Washington, DC
Washington, DC is a capital of elegance and intrigue, from its grand monuments to its refined neighbourhoods alive with art, culture, and gastronomy. Discover coveted addresses and bespoke activities curated for those who seek the exceptional.
Colourful houses lining the streets of historic Georgetown in Washington, DC.
Best known for:
- See iconic landmarks straight out of the movies – a private walking tour along the National Mall will introduce you to the city’s most revered monuments and memorials, from the U.S. Capitol and the White House to the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, each offering an intimate glimpse into the legacy of American leadership.
- From Michelin-starred dining to legendary street food, the culinary scene is as diverse as the city itself. Savour a tasting menu crafted by award-winning chefs or experience the city's famous half-smoke, a gourmet take on a beloved classic.
- In spring, Washington, DC’s cherry blossoms put on a spectacular show – a fleeting and ethereal bloom best experienced through curated cherry blossom tours, artfully timed to coincide with the season’s most elegant parades, art installations, and floral festivities.
The Lincoln Memorial honouring Abraham Lincoln on the National Mall. Credit: Destination DC
The original West Building in The National Gallery of Art. Credit: Destination DC
Must dos in Washington, DC, recommended by our advisors:
- Get your fix of world-class museums: the city has over 100 museums waiting to be explored, from the Smithsonian institutions to the trailblazing National Museum of Women in the Arts, to the esteemed National Gallery of Art, home to the only Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas.
- Experience VIP seating at a Washington Nationals game in the heart of Nationals Park. Embrace the local spirit as you take in the electric game-day atmosphere – start with classic ballpark fare and drinks at nearby bars, then settle into premium seats for an unforgettable day at an iconic American baseball stadium.
- Indulge in a private sunset cruise along Washington, DC’s storied waterways – an exquisite way to view the capital’s illuminated skyline at dusk.
- Washington, DC is a canvas of creativity: stroll through eclectic neighbourhoods like Shaw and H Street NE, where vibrant street murals celebrate the city’s history and culture.
The United States Capitol Building, Washington DC. Credit: Destination DC
Artistic murals in the city's historical U Street neighbourhood.
Where to stay in Washington, DC:
On prestigious Pennsylvania Avenue, just steps from the White House, the Waldorf Astoria Washington, DC exudes historic grandeur. It’s an ideal base for exploring the nearby monuments and memorials. As a Travel Associates client, you will enjoy breakfast daily, a room upgrade or late check-out (subject to availability), and USD $100 hotel credit per room per stay.
The Conrad Washington, DC offers contemporary luxury and striking city views from its elevated rooftop lounge – a favourite for sunset cocktails above downtown. As a Travel Associates client, you will enjoy breakfast daily, a room upgrade or late check-out (subject to availability), and USD $100 food and beverage credit per room per stay.
In the stylish West End, Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown provides timeless comfort at the edge of historic Georgetown, where cobblestone streets meet cosmopolitan refinement. As a Travel Associates client, you will enjoy breakfast daily, an upgrade on arrival and early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability), plus USD $100 hotel credit per room per stay.
In the heart of the Penn Quarter, Riggs Washington, DC is a jewel of hospitality. Housed in a stately 19th-century bank, it blends historic architecture with refined modernity – perfectly situated across from the National Portrait Gallery.
Where to eat in Washington, DC:
- A favourite among the well-heeled, Residents Café & Bar in Dupont Circle offers an all-day European-inspired dining experience and inventive cocktails in a stylish, floral-accented setting.
- Enjoy an elegant cherry blossom-themed high tea at the Waldorf Astoria – a seasonal indulgence celebrating spring’s ephemeral beauty with curated teas and delicate pastries.
- Dine at ilili in Washington, DC’s pulsing Wharf neighbourhood, where Executive Chef Philippe Massoud presents sophisticated Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine in a waterfront locale.
- Take a bold culinary journey through the Balkans at Ambar Capitol Hill, known for its concept of "dining without limits", where you’ll feast on authentic dishes in a lively, design-forward space.
- The Dabney is not to be missed – awarded a Michelin star, it elevates Mid-Atlantic cuisine using seasonal, local ingredients, all served within the rustic elegance of a converted historic row house.
Residents Café & Bar. Credit: Residents Café & Bar
ilili Washington. Credit: ilili Restaurant.
Hidden gem in Washington, DC:
Escape the city's pace at Dumbarton Oaks Gardens in Georgetown – an exquisitely preserved sanctuary of terraced gardens, classical fountains, and shaded walkways that evoke the serenity of an old-world estate. The adjoining museum features rare collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. Continue your exploration with a privately guided tour of historic Georgetown, where Federal-style architecture, curated boutiques, and a storied past converge to create one of Washington, DC’s most elegant and atmospheric districts.
The Museum at Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown, Washington, DC.