Washington City Guide
Washington DC is a large international and multi-cultural city embedded with thriving ethnic pockets. As home to hundreds of embassies, DC has an international flair with cultural events and festivals celebrating traditions from around the world. There is always something to do in DC with events, concerts, museums and parks to explore throughout the city. Its reputation as a transient city is palpable with a population ranging from students to scholars and politicians, merging an eclectic mix of individuals from every country, background and status, jumbled into one bustling city housing the nation’s greatest and most powerful leaders.
DC is full of activity every week, from cultural festivals to local businesses, theater, and more. We highly encourage you to take advantage of your time here to experience the city to its fullest.
Hot Spots
Winding down after a long week? Enjoy the nightlife? Here’s a few corridors abuzz with activity:
Dupont – Home to multiple clubs, good eats, and more. Centered around a park and accessible via the red line.
Adams Morgan (Admo) - Bustling with life, Adams Morgan, affectionately known as Admo, is home to bookshops, vintage stores, and restaurants galore. Be sure to check out the DC Arts Center or the Comedy Club.
H Street – Restaurants, local bookshops and more dot this street, which has trolley cars spanning its length.
Culture
Smithsonian - The Smithsonian Institution combines 18 different museums, including Air & Space, the Holocaust Museum and the National Zoo. All Smithsonian museums are free to the public. Hours are subject to change for national holidays. Most museums have changing exhibits, along with a robust collection of items of interest. In addition, some hold special events on a recurring basis, including lectures, celebrations, and extended hours. Most museums on the Hill are accessible via the Smithsonian metro stop on the blue, orange, and silver lines. Please note that some museums require registration in advance, though registration does not incur a cost.
Artisans – Check out markets with local vendors selling food, clothes, and antiques every weekend in Georgetown, Dupont, and Eastern Market. Markets are subject to changes due to inclement weather.
Shakespeare Theater Company puts on multiple productions, not just the Bard’s work! Check their site for more details. Additional theaters include the National Theater and Wooly Mammoth Theater.
Music
A vibrant cultural hub, DC is filled with music venues for every taste! Whether you love a packed concert hall, or a calm evening of music while you dine, there’s something for everyone.
The Kennedy Center, in addition to regular theatrical productions, has a free concert series every Friday. Space is limited. Other large music venues include 9:30 Club, Anthem, Capital One Hall, and more. If you’re looking for a quieter setting, many local restaurants host bands. Check online to see where live music may be near you.
Movies
Angelika – a small theater just outside of Union Market. Rooms are small and shows vary from blockbusters to indie flicks.
Gallery Place Theatre – A movie theater in the heart of Chinatown, accessible via the red, green and yellow lines.
Outdoor Movies – There are multiple places to see a movie outside, including Alethia Tanner Park, Union Market, the REACH, and more.
Sports and Activities
If the great outdoors calls to you, don’t let the city limits confine you! DC is close to multiple parks, trails, and open-air activities!
The National Arboretum – Home to trees from all 50 states, the arboretum is a great place for a picnic and fresh air. Check online for events.
The National Botanical Gardens – On the National Mall, the gardens are half indoors, so don’t let a chilly day deter you from making a visit.
Paddleboarding – There are multiple locations off the Potomac, including the Tidal Basin and the Wharf.
Hiking – The C & O Canal Trail, Rock Creek Park, and Glen Echo Park are all relatively close to DC, and a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The trails vary in length and intensity.
Food
Interested in expanding your horizons and palate? DC has food from all corners of the globe. Keep on the lookout for food festivals and restaurant week.
Union Market – A large hall filled to the brim with restaurants, Union Market has seating on the roof with fire pits for a cozy evening.
Bib Gourmand – Want fine dining without breaking the bank? This site guides you to Michelin Star restaurants at reasonable prices.
Farmer’s Markets – Support local growers at farmer’s markets around town! Eastern Market, Dupont Circle Freshfarm market, Mount Vernon Triangle Freshfarm, Trinidad, Columbia Heights and more all have weekend markets. Be mindful of changes due to inclement weather.
https://washington.org/visit-dc/national-mall-events-washington-dc
https://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
https://washington.org/visit-dc/washington-dc-farmers-markets
https://washington.org/visit-dc/waterfronts-around-washington-dc/waterfront-tours-activities
https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/arts-culture
https://eventsdc.com/passportdc
https://www.wharfdc.com/upcoming-events/
https://eventsdc.com/around-world-embassy-tour
https://washington.org/places-to-eat/guide-to-restaurant-week-washington-dc
https://www.eventbrite.com/d/dc--washington/think-tank/
For more information contact maxwellindc@maxwell.syr.edu.