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From Wikitravel

Georgetown is a neighborhood in Washington, D.C. to the south of Woodley Park and west of Dupont Circle across Rock Creek Park. It is a major center of tourism in the capital for its high-end shopping and dining, quaint 18th century rowhouses on cobblestone streets, rowdy collegiate nightlife, waterfront harbor, and Georgetown University.

[edit] Understand

The neighborhood is situated on bluffs overlooking the Potomac River. As a result, there are some rather steep grades on streets running north-south, as well as some great views over the Potomac. The famous "Exorcist Steps" connecting M St to Prospect St were necessitated by the hilly terrain. Several of these sloping streets remain unpaved and cobblestone, while all of them are lined with tall, old trees and quaint 18th-19th century architecture. While all neighborhoods in D.C. have their own feel and vibe, Georgetown truly feels like a separate city, from its own street grid to the architectural styles. It is one of the prettiest areas not only of D.C., but of the entire country, and it's best explored by foot.

Founded in 1751, Georgetown predates Washington, as it was at the farthest navigable point on the Potomac River in colonial times. As a port city it was an important center of Mid-Atlantic trade, notably for tobacco and slaves. In 1789 Georgetown University was founded, making it the first Catholic university in the nation. Just two years later, the city was incorporated into the newly established national capital, after which it developed into somewhat of an African-American neighborhood as the city of Washington grew, and the Anglo-elite moved to newer homes in the burgeoning city. This period saw some very famous Georgetowners—Thomas Jefferson and Francis Scott Key both lived here, and George Washington came over often for the booze.

The 1820s saw the construction of the $77 million C&O Canal, which would travel alongside the Potomac River west of Georgetown, linking it to Ohio through Western Maryland. The project was a dramatic commercial failure due to the construction of the more efficient B&O Railroad, but its legacy exists in Georgetown today as a beautiful place to take a walk or bike ride. In the late nineteenth century, Georgetown's fortunes declined precipitously as both the Potomac and the canal became unnavigable due to increased sedimentation. The factories around the canal shuttered their windows, and Georgetown became a slum. This was all to the benefit of the modern era, however, as the local economic depression saved the area from development, thus preserving its beautiful eighteenth century houses.

In the mid-twentieth century Georgetown's fortunes saw a rapid change, as well educated residents moved here, drawn by its proximity to the city center and especially by its old architecture. In the 1950s, future President John F Kennedy moved to 33rd and N St, and since everyone wanted to be at Jackie O's parties, the city's social and political elite returned to the neighborhood. Since then, for better or worse, Georgetown gentrified into something akin to Beverly Hills for the Capital Region. The one-time refuse incinerator has been remodeled into the Ritz-Carlton.

Today, Georgetown caters to a privileged, wealthy, international, powerful, and even somewhat aristocratic crowd, although the university presence preserves a unique mixture of beer-soaked college town and prosperous enclave.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By metro

There is no direct Metrorail connection to Georgetown. However, the Georgetown Metro Connection [1] provides convenient little blue buses with many stops along M St, running between the Rosslyn and Dupont Circle Metro stations. Fare is a flat $1 or, with a Metrorail SmarTrip card, $0.50 when boarding at a Metrorail station. Buses leave from the top of the escalators at the Rosslyn Metro station every ten minutes M-Th 7AM-midnight, F 7AM-2AM, Sa 8AM-2AM, Su 8AM-midnight.

If you choose to walk, Georgetown is an easy mile from either the Rosslyn or Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro stations, and a mile and a half from Dupont Circle. Walking to Rosslyn also guarantees some really nice views from the Key Bridge.

[edit] By bus

The very convenient D.C. Circulator [2] Georgetown-Union Station "Yellow" Line bus runs along the length of Wisconsin Ave in Georgetown, then along M St towards the West End, where it passes by the White House and then into the East End on its way to Union Station 7AM-9PM daily, every ten minutes.

#38B [3] also connects Georgetown to Farragut Square and the Rosslyn Metro stations. The #G2 [4] runs along P St from the University's main gates to Dupont Circle, and on to Logan Circle.

#32 and #36 [5] run down Wisconsin Ave from Friendship Heights past the National Zoo, then east through Georgetown along M St, then down Pennsylvania Ave to the Mall.

#31 [6] runs from Tenleytown-AU, down Wisconsin, and then along M St. Unlike #32 and #36, which stop near the Foggy Bottom Metro station (on Pennsylvania Ave, before the Circle near GW Hospital), the #31 picks up and drops off directly in front of the station.

[edit] By car

Driving in Georgetown is not a pleasant experience. Streets are clogged, pedestrians are aggressive (that's right, the pedestrians), major arteries reverse flow and become one-way during rush hour, and you will usually have trouble finding parking anywhere near where you want to be. (Parking at Georgetown University, however, is quite possible, but costs good money.)

Wisconsin and M are the major arteries. The Whitehurst Fwy from K St is a quick way to get in (not out) from downtown to M St. The Key Bridge from the west end of M St will carry you into Virginia, into Arlington and on towards National Airport and Old Town Alexandria.

[edit] By taxi

Georgetown is saturated with taxicabs. You'll have no trouble finding one on M St or Wisconsin Ave any time of the day.

[edit][add listing] See

Georgetown is known principally for its pretty residential streets, shopping, and dining—not for sightseeing. This is a mistake. Dumbarton Oaks is a highlight of any informed visit to the city, and is frankly a more rewarding destination than most of the Smithsonian museums. A visit would also be remiss without a stop at the University's beautiful Main and Dalghren Chapel quads, the notorious Exorcist Steps, and the canal.

• City Tavern Club, 3206 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 337-8770, [7]. 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. With a little planning in advance, however, you could RSVP for an (expensive) lunch.  edit
• Dumbarton Oaks, 1703 32nd St NW, ☎ +1 202 339-6401, [8]. Museum: Tu-Su 2PM-5PM, Gardens: Tu-Su 2PM-6PM (15 Mar-31 Oct), Tu-Su 2PM-5PM (1 Nov-14 Mar). 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. Museum: free, Gardens $8, $5 in the summer for seniors 60+, students, and children under 13, free in the winter.  edit
• Exorcist Steps, (Between 3600 M St and 3600 Prospect St NW). Made famous by the 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.  edit
• Georgetown University Dalghren Chapel Quad, (Behind the Main Quad, through Healy Hall). 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.  edit
• Georgetown University Main Quad, (Right past the main gates at 37th & O). It's hard to notice anything on this very large quadrangle other than the enormous National Historic Landmark of Healy Hall (1897), 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 [9].  edit
• Georgetown Waterfront Park, [10]. A new 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. It is still under construction, but a big chunk of it opened to the public in 2008.  edit
• House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW (at the east end of Washington Harbor), (info@houseofsweden.com), [11]. usually Th-Su 1PM-6PM. A striking, award-winning modern building (2006), currently home to the Swedish Embassy. 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. Free.  edit
• Mount Zion Cemetery, 27th St & Q St NW, [12]. Mount Zion Church served Georgetown's once large African-American community (today the neighborhood is nearly 100% white outside of the university) which once offered free burials for Washington's African-American population. The church remains in operation (with only a handful of families still in the area; most of the congregation commutes to mass), and is located at 1334 29th St NW.  edit
• The Oak Hill Cemetery, 3001 R St NW, ☎ +1 202 337-2835 (oak_hill_cemetery@verizon.net), [13]. M-F 9AM-4:30PM, Su 1PM-4PM. 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. Free.  edit
• The Old Stone House, 3051 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 426-6851, [14]. House: W-Su noon-5PM, garden: dawn-dusk daily. 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. Free.  edit
• Remains of the Washington streetcar system. Remnants are visible on P St, at the facade 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.  edit
• Tudor Place, 1644 31st St NW, ☎ +1 202 965-0400, [15]. Tu-Sa 10AM-3PM, Su noon-3PM (tours on the hour). A stately mansion built in 1815 by the son of the first mayor of Georgetown. 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. $8, seniors 62+: $6, students 7-18: $3.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

D.C. has a surprising amount of outdoor opportunities for such an urban area, and Georgetown is one of the best places to jump off to enjoy them—thank the Potomac River. Theodore Roosevelt Island is just across the Key Bridge, the canal is a great place for a walk or bike ride, and Georgetown is also becoming a major jumping off point for boats, from water taxis to kayaks. The relatively new Washington Harbor development at the south end of 31st St, is the center of maritime activity, as well as a favorite (if touristy) place for a stroll to take in the views of the city across the Potomac.

• Big Wheel Bikes, 1034 33rd St NW, ☎ +1 202 337-0254, [16]. M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa-Su 10AM-6PM. This is the main bike shop in Georgetown, with a wide selection of different styles of bikes available for rent. They are very used to accommodating visitors, and are happy to help you find a good route for exploring the area. Weekly and monthly rentals are also available. $5-9/hour, $25-50 full day.  edit
• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, ☎ +1 202 653-5190, [17]. The Georgetown portion of this 184.5 mile 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.  edit

• Dumbarton Concerts (Concerts by Candlelight), 3133 Dumbarton St NW (Dumbarton Church), ☎ +1 202 965-2000 (office@dumbartonconcerts.org), [18]. Concerts usually Sa 4PM,8PM. Dumbarton is a prestigious street, and the Dumbarton Concerts get some prestigious acts. 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, as they sell out quickly. ~$30, students: $25.  edit

• Jack's Boathouse, 3500 K St NW, ☎ +1 202 337-9642, [19]. M noon-7:30PM, Tu-F 10AM-7:30PM, Sa-Su 8AM-8PM. Just south of the 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, and Jack won't let you go out when it's unsafe. $10/hour, $35/full day.  edit

• Thompson Boat Center, 2900 Virginia Ave NW (south of the Whitehurst Fwy underpass), ☎ +1 202 333-9543. Spring-Summer only: M-Sa 6AM-8PM, Su 7AM-7PM. At the extreme southeast point of Georgetown is the other main spot for boat rentals. Thompsom's also does bicycle rentals. Accessible by car only via Virgina Ave from the West End. Boats: $8-10/hour $22-30/full day (sailboats hourly only), bikes: $4-8/hour, $15-25 full day.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

Georgetown is shopping central. You'll find many local shops and boutiques, antique stores, as well as the city's largest collection of national and international chains. Unlike other portions of D.C., you won't find a lot of Americana, tourist trap shops. There are a couple, but they mostly sell Georgetown University sweaters, T-shirts, etc. You will find a wide variety of upscale clothing boutiques, however. Also, know that Georgetown is one of two, highly upscale shopping areas in the District (the other being Friendship Heights). You will not find discount stores of any form.

Retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch (1208 Wisconsin Ave), American Eagle (1220 Wisconsin Ave), Banana Republic (3200 M St), Club Monaco (3235 M St), Coach (3259 M St), Co-Op by Barney's New York (3040 M St), Diesel (1249 Wisconsin Ave), The Gap (1258 Wisconsin Ave), Hilfiger (3229 M St), Hugo Boss (1517 Wisconsin Ave), Kate Spade (3061 M St), Limited (3276 M St), Lucky Brand Jeans (3273 M St), Pottery Barn (3077 M St), Ralph Lauren (1245 Wisconsin Ave), Zara (1238 Wisconsin Ave), and many more are all located close to each other, especially on M St east (and two blocks west) of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Ave north of M. You can walk past them all in an easy fifteen minutes.

[edit] The Shops at Georgetown Park

3222 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 342-8190, [20]. M-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su noon-6PM. An enclosed upscale boutique shopping mall at the very center of Georgetown. It's an oddly quiet place to walk through, having been outshined by the outdoor competitors. Stores include various upscale mall fare, like Express, H&M, J Crew, Ann Taylor, Sisley, Itermix, White House/Black Market, etc., but also a host of small boutiques and unique import/export stores. The mall has its own parking garage.

[edit] Clothes

If you like fashion, you will love shopping in Georgetown. You may also wind up in financial ruin (albeit with great closet riches).

• Annie Cream Cheese, 3279 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 298-5555, [21]. M-Sa 11AM-8PM, Su noon-6PM. D.C.'s favorite high-end vintage shopping for women. Vintage might mean "last year," and there's a high-end designer section that isn't vintage at all. The clothes are nice, and you won't have to hunt through them (a thrift store, this is not), and the prices are high. It's apparently a hit with the celebutante crowd, so you might have the misfortune to spot a Kardashian or a Beckham through those enormous sunglasses.  edit
• CUSP, 3030 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 625-0893, [22]. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-6PM. The hip spin-off from Neiman Marcus, with an especially popular selection of dresses (which start at $300).  edit
• Everard's Clothing, 1802 Wisconsin Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 298-7465, [23]. 10AM-6PM daily. 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.  edit
• Piccolo Piggies, 1533 Wisconsin Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 333-0123, [24]. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11:30AM-5PM. If you want your five-year-old to look more fashionable than you, take them here. Seriously though, it's a great little store to get gifts, clothes and toys, for kids twelve and younger. If you worry that it might not be cute enough in there, check out that website.  edit
• Proper Topper, 3213 P St NW, ☎ +1 202 333-6200, [25]. M-F 10:30AM-6:30PM, Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-6PM. Well, this is where you get your hats! From fedoras to baseball caps, they have hats for women, men, and children (as well as a lot of other fashion accessories), and all of them are stylish.  edit
• Sherman Pickey, 1647 Wisconsin Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 333-4212, [26]. Tu-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM. Prepster boutique shopping. The store is named for the owners' shelter-rescued dog and cat, and you can get your pets gussied up with some upscale collars and leashes here as well.  edit
• Sugar, 1633 Wisconsin Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 333-5331, [27]. M-W,F-Sa 10:30AM-6PM, Th 10:30AM-7PM, Su noon-5PM. A small boutique catering to women of all ages, and with items of widely varying prices. This means that there are only going to be a few items of interest to any particular visitor, but it's a nice, friendly storefront with wonderful contemporary designs.  edit
• Urban Chic, 1626 Wisconsin Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 338-5398, [28]. M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-5PM. If you are browsing Georgetown's boutiques, this is the one you should not miss. It is larger than the rest, and is a great stop for denim and dresses by high-end designers.  edit
• Urban Outfitters, 3111 M St, ☎ +1 202 342-1012. M-Sa 11AM-9:30PM, Su 11AM-8PM. This huge two-level Urban Outfitters does a ton of business in Georgetown, to the point where it's something of a local landmark.  edit
• Up against the Wall, 3219 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 234-4153, [29]. M-Th 10AM-9PM, F-Sa 10AM-10PM, Su noon-6PM. Expensive hip hop/urban fashions with plenty of clothes that will get you ready for the club. The blinged-out Obama tees are a big hit lately.  edit

[edit] Design and galleries

Georgetown has also become known as a center of modern interior design, with many stores and showrooms concentrated on the western edge of the neighborhood, especially between 34th and 33rd along M south to the canal. Even if you are not interested in design, some of those air conditioned stores have some very comfortable couches that you might stop in to "try out" on a hot day. There are a ton of small art galleries in Georgetown, which are 1) easy to miss, 2) sometimes just for tourists and the art-illiterate, and 3) fun to stop in, browse, and maybe pick up something special.

• Addison/Ripley Fine Art, 1670 Wisconsin Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 338-5180, [30]. Tu-Sa 11AM-6PM. One of Georgetown's most prominent galleries, which exhibits mainly contemporary abstract painting, alongside the occasional display from their impressive inventory catalog of several internationally famous abstract expressionists.  edit
• Anne C. Fisher Gallery, 1054 31st St NW, ☎ +1 202 625-7555. Tu noon-3PM, F-Sa noon-6PM. The curator is both an artist and a practicing psychotherapist, she practices in the same space as the art gallery, viewing the two professions as rather complementary. This is a popular contemporary gallery, and occasionally has some very interesting sculpture for sale.  edit
• Govinda Gallery, 1227 34th St NW, ☎ +1 202 333-1180, [31]. Tu-Sa 11AM-6PM. A fun pop art gallery specializing in art exhibits related to famous musicians, whether it be Elvis, Bob Marley, the Grateful Dead, etc.  edit
• MOCA DC (Museum of Contemporary Art), 1054 31st St NW (inside the Canal Square Galleries), ☎ +1 202 342-6230, [32]. W-F 1PM-6PM, Sa 1PM-5PM. Don't be fooled—this is a gallery, not a museum, and one of the only galleries in Georgetown to actually feature and support local artists. This means the exhibits are less stodgy, and the artwork is a good deal more affordable. Opening parties on the first Friday of each month are well-attended and fun.  edit
• P&C Art, 3108 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 965-3833, [33]. Hours vary; call ahead. This is the most accessible gallery in Georgetown that still maintains artistic integrity. Works are contemporary, but overwhelmingly representative, as opposed to abstract. De gustibus non est disputandum, so buy what you like, but also caveat emptor—not all works here are created equal. Some may not appreciate in value, if that's what you are after.  edit
• Parish Gallery, 1054 31st St NW (inside the Canal Square Galleries), ☎ +1 202 944-2310, [34]. Tu-Sa noon-6PM. A gallery featuring sculptures and paintings by African and African-American artists. If you don't have thousands of dollars to spend on art, there are steals to be had here for far less.  edit

[edit] Books

For an upscale college town, Georgetown has an underwhelming selection of bookstores, but there are still a couple of good, small, independent stores, as well as a vast, three-story Barnes & Noble at M & 12th.

• Big Planet Comics, 3135 Dumbarton St NW, ☎ +1 202 342-1961, [35]. M-T,Th-F 11AM-7PM, W 11AM-8PM, Sa 11AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM. Big Planet is ground zero for comics in D.C., with all major publishers covered, indie/local comics, kid-friendly comics, collectibles, tees, etc.  edit
• Bridge Street Books, 2814 Pennsylvania Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 965 5200, [36]. M-Sa 11AM-9PM, Su noon-6PM. 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.  edit
• Georgetown University Bookstore, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, ☎ +1 202 687-7482, [37]. M-F 9AM-7PM, F-Sa 11AM-5PM. As a university bookstore, this does a particularly bad job of getting books to the students that need them. But it is very well set up for non-students, with a ton of Hoya merchandise, and shelves stocked with recent books by professors (mostly political).  edit

[edit] Other

• Appalachian Spring, 1415 Wisconsin Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 337-5780, [38]. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-6PM. This store is perhaps the city's best (but definitely not the cheapest) place to find gifts. It houses an eccentric collection of beautiful art glass, quirky teapots, upscale kaleidoscopes, jewelry and jewelry boxes, pottery, and all sorts of other interesting items.  edit
• Georgetown Tobacco, 3144 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 338-5100, [39]. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-8PM. 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).  edit
• The Phoenix, 1514 Wisconsin Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 338-4404, [40]. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM. 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.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

Georgetown has one of D.C.'s best dining scenes, with loads of options on M St. The university presence ensures that there are a lot of good budget options, but it is the high end where Georgetown excels—from stuffy and traditional to modern and chic. For more affordable options, check the bars as well, where there are some excellent eats to be had (e.g., Martin's Tavern).

[edit] Budget

• Amma's Indian Vegetarian Kitchen, 3291 M St NW (second floor), ☎ +1 202 625-6625. Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-3:30PM, Sa 11:30AM-2:30PM, Su noon-3:30PM; dinner: 5:30PM-10PM daily. Skip right over the flashy looking Indian restaurants right on M St, designed to catch the tourist's eye. Amma's offers significantly better Indian cuisine at surprisingly low prices. It specializes in southern Indian cuisine, and particularly in wonderful dosai; the rest of the menu can be a little plain. It draws by far Georgetown's most intellectual crowd, and is a good place to eavesdrop on strange conversations (if they are in English!). $5-12.  edit
• The Bean Counter, 1665 Wisconsin Ave, ☎ +1 202 625-1665. M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa-Su 8:30AM-6PM. Want a sandwich? Come here and get your Cuban for $8—it's worth every penny. The seating area is a nice little cafe with "fair trade" coffee, and delicious brownies. $3-8.  edit
• Georgetown Cafe, 1623 Wisconsin Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 333-0215. M-Th 9AM-6AM, F-Su 24 hours. A standard diner (with a few authentic Middle Eastern offerings for good measure) catering to those who go to sleep in the morning. The food is a little overpriced, but it's Georgetown, and it's open all night. $7-12.  edit
• La Madeline, 3000 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 337-6975, [41]. M-Th 6:30AM-10PM, F-Sa 6:30AM-11:30PM, Su 7AM-10PM. The D.C. location of this chain of French cafeteria-styled restaurants features a beautiful dining room in a restored, turn-of-the-century space. Decent food, great pricing and a stunning location. $4-12.  edit
• Patisserie Poupon, 1645 Wisconsin Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 342-3248. Tu-F 8AM-6:30PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 8AM-4PM. 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. $2-10.  edit
• Quick Pita, 1210 Potomac St NW, ☎ +1 202 338-7482. Su-W 11:30AM-3AM, Th-Sa 11:30AM-4:30AM. 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. $4-6.  edit
• Sweetgreen, 3333 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 337-9338, [42]. M-F 11AM-10PM, Sa-Su noon-10PM. The best and freshest salads you ever overpaid for. Try the champagne dressing! $9/salad.  edit
• Wisemiller's (Wiseys), 1236 36th St NW, ☎ +1 202 333-8254. M-F 7AM-11:30PM, Sa-Su 8AM-11:30PM. 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. $4-10.  edit
• Zenobia Cafe, 1025 31st St NW, ☎ +1 202 339-0555, [43]. M-Th 9AM-11PM; F-Sa 10AM-2AM; Su 10AM-11PM. A small Middle Eastern cafe and bookshop, serving Lebanese and Syrian specialties. In back, there is a patio/lounge where hookah is available. $5-10.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Bangkok Bistro, 3251 Prospect St NW, ☎ +1 202 337-2424, [44]. Su-Th 11:30AM-10:30PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-11:30PM. Excellent upscale Thai in a creative setting, plus the best sushi bar in the area. Reservations are necessary on weekends. $14-35.  edit
• Cafe La Ruche, 1039 31st St NW, ☎ +1 202 965-2684, [45]. M-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F 11:30AM-1AM, Sa 10AM-1AM, Su 10AM-midnight. 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, but skip the wine. $6-20.  edit
• La Chaumière, 2813 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 338-1784, [46]. M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10:30PM; Sa 5:30PM-10:30PM. 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. $16-30.  edit
• Leopold's Cafe, 3315 M St NW (Cady's Alley), ☎ +1 202 965-6005, [47]. Su-Tu 8AM-10PM, W 8AM-11PM, Th-Sa 8AM-midnight. This amazing Austrian cafe features modern European cuisine, desserts, wine and atmosphere galore. A solid beer, wine, and cocktail selection makes it a viable option for happy hour as well. Quite fond of the color orange, which lends the place a sleek but entirely unstuffy vibe. $15-30.  edit
• Mie N Yu, 3125 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 333-6122, [48]. M-Th 5PM-1:30AM, F-Sa 11:30AM-2:30AM, Su 11AM-1:30AM. The "Silk Road" advertisements are nothing but a gimmick—you won't find any dishes here remotely resembling Central Asian cuisine. The Asian fusion on offer, though, is well executed. But the reason you come here has little to do with the food—the extravagant decor is an out of this world oriental fantasy (think tables in tents, giant gilt birdcages, pillows, carpets, etc.). The $20 pri-fixe brunch is a very good value, and the bar gets fashionable on weekend nights when they have DJs spinning tasteful downtempo. $18-35.  edit
• Peacock Cafe, 3251 Prospect St NW, ☎ +1 202 625-2740, [49]. M-Th 11:30AM-10:30PM, F 11:30AM-midnight, Sa 9AM-midnight, Su 9AM-10:30PM. An excellent upscale breakfast option, but make sure you have reservations for dinner, or you won't get in. Contemporary American cuisine. $12-35.  edit
• Vietnam Georgetown, 2934 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 337-4536. lunch: M-Th 11AM-2PM, 3PM-11PM; F 11AM-2PM, 3PM-11:30PM; Sa 11AM-11:30PM, Su noon-11PM. A neighborhood establishment that punches way above its price range. The decor is nothing to write home about, but the crispy spring rolls and seafood dishes are, particularly the soft shell crabs. Skip the pho, though. $12-24.  edit

[edit] Splurge

High end dining in D.C. means Georgetown. All the city's most famous restaurants are here, and they are famous with good reason—the food and wines are world-class. If you will settle for nothing but the best, you go to Citronelle.

• 1789, 1226 36th St NW, ☎ +1 202 965-1789, [50]. M-Th 6PM-10PM, Sa 5:30PM-11PM, Su 5:30PM-10PM. 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. $44-60.  edit
• Bourbon Steak, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW (inside the Four Seasons), ☎ +1 202 944-2026, [51]. Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM, dinner: Su-Th 6PM-10PM, F-Sa 5:30PM-10:30PM. One part traditional Washingtonian power dining, two parts fashionable contemporary American restaurant, using seasonal and regional ingredients. $35-65.  edit
• Cafe Milano, 3251 Prospect St NW, ☎ +1 202 333-6183, [52]. M-Tu 11:30AM-1AM, W-Th 11:30AM-2AM, F-Sa 11:30AM-2:30AM, Su 11:30AM-11PM. Power lunches among the diplomatic and political elite, late night dinners for local and international celebrities. This Italian restaurant has excellent service and an extensive wine list, but merely average food—you come here to see and be seen. It is possible to keep your bill comparatively low here if you choose your menu selections carefully and avoid the expensive alcohol on offer. $35-80.  edit
• Citronelle, 3000 M St NW (in the Latham Hotel), ☎ +1 202 625-2150, [53]. 6PM-9:30PM daily. Another competitor for the title of best dining in D.C. is Michel Richard's world renowned French-themed cuisine. Jacket required for dinner. $30-100, a la carte: $105, promenade: $190 (with wine-pairings: $280).  edit
• Fahrenheit, 3100 South St NW (inside the Ritz Carlton), ☎ +1 202 912-4110, [54]. Breakfast: M-F 6:30AM-noon, Sa 7AM-noon, Su 7AM-11AM; lunch: noon-2:30PM daiy; dinner: M-F 6PM-10PM, Sa-Su 6PM-11PM. A very fashionable restaurant featuring regional New American cuisine. Sophisticated attire is a must. $28-40.  edit
• Sequoia, 3000 K St NW (in Washington Harbor), ☎ +1 202 682-9555, [55]. M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM, Su 10:30AM-12:30PM. Spectacular views of the Potomac and the Kennedy Center, with outdoor seating. 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. $35-50.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

There are many, many places to drink in Georgetown, from upscale, exclusive bars to college joints. In addition, many places are restaurants-by-day, bars-by-night. M St is the main drag for drinking, and you won't have to walk far to stumble in and grab a beer. The nightlife in Georgetown is crowded and plentiful, but a good deal less fashionable than in less-touristy hotspots like the U St Corridor and Adams Morgan. The booze may be overpriced, but it is nice to have some drinks in a neighborhood where you can walk the side streets intoxicated at night without any fear of getting mugged.

[edit] Clubs/lounges

• Blue Gin, 1206 Wisconsin Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 965-5555, [56]. W-Th 8PM-2AM, F-Sa 8PM-3AM. Once the toughest lounge to get into in D.C., Blue Gin has settled into a more relaxed, yet still high-end, trendy atmosphere. Dress to impress and expect the crowd to start arriving around midnight.  edit
• Modern, 3287 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 338-7027, [57]. W-Th 8:30PM-2AM, F-Sa 8:30PM-3AM. Georgetown is not the part of the city where one goes clubbing. But if you are in the area and want to have some drinks and dancing, this is a very laid-back, but still classy option that is more popular in the neighborhood than Blue Gin (which attracts people from throughout the city). Music varies by night—Saturdays are geared for wide-appeal, while Thursdays see the regular break-beat party. Covers usually $10.  edit

[edit] Music venues

• Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave NW (in the alley), ☎ +1 202 337-4141, [58]. 1.5-2 hour sets at 8PM & 10PM daily. 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 by RSVP, so get in the line early, which starts to form one half hour before shows. Cover: $20-40, drink minimum: $10.  edit
• Saloun, 3239 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 965-4900. Su-Th 4:30PM-2AM, F-Sa 4:30PM-3AM. Cheap beer, free popcorn, and live music—mostly jazz, blues, and rock—are all good reasons to come to this crowded dive bar. Audible conversations are not. Covers: $5-10.  edit

[edit] Sports bars

The Who? Two steps into a bar in Georgetown and you'll have encountered The Hoyas. "The Hoyas" are any and all of the Georgetown University sports teams, but the name can apply more broadly to anyone affiliated with Georgetown, or really anyone who decides to root for the home team. Their blue and gray colors are all over the place, and so is their merchandise. While the term can be applied to anyone and anything Georgetown, it's most commonly understood to refer to the university's famous basketball program, which has produced a long line of NBA stars in recent years, such as Alonzo Mourning, Patrick Ewing, Allen Iverson, and Dikembe Mutombo, and which continues to be one of the NCAA's most competitive teams. Now what is a Hoya? It's not, as commonly believed, the bulldog mascot—that's Jack, and he belongs to one of the school's Jesuit professors. In decades past, when Georgetown students all studied Latin, the audience at one game descended into a bout of extreme Catholic nerdiness, chanting "Hoya saxa? Georgetown saxa!"—meaning, "Who rocks? Georgetown rocks." The basketball games are a lot of fun, and a big event in town, but they've gotten too big for the university facilities to handle—they play downtown at the Verizon Center.

Truly, you don't need a guide to find a sports bar in Georgetown, but here are a few especially noteworthy options:

• J Paul's, 3218 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 333-3450, [59]. M-Th 11:30AM-2AM, F-Sa 11:30AM-3AM, Su 10:30AM-2AM. Only a run of the mill Georgetown bar—large, noisy, homogeneous clientele—except for the fact that it has a very impressive, oyster-heavy raw bar.  edit
• Rhino Bar & Pumphouse, 3295 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 333-3150. 4PM-2AM daily. This is not a good bar, but everyone tends to wind up here nonetheless. It's basically a run-of-the-mill, overcrowded sports bar with expensive beer (although some of the microbrews on tap are excellent and reasonably priced), located near the university. If you like very crowded "bump 'n grind" frat-boy dance floors, cough up the $5 cover for the weekend parties.  edit
• The Tombs, 1226 36th St NW, ☎ +1 202 337-6668, [60]. M-Th 11:30AM-1:15AM, F 11:30AM-2:15AM, 11AM-2:15AM, Su 9:30AM-1:15AM. 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.  edit

[edit] Other

• Birreria Paradiso, 3282 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 337-1245, [61]. M-F 11:30AM-11PM, Sa 11:30AM-midnight, Su noon-10PM. Beer heaven for beer lovers! Paradiso keeps a healthy rotation of excellent brews on tap, expertly poured. Unlike most of the middling brews on M St, the prices are fair. Note to Mexicans: no roasted goat served—the brewery uses an Italian name to highlight its world-class gourmet pizza. Pizzas: $10-20.  edit
• Degrees, 3100 S St NW (in the Ritz Carlton), ☎ +1 202 912-4100, [62]. M-Th 2:30PM-1AM, F-Sa 2:30PM-2AM, Su 2:30PM-1AM. Probably Georgetown's classiest bar, Degrees is beautiful, stylish, and has top-notch service to deliver its expert cocktails and appetizers. As you might expect, this is also one of the most expensive options around, and drinks start at around $14.  edit
• Martin's Tavern, 1264 Wisconsin Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 333-7370, [63]. M-Th 11AM-1:30AM, F 11AM-2:30AM, Sa 9AM-2:30AM, su 8AM-1:30AM. 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. Entrees: $12-40.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Georgetown is expensive. If you want to stay in one of Georgetown's finest hotels, you will find them here. If you want to stay in Georgetown on a budget, either look for deals, or head over the bridge to Arlington, where you'll escape the dreaded D.C. hotel taxes.

[edit] Mid-range

• Georgetown Inn, 1310 Wisconsin Ave NW, ☎ +1 888 587-2388, [64]. A newly renovated, attractive hotel, with a great location. The service, however, is a bit below what you would expect for these prices. $180-360.  edit
• Georgetown Suites Hotel, 1000 29th St NW & 1111 30th St NW, ☎ +1 800 348-7203, [65]. Studios, one- and two-bedroom suites, and two-story townhomes located in a ritzy section of Georgetown, with private entrances and penthouses with outdoor terraces. Suites are individually designed with contemporary decor, and have fully equipped kitchens. The location is a little out of the way, at the extreme southeast of the neighborhood, but is a short walk to the Kennedy Center. $180-240.  edit
• Hotel Monticello, 1075 Thomas Jefferson St NW, ☎ +1 202 337-0900, [66]. 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. $225-300.  edit
• Latham Hotel, 3000 M St NW, ☎ +1 202 726-5000, [67]. A small, upscale hotel that prides itself on having a "European atmosphere." More importantly, it has a rooftop swimming pool, and is home to one of the best restaurants in the D.C. area, Citronelle. $190-290.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Four Seasons Washington D.C., 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, ☎ +1 202 342-0444 (fax: +1 202 944-2076), [68]. Almost impossibly luxurious, with 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. Then again, if you are staying here, you probably won't mind paying a little extra for cabs. from $600.  edit
• Ritz Carlton Georgetown, 3100 South St NW, ☎ +1 202 912-4100 (fax: +1 202 912-4199), [69]. 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. from $530.  edit

[edit] Contact

Georgetown is not D.C.'s destination for independent neighborhood coffee shops—it is saturated with Starbucks. As a general rule, they will charge you $4/hour. An excellent option with more local character, however, is Baked & Wired:

• Baked & Wired, 1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, ☎ +1 202 333-2500, [70]. M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM. The wireless is free, the lines are short (since it's off the main drag), and the beloved cupcakes alone are reason to stop by (they're actually worth that hefty $3.50 price tag).  edit

If you don't have a laptop, the Georgetown University Library, ☎ +1 202 687-7452, surprisingly, is open to the public, and has numerous public terminals on the first and third floors. All you need is a photo ID. Unfortunately, the Georgetown Public Library, which would be more conveniently located, is closed until 2010, following a major fire in 2007.

[edit] Get out

Since Georgetown is, in fact, older than the rest of D.C. (and since its history, either as an African-American or exclusive enclave denotes separation by its very nature), Georgetown feels very separate from the rest of D.C. This contrasts to the rest of the neighborhoods in D.C., which tend to bleed into one another as one progresses from center to fringe to new center. In effect, D.C. is a getaway for Georgetowners.

• The Georgetown portion of the 184.5 mile C&O towpath and park offers a near-escape from city life itself. A few minutes into your walk or bicycle ride, you are in the middle of a green and verdant linear park alongside the banks of the Potomac. As freeways and highways in the area aren't allowed to have billboards, you won't experience visual pollution as you traverse (although you will see and hear cars and planes). Nonetheless, much like Rock Creek, it's a great walk alongside nature.

• Arlington, Virginia, originally part of D.C. proper, is a short walk (ten–fifteen minutes from the GU Main quad) or even shorter bike ride over the beautiful Key Bridge. You can take the stairs on the east side at the end of the bridge to get on the Mount Vernon Trail, which heads east to the quiet refuge of Theodore Roosevelt Island, which sports some magnificent views of its own. Further along the trail, bikers and joggers enjoy spectacular river views of the monuments, going past the airport, Old Town Alexandria, and all the way to George Washington's estate at Mount Vernon.

• Looking for less collegiate-style nightlife? Catch a cab east to Dupont Circle or even further to Adams Morgan for the city's trendier clubs and divier bars, as well as the city's main live music venues. Or head north up Wisconsin to Glover Park and Woodley Park for quieter neighborhood bars serving a slightly older (better-mannered) crowd.

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