A Local's Weekend Guide to Washington D.C.'s Prettiest Places
By Lulu Chang
Contributing Writer
La' Shukran, Washington D.C.. Photo: La' Shukran
It isn’t just diplomats, lobbyists, and politicians who can come to appreciate Washington, D.C. The nation’s capital may just be one of the most underrated cities in the United States when it comes to architectural beauty, culinary achievement, and overall vibes. From the historical significance of some of its hotels to the avant garde techniques explored by some of its leading bars and restaurants, there’s something for everyone when it comes to D.C. So whether you’re looking for a weekend away or a brief trip that combines business and pleasure, D.C.’s most aesthetic destinations include fabulous hotel lobbies, moody cocktail lounges, beautiful pastry shops, and more. Here's how to spend two perfectly curated days discovering the city's most beautiful places to stay, eat, drink, and linger.
Stay
Pendry Washington D.C. | The Wharf
This stunning iteration in the Pendry portfolio boasts some of the best views of the trendy waterfront just below, as well as the monuments that have made Washington, D.C. such an iconic destination. We can’t get enough of the lobby (or the fabulous lobby bar, for that matter), and would highly recommend grabbing dinner on the rooftop at Moonraker.
Photo: Pendry Washington D.C.
Rosewood Washington D.C. | Georgetown
Perhaps the best thing about the Rosewood D.C. is its relatively new addition of townhomes to its hotel. While a stay in the hotel’s main building is always a treat, for an even further elevated experience, elect to stay in one of the charming D.C. townhouses that the hotel has acquired and converted to be among the best accommodations in the city.
Photo: Rosewood Washington D.C.
The Jefferson | Downtown
If there’s a classic D.C. hotel, it’s The Jefferson. Just four blocks north of the White House, its location has cemented its place in D.C. lore, and the elegant digs and fabulous service does all the rest. For quintessential luxury and modern convenience, this is undoubtedly the place to stay to take in all that the city has to offer.
Photo: The Jefferson
Coffee & Breakfast
Unconventional Diner | Mt. Vernon
This restaurant from Chef David Deshaies is exactly what it sounds like - an unconventional diner in the sense that it’s taking diner classics and elevating them beyond your wildest dreams. We truly can’t get enough of the funky vibes and the delicious food, including a killer stack of pancakes, a truly delicious shakshuka, and the fact that brunch is served every day until 3:45 pm.
Photo: Unconventional Diner
Rose Ave Bakery | Woodley Park
Photo: Rose Ave Bakery
This compact yet airy cafe serves up some of the best and most unique pastries in the district thanks to its southeast Asian influences. You must try the mochi puffs as well as the uniquely flavored donuts, filled with everything from black sesame to coconut pandan to ube (a purple sweet potato).
Café Riggs | Penn Quarter
Photo: Café Riggs
Inside the beautiful Riggs Hotel, you’ll find the stunning Café, whose soaring ceilings beckon you to come, sit, and stay awhile. Grab a latte and hang out for the morning, or honestly, the entire day. It’s also an absolutely prime place for people watching.
Eat
Osteria Mozza | Georgetown
Photo: Osteria Mozza
The brain child of two heavy hitters in the culinary industry – Nancy Silverton and Stephen Starr – it seemed almost impossible for this restaurant to disappoint. And trust us, it doesn’t. Whether you’re there for a weekend brunch or a late night weekday dinner, the food is consistently fabulous and the vibes from any seat of this sprawling restaurant are on point.
SHŌTŌ | Downtown
This moody Japanese restaurant in the heart of the city is just as good for drinks with a date as it is for a corporate dinner - which is really saying something. The cocktail program is always a hit, and those pieces of sushi are just divine. It also happens to be in the midst of a number of other excellent dining options, including Caribbean fine dining institution Isla and cozy Italian spot Grazie Mille.
Photo: SHŌTŌ
Drink
La’ Shukran | Union Market
Perhaps one of the best kept secrets in D.C. is La’ Shukran, part of Chef Michael Rafidi’s burgeoning empire in the district. This fabulous bar is tucked away in an alley, but bright lights and music beckon you upstairs. Be sure to try any of the cocktails made with arak, the classic Levantine spirit.
Photo: La’ Shukran
Death & Co | Mt. Vernon
The cocktails at this outpost of Death & Co. are just as good as they are in Denver or New York or LA, but the vibes may just be even more immaculate. Lighting is made all the more special vis a vis the glass ceiling above, and you can get just as cozy in a circular booth as you can at the well-appointed bar.
Photo: Death & Co
Floreria Atlantico | Georgetown
This Buenos Aires transplant calls D.C. its first home in the United States, and we couldn’t be more excited. As its name suggests, this speakeasy-esque bar actually doubles as a flower shop in the front. But tell the florist that you’re here for drinks, and you’ll be led behind a door and into an entirely different world where the drinks are as delicious as they are creative.
Photo: Floreria Atlantico
Forty-eight hours in D.C. is almost certainly not enough time to explore all that the city has to offer, but this guide may just start as an excellent jumping off point. The city’s wealth of boutique hotels create space for you to feel as though you’re home away from home, whereas a range of internationally-inspired restaurants help you travel the world without ever leaving the city. And given the amount of politicking that’s done over a martini in this town, you can bet that the bars are second to none. Whether you’re drawn to the classic Georgetown charm of the Rosewood hotel, the stunning views from Moonraker, or the undeniably beautiful (to eat and see) pastries at Rose Ave, D.C. has something for every aesthetic.
Most locations featured here are Opulist picks and can also be found when using the "Restaurant," "Bar," "Coffee Shop," or "Hotel" Feature filters while searching for your going out experience in Washington D.C..
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