggs, home fries, and toast is just $6.75. Dinner is from 11am to 10pm. Read more.
Go for an artisan lattes (expertly poured with foam designs like leafs and such)...
At this stylish neighborhood addition, a rooftop infinity pool (a rarity for D.C.) raises the hotel luxury bar. Need a last-minute restaurant reservation? Ask your personal concierge.
A 60-plus-year-old institution known for its no-frills grub. Our favorite: the Chili Half Smoke, a pork-and-beef smoked sausage on a steamed bun with mustard, onions, and Ben’s signature chili sauce.
A clubby speakeasy serving classic cocktails. Order one (or two or three) of the old-fashioned fizzes or sours, plus olives or another light bite from the snack menu.
This is another one of DC's most under-rated gems! Saw the terracotta warriors here and always have a great time whenever I revisit!
The small museum has a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and an Elizabethan garden in the back, and is nice to visit combined with a performance.
Quiet, off the beaten track lounge located in East Capitol Hill, specializing in delicious cocktails made with fresh fruit and the largest Absinthe selection in the city.
Trusty's sister bar in Eastern Market, with an excellent draft selection, pizza and pub food, average prices.
The upstairs bar has an excellent happy hour and there is patio seating, good weather providing.
The name refers to general positions on U.S. national security policy. TVs are tuned to CNN. Regardless, this is a good bar, with cheaper drinks than you'll get elsewhere in the neighborhood.
The live music continues upstairs, but for the most part this is just a nice neighborhood style and mildly divey pub, and a block off Eastern Market. Once the regular home to Roberta Flack.
The museum has great artifacts and is organized by era. Don't leave without trying the FBI shooting game.
