Washington D.C. | To-do & To Eat

I spent this past spring in Washington, D.C. interning for the U.S. Treasury.  It was one of the most memorable times in my life, and I would go back in a heartbeat.  D.C. is unlike any other U.S. city because of its classic architecture, political influence, and diversity.  I would HIGHLY suggest putting it at the top of your must-see cities.  D.C. is a city where you can be out all day and night and still have a whole list of things to do.  It has so many things to offer!  D.C. is also a great city to visit if you are on a budget because most of the sites are free!  It's probably a good thing that everything is free because trust me, you'll want to spend the rest of your money on all of the delicious restaurants. Since returning home from my 4-month adventure, I have had several people ask me what to do and where to eat in D.C.  So, here we go!  Here's my list of delicious eats and amazing sites in the nation's capitol. 

To-do:

• Poetry night at Busboys & Poets - enjoy an evening full of poetry and DC culture
• National Cathedral
• Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception - this basilica is absolutely beautiful.  You could spend hours inside admiring all of the intricate mosaics.
• Georgetown- perfect place for a nice evening walk.  The houses and streets are so quaint and picturesque.  This is my favorite spot in the city.
• Union Station - one of my favorite train stations.
• Alexandria - shops and the river walk, this is a must-see in the DC area.
• Tour of the U.S. Capitol - book tours through your congressman.
• National Mall Memorials
• Lincoln Memorial
• Korean War Memorial
• Washington Memorial
•  Jefferson Memorial
• World War II Memorial
• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
• Smithsonian Museums
• Holocaust Museum - get tickets in advanced or you will be waiting forever.
• Natural History Museum
• Air and Space Museum - my favorite museum.
• American History
• National Gallery of Art
• U.S. Botanical Garden - tropical oasis in the middle of the city.
• Archives
• National Zoo
• White House Tour - book tour through your congressman.
• DuPont Circle - walk through the streets of DuPont to see all of the Embassy's.
• Adams Morgen - fun place for night life.
• Town - my favorite club in the city.
• Kennedy Center - take the elevator to the top floor to get a pretty view of Georgetown.
• Cherry Blossom Festival - the most beautiful and pink time of year to be in D.C.

To Eat:

• Founding Farmers - amazing brunch, get the stuffed french toast.
• Zaytinya - good middle eastern mezze.
• Eastern Market - great place for fresh veggies, fruit, and meat, but my favorite is the breakfast.  Try the blueberry buckwheat pancakes and eggs benedict on crab cakes.
• We The Pizza - fast, cheap pizza near the U.S. Capitol.
• Good Stuff Eatery - mmmm, great burgers.
• Shake Shack-reasonably priced burgers.
• Native American Indian Museum Cafeteria - if you are visiting this museum, try out the scones in the cafeteria!  They are delicious.
• District Taco - just go here.  I went here waayy too many times, but it's so hard to resist because the tacos are so cheap and they are amazing.  Perfect lunch place.
• Bistro Cacao - craving French food?  this is the place to go.  It's pricey, but the intimate setting and gourmet food make it an unforgettable experience.
• Ethiopic - I would highly suggest trying Ethiopian food in DC.  This place should be at the top of your restaurant list in DC.
• Ben's Chili Bowl -great place for hot dogs.
• Astro Donuts- I love donuts!  Get the Creme Brulee donut. You'll fall in love and want to get a treat here everyday.
• Busboys and Poets- This place has yummy food and lots of options... their nachos are the best.
• Co Co Sala - this is the place to go if you are a chocolate lover!
• Thomas Sweet - best ice cream in DC.  Went here almost every weekend.
• Bodega - good restaurant for Spanish tapas and paella.
• Mama Ayeshas - middle eastern food
• Le Diplomat - love this place!  Cool restaurant with oh-so-delicious French food
• Eamonn's -  if you are in Alexandria and happen to be craving fish & chips, I would go here.  Sooo good.
• Teaism - get the chai shake
• 2 Amys Pizza - mmmm authentic Italian pizza.
• Garden District - fun, outdoor place for BBQ.
•  Julia's Empanadas - quick and tasty empanadas.
• Panas Gourmet Empanadas - lots of empanadas to choose from.
• Sprinkles - delicious cupcakes
• Baked & Wired - loved their cupcakes