OUR TOP PICKS FOR DC

If you're visiting Washington DC from out of town, here are some of  our top suggestions for the best things to see and experience while you're in the city. 

Food - Obviously we encourage you to download and use the Yelp app during your stay. But, we've gone ahead and listed a few of our - and Yelper's - favorites, below.

• Dukes Grocery: this is the place of our first date, and one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants. It's also home to the best burger in DC!
• Hanks Oyster Bar: great seafood, and great cocktails. Located just a few doors down from Dukes. 
• Sushi Taro: sushi spot in the same neighbored as Dukes and Hanks. This place earned itself a Michelin star last year. 
• Little Serow: no reservations, and always a long line, but the most authentic northern thai we've had outside of Thailand. 
• Thai X-ing: less fussy than Little Serow, but definitely authentic Thai. The menu is fixed, but the portions are large. You are guaranteed to leave full and happy. Also, it's BYOB. 
• All Purpose: pizza spot that received a Michelin star a few doors down from our wedding venue. The pepperoni and honey pizza is by far the best.
• The Dabney: interesting small plates, local farm to table. Also received a Michelin star. Located directly behind our wedding venue. 
• Barcelona: low key tapas and wine bar that has great outdoor seating. Also has a great brunch. This is one of our staples. 
• Belga Cafe: located on Barracks Row in Capitol Hill. This neighborhood is gorgeous, and the restaurant delicious. Belgian food, including some of the best savory waffles we've had. A great brunch spot. 
• Baked and Wired: don't waste your time standing in line for Georgetown Cupcakes - it's a sham! True/respectable Washingtonians go to Baked and Wired. This incredible bakery is not to be missed on your trip. 
• Ted's Bulletin: a DC breakfast tradition. This place is known for it's large portions, and upscale diner cuisine. It's also famous for it's pop-tarts and baked goods. 
• Slipstream: for a low key, quick breakfast, coffee drink, or cocktail. This place is fantastic!
• La Colombe Coffee: a great coffee spot where you can get pour overs, and interesting coffees. Located behind the wedding venue. 
• Blue Bottle: the east coast finally got itself a Blue Bottle! We've been ordering this stuff online for years, and now have one in our own backyard. 

Drinks - because if there is one thing DC knows, it's how to drink. 

• POV Bar in the W hotel - certainly not the best drinks in DC, and 100% overpriced; however, what this rooftop bar lacks in character, it makes up for in views. If you need a break from walking, this is a great place to rest your feet w/ views of the entire National Mall.
• Left Door: new-ish speakeasy in DC. Great cocktails, and a dark, low key setting. 
• The Gibson: another speakeasy in the same neighborhood.
• Pearl Dive: cocktails, oysters, and a great menu. It also has some of the best fried chicken we've ever had. 
• Tabard Inn: a DC staple. Comfy couches, and a historic building makes for a pretty great experience. This place also has a great brunch. 
• Bar a Vin: one of our favorite wine bars. Located in Georgetown near the water. 

Monuments and Historic Sites

• There are too many to mention - but we encourage you to take a stroll around the National Mall, get lost, and see the true beauty and history our city has to offer. Monuments by night are especially breathtaking. 

Museums: there are a ton of free museums around DC. Below are a few of our favorites - of course two of the three are not free :) 

• The Renwick: almost the anti-art gallery. A series of rooms with incredible, interactive, instillations and sculptures. Free!
• Newseum - journalism museum that is relatively new to DC. This is something you should do if you have a lot of time. It requires a lot of reading and absorbing information, but it's once of the most amazing museums. This is one is unfortunately not free. 
• National Cathedral - beautiful cathedral, and the grounds are just as gorgeous. It also has a nice cafe, which is surprisingly not a tourist trap. Also not free, but worth seeing.

Markets

• Eastern Market: farmers market located in the beautiful Eastern Market. The market has vendors selling produce, coffee, food, art, and clothing.
• Maine Ave Fish Market - this is a floating fish/gypsy market. You can pick out your seafood and they will steam or grill it for you.