If you want to stretch your legs and see the city, D.C. is incredibly walkable. Here is a mix of our personal favorite neighborhood paths and the D.C. classics:

The Capitol Loop: This is our absolute favorite walk in the city, and it holds a massive place in our hearts because it’s our engagement spot and Capitol Hill was our home for many years. Take a loop around the stunning Capitol grounds and the Supreme Court for some of the best views of the mall in town.

Georgetown Stroll: Take a walk down the historic cobblestone streets, walk along the Potomac, and the explore the best shopping in town on M Street and Wisconsin Avenue. Also conveniently the neighborhood of our Friday Welcome Party venue! If you're looking for a place to grab a drink before the festivities, try Le Bar a Vin, adjacent to our favorite restaurant, Chez Billy Sud.

Eastern Market: If you are looking for something fun to do on Saturday morning, head to Capitol Hill’s historic Eastern Market. The streets close down for a vibrant outdoor market packed with local artists, food vendors, and fresh flowers. This was our Saturday morning routine for many years! Grab a coffee from Peregrine and a bagel from Bullfrog - you will not be disappointed.

The National Mall: You can't visit D.C. without seeing the classics. Take a stroll along the Mall to see the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and so much more.

The National Cathedral: For a slightly quieter getaway, make the trek up northwest to the Washington National Cathedral. The architecture is spectacular, but the real hidden gem is the peaceful, stone-walled Bishop’s Garden right next to it. Afterward, grab a great coffee or brunch at Open City cafe, which sits right on the beautiful cathedral grounds. This was one of our favorite first date spots!

If you need to escape D.C. heat (or a summer rain shower!), the city has world-class indoor spaces. The best part? Almost all of them are completely free! Here are our absolute favorites:

National Gallery of Art: This is a personal favorite of ours! It is the perfect place to spend a hot day. The galleries are stunning, the air conditioning is ice-cold, and entry is completely free. Don't miss the underground moving walkway with its cool light installation between the East and West buildings.

The Botanic Garden: Located right at the foot of Capitol Hill, this historic indoor conservatory is packed with incredible tropical plants and orchids. It’s also completely free, making it the perfect indoor pivot if you are already checking out The Hill. If you're lucky, you'll be in town for the blooming of the infamous corpse flower! 💀🌹

National Museum of American History: Another fantastic free Smithsonian option right on the Mall. It houses everything from the original Star-Spangled Banner flag to the First Ladies' inaugural gowns.

National Museum of African American History and Culture: This is an absolutely incredible, moving museum, but entry requires a free timed-entry pass. You can book these online 30 days in advance, so be sure to check their website early if you plan to visit!

The Washington Monument: If you want to ride the elevator 500 feet up to the very top for the best 360-degree views of the city, you will need to book tickets ahead of time. Tickets open up 30 days in advance on Recreation.gov for a $1 reservation fee, and they go incredibly fast. When Andrew and Maura did this, it coincidentally fell on the day of the parade for the Washington Capitals after they won the Stanley Cup - they got to watch the D.C. streets turn red with fans from way up high!

D.C. has an incredible food scene, and we have spent a lot of time eating our way through it. Here are our favorite spots to grab a bite while you're in town:

Breakfast & Pastries

Je Ne Sais Quoi (Dupont Circle): An incredible French bakery that is within easy walking distance of both of our hotel blocks. You cannot go wrong with anything there, but Andrew loves their pain au chocolat and croissants. Grab a pastry and a coffee to start your day!

South Block (Multiple Locations): Our absolute go-to for a healthy breakfast option. Maura loves their smoothies and Andrew their acai bowls—perfect for keeping you fueled and cool in the summer heat.

Bread Furst (Northwest / Van Ness): If you make the trip up northwest to check out the National Cathedral, you must stop here. Located right next to Andrew's old apartment, it’s a legendary D.C. bakery with phenomenal fresh breads and pastries. Make sure to try their messy egg sandwich.

Bullfrog Bagels (Capitol Hill): Our favorite bagel establishment (and that's saying something!) Grab a classic bagel with cream cheese or a breakfast sandwich. A great option if you're exploring Capitol Hill/Eastern Market on Saturday.

Quick and Casual Lunch Spots

Union Market (Northeast): This is a fantastic food hall that we used to frequent all the time (located not far from Union Station.) It is packed with incredible local vendors, meaning everyone in your group can grab exactly what they want. If you've got a big appetite, make sure to check out Soko Butcher, located in the back right. Their cheesesteak is the best thing on the menu but you can't go wrong with any sandwich!

7th Street Burger (Georgetown & Dupont): Straightforward, no-nonsense smashburgers and fries made fresh to order. They have a spot right in Georgetown (perfect to grab if taking a break from shopping!) and one right in Dupont Circle near the hotels.

District Taco (Multiple Locations): A beloved local fast-casual chain that started as a D.C. food truck. It’s our favorite spot for quick tacos, burritos, and excellent chips and guac.

Sweet Treats

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (Multiple Locations): A go-to favorite of ours. Stop by the Barrack's Row or 14th Street location to cool off!

Andrew's favorite flavors: Cold Brew with Coconut Cream and Texas Sheet Cake

Maura's favorite flavors: Gooey Butter Cake and Salty Caramel

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (Multiple Locations): Another phenomenal option - there are shops all over the city, including right in Georgetown and Dupont!

Andrew's favorite flavor: Ice Cream Cake

Maura's favorite flavor: Ice Cream Cake

Sit-Down Meals

If you are arriving in town early enough and looking for a sit-down meal, these are our absolute favorites:

Chez Billy Sud (Georgetown) & Café Colline (Arlington): Chez Billy Sud is tucked away on a quiet side street in Georgetown and is an absolute, all-time favorite of ours. Meanwhile, their sister spot, Café Colline, is the quintessential neighborhood gem right down the street from our new home. If you want the best steak frites, an incredible burger, or a spectacular roast chicken, book a reservation at either one immediately.

Le Diplomate (Logan Circle): The ultimate D.C. staple. It’s a bustling, gorgeous French brasserie with incredible food and even better people-watching. You will absolutely need a reservation well in advance for this one! Don't forget to try the bread basket (there is nothing better than the cranberry walnut!). Andrew's go-to order is the roast chicken while Maura cannot break away from the burger americain. Order extra burger sauce on the side, you will not regret it!

Rasika (Penn Quarter or West End): Our favorite place to go with a large group! Widely considered some of the best Indian food in the country. The palak chaat (crispy spinach) is legendary.

Bistro du Coin (Dupont Circle): A wonderfully loud, fun, and totally unpretentious French bistro right in the neighborhood of our hotel blocks. Perfect for classic steak frites and a great bottle of wine.

Dumplings and Beyond (Glover Park): This is our absolute favorite Uber Eats delivery spot in the city. If you just checked into your hotel and want to collapse in bed with the best dumplings and Chinese comfort food in town, order this immediately.

Pupatella (Capitol Hill & Multiple VA Locations): A spectacular sit-down option for a casual pizza lunch. They make incredibly authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and have a great lunch special that comes with a side salad. Another great Uber Eats option if you're in the mood for pizza!

Millie’s (Spring Valley): This one is a bit of a trek up northwest, but it is worth it if you find yourself up that way exploring the National Cathedral. It’s a bright, coastal-inspired spot with amazing tacos and a frosé that will knock your socks off!

Whether you’re looking for a happy hour, a post-sightseeing cocktail, or a true neighborhood dive, these are our favorite watering holes across the city:

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab (Downtown): You absolutely must hit their Cocktail Hour (every day from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM at the bar and high-top tables). It features half-price draft beers, wines by the glass, and classic cocktails. Our favorites include their seasonal Gin & Tonic, the off-menu Clevelander, and their delicious bar snacks. The buffalo cauliflower, chicken tenders, and fried calamari are all top notch.

Tune Inn (Capitol Hill): If you find yourself over by the Capitol, you have to stop by this legendary spot. It is the quintessential D.C. dive bar (it’s been open since World War II!). There are no frills here, only neon signs, taxidermy on the walls, cold beer, and great vibes. Order a beer and soak in the history.

Quill at The Jefferson (Downtown): A stunning, upscale lounge tucked inside The Jefferson Hotel. This is Andrew’s absolute favorite spot for a post-work drink. It has an elegant atmosphere and phenomenal cocktails.

Osteria Mozza (Georgetown): Grab a seat at the beautiful bar inside this spectacular Italian hotspot. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an excellent glass of wine or cocktail in a gorgeous setting. Given its popularity in D.C., it can be great for people watching, too!

Sequoia (Georgetown): If you are wandering around Georgetown and looking for a waterfront option, head to the outdoor patio here. The drinks come with incredible panoramic views of the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center, and the Key Bridge. Just remember to wear your SPF - no sunburns at the wedding!