The Jefferson has tall arched glass ceilings
The Jefferson
For the old-world luxury
Washington Monument seen across the river during cherry blossom season
Washington, D.C.
BWI
In D.C., all roads lead to the Capitol building, just as Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed it back in 1791. The United States’ capital is chock full of must–see monuments, free museums and tangible history. It’s also one of the most diverse cities in the country – it has the nation’s largest Ethiopian and Salvadoran communities – making international dining de rigueur.
Where to Stay
- A queen bed at the cozy Thompson HotelThompson Washington D.C.For the dining scene
- A chic seating area at The DarcyThe DarcyFor the business amenities
- A sun-filled artsy suite at The LineThe LineFor the art-forward design
- The tall white facade of Hotel Hive's front entranceHotel HiveFor the budget-friendly rooms
Eat & Drink
Officina
A café, trattoria, year–round rooftop patio and gourmet food market come together in this three–storey Italian culinary destination in the Wharf. The Salotto – a five–seat bar with handsome leather stools – has an impressive collection of vintage and rare bottles of amaro, while the Trattoria (led by Michelin–starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli) focuses on homemade pastas and other traditional fare.
Annabelle
Former White House chef Frank Ruta heads up this posh eatery in Kalorama, an upscale neighbourhood on the outskirts of Dupont Circle. Sit at the tiled bar or beneath the skylight in the plant–filled garden room for grilled Rhode Island squid followed by lamb loin with English pea purée and black–olive sauce. Save room for a slice of blueberry crumb cheesecake with buttermilk sorbet.
Little Pearl
You can spend an entire day on the verdant back patio of this Capitol Hill eatery. For an afternoon pick–me–up, pair a cortado or banana latte (a house specialty) with a homemade snickerdoodle cookie or savoury financiers. As evening rolls around, chef Aaron Silverman’s Michelin–starred $105 prix–fixe menu takes centre stage, with wine pairings to match.
Maydan
Meaning town square in Arabic, Maydan is an eclectic Michelin–starred restaurant where chefs grill lamb shoulder, salmon kebabs and halloumi with Egyptian dukkha over an open firepit. Fresh toné bread serves as the centrepiece of the meal – it goes with everything, and servers don’t slack on the free top–ups.
Call Your Mother Deli
Good wood–fired bagels have finally arrived in D.C. with this casual Jewish – emphasis on the “ish” – spot in Parkview. Take your pick of schmears (from hummus to candied–salmon cream cheese), along with latkes, a nostalgia–heavy pizza bagel and challah–roll sandwiches. They’re not overly concerned with tradition here, so go ahead and top your bagel with bacon instead of pastrami.
Chicken + Whiskey
Bird is the word at this Peruvian and Venezuelan joint where their signature spit–roasted chicken gets brined for 12 hours. Pair a quarter, half or whole bird with yucca fries and sweet plantains, and head to the discreet whisky bar in the back for a selection of 99 varieties of whisky, bourbon and rye.
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What to Do
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Opened to the public in 2016, this museum celebrates African–American history and culture. Exhibitions range from the Civil Rights movement and the history of activism (see the Woolworth’s stools from the 1960 Greensboro sit–in) to slavery and the Underground Railroad (don’t miss the silk and lace shawl that Queen Victoria gave Harriet Tubman around 1897).
Shop Made In DC
Discover D.C.’s crafty side at any of this retail initiative’s three outposts that stock nearly 5,000 locally made goods from more than 200 makers, including Dorpare’s spicy ginger tea, Miks Letterpress + greeting cards and Yinibini Baby’s kids’ clothes. Sign up for a workshop and try your hand at embroidering, calligraphy or upholstering.
United States National Arboretum
Home to the Instagram–friendly sandstone National Capitol Columns, this landmark features nearly 7,000 types of plants and shrubs, including bonsais, azaleas and dogwoods. The arboretum hosts rotating exhibitions, public events and guided tours. If you’re in town during a full moon, join a two–hour nighttime stroll through the garden and its surrounding forests.
Union Market
NoMa’s community–centric shopping hub brings together a slew of local favourites under one roof. Check out Salt & Sundry for eclectic home decor and jewellery handmade in D.C.; smarten up at beloved independent bookstore Politics and Prose; and grab an Israeli eggplant burger from Shouk or coffee from the socially conscious Village Cafe.
National Air and Space Museum
Get ready for takeoff with the world’s largest collection of all things space and aviation. Gawk at Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit and Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Vega 5B before taking a topsy–turvy flight–simulator ride – don’t eat the dehydrated astronaut ice cream from the gift shop beforehand.
Relish
Owner Nancy Pearlstein has been stocking her high–end Georgetown boutique with on–trend womenswear for over 20 years. (In 2019, it was the only outpost in town for fashion icon Carolina Castiglioni’s breakout collection, Plan C.) Shop mainstays like Marc Jacobs alongside avant–garde options like Dries van Noten and French label Maison Margiela.
National Portrait Gallery
Climb the imperial staircase to the second floor, where the America’s Presidents exhibition features Kehinde Wiley’s painting of Barack Obama. Then, check out the 20th Century Americans exhibit, complete with striking portraits of Toni Morrison and Robert F. Kennedy. Let it all sink in over a cup of espresso in the glass–covered courtyard café.
Kramerbooks & Afterwords
Along with featuring a rotation of picks from knowledgeable staff, this literary haven in Dupont Circle hosts readings, story times, book clubs, comedy shows and live jazz. Once you’ve stocked up on fresh reads, head to the shop’s café for avocado toast or a slice of salted caramel vanilla cake.
Key Bridge Boathouse
Located where the Potomac and Anacostia rivers meet, D.C. has no shortage of places to paddle. Head to the Georgetown waterfront to kayak, canoe or paddleboard your way past famous sites like Theodore Roosevelt Island, the Kennedy Center and the Watergate Hotel. In the springtime, spot the city’s famed cherry blossoms along the shore.
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