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Danielle: DC is spoiled with some of the best museums in the world, and most of them are free to visit. Everyone knows about the Smithsonian’s which are a must-see, however the Spy Museum is the most interesting and interactive museum I’ve been to. The National Zoo (which is part of the Smithsonian's biological conservation inistitute) is also definitely worth a visit! If you're happy to get out of the city, Great Falls National Park has waterfalls with surrounding hikes, this is a true hidden gem, you wouldn't know about this if you weren't living there!
Our Travel Insiders:
Danielle: 49 years old, lived in Washington DC for 4 years with her family and husband.
Margaret: 65 years old, visited Washington DC for 2 weeks solo.
WHAT TO DO
Margaret: If you are visiting in their spring, the Cherry Blossom festival is just beautiful. Georgetown is also worth a day trip if you enjoy shopping, you can stroll down the streets popping into boutiques and eateries. You eventually end up at Georgetown University with its incredible Gothic Architecture.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Photograph Credit:
14th St Restaurants
Dupont Circle - 14th Street Restaurants
Photograph Credit:
WHAT TO EAT
Danielle: We stumbled upon Carmine’s Italian one evening after spending the day in DC – since we lived here through several winters, this became a favourite for hot comfort food. It’s an old fashioned family restaurant and they treat you that way. As we lived slightly out of DC, our favourite restaurant was actually in McLean, Virginia (about a 20 min drive from the city). It's called J. Gilberts, they have the most incredible fillet mignon with scallops. The creme brulee for dessert is not to be missed also.
Margaret: They have this dessert bar called Milk Bar in Logan Circle which was divine, I’m not one for desserts but this was a treat! We also walked around Dupont Circle which is abundant with restaurants and cocktail bars. My favourite (which I went to a couple times admittedly) was the Old Ebbit Grill. The architecture and decor is classic Victorian, reflecting the history which goes back to the 1800s. The menu has your classic New England seafood optoins - they are known for their oysters there - and some classic American favourites. Defintiely worth a meal.
GETTING AROUND
Danielle: Ubers are everywhere in DC, and cheap, so this is a great way to get from A to B, especially at night or if you have kids that have had enough for the day. However, if you are wanting to explore the surrounding suburbs, a rental car would be handy as many places can only be reached by car.
Margaret: The metro system is so easy to navigate and can take you to all the big destinations in DC, it doesn’t quite extend to Georgetown, so it depends how much you like walking. A combination of Ubers and trains worked well for me.
Old Ebbit Grill
Photograph Vredit: Clyde's Restaurant Group
WHERE TO STAY
Danielle: When we first arrived in Washington DC, we stayed in Rosslyn which is just across the river from the main town of DC, so technically it is Virginia. But there is a metro stop there so it takes you straight into the spots you’ll want to go! It’s also walking distance (depending on your accomodation) to Theodore Roosavelt Island which is entirely national park. Great if you enjoy nature! Also slightly cheaper than being IN the city.
Margaret: I stayed at the Pentagon City at some short stay apartments. This felt safe as I was travelling solo. It was a few minutes walk to the Fashion Centre filled with restaurants and stores. There is also a metro stop underneath!
