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A Not So Tourist Guide to DC

1. The White House

8.8
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW (btwn 15th St NW & 17th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Government Building · Northwest Washington · 512 tips and reviews

Jeff S.Jeff Strater: Step back, take a moment and watch the flag fly above the White House.

United States Capitol is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

2. United States Capitol

Capitol Cir (at E Capitol St), Washington, D.C.
Capitol Building · Northwest Washington · 205 tips and reviews

Michael N.Michael Naclerio: Take a tour with an intern from your senators office. You avoid the lines, and you get to ride the tram.

Washington Monument is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

3. Washington Monument

9.5
2 15th St NW (btwn Constitution Ave NW & Independence Ave SW), Washington, D.C.
Monument · Southwest Washington · 344 tips and reviews

Charles T.Charles Tabangcora: Great to checkout at night.

Lincoln Memorial is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

4. Lincoln Memorial

9.6
2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW (btwn Constitution & Independence Ave SW), Washington, D.C.
Monument · Southwest Washington · 472 tips and reviews

DaynahDaynah: Go here at night. The Lincoln Memorial is just gorgeous with all the lights lit up, and you can see the Washington Memorial from a distant.

Robert A. Taft Memorial and Carrilon is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

5. Robert A. Taft Memorial and Carrilon

6.9
1 Louisiana Avenue NW (New Jersey Avenue NW), Washington, D.C.
Sculpture Garden · Northwest Washington · 7 tips and reviews

Bradley B.Bradley Buhro: This Taft was one of the most influential Senators in American history.

Capital One Arena is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

6. Capital One Arena

8.7
601 F St NW (at 7th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Basketball Stadium · Chinatown · 285 tips and reviews
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

7. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium

2400 E Capitol St NE, Washington, D.C.
Stadium · Southeast Washington · 69 tips and reviews

D.C. UnitedD.C. United: The stadium opens an hour (60 minutes) prior to kickoff. Arrive early to avoid lines and to get a copy of the matchday program.

Ming's Restaurant is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

8. Ming's Restaurant

617 H St NW, Washington, D.C.
Chinese Restaurant · Chinatown · 57 tips and reviews

Pari$Pari$: Open until 4:30am on Friday + Saturday! Great place to grub after a late movie.

9. Good Stuff Eatery

8.4
303 Pennsylvania Ave SE (at 3rd St. SE), Washington, D.C.
Burger Joint · Capitol Hill · 279 tips and reviews

Food NetworkFood Network: Chef Spike invokes childhood nostalgia and happiness with his modern interpretations of classic American fare.

10. Kyoto Sushi

201 Massachusetts Ave NE (at 2nd St. NE), Washington, D.C.
Japanese Restaurant · Capitol Hill · 20 tips and reviews

Justin G.Justin Gutwein: Good sushi, great prices Read more.

11. Ebenezers Coffeehouse

8.1
201 F St NE (at 2nd St NE), Washington, D.C.
Coffee Shop · Capitol Hill · 82 tips and reviews

Jeff D.Jeff Dyer: Good coffee & nice people. It's a great place to come when you're near Union Station. If there are no special meetings going on, check out the basement/performace space. Great place to hang out!

World War II Memorial is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

12. World War II Memorial

9.5
1750 Independence Ave SW (at 17th St SW), Washington, D.C.
Monument · Southwest Washington · 160 tips and reviews

Embaixada EUA BrasilEmbaixada EUA Brasil: The U.S. National World War II Memorial is a National Memorial dedicated to Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during World War II.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

13. Thomas Jefferson Memorial

9.4
16 E Basin Dr SW (at Ohio Dr SW), Washington, D.C.
Monument · Southwest Washington · 144 tips and reviews

DoraDora: Skip the long lines during the day and visit at night—when lit, this white marble memorial is even more magical! Powered by ParentsConnect.com

Dupont Circle Fountain (Samuel Francis Du Pont Memorial Fountain) is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

14. Dupont Circle Fountain (Samuel Francis Du Pont Memorial Fountain)

8.2
Dupont Circle Park, Washington, D.C.
Fountain · Northwest Washington · 8 tips and reviews

Lou M.Lou Muscarella: Best people watching place in the city!

15. Burrito Brothers

7.7
205 Pennsylvania Ave SE #1, Washington, D.C.
Taco Restaurant · Capitol Hill · 23 tips and reviews

CBS LocalCBS Local: Like control over what goes in your burrito? Picky eaters can get it just the way they like it. - CBS DC Read more.

Nationals Park is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

16. Nationals Park

9.0
1500 S Capitol St SE (btwn N St SE & Potomac Ave SE), Washington, D.C.
Baseball Stadium · Navy Yard · 475 tips and reviews

nick v.nick violi: Get day-of-game tickets for $5. Drink local beer and eat local food.

Union Station is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

17. Union Station

7.7
50 Massachusetts Ave NE (at Columbus Cir NE), Washington, D.C.
Rail Station · 662 tips and reviews

Rob P.Rob Pegoraro: Don't walk directly to Metro - take the longer route through the main hall, appreciate the historic architecture, and be grateful you're not in Penn Station.

Dubliner Restaurant & Pub is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

18. Dubliner Restaurant & Pub

7.8
4 F St NW (at Massachusetts Ave NW), Washington, D.C.
Irish Pub · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 69 tips and reviews

The White HouseThe White House: President Obama celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by grabbing a pint of Guinness at the Dubliner, an Irish pub near the Capitol. Read more.

The Front Page is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

19. The Front Page

1333 New Hampshire Ave NW (at O St NW), Washington, D.C.
Sports Bar · Connecticut Avenue - K Street · 138 tips and reviews
Capitol City Brewing Company is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

20. Capitol City Brewing Company

7.6
1100 New York Ave NW (at H St NW), Washington, D.C.
Brewery · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 218 tips and reviews

Michelin Travel & LifestyleMichelin Travel & Lifestyle: The District's oldest microbreweries serve up simple bar tastes in two restored historic buildings... be sure to try the warm, soft pretzels and giant sandwiches! -- Green Guide Editor

Farragut Square is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

21. Farragut Square

7.7
901 17th St NW (btwn I & K St NW), Washington, D.C.
Park · 68 tips and reviews

Thompson HotelsThompson Hotels: The benches disappear almost as quickly as the incredible food truck fare. Meet a friend so they can save you a seat.

Founding Farmers is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

22. Founding Farmers

9.0
1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW (20th St NW), Washington, D.C.
American Restaurant · George Washington University · 802 tips and reviews
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

23. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage

8.4
2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C.
Performing Arts Venue · Northwest Washington · 16 tips and reviews

Michelin Travel & LifestyleMichelin Travel & Lifestyle: Don't miss a free performance daily at 6pm!-- Green Guide Editor

Georgetown Cupcake is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

24. Georgetown Cupcake

8.5
3301 M St NW (at 33rd St.), Washington, D.C.
Cupcake Shop · Georgetown · 407 tips and reviews

Stacy A.Stacy Adam: Three words: Worth the wait. So good, you won't be disapointed. And don't believe the rumors, it's not $10 for a cupcake, it's only $2.75, which is less than the $3 most cupcake places are charging.

Washington National Cathedral is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

25. Washington National Cathedral

9.1
3101 Wisconsin Ave NW (at Massachusetts Ave NW), Washington, D.C.
Church · Woodley Park · 80 tips and reviews

Jen B.Jen Burnett: The 7th floor observatory has great views of DC, MD and VA on a clear day.

Embassy Row is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

26. Embassy Row

Washington, D.C.
Neighborhood · 5 tips and reviews

Shantee Haynes R.Shantee Haynes REALTOR®: This part of the city not only gives you a nice route to view some of the nice structures of foreign embassies, you're at the edge of Rock Creek Park

Visitors Center is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

27. Visitors Center

7.9
3001 Connecticut Ave NW (at Smithsonian's National Zoo), Washington, D.C.
Tourist Information and Service · National Zoological Park · 8 tips and reviews

Military Discounts CentralMilitary Discounts Central: For all animal lovers alike. The best part about it is that it's free.

Oohh’s & Aahh’s is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

28. Oohh’s & Aahh’s

7.7
1005 U St NW (btwn 10th & 11th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Southern Food Restaurant · U-Street · 97 tips and reviews

Brent J.Brent Jackson: This place was featured on DDD (Diners, Drive ins & Dives) on the Food Network. It has great food but only a few tables. Plan to order out!

The Heritage Foundation is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

29. The Heritage Foundation

214 Massachusetts Ave NE (btwn 2nd & 3rd St NE), Washington, D.C.
Office · Capitol Hill · 5 tips and reviews

DJ G.DJ Greenberg: Check out their website to see if there are any public events. They are always great and generally end with a free bite to eat.

Cannon House Office Building is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

30. Cannon House Office Building

27 Independence Ave SE (at 1st St SE), Washington, D.C.
Government Building · Southeast Washington · 19 tips and reviews

Vivek S.Vivek Surti: One of the nicer House buildings - go say Hi to your rep!

Rayburn House Office Building is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

31. Rayburn House Office Building

50 Independence Ave SW (at 1st St SW), Washington, D.C.
Capitol Building · Southwest Employment Area · 28 tips and reviews

Allie H.Allie Honey: I'm just a bill sitting here on Capitol Hill

Longworth House Office Building is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

32. Longworth House Office Building

1 US Capitol (at South Capitol St), Washington, D.C.
Government Building · Southeast Washington · 28 tips and reviews

Emma M.Emma Miller-Cvilikas: The best food!

Russell Senate Office Building is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

33. Russell Senate Office Building

50 Constitution Ave NE (at Delaware Ave NE), Washington, D.C.
Capitol Building · Northeast Washington · 19 tips and reviews
Hart Senate Building is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

34. Hart Senate Building

150 Constitution Ave NE (btwn 1st & 2nd St NE), Washington, D.C.
Capitol Building · Northeast Washington · 22 tips and reviews

lilmsbossypantslilmsbossypants: There is a great view of the US Capitol building from the 9th floor of the Hart. Great for watching fireworks.

Dirksen Senate Building is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

35. Dirksen Senate Building

100 Constitution Ave NE (at st St NE), Washington, D.C.
Government Building · Northeast Washington · 27 tips and reviews

Architect of the Capitol (AOC)Architect of the Capitol (AOC): The Dirksen Senate Office Building was the second of three office buildings constructed for the United States Senate. Read more.

National Archives and Records Administration is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

36. National Archives and Records Administration

8.5
700 Pennsylvania Ave NW (at 7th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Museum · Federal Triangle · 151 tips and reviews

The Transit NavigatorThe Transit Navigator: The line gets long, so get here early. After you've seen the big 3 (Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights), look at the interactive exhibits that show some of the other records available!

The Internal Revenue Service is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

37. The Internal Revenue Service

1111 Constitution Ave NW (at 11th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Government Building · Federal Triangle · 13 tips and reviews

Chip B.Chip Buck: Boycott the cafeteria. They charge a nickel of their crappy plastic silverware if you dont buy anything. Plus the food sucks.

Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

38. Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW (at 13th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Office · Federal Triangle · 38 tips and reviews

Brad E.Brad E.: $13 parking on weekends

National Mall is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

39. National Mall

9.5
Constitution & Independence Ave (btwn 1st & 17th St), Washington, D.C.
Plaza · Northwest Washington · 268 tips and reviews

Joel P.Joel Pirrone: Walk to all the museums via the Mall or just stroll from the Capitol to Lincoln Memorial - its the quintessential walk in DC (WH,Cap,Smithsonian,Wash Mem,Lincoln Mem,WW2 Mem,Vietnam Mem,Korea Mem,etc)

Smithsonian American Art Museum is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

40. Smithsonian American Art Museum

9.0
800 G St. NW (8th and F Streets, NW), Washington, D.C.
Art Museum · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 86 tips and reviews

Crescentrating Halal Friendly TravelCrescentrating Halal Friendly Travel: The American Art Museum of the Smithsonian Institution features an exclusive compilation of the largest collection of American Art. Read more.

National Portrait Gallery is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

41. National Portrait Gallery

9.3
800 F St NW (at 8th St. NW), Washington, D.C.
Art Museum · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 183 tips and reviews

Kevin C.Kevin Curler: Check out the presidential portraits gallery. It's an interesting collection.

Capitol Reflecting Pool is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

42. Capitol Reflecting Pool

8.9
1st St NW (btwn Pennsylvania Ave NW & Maryland Ave SW), Washington, D.C.
Fountain · Northwest Washington · 42 tips and reviews

DJ G.DJ Greenberg: A great place to sit and look at the historic buildings.

Supreme Court of the United States is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

43. Supreme Court of the United States

1 1st St NE (at E Capitol St NE), Washington, D.C.
Courthouse · Northeast Washington · 51 tips and reviews
Library of Congress is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

44. Library of Congress

9.3
101 Independence Ave SE (btwn 1st & 2nd St SE), Washington, D.C.
Library · Southeast Washington · 186 tips and reviews

Cassy A.Cassy Ammen: The Main Reading Room provides reference services in the humanities and social sciences. Access provided to millions of items. Please visit www.loc.gov/rr

Newseum is one of A Not So Tourist Guide to DC.

45. Newseum

555 Pennsylvania Ave NW (at 6th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Museum · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 307 tips and reviews