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Top spots in Washington DC
The National Mall
CultureDowntown
Two miles of memorials and free Smithsonian museums on both sides.
National Gallery of Art
CultureMall
Vermeer, Rothko, and a sculpture garden with a winter ice rink. Free.
Rock Creek Park
OutdoorsNorthwest
1,754-acre forest in the middle of the city — trails, horse stables, planetarium.
Georgetown Waterfront
OutdoorsGeorgetown
Cobblestone streets, Potomac kayaks and the C&O Canal towpath.
Where to eat
Rose's Luxury
$$$New American · Capitol Hill
No reservations, line at 4pm — pork sausage with lychee is the move.
Le Diplomate
$$$French brasserie · 14th Street
Paris transplant on 14th — best people-watching patio in town.
Ben's Chili Bowl
$Half-smokes · U Street
DC institution since 1958 — half-smoke with chili and onions.
Maydan
$$$Middle Eastern / North African · 14th Street
Open-flame hearth cooking in a candlelit courtyard.
Compass Rose
$$Global street food · 14th Street
Khachapuri, jianbing and Trinidadian doubles in a townhouse.
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: The National Mall, National Gallery of Art, Rock Creek Park. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Washington DC and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.