Discover our locals' 101 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.

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Things to do in Washington DC

Open-City-at-the-Cathedral
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.

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Restaurants
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Snacks

By

Lydia

Strohl

Nov 21, 2024
Julias-Empanadas
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...

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Restaurants
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Snacks

By

JR

Denson

Nov 18, 2024
Smoke-and-Barrel
kelleysmith

Smoke and Barrel – Delicious barbecue

"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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Bars
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Restaurants

By

Kelley

Smith

Nov 12, 2024
GoodWood
lydiastrohl

GoodWood – For a vintage-chic home

"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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Art & culture
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Relaxing
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Shopping

By

Lydia

Strohl

Nov 11, 2024
Cafe-Citron
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!

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Art & culture
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Bars
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Restaurants

By

JR

Denson

Nov 10, 2024
Bombay-Street-Food-3
lydiastrohl

Bombay Street Food 3 – Spice it your way

"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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Restaurants

By

Lydia

Strohl

Nov 10, 2024
DC-Writers-Homes
lydiastrohl

DC Writer's Homes – Follow In their footsteps

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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Art & culture

By

Lydia

Strohl

Nov 10, 2024
The-Salsa-Room
rondenson

The Salsa Room – Dance all night

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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Art & culture
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Music

By

JR

Denson

Nov 7, 2024
East-Potomac-Golf-Links
rondenson

East Potomac Golf Links – In the shadow of the Mall

"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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Relaxing

By

JR

Denson

Nov 7, 2024
Hill-Center-DC
rondenson

Hill Center DC – Events on Capitol Hill(ish)

"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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Art & culture

By

JR

Denson

Nov 7, 2024
The-Bullpen
rondenson

The Bullpen – Chill outdoor hangout

"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...

002-building
Art & culture
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Bars

By

JR

Denson

Nov 7, 2024
NoVA-Ultimate-Frisbee
rondenson

NoVA Ultimate Frisbee – Play near the Pentagon

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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Relaxing

By

JR

Denson

Nov 7, 2024

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

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!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

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.

Responsible Travel

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?

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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!

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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.

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