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Neighborhood of Washington, United States
Photo: Flickr user: Rob Pongsajapan Arlington https://www.flickr.com/people/pong/, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Georgetown is a neighborhood in Washington, D.C., south of Upper Northwest and west of Dupont Circle. It is the oldest part of the city, with buildings dating back to 1751. The neighborhood is known for high-end shopping and dining, French-style cafes and cupcakeries, quaint 18th and 19th century rowhouses lining cobblestone streets reminiscent of Old Europe, sprawling estates, exclusive cocktail parties for the social and political elite, a glistening waterfront harbor, as well as Georgetown University and the associated rowdy collegiate nightlife. Several countries have embassies in Georgetown. Georgetown is physically separated from the rest of Washington by a ravine and the lack of a Metrorail station, and the feeling of separation persists in many ways to this day.
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Built in 1796 as a neighborhood pub, the City Tavern is the oldest commercial structure in the city, and the second oldest building following the Old Stone House. The interior is a beautiful trip back to the 18th century, but it is closed to the public, except for private event bookings.
Most famous for its role in 1944, when world leaders convened here to draw up the United Nations charter. But that's not why you should come. The extensive gardens are the biggest draw; they are extraordinarily beautiful—almost palatial—and peaceful, uncrowded. The best time to come is a Spring weekday, when the gardens are practically empty, and the trees are budding with bright pinks and purples. The mansion, built in 1800 for John Calhoun (one of the most powerful senators in American history), houses an extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian and Byzantine art. And rest assured a stroll around the mansion would be worthwhile even without the exhibits. Don't thank Sen. Calhoun for all this though; he was rather a boor. The second owners, the Blisses, a wealthy couple from the U.S. Foreign Service, are responsible for the magnificent landscaping and collections. If you are up for a little homework, look for Stravinsky's Dumbarton Oaks Concerto, commissioned by Mrs. Bliss for their 30th wedding anniversary.
Made famous by the 1973 horror movie, the "Exorcist Steps" run between Prospect and M St just west of where the Key Bridge deposits people into D.C. In addition to grisly ends to men and devils, the steps are popular among Georgetown students looking for a serious workout during their daily jog along the Potomac.
This quadrangle was the original land purchase upon the founding of the university. The chapel (1893) at the south end, beautiful inside and out, is best known to the world for its role in The Exorcist, where the priests discovered the defaced statue of the Virgin Mary. The oldest building on the quad is Old North (1795) on the north side, from which Abraham Lincoln gave his speech in 1861 to Union soldiers stationed here. The best time to visit is undoubtedly at the end of the cherry blossom season, when the petals are beginning to fall throughout the quad.
It's hard to notice anything on this very large quadrangle other than the enormous Healy Hall (1897), a national historic landmark, whose high-set Flemish-Romanesque towers loom over the neighborhood, and even the city. It is named after Patrick Healy, who had an impressive career of firsts: the first African-American president of a major U.S. university, the first African-American with a PhD, and the first African-American Jesuit priest. During the day you can wander inside the building to appreciate the interior—Gaston Hall at the north end of the third floor should be your main objective, as it is both beautiful and has hosted endless visits by foreign and domestic heads of state. In the summer, these visits are often free to the public and not very well attended, so you might be able to get in and talk foreign policy with a king or two. Check the university's events website.
A striking, award-winning modern building (2006), it is home to the Swedish Embassy. It bills itself as the "crown jewel of the Swedish presence in the U.S.," hosting a large exhibition space open to the public and devoted principally to current international issues dear to the Swedes.
Mount Zion Cemetery
The Old Methodist Burying Ground, today’s Mount Zion Cemetery, and the Female Union Band Society Cemetery are among the oldest Black ancestry surviving cemeteries in Washington, DC. They are a physical reminder of the heritage, contributions, and sacrifices made by enslaved Africans, their enslaved descendants, and born to freedom Black people during their lifetimes. They also provide insight into their families and the community in which they lived during a time of deep segregation. The burial grounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are a UNESCO-designated Slave Route Project site of memory. Together, they are the only two cemeteries remaining in the District which were specifically maintained for the burial of enslaved and former enslaved persons. They are among the few Black history landmarks remaining in Georgetown, a community whose population during the late 19th century was between 35 and 45 percent persons of African ancestry. The associated Mount Zion United Methodist Church, at 1334 29th St NW, remains in operation with only a handful of its member families living in Georgetown.
The Gothic chapel and gates were designed by the same architect who designed the Smithsonian Castle. It was the original resting place of Abraham Lincoln's son, Willie, before he was reinterred with his father in Illinois, as well as other figures. In addition to being a cemetery, it is also a botanical garden well set for a leisurely walk.
Built in 1765, this is the oldest original structure in Washington, D.C. For a while it was a used car dealership, but since the 1950s it has been operated by the National Park Service as a house museum showcasing pre-revolutionary colonial life in Georgetown, as well as a small English garden in the back.
The bridge opened in 1889 and was used to transport boats between the C&O and Alexandria canals. The bridge was demolished in 1933, after the construction of the Key Bridge and the closing of the canals. Now, it is a grassy, peaceful area with great views of the Key Bridge and some unique graffiti!
Remnants are visible on P St, at the façade of "The Shops of Georgetown Park," and at The Georgetown Car Barn (now an office for Georgetown University.) If driving on the insidious rails over the dilapidated cobblestone surface, aim to ride the rails—it's both a fun challenge and easier on your car.
A stately mansion built in 1815 by the son of the first mayor of Georgetown, and the step-granddaughter of one George Washington. The manor hosts permanent exhibits of 18-19th century American furnishings, as well as a large collections of items owned by George and Martha Washington. The gardens in the back are lovely, and can be accessed separately from the mansion for $3.
A 2,500 seat arena at which the Georgetown University women's basketball and volleyball teams play.
An 11,800-square-foot outdoor ice rink that operates in the winter months. In the summer, it is a colorful fountain.
The Georgetown portion of the 184.5-mile Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park stretches through the heart of the historic industrial center of Georgetown, just south of M St. Restored and renovated buildings line the path, offering a wonderful walk through history. In addition, one can take a mule-pulled barge ride through some of the still-working locks. The path runs northwest along the edge of the city, and eventually all the way to Cumberland, Maryland. The route is very popular with bikers, joggers, and anyone out for a stroll in a pretty setting. If you follow the route east past the end of the canal and head under the highway underpass, you can connect up with the paved waterfront jogging/bike path which runs by the Kennedy Center and then the monuments on the National Mall.
A 10-acre National Park that traces the path of the Potomac River from the Key Bridge to the Washington Harbor Complex. The park itself features an interactive fountain, water steps, lawns to relax upon, and walking/cycling paths. There are also scenic river overlooks and a labyrinth to explore.
A park on what used to be a reservoir, the hilltop is now a great place to get a view of Georgetown University.
This is where the students all come to have the requisite boating experience on the Potomac. Jack rents single and tandem kayaks as well as canoes. Launches are "weather and water permitting"—the Potomac can be a rough river with very strong currents, you won't be allowed to go out when it's unsafe.
Thompson's also rents bicycles. Accessible by car only via Virginia Ave from the West End.
Concerts by Candlelight
Dumbarton is a prestigious street in Georgetown, and prestigious acts perform at Dumbarton Concerts. Even if they did not, any candlelight performances of classical music in a historic Georgetown church would be reason enough to come. Get your tickets in advance since they sell out quickly.
Probably the city's best cupcakes and pour-over coffee. The cupcakes are huge and worth the $6-7 price. Unlike most cafes in the city, this shop eschews the local coffee supply mafia, and has a rotation of really interesting, unique coffee options. Try the homemade granola called hippie crack ($20). No Wi-Fi and limited seating at peak times.
This café is famous for the 20+ cats that run around the café, all of which are up for adoption. A great place for cat lovers!
This establishment makes a point of hiring and supporting veterans. The ambiance is patriotic and welcoming.
This cupcake shop is the subject of the reality show on TLC called DC Cupcakes. The cupcakes do live up to the hype.
The reigning champ in Georgetown's pita rivalry serves food into the late hours. Wash down a soujouk with an Ayran, or marvel at the Quick Pita special, stuffed with fries. It's busiest around 3-4AM—lunch can be more pleasant, if less entertaining.
Delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. One of the best values in Georgetown.
Iranian food. A great budget option.
Pleasant outdoor seating on a relaxed section Wisconsin Ave, low prices, delicious croissants, quiche, and panini. This is a regular stop for just about everyone in Georgetown who knows the place.
Wiseys
Chicken madness! Rumor has it that some students go through four years at Georgetown eating this sandwich alone. And it is indeed delicious, topped with all sorts of melted cheese, bacon, tomatoes, onions, and hot peppers. It's take-out only, so wander over to a bench on the main quad to get your fingers messy. Don't give money to the Wisey's bums—they're a bunch of sleazy frauds and they don't at all need your money.
The standard advice for Turkish dining is to order a bunch of mezes and skip the boring kebabs altogether. This small triangular-shaped restaurant puts this advice on its head—the kebabs are fantastic, with an especial nod to the iskender and the yogurtlu kebabs, while the mezes are almost uniformly a disappointment. If you do want an appetizer regardless, get something that will go well with the great hot bread, like the taramasolata. Serves a fine cup of Turkish coffee and some great desserts.
Palatable French food at a great price. Terrace seating when the weather permits is something hard to find in Georgetown at any price. Try the Torte aux Courgettes, a flaky zucchini pie, a traditional quiche, salad, or sandwich. Brunch on the weekends includes an entree, mimosa or OJ, and fresh French pastry for dessert. Great coffee any time, and a more laid back wine bar next door.
Great food near the waterfront.
Thin crust pizza.
A traditional, country-style French restaurant. It's a bit off the main section of the M St strip, and tends to attract mostly locals living in those pretty townhouses you've seen while walking around.
Upscale Thai's best representation in Georgetown, with a fairly funky atmosphere. Reservations are necessary on weekends.
An excellent upscale breakfast option, but make sure you have reservations for dinner, or you won't get in. Contemporary American cuisine.
Gourmet free range burgers. Specialty burgers include kobe beef, elk, bison, and boar.
Elegant French-inflected American dining in what is easily one of D.C.'s finest restaurants, near Georgetown University. Jacket & tie required for men. Ask to be seated in the main dining room. A pre-theater reduced price prix-fixe menu is available early evenings on weekdays with advance reservations.
A Michelin-starred restaurant with locally sourced ingredients served amid handcrafted furnishings.
Once a traditional destination for the power dining set, this pricey steakhouse has reinvented itself as a fashionable (though somewhat 'scene-y' New American restaurant), using seasonal and regional ingredients. Expect to pay high prices for the quality of the food, though there are some surprises on the menu— the burger (a relatively affordable entrée at this pricy steakhouse), will knock your socks off.
Power lunches among the diplomatic and political elite, late night dinners for local and international celebrities and a real 'scene' on weekends. This Italian restaurant has excellent service and an extensive wine list, but merely average food—not that anyone cares: you come here to see and be seen, after all. It is possible to keep your bill comparatively low here if you choose your menu selections carefully and avoid the expensive alcohol on offer.
One of D.C.'s most beloved restaurants and a Clintonian favorite, with plenty of overdecorated Italian kitsch right up to the Italian pasta-making grandmas on display. Yes, it's touristy-looking, but the pastas are indeed excellent, the portions very generous, and you are almost certainly guaranteed a fun, memorable experience.
A great seafood restaurant near the waterfront.
Spectacular views of the Potomac and the Kennedy Center, with outdoor seating right on Washington Harbour. People come here for the views (especially in the summer) and to see and be seen with the Georgetown elite, not for the overpriced, mediocre food and terrible service.
Belgian restaurant with wide selection of Belgian beers.
One of the world's great jazz clubs, playing host nightly to mostly national and international acts. The atmosphere is wonderful, in a brick building off Wisconsin in an actual "Blues Alley." The venue is tiny and packed full; patrons are respectful and do not talk during performances (if you want conversation, go elsewhere). The range of music, however, has become a little wider than jazz purists would like—check the website calendar to make sure you'll hear music to your taste. Seating is not assigned, so get in the line early, which starts to form one half hour before shows.
Great drinks, good for groups. "Come sing along with us" is the slogan.
Martin's Tavern is at once both a famous destination spot and just a low-key neighborhood pub. If you like to drink in good historical company, every president from Truman through the last guy has stopped in for a beer. JFK in particular loved it here. If you are willing to settle for less than a president, this is a good place to spot senators, former secretaries of state, pundit hackerati, etc. It's also a good place to have a burger and a beer.
A very high end bar specializing in whiskeys. Athletic gear is not allowed.
Appropriately named for being in the tomb-like basement of 1789, the Tombs is the unofficial Georgetown University watering hole. Popular with students and faculty alike—graduate courses often relocate here directly after class. Th-Sa nights are extremely crowded, and the bartenders might ignore you. Opt for an afternoon, a weeknight, or better yet a Sunday brunch instead. 1985 "Brat Pack" movie St. Elmo's Fire revolved around a group of students who had just graduated from Georgetown—the bar that much of the film takes place in is based on The Tombs.
Large rooms, restaurant, free Wi-Fi and 24-hr fitness center.
The service is a bit below what you would expect for these prices.
An all-suite hotel, with a business center, meeting facilities, and concierge services. The location is pretty ideal—just off the busiest section of M St, and two blocks from Washington Harbor. Perhaps best known by locals for its scenic rooftop lounge, one of Georgetown's best views- and relatively affordable for the neighborhood
Almost impossibly luxurious, with famously legendary service—you will receive pretty much anything you request. The one stumble is the location, which is fine but not ideal for exploring Georgetown on foot (but also a short walk, from the much more down to earth, West End area). Then again, if you are staying here, you probably won't mind paying a little extra for cabs or private cars.
Rivaling the Four Seasons to be D.C's most luxurious hotel, located on a quiet street between some nice restaurants on M St, and the Washington Harbor. The history of the building could not be more incongruous with the present—it was Georgetown's refuse incinerator, in the heart of the neighborhood's smoke-filled industrial waterfront. The bar and restaurant inside are humorously named after this inauspicious beginning: Fahrenheit and Degrees. On-site spa.
An ultra-luxurious five-star hotel with fine dining restaurants, a rooftop lounge, spa services, and meeting rooms.
They clothed the man with the coiffe, former presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards, as well as several Miss America finalists. This is one of D.C.'s most famous local boutiques, specializing in men's clothing, and a famous selection of designer ties.
High end sneakers.
Premium luggage
A funkier store than most in Georgetown, this little spot mostly sells Indian and some Middle Eastern style clothes, in addition to belly dancing outfits, and hookahs. Perhaps keeping true to the regions represented, you can actually haggle here if you like.
A great little bookstore, conspicuously far from the university, which selects and presents its materials thoughtfully. The political and poetry sections are the big draws, although a specialist might be surprised to find their narrow subject covered comprehensively! Hosts occasional poetry readings, author events, etc.
One of D.C.'s most prominent galleries, which exhibits mainly contemporary and impressionist abstract paintings.
As you might expect, Georgetown is exactly the kind of place where one buys fine cigars. The selection is excellent, the staff knowledgeable, and there are a couple comfy chairs in the back where you can have a relaxed smoke (rare in this city).
A unique Mexican imports store that has been here for over 50 years. Their collections of jewelry (also from Germany and Israel), artwork, and other designs make for great window shopping.
Antique furniture.
By bus
Metrobus operates in Georgetown. For more information on riding buses in Washington DC, see Washington DC#Get_around.
By car
Driving in Georgetown is not a pleasant experience and not recommended.
By taxi
It is easy to find a taxi on M St or Wisconsin Ave any time of the day.
By boat
Potomac Riverboat Company operates water taxis from Alexandria to Georgetown ($21 one-way) with narrated tours of the monuments.
By bicycle
The Capital Crescent Trail runs from Georgetown to Silver Spring.
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