D.C. is best known for its political and international aura and its appearance in movies. The national monuments and free Smithsonian museums that surround the Mall are perhaps the most distinguished images we have of the city.
I never thought I would end up living here after visiting D.C. with my family when I was still a teenager. The vibe you get when you are wondering around is that of a mixture between the American way and European style.
Now D.C. has a lot to offer and I will not be focusing on the most iconic attractions, like the White House or the Library of Congress, but rather the extra bits that sometimes get lost. If you are a first-time visitor, you will probably want to do the main tourist places and that's great as well.
Any Smithsonian museum in the city is free of charge and what to visit really comes down to following your personal interest.
Whether it is art, history or space, among others, they are all fantastic and will keep you busy. You might want to investigate beforehand if there are any special exhibitions or restorations going on. I will say that if you like aerospace, the Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia (outside D.C.) is really something worth seeing as they tend to display bigger aircrafts and rockets than the one downtown.
You might not have time to walk Rock Creek Park in your first visit, but maybe you will get a glance at it from the car. It is bigger than N.Y.'s Central Park and offers a variety of trails to walk, hike or bike plus a small planetarium, sports fields and an equestrian center.
Before D.C. was born as such, Georgetown was established as a tobacco inspection and shipment port under British rule. Now it is full of shops and restaurants where you can spend an entire morning or afternoon. The metro does not reach Georgetown, so it is a place to tour by foot or you can hop in the Circulator bus. Also, the neighborhood hosts some interesting museums such as Tudor Place and Dumbarton Oaks gardens, and lovely houses surrounding the area. Recently, the C&O Canal has finished its maintenance and is looking fabulous to walk (and in the future, cruise) on a nice day.
If you are a history admirer and garden lover, we also recommend visiting Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, where the crown of Russia's last Tsarina is kept. This mansion was bought by Marjorie Post after her third divorce in 1955. She was the only child of cereal magnate C.W. Post and inherited a fortune which she used, in good taste, to gather an impressive artwork collection.
City Center, located in the heart of D.C., surprises its passerby with modern and expensive brand shops and restaurants. Located here is Piccolina café, my favorite coffee shop in the city, as it offers delicious coffee and makes you feel as you temporarily went to Italy to buy it.
Ben's Chili Bowl. An iconic place that helped weather the storms that came after Martin Luther King's assassination. You cannot leave without trying their famous chili dogs, half-smokes and shakes. The original location is at U Street, a vibrant neighborhood that embraces African American culture.
Leopold's. A quiet Austrian café in Georgetown where you can get all the signature dishes like wiener schnitzel, spaetzle and pastries.
With more than one location, Paul's has been around for a while and continues offering a French experience in the city.
Del Mar. Wonderful Spanish restaurant facing the Potomac river. Delight yourself with jamón ibérico, fish and amazing typical desserts. This is where I first tried the horchata as it is not common in Argentina, even though we have many other Spanish dishes. Barcelona is also a good alternative.
Zaytinya is a delicious Mediterranean restaurant, located near the National Portrait Gallery, especially nice for dinner I would say as the neighborhood becomes quieter.
Obelisk is also a good choice if you are looking to eat a five course Italian inspired menu in an atmosphere that resembles the familiarity of someone's house.
The Pig is a lovely place near Logan Circle to have some pork-based dishes (among other things) within a pleasant and lively atmosphere.
Jenni Bick Custom Journals is the stationary store where you can get beautiful and personalized items and gifts. Ideal for those looking to take a special memory from the District. It is common to see cherry blossom themed stationary as well, as it is one of the city's highlight during springtime.
On the same note, you may love to get other types of souvenirs at the Made in DC shop.
With a vast array of experiences, D.C. is growing and fast. I hope you enjoyed this read about the nation's capital and are able to plan your next visit with a new perspective.
Comments