I’ve received so much hospitality recently while traveling around the world that it only feels right to return the favor. If you ever find yourself in Washington, DC, use this guide as a north star.
I was born and raised in Virginia, right outside of DC. When I was in high school I used to take the train into the city with friends and cause trouble. I spent summers visiting my great aunt (my grandmother’s sister), who has lived in the same house in the city for more than 50 years. As an adult, I eventually moved into DC myself and lived there for 7 years.
Some people may want to argue about the definition of Hometown..whatever I’m writing this article from Thailand. I claim DC.
I’m extremely biased, but to me it’s still the greatest city in the world.
An Introduction to DC Culture
1. It’s a Small City — & a Very Educated One
DC is physically small (about 177 sq km) and has fewer than a million residents, but it’s one of the most educated cities in the United States. There are 8 universities within the city limits, which means the city is full of students, professors, researchers, and policy experts.
- American University
- Gallaudet University
- George Washington University
- Georgetown University
- Howard University
- Trinity Washington University
- University of the District of Columbia
- Catholic University of America
Because of this, DC often feels like a city built around ideas, policy, and education.
2. DC Is a Historically Black City
DC has long been one of the most important Black cultural centers in the United States.
For decades it was a majority-Black city, which is why it earned the nickname “Chocolate City.”
The city is home to Howard University, one of the most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country. Notably, Kamala Harris attended Howard before becoming Vice President of the United States.
3. Major Deaf Community
DC is home to Gallaudet University, one of the most important universities in the world for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Because of this, DC has one of the largest Deaf communities in the country, especially around the H Street Corridor neighborhood.
4. Neighborhoods That Feel Like Different Cities
DC neighborhoods are small but incredibly distinct. Spend a little time in each of these and you’ll see how different they are.
- Adams Morgan
- Dupont Circle
- Navy Yard
- Columbia Heights
- Georgetown
5. A Global and Political City
Because DC is the U.S. capital and home to so many universities, it attracts people from all over the world.
Many residents work at embassies, think tanks, international organizations, or government offices. It’s not unusual to attend embassy events, policy discussions, or congressional hearings in the same week.
People here are politically engaged, internationally connected, and extremely opinionated – in the best way.
6. “Little Ethiopia”
The DC area has one of the largest Ethiopian communities outside of Africa. The stretch of 9th Street NW near U Street and Shaw is known as “Little Ethiopia” for its Ethiopian restaurants and businesses.
Many Ethiopian Americans also live throughout the region, especially in Silver Spring and surrounding suburbs, and the food scene reflects that influence.
A Perfect 3-Day Washington DC Itinerary
I could talk about DC forever, but most visitors only have a few days before heading to cities like New York City or Miami.
So here’s a perfect three-day introduction.
Day 1 – Classic Monuments & Museums
Get whichever iconic tourist sights out of the way first. Visit the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. You don’t need to see the White House unless you’re especially interested, it’s smaller than people expect and mostly seen from a distance.
Then choose one or two Smithsonian museums on the National Mall.
The Smithsonian system is massive!! and they’re all free. My favorites are the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Finish the evening with dinner somewhere in the city.
Day 2 – Bottomless Brunch and the Wharf
DC is a brunch city. People here love bottomless brunch. We party during the day and most bars close around 2 AM, so day parties are huge here.
Start with brunch, then head to the waterfront at The Wharf for drinks, restaurants, and views of the river.
Day 3 – Rooftops
One of the best ways to experience DC is from above. I asked my friends for their favorite rooftop bars in the city, and these were the most recommended:
- Ciel Social Club
- Wild Days
- Lucha Rosa
- The Vue
- Treehouse Rooftop
- Smoke & Mirrors
- 12 Stories
- Moonraker
- La Vie Penthouse
- Whiskey Charlie
- Lady Bird
- Hive Bar
Where to Stay in DC
Honestly? Stay wherever you can afford. DC is so small, and traffic is bad no matter where you are, so I don’t think the neighborhood you choose matters that much.
If safety is a concern (and DC does have its moments), I’d pick Dupont Circle or Georgetown.
A Few Safety Tips
Wherever you stay, be aware of your surroundings at all times. It’s very unlikely someone will snatch your phone out of your hand, but robberies do happen.
If you have a rental car, DO NOT leave a visible bag in the back seat. I’ve had my car broken into many times over the years. Sucks to say, but that’s the truth.
Final Thoughts
DC isn’t just monuments and politics. It’s neighborhoods, culture, international communities, and incredible food. It’s where I grew up, where I learned the city, and where I spent some of the most formative years of my life. If you ever visit, I hope you love it as much as I do.