I was in Washington, DC last weekend for a calligraphy workshop with Meant to Be Calligraphy. Mum came with me on the trip (she’s an amazing calligrapher!), and although we were only in DC for a day and a half, we put on our tourist hats and went all around the city. It was my fourth trip to our nation’s capital – I love it there (pictures of our trip two years ago here). We didn’t get to go to all of my favorite spots, mainly due to time constrictions, but I’ve compiled a “Best of the Best” city guide (according to me). Do you have any suggestions for my next trip to DC? I’m off to San Francisco today! Cannot wait.
Best Restaurants
Rasika (Penn Quarter) – Hands down, the best Indian food of my life – you have to go, and you need to try the crispy spinach appetizer dish
Founding Farmers (Dupont Circle) – My favorite restaurant in DC due to their extensive vegetarian menu (both veggie burgers are amazing), innovative daily popcorn flavors, and ambience
Neyla (Georgetown) – Skip the entrees and order a ton of mezze and you won’t regret it (I’ve tried 6 or 7, and they’re all fantastic)
Austin Grill (Chinatown) – It’s rare for a Texan to want Tex-Mex outside of Texas, but Austin Grill is worth it! Try the Bevo Salad
Zengo’s (Chinatown) – The grilled edamame – enough said – but really, every thing you order is also delicious
SweetGreen (Capitol Hill) – My favorite salad bar style restaurant in the world – add falafel or tofu (or a million other options) as protein to your salad!
Ted’s Bulletin (Capitol Hill) – I’m not a huge breakfast person, but this place is good (tasty granola and 10 Grain Hot Cereal) and always busy
Busboys and Poets (Various) – Books, music, and great good (the trifecta) with a solid vegan and vegetarian menu – go for breakfast, lunch or dinner
Must-Do Activities
Walk around the Smithsonian National Museum of American History (free)
Spend at least 2 hours at the Newseum ($22)
Take your picture in front of the White House (free)
Go to the Jefferson Memorial at night when it’s lit up (free)
Take a tour of Ford’s Theater and see the room in which he died
Visit the Old Post Office Pavilion (before it becomes a hotel!)
Tour the Capitol – or at least take your picture outside (great view from the top of the Newseum)
Shop in Georgetown (try a vegan Georgetown Cupcake!)
Have a drink at the rooftop bar at the W Hotel
Sip a cocktail amongst the ritsy at the Willard Hotel’s Round Robin Bar
Walk through the bustling Chinatown (and eat – see list above!)
Visit the WWII Memorial (and snap a picture in front of your state)
Take the metro and walk around the Pentagon (or take a tour inside!)
Go to the Arlington Cemetery to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Walk down the Reflecting Pool to see the Lincoln Memorial
Absorb the chaos of Union Station
Visit the National Postal Museum (and make a stamp with your face on it!)
Being touristy in front of the White House
Sunset at the Capitol Building
I still prefer Texas’ Capitol building (can I say that?)
Get there early! The line at Ford’s Theater can stretch on and on and on
In front of the actual theater where Lincoln was shot
We LOVE snail mail
Can you imagine my pure joy? An Anchorman exhibit at the Newseum? Biggest fan ever
Other city tours here: