Last year I happened to visit DC twice - the first time in April with my mother, and the second time in December for a photoshoot. Both were just an overnight stay, and I was left with a very abrupt impression. To be honest, I was surprised how different the city was from my expectations. I guess I've been spoiled by NYC and the proximity of absolutely everything, so it really bothers me when I have to get a car to go somewhere. And DC is definitely the city of cars, administrative offices and hmmmm.. a smell of politics at every corner. But forget all this, we still had good time and went full power into exploring mood. So below is a little story accompanied with a guide of best coffee/food spots recommended by the locals.
Of course if you are visiting for the first time, the National Mall is something where you must go. So many times I'd seen it in movies, but couldn't really put the whole picture together. And that view from the Lincoln Memorial overlooking the Washington Monument - do you remember it from Forrest Gump? :)
Honestly, I am not a museum person. I would probably never sacrifice a nice day out for being inside, roaming in the endless hallways of museums without a purpose. But if you like all this, lucky you - all museums on the Mall are free. We only checked the US Botanic Garden, which is located right next to the US Capitol.
We stayed at Dupont Circle Hotel, which helped us to explore the center little more. It was totally deserted the next morning, so we walked around the empty city trying to find something decent to eat and eventually bump into Paul (which I'm a fan of since Moscow times, but surprisingly we don't have it in nyc).
Another place Washington DC is kind of proud of is Chinatown. On a good day it looks very pretty and there are always things to do around this area.
Of course if you are visiting for the first time, the National Mall is something where you must go. So many times I'd seen it in movies, but couldn't really put the whole picture together. And that view from the Lincoln Memorial overlooking the Washington Monument - do you remember it from Forrest Gump? :)
Honestly, I am not a museum person. I would probably never sacrifice a nice day out for being inside, roaming in the endless hallways of museums without a purpose. But if you like all this, lucky you - all museums on the Mall are free. We only checked the US Botanic Garden, which is located right next to the US Capitol.
We stayed at Dupont Circle Hotel, which helped us to explore the center little more. It was totally deserted the next morning, so we walked around the empty city trying to find something decent to eat and eventually bump into Paul (which I'm a fan of since Moscow times, but surprisingly we don't have it in nyc).
Another place Washington DC is kind of proud of is Chinatown. On a good day it looks very pretty and there are always things to do around this area.
We also were advised to check Tidal Basin and the memorials around. Unfortunately for us, the cherry blossom took place a week earlier at the very beginning of April. I could have only imagine the beauty around!
Here are some little tips accumulated from me, my DC friends and my helpful Instagram followers:
COFFEE
~ Paul - fave french food and deserts
2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC
~ Tryst - cozy coffee shop
2459 18th st NW, Washington, DC
~ Kramersbooks & Afrewords Cafe - nice bookstore and cafe
1517 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, DC
FOOD
~ Compass Rose - Mediterranean and ethnic food including famous Georgian Khachapuri
1346 T St NW, Washington, DC
~ Chez Billy Sud - french cousin in Georgetown
1039 31st St NW, Washington, DC
~ Dolcezza Gelato - best ice-cream in town 1704 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC ~ Daikaya - yummy ramen soups 705 6th St NW, Washington, DC ~ Cafe Bonaparte - french cuisine 1522 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC ~ OyaMel - mexican 401 7th St NW, Washington DC
OTHER ~ Madam's Organ - jazz & blues 2461 18th St NW, Washington, DC ~ Ching Ching Cha - chinese tea rooms 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC
Please feel free to add your favorite places in comments. I am sure this will be helpful for future travelers.
Xo
Here are some little tips accumulated from me, my DC friends and my helpful Instagram followers:
COFFEE
~ Paul - fave french food and deserts
2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC
~ Tryst - cozy coffee shop
2459 18th st NW, Washington, DC
~ Kramersbooks & Afrewords Cafe - nice bookstore and cafe
1517 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, DC
FOOD
~ Compass Rose - Mediterranean and ethnic food including famous Georgian Khachapuri
1346 T St NW, Washington, DC
~ Chez Billy Sud - french cousin in Georgetown
1039 31st St NW, Washington, DC
~ Dolcezza Gelato - best ice-cream in town 1704 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC ~ Daikaya - yummy ramen soups 705 6th St NW, Washington, DC ~ Cafe Bonaparte - french cuisine 1522 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC ~ OyaMel - mexican 401 7th St NW, Washington DC
OTHER ~ Madam's Organ - jazz & blues 2461 18th St NW, Washington, DC ~ Ching Ching Cha - chinese tea rooms 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC
Please feel free to add your favorite places in comments. I am sure this will be helpful for future travelers.
Xo
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