From Wikitravel

Georgetown is a district of Washington, D.C. to the south of Woodley Park and west of Dupont Circle across Rock Creek Park.

[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. The famous "Exorcist Steps" connecting M Street to Prospect Street were necessitated by the hilly terrain of the neighborhood. The area features high-end shops, bars, and restaurants.

Georgetown predates Washington, D.C., as it was at the farthest navigable point on the Potomac River during colonial times. Later, a canal was built from the city out to Western Maryland. As a "port city" it was an important trading city. It then became an African-American neighborhood as the city of Washington grew, and the Anglo-elite moved to newer homes in the burgeoning city. For better or worse, Georgetown gentrified into something akin to Beverly Hills for the Capital Region. Today, Georgetown caters to a wealthy crowd, although the proximity of the university creates a unique mixture of college town and prosperous enclave.

[edit] Get in

As mentioned above, there is no direct Metrorail connection to the popular neighborhood of Georgetown. However, the Georgetown Metro Connection provides convenient bus service throughout Georgetown directly from the Rosslyn and Dupont Circle metro stations, in little blue busses. Fare is a flat $1.50 or, with a Metrorail transfer (obtained from the machine at the station where you ENTER the system), $0.35. Buses leave from the top of the escalators at the Rosslyn metro station every 10 minutes during the following hours:

• Monday-Thursday: 7AM - Midnight
• Friday: 7AM - 2AM
• Saturday: 8AM - 2AM
• Sunday: 8AM - Midnight

If you choose to walk, Georgetown is about a mile from either the Rosslyn or Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro stations.

In addition, one of the DC Circulator [1] buses links downtown with Georgetown. This bus runs down Wisconsin to M Street, and then into DC.

Route 38B Metrobuses also connect Georgetown to Farragut Square and Rosslyn Metrorail stations. See their website [2] for details.

Finally, Georgetown has plenty of taxicabs available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your best bet to catch one is off M Street or Wisconsin Avenue.

[edit][add listing] See

• Dumbarton Oaks, where the United Nations was outlined in 1944.
• The Old Stone House[3], built in 1765, located on M Street, is the oldest original structure in Washington, D.C.
• Mount Zion Cemetery[4], which offered free burials for Washington's earlier African-American population.
• Tudor Place[5]
• Dumbarton Court[6]
• The Oak Hill Cemetery[7], a gift of William Wilson Corcoran, whose Gothic chapel and gates were designed by James Renwick, is the resting place of Abraham Lincoln's son, Willie and other figures.
• The City Tavern Club, built in 1796, is the oldest commercial structure in Washington, D.C.
• The Exorcist Steps, made famous by the movie, run between Prospect and M Street just west of where the Key Bridge deposits people into DC.
• The C&O Canal [8] runs just south of M Street through the length of Georgetown (and beyond.) The trail features informational placards detailing the history of the canal and Georgetown. In addition, restored canal barges pulled by mule offer tourists a taste of early industrial life in the United States.
• The House of Sweden [9] is located off 29th and K Street (joined to the Washington Harbour,) bills itself as the "crown jewel of the Swedish presence in the U.S." There is a museum, a consulate, striking modern public spaces and more.
• The remains of the Washington streetcar system [10] are visible on P Street, as the facade of "The Shops of Georgetown Park," and at The Georgetown Car Barn (now an office for Georgetown University.)
• The Georgetown Waterfront Park [11] is a 10-acre 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. The Georgetown Waterfront Park creates a continuous promenade from the Key Bridge to the Kennedy Center. It also fills in the final parcel of a 225 mile stretch of parkland that reaches from Mt. Vernon, Virginia, to Cumberland, Maryland.

Georgetown also offers up a wealth of architecture in a traditional urban setting. Simply take a walk and discover it all. While all neighborhoods in DC have their own "feel" and "vibe," Georgetown truly feels like a separate city in many ways, from having its own grid of streets to the building style. It truly is one of the most beautiful areas, not only of DC, but of the entire country, and it's best explored by foot.

Some of the interesting architectural variations in Georgetown include 19th century houses and rowhouses, restored 19th century factory complexes, and striking modern designs by the river itself.

[edit][add listing] Do

Georgetown is a waterfront community and offers canoing and kayaking.

The C & O Canal[12] towpath runs 184.5 miles all the way up to Cumberland, Maryland.

The Washington Harbour, aside from hosting a variety of shopping, dining and museum opportunities, offers access to the river, where you can sail or kayak.

[edit][add listing] Buy

The Shops at Georgetown Park, [13] an enclosed upscale boutique mall at the corner of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue NW, whose intersection may be considered its heart. Stores include typical upscale mall fare, like Express...as well as unique import/export stores. The mall has its own parking garage.

Georgetown is the place to shop in DC. You'll find many local shops and boutiques, antique stores, as well as the District's largest collection of national and international chains. Retailers like The Gap, H&M, Sisley, Coach, Pottery Barn, J Crew, Lucky Brand Jeans, Urban Outfitters, Zara, Banana Republic, Co-Op by Barney's New York, United Colors of Benneton, True Religion, Ralph Lauren, Hilfiger and many more are all located either on M Street or Wisconsin Avenue.

There are many small, independent book and music stores, as well as a vast, three-story Barnes & Noble on M Street.

Georgetown has also become known as a center or modern interior design, with many stores and showrooms concentrated on the western edge of the neighborhood. Between 34th and 33rd Streets along M south to the canal, with others scattered throughout.

Unlike oher portions of DC, you won't find a lot of Americana, tourist trap shops. There are a couple, but they mostly sell "Georgetown University" sweaters, T-shirts and other assorted nonsense. 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 centered around the Friendship Heights Metro station.) As such, you will not find discount stores, or even retailers like Old Navy in the neighborhood.

Finally, as traffic in Georgetown is nearly always bad, it's advisable to either catch the Georgetown Metro Connection, the DC Circulator, a cab, or walk to truly enjoy a shopping experience here. If you're looking for ample parking and climate control, go to a mall.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Budget

• Cafe La Ruche, 1039 31st Street, NW (Georgetown), 202-965-2684, [www.cafelaruche.com]. French cafe and restaurant. Authentic French food at a great price. Terrace seating when the weather permits is something hard to find in Georgetown at any price. Try the Tourte 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.

• Chu's Cafe (Georgetown area) - Chinese food at very moderate prices (but not absolute rock-bottom) and excellent food in a simple, inviting atmosphere. Just a few blocks from Georgetown University.
• Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory [14] - At the corner of 34th and M Street, they make the best cheesesteak sandwiches in town. Try the Cheese Whiz variant for an amazing sandwich. (202) 333-8040
• Philadelphia Pizza Company - Located in a veritable hole in the wall behind the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory, pizzas go for about $3.50 a slice until the wee hours of the morning. (202) 333-0100
• Sweetgreen - [15] 3333 M Street NW. The best and freshest salads you ever overpaid for. You must try the champagne dressing before you die. (202) 337-9338
• Georgetown Bagelry, 3245 M Street NW. Open 24 hours a day, this utter dive makes fresh, amazing bagels, as well as pizza and dessert. (202) 965-1011
• Booeymonger - [16] 3265 Prospect Street NW. A Georgetown institution, featuring tasty and unique deli sandwiches. (202) 333-4810
• La Madeline French Bakery - [17] 3000 M Street NW. The DC 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. (202) 337-6975

[edit] Midrange

• Bangkok Bistro (Georgetown area). Excellent upscale Thai restaurant with creative setting.
• Dean & Deluca (Cafe & Gourmet Grocery), Housed in an iconic building off of M Street at 32nd Street, (202) 342-2500, [18] Really tasty steaks, salads, soups and desserts available to go or to eat outside on tables in a courtyard. Try the goat cheese macaroni, as well as the Oreo brownies.
• Papa Razzi (Italian), Just south of M Street on Wisconsin Avenue, (202) 298-8000, [19] Moderately priced Italian food done right. Great "loft" atmosphere, with a wide selection of dishes. A 'safe' out-of-town visitor choice.
• Leopold's Cafe (Contemporary Austrian/European) - [20] Located in Cady's Alley (3315 M Street NW, between 33rd and 34th, south of M Street,) this amazing Austrian cafe features modern European cuisine, desserts, wine and atmosphere galore. Quite fond of the color orange, which lends the place a sleek but entirely unstuffy vibe. (202) 965-6005
• Zed's Ethiopian Restaurant (Ethiopian), (202) 333-4710, [21] Right where M Street and Pennsylvania Avenue intersect at the eastern edge of Georgetown, at 1201 28th Street NW. A landmark dining room, featuring old Washington charm meets delicious, authentic dishes from Africa. Their spicy beef dishes are amazing, and it's a great place to experiement with food, if you've never tried it before.
• Pizzeria Paradiso (Fusion, Upscale Pizza), 3282 M Street NW, [22]. A wild variety of unique pizzas, entrees and a great selection of wine.(202) 337-1245
• Daily Grill (American), 1310 Wisconsin Avenue NW, (202) 337-4900, [23]. Well-made modern American cuisine in a 'Club Room' setting.
• Peacock Cafe (American), 3251 Prospect Street NW. Best breakfast in Georgetown.(202) 625-2740, [24].
• Taj of India, 2809 M Street, NW, (Georgetown), (202) 965-4266, [25]. A really good indian restaurant. Small, get there early, especially on the weekends. If you like it really hot, tell your waiter. Off the Foggy Bottom Blue line.

[edit] Splurge

• 1789 Restaurant, 1226 36th St. NW, [26]. Elegant French-inflected American dining in one of DC's finest restaurants, near Georgetown University. Note: Jacket & tie required for men.
• Michel Richard Citronelle, 3000 M Street NW., +1 202 625-2150. [27] World famous French-themed cuisine in Georgetown. Jacket required for dinner. Very expensive.
• Sequoia and Tony & Joes, Both at 3000 K St. NW, in Washington Harbor, Georgetown, [28]. Spectacular views of the Potomac and the Kennedy Center, with outdoor seating. People come here for the scene (especially in the summer), not the food.

[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 and early evening, only to become bars-by-night. The Tombs, Old Glory, Garrett's, Mr. Smith's, Rhino Pump House, and others play host to low-key crowds and serve pub grub and cold beer. Check out J. Paul's for similar fare with one notable exception—an impressive, oyster-heavy raw bar. Blue Gin is for the see-and-be-seen crowd, touting loud music and pricey drinks (and a very small space). Mendocino Grill is a small but clever wine bar/restaurant, while Blues Alley provides live music most nights. Sequoia and Riverside Grille share the best plot of land in the city: a boardwalk of sorts along the Potomac, with outdoor bars/patio seating and a dock for party-boaters.

• Clyde's, 3236 M Street NW, +1 202 333-9180. [29] Casual, popular place to grab a burger and kick back a beer while watching the Georgetown throngs scurry by.
• Blue Gin, 1206 Wisconsin Ave NW, +1 202 965-5555. [30] Once the toughest lounge to get into in D.C., Blue Gin has settled into a more relaxed, yet still upscale atmosphere. Dress to impress and expect the crowd to start arriving around midnight.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Park Hyatt Washington, 24 & M Streets, NW, [31].  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Georgetown Inn,,[32] 1310 Wisconsin Ave NW.

• Georgetown Suites Hotel, 1000 29th Street NW & 1111 30th Street NW • Washington, DC 20007, [33]. Studios, one- and two-bedroom suites, and two-story townhomes located in an upscale neighborhood with private entrances, and penthouses with outdoor terraces. Suites are individually designed and decorated with elegant, contemporary home furnishings and a fully equipped kitchen.

• Hotel Monticello, 1075 Thomas Jefferson Street NW Phone: 202.337.0900, [34]. An all suite hotel located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington DC. This luxury hotel features a business center, meeting facilities, concierge services, and a convenient location to the area’s best attractions.

• Latham Hotel,, 3000 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, [35]. Has a rooftop swimming pool.

[edit] Splurge

• Four Seasons Washington D.C., 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., [36].  edit

• Ritz Carlton Georgetown,, 3100 South St. NW, Georgetown, [37]. Luxurious, convenient, short walk to Washington Harbor restaurants.

[edit] Contact

[edit] Get out

Since Georgetown is, in fact, older than the rest of the district (and since it's history, either as an African-American or exclusive enclave denotes separation by its very nature,) Georgetown feels very separate from the rest of DC. In effect, staying in Georgetown makes Washington a destination, and vice-versa. To put it another way, you know when you've left Georgetown for DC proper, and you know when you're entering back into Georgetown. This contrasts to the rest of the neighborhoods in DC, which tend to bleed into one another as one progresses from center to fringe to new center.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!