Holley Simmons

Living in D.C. is fantastic, especially with all the freebies. The city is alive with fun events and beautiful public spaces—and it's not just museums. Though, the 19 free Smithsonian museums are pretty great, too. Something exciting is always happening, from botanical gardens and outdoor movie screenings to free jazz performances and festivals. So whether you're looking for free family activities, planning a budget-friendly date night, or just exploring the city, here are some of the best free things to do in DC. And if you need more ideas? Check out our list of the best things to do in Washington, D.C. With so much to explore, you'll never run out of things to do. 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 restaurants in D.C.The best attractions in D.C.

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.💰 The best cheap hotels 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 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 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

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.

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

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

The best restaurants in Washington, D.C. are a bunch that span the globe. Ask a dozen Washingtonians for their favorite restaurant recs, and you're bound to get 12 different answers. There's a good chance though that at least one person will name an Italian restaurant. The District has a slew of delicious Italian eateries that are worth your time. Whether your goal is to eat an authentic Sicilian pasta or an Italian American classic like chicken parm, we've got you covered. Read on for our favorite Italian restaurants in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED: The 18 best Chinese restaurants in Washington, D.C.

If there's one thing people in D.C. know how to do, it's brunch. This city is famous for its brunch scene. Locals and tourists alike take part in the time honored tradition of rolling up to a favorite spot with friends to debrief the week and indulge in sweets and savories—all the better if the meal is washed down with mimosas. I've spent many a weekend morning (fine, late morning) debriefing night befores with my friends, and there's no better venue for it than brunch. Another reason to love D.C.'s brunch specifically? Just like our diverse restaurant scene, brunch restaurants in D.C. encompass a huge swath of the globe. Brunch in D.C. doesn't just mean the classic pancakes, mimosa and eggs—although our spots make tasty traditional and innovative versions of these, too (ever had a rosewater and cardamom pancake, or ube pancakes with rich coconut syrup?) Here, brunch includes pan-fried pork and kimchi dumplings, all you can eat Balkan dips, puffy Turkish breads, tacos with braised adobo mushrooms and black beans and richly spiced Galbi beef burgers and milk bread egg sandwiches. There's an embarassment of riches when it comes to brunch offerings, so to narrow this list we considered the following factors: quality of food, drink, and ambiance, plus whether the offerings are unique and cater to a variety of patrons. There are some known brunch places absent from this list that provide a bottomless experience that's a great value but serves food that's nothing special, or some t

There are certain moments in life where a plate of warm dumplings are the only way to soothe. Those who agree will be happy to learn that the DMV has some of the best Chinese restaurants around. There are options for soothing hotpot and spicy dan dan noodles aplenty, plus plenty of places to nosh on as much savory beef and pork as you’d like. While there are a handful of A+ Chinese restaurants in D.C. proper, some of the best lie just beyond the city borders in Maryland and Virginia and are absolutely worth the drive or Metro ride. We put together a list of the area’s best, in no particular order.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in D.C

Got 48 hours in Washington, D.C. and looking to make the most of it? You’re in the right place. This city is packed with history, culture and a whole lot of fun, so whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to rediscover the capital, we’ve got you covered. From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to hidden gems and local favorites, this guide will help you squeeze in as much adventure as possible in just two days. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your metro card, and get ready to experience the best of D.C. in 48 action-packed hours. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Washington, D.C. 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.

Planning a trip to DC? Good call. The District is packed with free, cheap and family-friendly things to do to keep visitors busy. The city is broken into four different quadrants that are made up of distinct neighborhoods, each one promising history, art, food, drinks and so much more. Below are a few of our favorite neighborhoods (complete with pros and cons for each one), so you can better decide where to stay in Washington, DC on your next visit. Plus: Hotel picks for each neighborhood. We hope these are helpful – hopefully see you out on the town sometime soon! Happy vacation, friends. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Washington D.C.RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Washington D.C. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Helmed by the same family behind Beau Thai’s success, BKK Cookshop serves a sleek menu of classic street food dishes and over a dozen noodle bowls and stir fries (the coconut noodle bowl is an absolute must). Head to the corner patio for a pleasant meal outdoors when the weather permits it.

The secret is out on this charming restaurant that started out as a humble takeaway joint in the owner’s home on Florida Avenue. It has since grown into one of the hardest reservations to snag with a new, BYOB location in Shaw. It’s a dream for indecisive diners, as chef Taw Vigsittaboot serves a rotating tasting menu based on the freshest ingredients available—but always expect (and order!) the signature pumpkin curry.

This family-run restaurant earns high marks for staying true to traditional Thai tradition: many dishes follow the owner’s family recipe book and the walls are adorned with sepia-toned snapshots of the founder’s ancestors. Menus are essentially identical at both the Shaw and Mount Pleasant locales, though the latter offers a spicy pork stew worth driving out of your way for.

Recipes dating back generations are the stars of the menu at this family-owned restaurant. With nearly ten locations throughout the D.C. area, Tara Thai does its part to bring classic, flavor-rich Thai dishes and sushi to the masses. Offerings range from standard favorites (think pad thai and larb gai) to modern takes on classics, like the Bangkok wings dish and the tilapia sautéed in hot chili paste.

Our favorite spot to enjoy the chef’s Asian classics is up top, in space’s mezzanine section. From here, observe what’s going on all around the bustling restaurant while admiring the masterful sushi chefs working at the counter below. This Dupont Circle spot also offers an excellent happy hour programs that includes $4 glasses of wine and sake as well as select nigiri sushi and maki rolls for under $5. 

This Logan Circle standard has satisfied DC slurpers for years. Following a redesign, the noodle house better reflects the sleek area that surrounds it. The space is intimate, meaning you can easily hear the clinks of woks over the buzzy conversations while waiting for your skewered meat, dumplings and salads. The venue also leads a swift take-out business, just in case you’d rather devour your meal at home.

Based on common Thai street foods, the menu (and interior) at Soi 38 is designed to reflect Bangkok’s open air night markets. The dining room can be just as bustling, with guests enthusiastically ripping into skewered meats and rustic curries. Don’t be afraid of a little spice—especially since the extensive beverage and cocktail menu will help you wash down any fiery bites you decide to indulge in.

Doi Moi is your spot if you like your Thai food with a side of fusion and flair. The 14th Street hotspot serves polished Southeast Asian cuisine, including Thai-style fried marinated beef and Vietnamese marinated pork ribs. Ever accommodating, the restaurant also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options. Don’t overlook the carefully concocted cocktails and, if you’re still thirsty by the time you pay your bill, just head downstairs to sister speakeasy Two Birds One Stone.

Located on the second level of Tsunami Sushi on 14th Street, this restaurant within a restaurant serves one of the city’s meanest plates of pad thai. Dishes hail from every region of Thailand, with standouts including the milky Tom Yum noodle soup with roasted pork and ground chicken. Perhaps the best part: Although this hidden gem is in a pretty popular neighborhood, it’s usually fairly easy to find a table.

The first thing you’ll probably notice when you enter Lupo Verde—the Italian hotspot at the heart of all the 14th Street action—is the curing room where pancetta, sausage and other meats hang while they’re aged. It’s just one way this restaurant ensures flavors as close to the motherland as possible. The cuisine is rustic with seafood highlights (reflective of Southern Italy, where the owner is from) and includes dishes such as homemade cavatelli with smoked muscles, cherry tomatoes, potato and white wine sauce.

DC claims several stars from the popular Top Chef tv cooking competition, and one of the most recognizable is Spike Mendelsohn. Following the success of his fun, classic American burger joint on Capitol Hill, Mendelsohn opened a second DC locale in Georgetown. The Michelle Melt, a free-range turkey burger with Swiss cheese and a wholewheat bun, is named after the First Lady, a frequent fan. Grab your order at the counter and don’t miss the dipping bar where you can doctor up your handcut fries with flavored mayonnaises and sauces. The delicious toasted marshmallow milkshake is the stuff of legend.

The only way you could enjoy Kenilworth Park more was if you were a frog and able to jump from lily pad to lily pad. The sprawling nature conservatory in Northeast DC is made up of a series of foot bridges that allow you to take in all the beauty of the wetlands sprinkled with blossoming lotuses. The park is open year-round, and you can attend a ranger-led nature walk daily at 2pm. But by far the best time to visit is during the Locus and Water Lily Festival during the summer when the foliage will be in full-bloom.