Katharine Rust

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. 

It’s no secret that the District is powered by coffee. Caffeine is what makes the many workers of this town run, but the appetite here isn’t just for any old cup of joe. Washington, D.C., is home to a varied, rich coffee and cafe scene that reflects its status as a multicultural foodie haven. Craving Cuban, Indonesian, Italian, Ethiopian, or Panamanian coffee? We have it all, and more. There are plenty of chains that carry serviceable coffee here, but Washingtonians tend to love their local coffee shops, and are intensely loyal to their neighborhood spots—even if they’re just rushing in on their morning commutes.  Despite its reputation as a hub of worker bees who can’t unplug, Washington, D.C., is also a town full of people who love nothing more than kicking back on a weekend morning. Pop into one of the many excellent coffee shops and cafes on this list on a Saturday morning and you’ll find cafe culture is alive and well in D.C.—people here chill as hard as they work, so you’ll likely have to compete for table space with that group of friends catching up or the solo sipper with a novel and croissant in hand. Want proof? Fuel up at the best coffee shops and cafes in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Despite the fact that just about half of DC’s transient population is conservative (give or take a few percentages depending on whoever’s in the White House), the LGBT community is not only thriving, it’s practically the majority leader. That is, if you live on 17th Street, H Street, in Adams Morgan, Shaw, Dupont Circle, NoMa, Navy Yards…Did we mention gay DC is on the rise? Until about 15 years ago, the most flavor you’d savor in the District came in the form of mumbo sauce. But, as with any city’s gentrification pattern, wherever gays and lesbians move, gay and lesbian bars are sure to follow.

The nation’s capital may have earned the nickname “Hollywood for Ugly People,” but when you need an escape from the ongoing political drama, DC movie theaters deliver, whether you want to catch the latest releases, or find art-house fare in screening rooms and auditoriums within some of the city’s best art museums.