Overview
** WASHINGTON D.C **
Read travel tips for Washington D C from our amazing community of BLACK AND BROWN TRAVELERS that will help you find some of the best places to visit Washington D.c. Our variety of travel tips will definitely help you plan your next trip. Our tips range from best places to visit in Washington D.c, affordability, nightlife, local food, where to stay and even what it is like Traveling While Black. Lastly, we are working diligently to create a comprehensive city guide for Washington D.c.. Stay tuned! But in the meantime, scroll down to read tips below!
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If you’re coming to DC you have to go to Brunch and a day party while you’re here. It’s literally like no other. My favorite place is Ben’s next door, right next to Ben’s Chilli Bowl. It never fails and vibes are great. It is also black owned. Make sure you get the chicken and waffles
I highly recommend the Museum of African-American history. Is very insightful it took all day to explore, and I didn’t even get to finish the entire museum after exploring for three hours. I will definitely be returning, and I highly recommend. There are also plenty of museums in the surrounding area that are in walking distance.
I’ve been in DC for over ten years and there’s so much to do from arts and culture to food. Some of my favorite places to eat are Cane (Trinidadian food), Bronze (an afrofuturism restaurant) Planta DC (for plant-based food), Maketto (Asian food), Daru (twists on Indian food), and illili (Mediterranean food with beautiful interior design). Eaton hotel is the place to stay and has a literary-themed speakeasy behind a bookshelf in the hotel and on the rooftop they have rotating DJs. The Smithsonian museums are a must-do and so many local galleries have free events.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC is a must see. One trip will not be enough. Begin by taking the elevator below ground where you are met by small dark spaces and slave ship artifacts. Work your way up to present day and be immersed in culture, entertainment and all around good feelings. Best of all, the museum is free. Tickets can be reserved on the website.
In the soul of Ward 1 of Washington, DC, there are several restaurants that vibrantly line 14th street with various cuisines. You can find anything from Thai, Moroccan, Lebanese, Mediterranean, and several other options that fit the preferred palate. The ambiance of 14th street – over near U Street and Howard University – is a bustling corridor, particularly during the summer so finding delicious food is never a problem. There is one particular restaurant that one must try and that is St. James – Modern Caribbean. The atmosphere is super chill with afrobeats music and a welcoming staff. The service was exceptional and our needs were met with care and professionalism. The energy of St. James is very much giving Caribbean Sunday comfort dinner and I guarantee you will leave full & satisfied. The food *chefs kiss* was soulfully island-inspired and cooked with love. The fried snapper was seasoned to perfection and large enough to feed a party of 4. The cassava fritters were bussin so hard, I almost felt like getting up to whine my waist, while the coconut rice made me rethink how I’ve been eating rice my entire life. St. James Modern Caribbean is also black-owned, which is gratifying to see as a business thriving in an area where our demographic has gotten pretty diluted, if you know what I mean. Check out their menu on their website and make a reservation if you’re ever in the area. Support black restaurants that are paving new grounds in Washington, DC., trust me, you won’t regret it!
https://stjames-dc.com/
2017 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009
202 – 627 – 2981
info@stjames-dc.com
While in DC, you’ll want to hit up U street for the nightlife. You can find many bars with happy hour deals such as Pure lounge on Fridays. There are also plenty of food spots to choose from such as Alero Mexican, Ben’s chilli bowl, or El Rey restaurant. I’d recommend getting dinner first then heading over to Pure for their happy hour and bar hopping afterwards.
I recently returned from a work trip to Washington, DC. It was my first trip to the chocolate city. I explored the city as a local by using the metro, and I visited local restaurants. I had a drink at Mission Dupont, and the service was excellent. I felt safe during my walks at night and using the metro. It was easier to get around, and I could approach locals to ask for directions. They were helpful! In some cities, when a black person approaches a white person, they run away. Literally. I stayed in Chinatown and I used Capital One Caf� for my meetings! Founders find these coffee shops! You have working space for free. I love my stay in the cholate city and I will be back!
(D)MV is always going to do it for me. I even lived in the area for 3 years so maybe this review is a bit bias but all true. Now DC has its areas you just stay away from but for the most part it’s great. The rich black culture is just something to be a part of. It’s being gentrified for sure at rapid pace but the roots are there and you feel it. There are PLENTY of places to eat and find amazing food and drinks. You can do the tourist life and still love the area or you can get in like a local and just open your eyes to even more major adventure. Learning how to use the metro has its curve but just make sure you’re on the correct side of the platform. H ST, U. St, The Wharf, there are neighborhoods and areas for everyone in DC. BETA TEST
DC is where its at! There’s so much to do and see. The African American Museums, the public monuments, the nightlife at Dupont Circle and on Adams Morgan Street…
Ubers and Lyft drivers are plentiful and that may be a good or bad thing depending on your mode of transportation. There’s also a romantic side to DC- if you’re into cherry blossom picnics then late April is the best time to go.
The transportation depot is pretty accessible- I always take the bus down from NJ which is a 4-5 hour ride depending on traffic or the trains are also easily accessible from Newark or NY Penn. I’ve been twice for 4 day wknd trips and already planning my next trip for April next year!
Yo D.C. is my favorite place in the U.S after traveling many other states an city I found myself feeling at home like i belonged here. Love seeing so many other black people there too. I was so overwhelmed with how much stuff there is to do. I stayed at the Park Hyatt which was a pricey accommodation but it was in the midst of Georgetown right next to everything. Best place thats a MUST see is the African American Museum they truly did us well in representation of the history of black Americans. The admission is free however u have to get tickets online an choose a time to go. I didnt know this an luckily there was a man in front who had extra tickets an gave them to us. Be prepared to spend no less than 2.5 hours here. I didnt even see the whole thing cuz iy was jus so much and so many ppl. The Lincoln monument and the martin luther king jr. Monument are also a must see. Its just filled with history. You can also go online to get tickets to tour the Capitol building and even the white house. Hop on an off buses are plentiful and cost around 20 to 30 bucks which is a great option. There’s also shopping in Adams morgan area. If you want night life hit up Dupont Circle. A really nice place if you like luxury dining is Olive Bistro is very nice for a romantic date. If you go in April u can catch the cherry blossom season an the Japanese parades. This place is jus filled with things to do people are nice an talk to you like you family i never felt outta place or any racial discrimination ever. Can’t wait to go back an explore so much more.
This is by far my favorite city in America. D.C. has so much to offer to all types of crowds from history fanatics, to nature lovers, and adventure seekers. The city is small and is known for being the politics central (you will notice a lot of professionals dressed in suits and business attires). D.C. is a very accessible city. Uber, Lyft and Via and other ride share companies have expanded their reach to the D.C. population. In addition, public transportation including buses, and subways are reliant and will get you to anywhere in D.C. that you wish to go for a very small price. In addition to the famous National Mall and Smithsonian museums, D.C. has a National Arboretum, private art exhibits, and neighborhoods that have attracted people from all over the world. If you are planning on staying in the city, check out the Georgetown neighborhood. Airbnbs are relatively higher in that area because it is one of the oldest neighborhoods in D.C. and the most expensive. But, it is closer to the Potomac River and various amenities including Amazon Books, famous restaurants, and kayak shops. The night life in the Nation’s Capital goes live around 10pm on U Street and 14th Street neighborhoods. Definitely check out the DuPont Circle bars and lounges if you are up for some diversity in the music selections. Life in D.C. is expensive so plan for your trip accordingly.
Washington D.C was a trip that brought my text books alive . I chose to visit D.C to go to a Baseball game to watch the Nationals play as part of my bucketlist to view evey MLB stadium and visit every major city in the U.S . From all of the national monuments , museums, sports teams , restuarants and bars i had an amazing time in Chocolate city. Beware parking is horrible and expensive
I took a trip to Washington D.C this past February (2018) for black history month and it was amazing. I’ve always wanted to go there so I thought why not going during black history month. Now if you’re not a person who likes the cold I recommend you not travel during that time of the year. It was very cold and a little rainy. As we all may or may not know is that D.C is a very historical city, from all the statues to museums and their historic buildings there is so much to do. I already had in mind that I wanted to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Statue all in the short time I was visiting.
The first thing I did was visit the African American Museum. The tickets are free, but they come at a first come first serve bases. Just be sure to request yours before your trip. I would use a full day to spend viewing this museum because there is so much information and really not enough time in the hours that they are open to use it. The earlier the better though, but you might need 2 to 3 full days to truly experience everything without rushing (my opinion).
The Lincoln museum was really breath taking at least for me. To actually see how huge that statue is up close was amazing. Also being able to read the emancipation proclamation there was really touching. I also wanted to visit this memorial because this was also the famous place where Dr. King has his “I have a Dream speech”. I go to stand exactly where he stood for his speech and look out into the reflecting pool and just picture how filled it was with people who believed in this mans vision, faith and his word. Not to mention this is exactly where former President Barack Obama addressed the nation on the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s speech. That was also another historical moment.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Statue is really close by to the memorial. Be prepared to do a lot of walking too. I love how they have his status set up facing the Tidal Basin reservoir. It was a calming atmosphere and there were quotes from his speeches and letters on the walls surrounding his statue.
I honestly only wanted to go to The Smithsonian American Art Museum, to see the Barack and Michelle Obama painting that was released this year (2018). The lines for those painting were insane but it was all well worth it. I wasn’t so lucky with the Washington Monument, I only got to take pictures of it but it was under construction so some it was blocked off. My overall experience was astonishing and I definitely be back but in the spring time so I can see the cherry blossoms lol.
Oh how I love DC! I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia and I no longer do the nightlife in my city I drive to Washington DC specifically for that reason. Because I go so frequently I like to stay where I am comfortable so the hotel that I choose to stay in is the Pentagon city hotel in Arlington Virginia. My room always averages around $100 parking is $35 a day (free if you’re flirty) and breakfast is $20 a day. I love going to the Park at 14th St. in DC. Because I know one of the bouncers that work there I never have to wait in a long line. There are three levels in this nightclub all playing different music and in the back on the first floor there is a big room where Asians have a tendency to gravitate. I love this night club because it’s diverse, the people dress so classy and the majority of people that I meet are young professionals.
Washington DC has an amazing selection of various foods. But my favorite is Ethiopian. Any time I’m there, I have to get Ethiopian food. Adams Morgan has a few good selections. Every restaurant I’ve been to has been clean, fresh and fast service.
DC has a bunch of places to go, see and do. WMATA is the transit system and you can get around fairly easily if you’re familiar with train systems. All of the Smithonisan museums are free and worthwhile. I definitely recommend NAAHC museum, Fredrick Douglas home and Bethune-Cookman’s home. Food is soooo good and don’t forget to try Mumbo sauce. In DC you’re going to run into networking opportunities so be prepared.
Food to try: Oohs and Aahs, Florida Avenue Grill, &Pizza, Pimento Grill, Truckeroo (Food truck festival once a month).
I recently visited Washington, D.C. and had a ball at Snarkitecture’s Fun House exhibit located in the National Building Museum. This exhibit will be there until September 3, 2018. So much fun for both adults and children! It’s the perfect combination of art and architecture. Also a perfect photo opportunity if you are looking to spice up your social media. Pricing was not bad at all. Under $20 for adults and less for children and senior citizens. I’d recommend this place to be enjoyed by all ages while in D.C.
Recently visited Washington DC for a wedding. My first time and it felt like a mini New York. Their are a lot of established African Americans, particularly in the government field. Lots of great places to brunch or dine. Many historical sites with it being the capitol. I would definitely return for more site seeing.
First let me say I’m from DC so I could go on and on. First all Museums are free. Check out African art museum as well. U street is always busy try Oohs and Aahhs if you get hungry,and Shop Ron David for the ladies . SW Waterfront is all brand New with lots of Shopping. Try Bespoke not Broke in SW if you want to save some money. H street is also popular with clubs and bars like Smith Commons.