Helen Carefoot is the Assistant Editor for Time Out USA, covering Washington, D.C.
Previously, she was Well+Good’s Lifestyle Writer and worked at the Washington Post in the features section. She has a degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California. She spends her off-time time walking and eating her way around The District. Find her antiquing or reading in the Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery. Reach her at helen.carefoot@timeout.com and follow her on Instagram at @hcarefoot.

Helen Carefoot

Helen Carefoot

Assistant Editor, Time Out USA

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Articles (22)

The best things to do in Washington, D.C. this weekend

The best things to do in Washington, D.C. this weekend

Whether you set New Year's resolutions or not, you probably have some goals for 2025. There's plenty to do this weekend, January 10-12, in the District to help get you on track. Curious about drinking less, or not at all? There's a whole festival for that. Want to try your hand at some new arts and crafts? One of the city's most creative boutiques will host you. Want to move more? Why not do it beneath some beautiful artwork at a dedicated yoga class? Here are some great things to do this weekend in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Washington, D.C.
The 12 best cheap hotels in Washington, D.C.

The 12 best cheap hotels in Washington, D.C.

Like any large city, Washington D.C draws plenty of visitors year-round for all reasons: some work travelers, some in town to check out the world-famous museums and top attractions, others to visit friends or family, or pop in for a night or two to catch a touring show or concert. No matter the reason for the visit, one common conundrum all visitors to the District face is finding an affordable hotel. Many of the best hotels in D.C. are pricey (although well-worth it), and even a weekend stay can quickly cut into your budget. Not to worry, though, because D.C.’s hotel offerings have something for everyone, including budget travelers. Many of the best cheap hotels in D.C. offer just as many desirable amenities—and cozy, pleasingly decorated rooms with plush beds—as the pricier ones. On our list of the 12 best cheap hotels in D.C., all of which cost $200 or less per night, you’ll find cozy inns, modern boutique hotels, a shockingly well-run hostel, and much more. Read on for comfy accommodations that won’t break the bank. RECOMMENDED:The best hotels in Washington, D.C.The best neighbourhoods in Washington, D.C. This list was compiled by Washington, D.C. locals. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The best Washington, D.C. hotels

The best Washington, D.C. hotels

It's no surprise that Washington D.C. draws visitors year round, given it's the nation's capital. Some come here for seasonal draws like the cherry blossoms, while others are drawn to our world class museums and galleries (or they're here for a school trip, political event, or work conference). You'll have a great time running around our lovely city, with its world-class parks and eclectic restaurant scene, but no matter what brings you to the District, you need a nice place to lay your head and rest. Luckily for you, there are many comfortable hotels in Washington, D.C. that there is an option for nearly every kind of traveler. Selecting the right homebase for a trip is crucial, so our list of the best hotels in Washington, D.C. includes abodes of all stripes like one-of-a-kind historic lodgings, elevated luxury hotels, and chic neighborhood spots. And, best of all, many of these places have seriously great restaurants, lounges, and bars that are well worth your time. Read on for the best hotels in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Washington D.C.The best cheap hotels in Washington D.C. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
Where to eat the best dim sum in Washington, D.C.

Where to eat the best dim sum in Washington, D.C.

Sometimes you can't decide exactly what to eat. When committing to an entree feels restrictive, the best answer is to get a bunch of small plates. Different cultures have their own versions of small share plates—think mezze platters or tapas—which are perfect for sharing and sampling different dishes. Chinese culture has dim sum, a delectable selection of buns, rolls, dumplings, cakes, veggies, dessert, and more that are traditionally eaten for brunch. The best part? Many restaurants serve them from a rolling cart packed with steam-heated baskets filled with goodies. Luckily, the DMV has a bunch of delicious Chinese restaurants that excel at dim sum. Here are the best places to eat dim sum in and around Washington, D.C.RECOMMENDED: The 43 best restaurants in Washington, D.C. right now
The best winter events in Washington, D.C. to look forward to

The best winter events in Washington, D.C. to look forward to

Cities like London and New York are top winter destinations, but Washington, D.C. really should also be on this list (no, really, hear us out). Winter in D.C. is remarkably cozy—the city goes all out with holiday light displays (think: the National Christmas Tree and National Menorah) and festive cultural events. Many other cities clear out and lose their sparkle after the holiday season ends, but D.C. is still rocking in January and February—there's the Presidential Inauguration, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Chinese Lunar New Year to look forward to. Read on for the best winter events in D.C. to mark on your calendar. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Washington, D.C. right nowThe best museums in Washington, D.C.
The 20 best museums in Washington, D.C. to visit year-round

The 20 best museums in Washington, D.C. to visit year-round

There's one thing nearly every visitor and resident of Washington, D.C. can agree on—we are a museum town. History buffs, art enthusiasts and people simply interested in America's past need to look no further than the nation's capital, which is chock-full of cultural institutions worth visiting whether you're here for a day or have been for years—many of which are free to enjoy, we might add.  The sheer number of worth-it museums in the District can feel overwhelming, but don't worry, because we're here to guide you through the spaces and galleries you simply can't miss. if you like learning—or at least looking at some seriously cool and beautiful objects—I promise there is a museum for you on this list, which encompasses art, history, interior design, pop culture, literature, and even old nuclear missiles. Read on for the 20 best museums in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Washington, D.C.🏛️ The best Washington, D.C. attractions🍴 The best restaurants in D.C. right now🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Washington, D.C. This guide was written by Washington, D.C. locals. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 
The 43 best restaurants in Washington, D.C. right now

The 43 best restaurants in Washington, D.C. right now

The country’s largest cities seem to get all the shine when it comes to their restaurant offerings—New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago—but those of us in Washington, D.C. know that while we may not have the size of these locales, we can certainly compete on the strength of our food. Our scene includes restaurants and eateries that serve cuisine that spans the globe (which sounds about right, as the 2021 census revealed that the District is now one of the most diverse cities in the country). This list will demonstrate that the cuisine matches the demographics—in fact, the best restaurants in D.C. are as globally inspired as the embassies surrounding them. We’ve got steaming piles of pasta, comforting curries and dumplings of all kinds, Ethiopian fare with pillowy injera, fresh sushi, and much more. The diversity of palates even extends to our own country; D.C. is home to seriously delicious Texas-style BBQ and inventive Mid-Atlantic cooking—now that's representation.Of course, coming up with a list of the very best restaurants in any city is a daunting task, much less a city with as diverse a scene as D.C.’s. Each restaurant on this list serves memorable and delicious food that lingered in our memories—and caused us to recommend it to friends, colleagues, family, or anyone else who’d listen. Ready to dive in? Read on for the 43 best restaurants in Washington, D.C., lovingly curated by TimeOut editors and contributors. This guide was updated by Virginia-based writer Alice Levitt
The best happy hour drink and food deals in Washington, D.C.

The best happy hour drink and food deals in Washington, D.C.

The only meal Washingtonians laud more than brunch is happy hour. That sacred several hour window when the city's great restaurants and bars slash prices on cocktails and appetitzers is prime hang time, whether you're alone just trying to unwind or meet up with friends or coworkers. There are so many happy hours in the city, but we tried to only include places that serve excellent drinks and food—you can keep that $1 Bud Light bucket, thanks. Picks include beloved dives, casual taprooms, and upscale cocktail bars, but what they all have in common are the makings of a fun night ahead. Read on for the 14 best happy hour deals in Washington, D.C. right now.  RECOMMENDED: The 43 best restaurants in Washington, D.C. right now
The best things to do in Washington, D.C. with kids

The best things to do in Washington, D.C. with kids

Other cities might get all the shine as family-friendly destinations, but D.C. really holds its own here. The District offers activities that suit the whole family, especially little ones; think zoos, parks and botanical gardens—perfect for getting some fresh air while exploring the nation's capital. You can also keep it casual with a picnic at one of the many scenic parks, and escape inclement weather in one of the many (often free) world-class museums. The best part? Most attractions are free, and many of them are educational (but not in a way that would make them uninteresting to little ones). Here are 21 of the best things to do with kids in Washington, D.C. right now. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Washington, D.C.🍝 The best restaurants in Washington, D.C.🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Washington, D.C.🚌 The best day trips in Washington, D.C.
The best things to do in Washington, D.C. right now

The best things to do in Washington, D.C. right now

Forget what you thought you knew about Washington, D.C.—the city's got way more to offer than just politics and government buildings—though we’ve got plenty of those, too. From free access to world-class museums to soaking up the sounds and beats of go-go, D.C. has got it all. So, after you snap your obligatory pic with the Lincoln Memorial, consider swinging by Ben's Chili Bowl for a legendary half-smoke. Or take a stroll through some of the nation’s best-kept parks before catching a show at the legendary Kennedy Center. The possibilities are endless and year-round. Here are the top things to do in Washington, D.C. this year. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide was updated by D.C.-based writer Omnia Saed. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED:👪 The best things to do in Washington D.C. with kids🌿 The best cannabis dispensaries in D.C.🧳 The best day trips from D.C. to get away from it all🍺 The best bars in D.C.🛏️ The best hotels in Washington D.C.🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Washington D.C.
Where to see Christmas lights in Washington, D.C.

Where to see Christmas lights in Washington, D.C.

There’s something so magical about Washington, D.C. in the holiday season. While we're not exactly on the level of top Christmas destinations like New York or London, D.C. punches above its weight as a holiday and cold-weather destination. The District really comes to life in the colder months; walks around town mean plenty of Christmas trees adorned with ornaments, wreaths, and twinkling holiday lights. To get in the holiday spirit, why not visit a holiday market or grab a hot chocolate and stroll around to see some lights? Here are 11 of the best places to see Christmas lights in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED: The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2024 guide
Washington, D.C. restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Washington, D.C. restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Christmas will be here before we know it, which means it's time to start making plans for holiday merriment. As you make your plans to ring in the season around the District (may we suggest seeing some of the Christmas lights in Washington, D.C.?) be sure to turn some attention to where you'll eat on the day itself. Rather than spend precious time on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worrying about whether the turkey is done or if your guests have enough to drink, why not head to one of the many great restaurants in D.C. instead? By letting someone else take care of the yuletide cooking, you'll free up time and energy to focus on what really matters during the holidays—spending time with loved ones, relaxing, and celebrating. Read on for 12 restaurants in Washington, D.C. that will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  RECOMMENDED: The 43 best restaurants in Washington, D.C. right now

Listings and reviews (34)

John Oliver

John Oliver

The comedian, writer, and host of HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver hits The Kennedy Center for some standup. Grab your tickets, because the show is a limited engagement and was so popular it had to add extra dates. 
"& Juliet"

"& Juliet"

Ever wondered what could've happened to Juliet had she lived after her romance with Romeo? This jukebox muscial from the creator of "Schitt's Creek" gives an answer to that question. This show, which is visiting The Kennedy Center on tour, gives literature's most famous tragic heroine a second lease on life and love, and features a huge ensemble of dancers and singers belt pop songs like The Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way" and "Roar" by Katy Perry.
The Washington Chorus' "A Candlelight Christmas"

The Washington Chorus' "A Candlelight Christmas"

This annual holiday concert from The Washington Chorus features talented singers and brass musicians teaming up to perform classic holiday tunes. If you need a boost of holiday cheer, make some time to go to this one. 
Sippin' Santa

Sippin' Santa

Celebrate the holidays with this annual nationwide cocktail popup. Black Whiskey is hosting this year's D.C. outpost and serving tropical holiday drinks every day until the early morning. Love that Santa merman mug? You're in luck, because the fun drinking vessels are available to purchase, too. 
"An Irish Carol"

"An Irish Carol"

An annual tradition at the charming Keegan Threatre, "An Irish Carol" is an original work by playwright Matthew J. Keenan that's a reimagining of "A Christmas Carol" with an Irish twist. This time, famously unfestive Ebenezer Scrooge is David, the wealthy owner of a Dublin pub who has lost touch with himself and his humanity as a result of his greed. Will visits from past and present figures change him before it's too late?
National Christmas Tree

National Christmas Tree

December 1—January 1 You know the holidays have truly arrived in the District when the National Christmas Tree goes up. Every year in the beginning of December, the National Park Service puts up a massive Christmas tree in President's Park on the Ellipse just across from The White House. If you turn the other direction, you'll see the Washington Monument. President Calvin Coolidge started the tradition in 1923 when he pressed the button to light a 48-foot Balsam fir in front of 3,000 onlookers. The tree is lit during a televised ceremony typically held in the first week of December; at the ceremony, the President (and often the First Lady, too) light the tree and various musical guests perform. Once the tree is lit, you can visit the tree for free Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm, and Fri-Sat 10am-11pm. Smaller trees each representing each U.S. state and territory, plus some federal departments, form a ring around the tree. Students from each state and territory decorate and draw ornaments for their trees. If you look at Calfornia's tree for example, you're bound to see some palm trees, a beach scene, or the Golden Gate Bridge. Take a look at a selection of ornaments students made here. The 2024 National Christmas Tree is a 35-foot red spruce tree from George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia. To gain entry to the lighting ceremony, put your name in when the NPS releases its ticket lottery each fall. The ceremony typically airs on CBS close to Christmas. Time Out tip:
"A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical"

"A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical"

Told through a series of fictional therapy sessions, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is about the life and times of American rocker Neil Diamond. Created in collaboration with Diamond himself, this musical memoir is filled with hits like "Sweet Caroline" and "America." Nick Fradiani and Robert Westenberg both play Diamond in the latest touring production, which makes a limited stop at The National Theatre through its Broadway at The National program.  
32nd Annual Holiday Boat Parade and Party

32nd Annual Holiday Boat Parade and Party

Does your idea of the celebrating the holiday season include watching beautifully decorated boats race up the Washington Channel? You're in luck if that's the case, because The Wharf's 32nd Annual Holiday Boat Parade and Party is back this year. Bundle up with a hot toddy to watch the boats, decorate ornaments, dance to live holiday tunes, see fireworks, and meet Santa. 
Verdi's "Macbeth"

Verdi's "Macbeth"

"Macbeth" is the ultimate tale of the price of greed, power, and betrayal. Now it's Washington National Opera's turn to look at how absolute power corrupts absolutely through Verdi's soaring arias and massive ensemble pieces. Baritone Étienne Dupuis makes his WNO debut in the title role, and soprano Ewa Płonka takes on the role of Lady Macbeth. Put on your best threads, and settle in for a night at the opera.
"Six"

"Six"

The touring company of "Six," a concert-style singoff between six of Henry VIII's wives, returns to the District through Broadway at The National. Settle in and learn the stories—and endings—of Anne Boleyn, Catharine of Aragon, Anna of Cleves, Catherine Howard, Jane Seymour, and Catherine Parr.
DowntownDC Holiday Market

DowntownDC Holiday Market

A massive holiday market in downtown D.C. with more than 100 vendors, festive foods, cocktails, and lots of activities.
DowntownDC Holiday Market

DowntownDC Holiday Market

Downtown D.C.'s annual holiday market returns with more than 100 vendors, live performances, festive foods, cocktails, photo opps, and lots of activities. Wander the stalls with a raclette, a pile of hot cheese and bread, in hand and scoop up all the gifts you have to buy.

News (56)

All the ways to watch and stream 2025 New Year's Eve specials

All the ways to watch and stream 2025 New Year's Eve specials

Some people ring in the New Year from a club, while others prefer to celebrate in pajamas on the couch. If you're celebrating from home, don't worry about missing out on entertainment because there are plenty of options for specials, concerts, and parties to watch tonight, December 31, to say farewell to 2024 and hello to 2025. Major networks and streamers are hosting 2025 New Year's Eve specials, some of which will take you right to Times Square without braving the crowds or cold weather. RECOMMENDED: Everything you need to know about celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times SquareSpecials include appearances by comedians and celebrities, plus musical performances. We've even gathered a couple options if you really don't want to see the ball drop, too. Read on for all you need to know about how to stream and watch major 2025 New Year's Eve specials.  Where and how to stream 2025 New Year's Eve specials Times Square's New Year's Eve Celebration 6pm ET on TimesSquareNYC.org Watch the ball drop for free using Times Square's free webcast. Jeremy Hassell and Mean Girls star Jonathan Bennett will anchor the livestream, which includes the famous ball drop plus performances from talent appearing on the CNN, ABC, and Univision specials which include Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, TLC, Mickey Guyton, and Kapo. Another fun thing about this special? There will be celebration of the city's 400th birthday, and plenty of interviews with revelers gathered in the square. ABC's "Dick Clark'
Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open New Year's Eve 2024? Will mail be delivered?

Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open New Year's Eve 2024? Will mail be delivered?

New Year's Day is tomorrow, so it's a good idea to get any last-minute tasks out of the way today on New Year's Eve, which falls on Tuesday, January 31 this year—this includes grocery shopping and any mailing, shipping, or banking tasks you're itching to finish. Here are the details about which nationwide banks, post offices and shipping services are open on New Year's Eve 2024. RECOMMENDED: These U.S. airports will be the busiest for holiday travel next week Are banks open on New Year's Eve 2024? Major banks like Chase Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Truist, Capital One, TD Bank and U.S. Bank are open today during regular hours, according to their websites. PNC Bank branches will close earlier than usual at 4pm local time today. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ are open, too.  However, all of these will be closed on New Year's Day, January 1 (they follow the Federal Reserve's bank holiday schedule). They'll resume business at normal hours the next day on Thursday, January 2, 2025. If you bank with a local credit union, be sure to call and confirm their operating hours today. Is USPS open on New Year's Eve? According to the USPS, local post offices will be open during their usual hours today. Be sure to call your local post office to confirm its specific operating hours. Mail will also be collected at the usual local times from blue postal boxes.  Are UPS and FedEx open New Year's Eve? UPS is only delivering Air and International Air packages that we
Are grocery stores open New Year's Eve 2024? See store hours for Whole Foods, Publix, and more

Are grocery stores open New Year's Eve 2024? See store hours for Whole Foods, Publix, and more

As you well know, today is New Year's Eve, which means it's time to take care of any last minute errands before ringing in 2025. Whether you plan to ring in the new year at a party or at home in your pajamas, you're in luck if your to-do list includes snagging some last-minute champagne or groceries today because nearly all major grocery stores will be open for New Year's Eve (Tuesday, December 31, 2024), although some have modified hours. Read on to learn all the details about which grocery stores are open on New Year's Eve.  RECOMMENDED: Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open New Year's Eve 2024? Will mail be delivered? Keep in mind that while many stores will be open for both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (Wednesday, January 1, 2025), most have adjusted holiday hours. It's always a great idea to call your local store to confirm hours. Check out below for details about when major grocery chains like Trader Joe's, Aldi, Publix, Safeway, Whole Foods, and more are open on New Year's Eve. Is Safeway open on New Year's Eve? Yes, Safeway, along with other stores owned by its parent company Albertsons, is open on New Year's Eve with reduced hours. Other stores owned by Albertsons include Shaw's, Vons, and Albertsons.  Is Trader Joe's open on New Year's Eve? All Trader Joe's stores are open until 5pm local time on New Year's Eve, and closed New Year's Day. Is Whole Foods open on New Year's Eve? Whole Foods is open during modified hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's D
The New York Times named one dish from this Washington, D.C. restaurant among the best dishes of 2024

The New York Times named one dish from this Washington, D.C. restaurant among the best dishes of 2024

The food desk at The New York Times is a powerhouse when it comes to reporting on culinary world happenings and crafting great recipes, so it's worth a look when they make a best of the year list. The team outlined the 26 best dishes they ate at U.S. restaurants in 2024, and one dish from a Washington, D.C. restaurant made the cut.  RECOMMENDED: The New York Times named these Washington, D.C., restaurants two of the best in America The dish in question? Bò lá lốt from Moon Rabbit, decorated chef Kevin Tien's inventive Vietnamese restaurant in Penn Quarter. Tien serves the well-known Vietnamese street food with "a dipping sauce of labneh crowned with lemongrass-chile crunch, a nod to his love for dolmas," Times writer Brett Anderson writes. "A similar swirl of influences animates all of the food at Moon Rabbit. "But this dish of juicy grilled beef wrapped in perilla leaves is one of the only items you can plan to find on the always-evolving menu." Good news for those who want to try it, because Tien told the Times he doesn't expect this dish to leave the ever-changing menu since it's so beloved. The list includes 26 dishes from restaurants around the country that Times staffers tried in 2024. Other dishes on the list include fried chicken from Idaho, green garlic and clam pasta from Rhode Island, a pie filled with toasted honey custard from San Francisco, and a stacked ham sandwich from Detroit. The team also created a separate list of the best dishes they ate in New York in
Massive Lego art exhibition The Art of the Brick will come to Washington, D.C. in January 2025

Massive Lego art exhibition The Art of the Brick will come to Washington, D.C. in January 2025

If your childhood days (or even your weekends now) include puzzling through building Legos, you may want to mark your calendar: The Art of the Brick, a massive exhibition of Lego art by artist Nathan Sawaya, comes to Washington, D.C. January 30, 2025. RECOMMENDED: The 20 best museums in Washington, D.C. to visit year-round The Art of the Brick includes more than 70 works of art constructed from more than 1 million Lego bricks. The collection includes recreations of famous art works like the Mona Lisa and Starry Night. Other notable sculptures include a 20-foot T-Rex. You can even practice your own Lego builds in a special creation area.  Photograph: Courtesy The Art of the BrickOne of the Lego sculptures includes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring." The exhibition, which marks The Art of the Brick's Northeastern U.S. debut, will make its home at the Rhode Island Center. The exhibit has been seen in more than 100 cities across 24 countries. Check out our review of the exhibition when it came to London earlier this year.  How to get tickets to The Art of the Brick Interested? Tickets go on sale Thursday, December 19 on the The Art of the Brick website. Tickets start at $20.90 for adults and $15.90 for kids. 
Two Washington, D.C. nightclubs are ranked among the best in the world

Two Washington, D.C. nightclubs are ranked among the best in the world

We're used to seeing Washington, D.C.'s restaurants and hotels named to best in the world lists, but not necessarily the city's nightclubs. A new ranking lists two D.C. venues among the best in the world—one spot was even named fifth best nightclub in the world, ahead of hotspots in Miami, London, and New York. Wow! RECOMMENDED: The best nightclubs in D.C. to let loose The Nightlife International Association released its list of The World’s 100 Best Clubs, and Echostage snagged the fifth spot. Another D.C. club, Soundcheck, was named 41st best in the world. The top club in the world is HÏ in Ibiza, Spain; Green Valley in Camboriú, Brazil and USHUAÏA IBIZA in Ibiza snagged the second and third spots, respectively. Echostage's fifth ranking makes it the highest ranked U.S. club on the list. It's unclear how the nonprofit group compiled its ranking, but a recent news release said they evaluated 420 venues across 65 countries. Spain and the United States are the countries with the most clubs represented in the ranking. The cities with the most venues on the list are Ibiza, Las Vegas, Barcelona, London, Bogotá, Los Angeles, and Madrid. Take a look at the full list here and below: World’s top 10 best clubs in 2024: 1. HÏ in Ibiza, Spain2. Green Valley in Camboriú, Brazil3. USHUAÏA IBIZA in Ibiza, Spain4. Bootshaus in Cologne, Germany5. Echostage in Washington D.C., USA6. E11EVEN in Miami, USA7. Shôko in Barcelona, Spain8. DC-10 in Ibiza, Spain9. Opium Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain1
Michelin Guide announces Washington, D.C's 2024 Michelin Star restaurants

Michelin Guide announces Washington, D.C's 2024 Michelin Star restaurants

We'll say it again: Washington, D.C. has an amazing restaurant scene. The Michelin Guide, the food world's premier distinction for fine dining, just announced new star rankings, Bib Gourmand selections, awards, and more at its annual awards ceremony Monday in New York. Two restaurants earned their first stars, which means there are now 26 Michelin-starred restaurants in the DMV.  RECOMMENDED: These Washington, D.C. restaurants were named among the best in the world for 2025 Earning a Michelin Star is considered the highest honor in the restaurant world. Every year, anonymous inspectors fan out around the world and evaluate restaurants' food based on five criteria: ingredient quality, harmony of flavors, mastery of techniques, consistency across menu and time, and "the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine." Service and atmosphere aren't considered. Restaurants that win stars earn between one and three stars; the list can change every year, with new restaurants earning or losing stars. Two D.C. restaurants just earned their first stars: Mita, the Shaw spot serving a plant-based Latin American tasting menu, and Omakase @ Barracks Row, Chef Yi "Ricky" Wang's sushi omakase experience. Oyster Oyster, a vegetarian restaurant in Shaw that already has one Michelin star, was awarded a "green star" for its sustainability practices. Photograph: Courtesy MitaA dish from Mita, which earned its first Michelin Star in 2024. There were also some shifts in the ranks: lo
I went to D.C.'s most famous holiday tea—here's what it was like

I went to D.C.'s most famous holiday tea—here's what it was like

Like any major city, Washington, D.C. has certain spots that are must visits each season. One of these is sipping tea and eating finger foods and scones at one of the city's ritzy hotels, most of which offer a holiday-themed afternoon tea. But doing so requires being very quick on the draw with reservations, because spots for the best ones often fill up back in the fall, which is why I've never had a chance to try one out. That changed this year when I got to try the holiday tea—at Peacock Alley, the world famous tea hall inside the Willard Intercontinental Hotel. Did it live up to the hype? RECOMMENDED: The best afternoon tea NYC has to offer Located just across from The White House, the hotel itself is a national landmark—it's perhaps the most famous hotel in D.C. after The Watergate. The Willard, a luxury hotel that's been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since the 1970s, has played host to plenty of historical figures; President Abraham Lincoln moved in for 10 days prior to his inauguration, and Martin Luther King. Jr. touched up his "I Have a Dream" speech in the lobby. It's nicknamed "the residence of presidents." The dining options onsite are known for being historic and sceney—countless D.C. movers and shakers have drank at the centuries-old Round Robin Bar, and the afternoon tea at Peacock Alley, a narrow space just off the lobby that's famous for its vibrant interior. Afternoon tea is a hot reservation for both tourists and locals, but the holiday
Need some holiday cheer ASAP? You can now order live carolers to your doorstep on Uber Eats

Need some holiday cheer ASAP? You can now order live carolers to your doorstep on Uber Eats

Are you having a tough time getting into the holiday spirit? If takeout or live singing usually lifts your mood, you're in luck this weekend because you have a chance to experience both without leaving the house—you can order live carolers to your doorstep via Uber Eats on Saturday, December 7. RECOMMENDED: One of the top trending Christmas markets in the world is in Washington, D.C. The Uber Carolers are available to Uber Eats customers in D.C., Miami, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York this Saturday only. To get them to your doorstep, tap the "Carolers" store button in the app. The singers will arrive with a festive gift basket and an alcoholic or non-alcoholic spirit of your choice; they'll sing for 20 minutes (they'll run through the classics, but you can request a song at the end). The carolers cost $30, plus the cost of whichever drink you choose. For the drinks, you can choose between bottles from Casamigos, Don Julio, Bulleit Bourbon, or non-alcoholic brand Ritual. Keep in mind that there are some rules to this feature: you need to present your ID to verify the liquor purchase, and you must be home when the the carolers and drinks arrive. You also can't be visibly intoxicated when they get there, and the person receiving the order has to be 21 or older. Photograph: Courtesy Uber EatsCarolers with Uber Eats spokesperson Macaulay Culkin. From December 3-25, the Uber Eats app will include a special holiday hub to help with gifting and hosting efforts. A number of ite
These Washington, D.C. restaurants were named among the best in the world for 2025

These Washington, D.C. restaurants were named among the best in the world for 2025

Let this settle the debate about whether Washington, D.C. is a major foodie city: a new ranking from La Liste, which calls itself "the most selective global guide of restaurants, pastry shops and hotels, for gourmets and international travelers, outlines the top 1,000 restaurants and eateries in the world for 2025—and four D.C. restaurants are included. RECOMMENDED: The world’s best restaurant has been crowned for 2024 The list includes high-end restaurants from all over the world. U.S. culinary hotspots like New York and Chicago, and more are well represented on the list, too. Four fine dining establishments in and around D.C. made the cut: The Inn at Little Washington, Jônt, minibar by José Andrés, and Pineapple & Pearls; The Inn at Little Washington scored 96/100, while the other three notched scores of 92/100.  How on earth would one figure out the 1,000 best restaurants in the world? According to the website, staffers combed through reviews from more than 1,000 publications and guidebooks, then added them to a database that scored all entries from 0 to 100, based on standard grades. Then, chefs from around the world were asked to evaluate the quality of the publications and guidebooks making the recommendations, which resulted in each restaurant being assigned a "trustworthiness index" score that contributed to their grade. Customer reviews of each spot were also taken into account. The resulting list is a "compilation of thousands of publications, hundreds of guidebooks
Esquire named this D.C. restaurant among the best new restaurants of 2024

Esquire named this D.C. restaurant among the best new restaurants of 2024

Esquire has a long history of taste making, and its list of the Best New Restaurants in America, 2024 is filled with places we'd like to try that spans coasts. Many of the picks include restaurants in major cities like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, but luckily, the list includes one from an in-demand chef that's local to Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED: Yelp named these Washington, D.C. spots to its list of the best new restaurants of 2024 The list isn't ranked, and the authors of the list write that every restaurant included "nudged us to think in a new way about the weaving, wandering course of 'American food.'" Dōgon, the Afro-Caribbean spot from decorated chef and restaurateur Kwame Onwuachi, made the list. Located inside the ritzy Salamander Washington DC hotel, Dōgon marks Onwuachi's return to the District after opening Tatiana in New York's Lincoln Center, which is the hottest reservation in the city at the moment.  At Dōgon specifically, Esquire writer Omar Mamoon was particularly taken with the menu from Onwuachi and chef de cuisine Martel Stone, which "tells a story about the cuisines of the African diaspora—and the city itself." He points to the berbere marinated roast chicken and jollof rice as a stand-out nod to both Onwuachi's Nigerian heritage and the Ethiopian community in D.C. (the District is home to the most Ethiopian people outside of Africa). He also highlighted the hoe crab, "a dish in which picked plump pieces of the blue crustacean are stuffed back
Yelp named these Washington, D.C. spots to its list of the best new restaurants of 2024

Yelp named these Washington, D.C. spots to its list of the best new restaurants of 2024

By now, we all know the District is a culinary hotspot, so it's not exactly a surprise when local restaurants make it onto best of lists. The latest? Review giant Yelp just released its list of the Best New Restaurants of 2024, and two Washington, D.C. restaurants are included.  RECOMMENDED: The New York Times named these Washington, D.C., restaurants two of the best in America Kappo DC and Love, Makoto made it into the top 25 on Yelp's list. To come up with the list, Yelp analyzed its own users' reviews of restaurants that opened after January 1, 2023 by examining metrics such as total volume of reviews and positive ratings in those reviews. The dataset looked at reviews from January 1, 2023 to September 1, 2024.  Some notable trends emerged: approachable, relaxed environments reigned, as did Japanese cuisine (six of the top 25 restaurants, which include the two D.C. spots, serve Japanese food). Keep reading for a closer look at the two D.C. picks. The two Washington, D.C. restaurants on Yelp's Top 25 Best New Restaurants of 2024 #18: Kappo DC Photograph: Kimberly Kong/Nom DigitalA dish from Kappo DC. A Michelin Guide selection, Kappo DC snagged the 18th spot on Yelp's list. This Japanese restaurant from Chef Minoru Ogawa operates in the casual Kappo style, which means "to cut and to cook;" multi-course meals are created by the chef right in front of the diners. The menu utilizes plenty of rich and luxe A5 Miyazakigyu beef, and the intimate Palisades dining room only has 2