Let's uncover Washington DC’s hidden spots with Spotted by Locals! From cozy bookshops to breathtaking art collections, our Spotters reveal the city's best-kept secrets. Experience Washington DC like a true local.
101 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
"Public Bar" in DC turns into a real salsa club every Wednesday night. If you're serious about wanting to partner dance on a random Wednesday, it's for you.
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"The Coffee Bar" is a wonderful coffee spot in Washington DC, in a somewhat quiet area. I love their outside patio to enjoy my coffee with some sun.
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"ArtJamz" in Washington DC is cool. It's basically an art studio where I go to hang out with friends, a date, or just to destress with a drink & paint.
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"Izakaya Seki" in Washington DC is the restaurant I go to when I want authentic but unfamiliar Japanese food, a place for somewhat adventurous diners!
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"LeTena" Washington DC takes a slightly different approach with Ethiopian food, somewhere between being a restaurant & a casual place. I love the prices.
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"Dupont Circle Farmers Market" is where I go in Washington DC to spend a fun Sunday morning. I recommend you get some coffee, walk around & take it all in.
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"Kramerbooks & Afterwords" Washington DC's Dupont Circle is an old-school bookstore with a café/bar & a restaurant. It's one of my favorites of this style.
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"Donburi" in Washington DC is a Japanese restaurant that makes my mouth water before I've even had a taste of the food! It's my comfort food in DC...
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The streets ringing the National Mall in Washington DC is full of food trucks with food from around the world. Pick your favorite, find a bench and enjoy!
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Use the app "Food Truck Fiesta" to locate all the food trucks listed as active in Washington DC -- that's over 200 of them!
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101 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. No AI and nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!
We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.
By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?
We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.
Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.
With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.