Is Washington, DC also on your bucket list? This historic and vibrant city is bursting with world-famous monuments and iconic landmarks. While most tourists rush to the National Mall and the White House, there are also plenty of hidden gems and unique experiences in the capital of the United States! Our colleague Noa, Sales Support, has been to Washington several times, which has led her to discover the best, not-so-touristy spots! Read along?
1.Capitol Hill
Walk past the Capitol, into the Capitol Hill neighborhood! Capitol Hill is a very nice neighborhood with brownstones and lots of greenery. Follow East Capitol st. NE until you run into Lincoln Park. Here is a small coffee shop (Wine & Butter Cafe) and supermarket (Market) with delicious produce. You order your coffee to-go at a small window on the side of the building. Are you on the early side? Then you still have a chance to get your hands on their fantastic croissants. Take your coffee and croissant into the park, or walk toward Eastern Market. Here you will find local stores and a farmers market on weekends.
2. A local breakfast
Fancy a nice breakfast? This joint is a favorite spot of locals. In the same neighborhood as tip one, Capitol Hill, there is a bakery that only makes Pretzels. All the pretzels are prepared in different ways. Noa's Favorite: The Breakfast Slider! A bun made of pretzel, with cheese, egg and bacon! Are you more of a sweet tooth? They also have pretzel balls filled with Nutella, cinnamon or even calzones made from Pretzel dough.
3. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city
Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while? Take the subway to Old Town Alexandria. Take the blue or yellow line to Braddock Road or King Street. Old Town Alexandria is a very nice neighborhood, with cheerful houses and small streets. King Street is the main street of this neighborhood, here you will find most of the boutiques, stores and restaurants. When you walk down King Street, you come to the waterfront. Old Town has a nice waterfront where you can also take a boat trip, for example to the National Harbour. Fancy a nice lunch or dinner? Restaurant Augie's is an absolute must!
4. The Navy Yard
Fancy a stroll? Get off the subway at Eastern Market and then walk up 8th street SE toward Starbucks. You'll walk down 8th street and along the way you can make a stop at one of the many restaurants this street has. Along the way you will pass the Navy barracks. When you get to M street SE, turn right. You will now enter the Navy Yard. Walk up to 4th Street SE and turn left here. Walk straight as you go, you will end up at water. If it is a warm day, you will see many children playing in the water. There is a special public pool posted for neighborhood children. Fancy a nice drink? Discrict Winery is the place to go. The Navy Yard is also home to the Washington Nationals' baseball stadium.
5. National Arboretum
In Washington DC, you have the National Arboretum. This is a large park (446 acres!) with many different unusual plants, trees and flowers. The Arboterum's popular National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open every day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can also find the National Capitol Columns in the Arboretum. These columns were used to support the Capitol when it was built (in 1828). You can entertain yourself for at least 3 hours in the Arboretum. Bring a nice lunch and enjoy a picnic on the public stretches of grass.
