9 Ways to See DC Like a Local
I lived in Washington, DC, for more than 20 years. It’s where I met my husband Steven and we got married at the Long View Gallery. The city will always be one of my favorite places in the world. But while it’s known for incredible museums and as the seat of government (speaking as a former Congressional intern who gave tours of the Capitol), there’s so much more to experience beyond the mall. Here are my tips to enjoy the nation’s capital the way I did as a local.
♦ Stay outside of the immediate downtown core
Viceroy - a property I used to walk by every day on the way to work. VIP perks include food and beverage credit, late check-out, and potential upgrades.
It’s tempting to stay nearby the mall and the monuments, and there are plenty of great choices if you’re planning a tourist-focused trip (hit me up for recommendations). But to experience DC like a local, better to rest your head in one of the vibrant neighborhoods around the city. Some favorites include: Lyle in Dupont Circle (the classic gayborhood, in a lovely residential area but close to all the action), Viceroy (on the popular 14th Street corridor and literally next door to good friends of mine), and The Line DC in Adams Morgan (a converted church and home to my favorite hotel bar in the city). Get in touch and I can tell you about available deals and free perks like food and beverage credit and upgrades.
♦ You want to see U Street
Ben’s Chili Bowl on U St. NW, courtesy of washington.org
Dubbed DC’s “Black Broadway,” U Street NW is a shopping, nightlife, and cultural mecca. Visitors always delight at Ben’s Chili Bowl, but I’m a big fan of Florida Avenue Grill which calls itself “the oldest soul food restaurant in the world.” Take a stroll and try some wings with mumbo sauce, eat at one of the many Ethiopian restaurants like Abuare (the Ethiopian embassy says DC is home to the largest Ethiopian community outside Africa), and grab a drink al fresco at American Ice Company.
♦ Stage flight
Ford’s Theater, courtesy of washington.org
New York may be the east coast’s best known theater mecca, but there is a slew of performing arts options in DC. Of course, there’s the Kennedy Center, but I love some of the more local offerings like Arena Stage, Studio Theater, or the Woolly Mammoth. One “only in DC” treat is catching a production at Ford’s Theater — the historic site of Lincoln’s assassination, but also still a working performance venue. For live music, you can’t miss an intimate show at the 9:30 Club or a very cozy experience at the Black Cat.
♦ Caffeinate in the [National Portrait Gallery] courtyard
National Portrait Gallery Kogod Courtyard, courtesy of washington.org
While I’m avoiding museums on this list, one of my favorite spots in the city (especially for a respite from hustle) is at the National Portrait Gallery. After you check out the incredible Obama portraits, chill out with a coffee in the undulating glass-roofed courtyard and reenergize for your next jaunt. If you want something more substantial to eat, two José Andrés favorites are right by: Jaleo and Zaytinya.
♦ Buy gifts tax-free at the Smithsonian shops
National Museum of the American Indian
OK, I’m going to break the museum rule again, but for good reason. When I was a college student on a really tight budget, I did my holiday shopping at the Smithsonian gift shops where you can purchase an array of interesting items tax-free. For a twofer, grab lunch at the National Museum of the American Indian’s Mitsitam Café, the city’s hands-down best food at a tourist spot.
♦ Nature calls
OK, so there are also marble columns in the Arboretum. But our dog Gary likes it there.
It’s not all marble edifices. DC has some amazing opportunities to be outdoors. The National Arboretum is a favorite, along with the nearby Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens. Cutting through the heart of the city is Rock Creek Park with plenty of great walking activities, and in the middle of the Potomac River, Teddy Roosevelt Island.
♦ Loose your voice at a DC United match
¡Vamos United! Esta noche, tenemos que ganar…
When I lived in DC, you’d find me at every home match of my beloved DC United, the city’s Major League Soccer franchise. While the old days at RFK stadium hold great memories, the team’s new home of Audi Field provides a world-class soccer viewing experience. Let me know if you want to go and I’ll teach you some of the chants so you can join in like a local.
♦ A view without the queue
Old Post Office building, courtesy of Waldorf Astoria
Sure, the Washington Monument is nice. But have you seen the lines? Everyone seems to want to go up in the obelisk, but if you don’t want to stand around in the heat, check out the tower in the Old Post Office instead. Located in the Waldorf Astoria on Pennsylvania Avenue (don’t worry, it’s no longer the Tr*mp Hotel) but run by the National Park Service, the view is postcard worthy, it’s free, and you’ll rarely have a wait. If the Waldorf Astoria is your kind of place to stay, I can hook you up with free breakfast and wifi, on-site credit, and a room upgrade subject to availability.
♦ Eastern | Union (Markets)
Eastern Market, courtesy of washington.org
We love a market in DC and two that you’ll want to hit up are Eastern Market and Union Market. Eastern Market has been around forever and anchors the neighborhood of the same name. Fresh food is aplenty, and you’ll also enjoy the outdoor flea market across the street every Saturday and Sunday. Hot tip – go early if you want to spot some of the Marines running through the neighborhood (the Barracks are nearby). Union Market is the newer addition with a few dozen fantastic food options, eclectic shops, and a buzzy vibe, just off the popular H St. corridor.
If you want an amazing food experience you HAVE to take a kebab cooking class with my friend Fikri, an amazing Kurdish chef who’s as much of a fun guy as he is a talented cook.
