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.
"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.
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"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...
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"Smoke and Barrel" Washington DC is one of my favorite spots in the city for barbecue. The cozy rustic decor creates a warm summer feeling, even in winter!
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"GoodWood" in Washington DC looks like a general store, but it holds many vintage treasures. It's like an antique store that doesn't take itself too seriously.
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Everyone's been to "Cafe Citron" in Washington DC - for the lovely South American food, the free salsa lessons & Spanish conversation practice happy hour!
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"Bombay Street Food 3" in Washington DC features Indian and Indo-Chinese foods. Its street food versions have less heavy cream and more spice & herbs...
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What do Langston Hughes, Tallulah Bankhead, Ezra Pound, Roald Dahl and John F. Kennedy have in common? Find out at "DC Writer's Homes"...
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There are a lot of places to dance salsa in DC, but "The Salsa Room" is one of my favorites. I like how patrons who show up are really here to dance....
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"East Potomac Golf Links" in DC is probably my favorite place to play golf in the whole world. The view is amazing - and it's surprisingly affordable!
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"Hill Center DC" is an events facility with all kinds of activities, from wine tastings to ASL & cooking classes. It's a real under-the-radar location!
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"The Bullpen" in DC is a great outdoor venue to go and hang out. I like going when they have special happy hour during Nationals home baseball games...
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There's an ultimate frisbee pick-up game that's been going on for years in a park across from the Pentagon City Mall in DC. It's so friendly and laid back there!
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Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. 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.