There are 132 hotels with 31,673 rooms within the greater metropolitan area of Washington D.C. alone. America’s capital receives over 22 million visitors every year of which 20 million are domestic. The list of places to visit is staggering but then so too are the Washington foodie options. 72 restaurants in the city get the incredibly high 4.5 or above out of 5 score on Zagat and 2016 D.C. was awarded the Restaurant City of the Year award.
So if you want to make a flying visit, spend some more time, or even look for a job in order to fund a tour, Washington D.C. should be your next destination.
The Washington Foodie, Freebie & More Guide
The fantastic freebie list
The list of world class monuments and attractions that are free to enter in Washington D.C. is simply staggering. There are literally dozens of museums, galleries and other venues that are the envy of cities around the world. It is great to know that when you are raising finances and budgeting for your trip, the attractions don’t need to be included. Here is just a snapshot of suggestions:
It’s steeped in political history
You’ve seen the Lincoln Memorial in so many films and T.V. series but you have to stand below honest Abe to really feel the power of this monument. After the memorial, you could pretend to be President Bartlett in The West Wing by visiting The White House and the Washington Monument. Regardless of whether or not the current President is your cup of tea, this is still the seat of power and a symbol of democracy that should not be missed. Even if you are not the sort of person who would normally visit a library or parliamentary building the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress are two wonders should not be ignored. Stunning architecture, humbling scale and enough detail to leave you with your jaw on the floor.
The museums to end all museums
The National Air and Space Museum is a mindblowing and exciting tribute to the achievements of humankind. Try to keep your eyes in your head as you marvel at the Wright Flyer, The Spirit of St Louis, the X-15 and so many more outstanding and unique exhibits.
Whether your favorite animal is small or large you will find it at The National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. More than just a collection of cages, as zoos were in the past, the Institute is at the forefront of global conservation efforts.
The National Museum of Natural History tells the story of our planet in stunning detail and at a scale that defies belief. All of the Smithsonian museums are outstanding and all are worth a day each.
Not just the big tourist traps
Washington D.C. just loves to add value to any traveler’s trip. At any time there will be dozens of free events springing up around the city. D.C. offers everything from free festivals, to galleries, performances, plays, musical events and so much more besides. Your only problem will be keeping track of it all!
Where to eat?
One of mankind’s eternal questions, and one that D.C. doesn’t make easy. The city has a list of restaurants so awesome and unique that it would take you years to get through a bucket list of their top dishes. Regardless of your tastes, you will find something to blow your socks off.
Meats & Food at Bloomingdale has a half smoke sausage that will clear the sinuses. This masterpiece is both spicy and tasty and it plays with your senses. If you prefer something delicious without the meat there is the Falafel Sandwich at Amsterdam Falafel in Adams Morgan. This one sandwich can round off any day in style. Five delicious balls of goodness with just the right accompaniments to set it off perfectly! If you’d prefer seafood, the Rappahannock Oyster Bar in Union Market has fresh oysters straight from the Rappahannock River. These are prepared with love by a local family that has been doing so for generations.
If you are looking for something a bit different, the Little Serow ribs in Dupont Circle are smokey, sweet, and marinated in Mekhong Spirit. These pork ribs defy description and must be tasted to be believed. Rose’s Luxury in Barracks Row has another dish that is difficult to describe, the pork and lychee salad. All you need to know is that the lines go around the block to taste it. Another interesting take on pork can be found at Panda Gourmet in Arboretum. The Mapo Tofu is Tofu mixed with ground pork! This sounds like it is surely the work of a heretic, yet Panda Gourmet didn’t care for the rule book and mixed it up. Pork, Tofu, chili, various bean pastes, garlic and other explosive ingredients make this the best tofu dish in town.
The (other) city that never sleeps
Washington D.C. is famous the world over for being a political hotbed of intrigue and power, but it is so much more. 24/7, the city offers incredible free places to visit and restaurants that are simply out of this world. If you have to visit one city in America this summer, make it this one.
This ‘Washington Foodie’ post was written by Jennie Ogden for The Lady-like Leopard.