Discover 101 local hidden gems in Washington DC

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.

Search *

Our spotters

Get to know our Spotters from Washington DC

Check out our latest spots

Things to do in Washington DC

lydiastrohl

Open City at the Cathedral – Coffeehouse and café

"Open City at the Cathedrail" is a little cafe tucked in the shadow of Washington National Cahtedral & we love it! Try the house-made soup.

restaurants
Restaurants
snacks
Snacks

By

Lydia

Strohl

rondenson

The Perfect Liar's Club – Interactive game

"The Perfect Liar's Club" in Washington DC takes the game 'Two Truths and a Lie' to a whole new level of fun... It offers a show that's not to be missed!

arts&culture
Art & culture
bars
Bars

By

JR

Denson

lydiastrohl

Lapis – Afghan in AdMo

The menu hosts a bevy of dumplings and small plates, heavy on veg - we loved the eggplant-based buranee bademjan as well as the gulpee!

bars
Bars
restaurants
Restaurants

By

Lydia

Strohl

rondenson

Canal Park Ice Rink – Chill ice skating

The "Canal Park Ice Rink" in Washington DC is somewhat of a hidden gem in a quiet neighborhood but w/ plenty of nice things to do around...

arts&culture
Art & culture

By

JR

Denson

rondenson

7DrumCity – Play with local musicians

Every 1st Sunday, "7DrumCity" in Washington DC organizes a 'potluck jam' party. No matter your skill, come mingle with local musicians & make some music!

arts&culture
Art & culture
music
Music

By

JR

Denson

rondenson

Cafe Citron – Spanish conversation and dancing

Everyone's been to "Cafe Citron" in Washington DC - for the lovely South American food, the free salsa lessons & Spanish conversation practice happy hour!

arts&culture
Art & culture
bars
Bars
restaurants
Restaurants

By

JR

Denson

rondenson

Julia's Empanadas – Delicious on-the-go snack

"Julia's Empanadas" is one of my favorite places in DC. While Latin food isn't hard to find in DC, empanadas can be, especially good ones...

restaurants
Restaurants
snacks
Snacks

By

JR

Denson

rondenson

Trusty's – A neighborhood bar

If you want to find a local bar in DC that does not have a tourist vibe, "Trusty's" is the place you're looking for do check out the school bus (!) inside!

bars
Bars

By

JR

Denson

rondenson

The Brig – Chill outdoor beer garden

"The Brig" is arguably the flagship beer garden of Eastern Market and Navy Yard in Washington DC. I love how I never have to wait for a table!

bars
Bars

By

JR

Denson

rondenson

Public Bar – Wednesday salsa night

"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.

arts&culture
Art & culture
bars
Bars
music
Music

By

JR

Denson

rondenson

Solly's – When regular karaoke isn't enough

"Solly's" in Washington DC does 'kostume karaoke', where everyone singing wears a costume! They also have nice happy hour prices & other weekly events...

bars
Bars
music
Music

By

JR

Denson

rondenson

Eastern Market – Best outdoor market in the city

"Eastern Market" in Washington DC just has everything, and on weekends, there's also an open-air market I visit for interesting and unique gifts.

shopping
Shopping
snacks
Snacks

By

JR

Denson

Discover Washington DC with the Spotted by Locals app

Our Spotters' Local Favorites Only. Skip the Tourist Traps.

Find Nearby Spots and Navigate with Ease

Save Your Favorites and See Them on the Map

Know your way in Washington DC and navigate with ease!

✓ Full access to 101 local favorites. Zero tourist highlights.

✓ Get to know our 5 Spotters and ♥ their recommendations.

✓ Save favorites and show them on the map.

About Washington DC

Discover Washington DC like a true local

Experience the political and cultural hub of Washington DC with Spotted by Locals. Explore the historic streets of Penn Quarter, and the vibrant neighborhoods of Dupont Circle and Shaw. Our app offers insider recommendations on local attractions, dining spots, and cultural events, ensuring you experience the best of the United States’ capital city like a true local. Download now and start exploring!

As featured on:

Get full access - 3 days Completely Free!

Enjoy 72 hours of free access to all our hidden gems on our site and app. Plus, get our newsletter with travel tips as a bonus. Try it out and see if you like it!

first_name *
email *

By subscribing you agree with our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy.