Washington, D.C. Attractions

The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections. The Library's mission is to make its resources available and useful to the Congress and the American people and to sustain and preserve a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for future generations. The Office of the Librarian is tasked to set policy and to direct and support programs and activities to accomplish the Library's mission.

Join a cruise around the capitol and admire the cities skyline while on board this wonderful 2 hour brunch cruise. Admire unmatched skyline views from a unique vantage point while enjoying a mouth-watering feast and listening to the live jazz trio.

This Washington DC tour takes you to the most popular monuments and historic buildings in Washington to provide tips on architectural photography, outdoor portraiture, and interior photography without flash by professional photographer E. David Luria.

Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest dining saloon in Washington, DC. Across from the White House, Old Ebbitt serves American Cuisine, and offers the largest selection of oysters in DC. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining, as well as Saturday and Sunday Brunch.

Opened in late 2006, world-renowned Chef Michel Richard brings his take on the classic French bistro to Washington DC. Located centrally on Pennsylvania Ave, between the White House and The U.S. Capitol, Central presents a more casual atmosphere than Chef Richard's famous Citronelle (recently voted number one Restaurant in DC by the WASHINGTONIAN), and is designed to be a celebration of the American Dining Experience as seen through the eyes of the proudly French-American artist - who can often be seen at work in Central's large, open chrome and ceramic-tiled kitchen. We serve Michel's tribute to great American cuisine, both modern and classic, with a French accent. A vibrant bar scene with boutique beer and wines, and modern and classic cocktails.

Acclaimed Chef Robert Wiedmaier opened Marcel's in 1999 to rave reviews of his French cuisine with a Flemish flair, derived from his Belgian heritage. Signature dishes that have Washingtonians and critics talking are his seared foie gras, crispy skate wing and light as air Boudin Blanc complemented by his outstanding wine list. Marcel's offers a daily changing three-course Pre-Theater dinner with complimentary executive car service to and from the nearby Kennedy Center.

Rasika, which means "flavors" in Sanskrit, is a modern Indian restaurant showcasing Tawa (griddle), Sigri (open barbeque), Tandoori and other regional dishes. They have a temperature controlled wine cellar, offer small plates and a modern lounge.

The Blue Duck Tavern, a contemporary neighborhood restaurant, invites its guests to gather and celebrate in good taste with a menu focusing on the freshest ingredients available from local purveyors and artisans. The menu notes every farm where the main ingredient for the dish was raised before its journey to the table. Dishes are genuine, time-honored and traditional - slow roasting in wood embers, braising, preserving and smoking techniques bring the true flavors of America's great, simple and wholesome foods to the Blue Duck Tavern.

Sitting on a quiet residential street in Georgetown, this 1789 restaurant has the charm of a historic country inn. Chef Daniel Giusti uses indigenous ingredients in simple yet classic recipes. Classic desserts are on offer by Travis Olson, Pastry Chef. Both chefs have been nominated by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington for a 2009 RAMMY Award.

One of the finest restaurants in the capital, Plume serves as a discreet and elegant backdrop to the culinary artistry of award-winning executive chef, Damon Gordon. Here you will dine while surrounded by scenes from Monticello hand-painted on silk-covered walls. Choose a cozy nook or a table by their inviting fireplace as you savor classic dishes expertly executed by Chef Damon with lighter, contemporary finishing touches that appeal to today's enlightened palates. Chef Damon draws on the traditional techniques he mastered in Michelin-starred kitchens in his native U.K. and under the tutelage of Alain Ducasse in New York City, creating seasonal menus inspired by the fruits, vegetables and herbs grown in Thomas Jefferson's gardens.

Downtown Washington's first modern white tablecloth Italian restaurant is located in the Arnold and Porter building. Ristorante Tosca offers the finest in contemporary northern Italian cuisine by executive Chef Massimo Fabbri. He interprets Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, using a creative approach that respects the great traditions of Tuscan gastronomy.

This glam Penn Quarter eatery has received scores of industry accolades since opening in 2002. The menu's small-plate, or mezze, options allow guests to sample a variety of flavorful Mediterranean creations by award-winning chef Jose Andres.

JALEO invites you to explore the spirit and cuisine of Spain. JALEO means "uproar" or "melee" and also "revelry" and "merry-making". The concept is owned and managed by ThinkFoodGroup (Jaleo DC, Bethesda, and Crystal City; Zaytinya, Cafe Atlantico, and Oyamel), under the culinary direction of Jose Andres - winner of the James Beard award and Bon Appetit's Chef of the Year. Patrons unable to make a reservation are more than welcome to walk-in. Jaleo reserves a limited portion of its dining room leaving available space to welcome its walk-in guests.

One of D.C.'s best barhopping hotspots, the quirky Adams Morgan district flaunts international flavor and diverse crowds. Don't miss local favorite Madam Organ's Blues Bar, a funky bluegrass joint with a larger-than-life mascot.

You can find a traditional pub, but it would be more fun to visit one of H Street's whimsical establishments with sword-swallowing bartenders and eight-legged goats. Need one say more?

The U Street corridor - the heart of D.C.'s music scene - is home to several famous nightclubs and jazz venues where icons such as Duke Ellington and Shirley Horn got their starts.

Chock-full of art galleries, bookstores, and ethnic restaurants, Dupont Circle boasts a nightlife scene that's just as rich, catering to young graduates, moneyed residents, and a large GLBT community.

Hop on the Metro Red Line to experience Bethesda, a top nightlife area just outside of D.C. Bars such as Tommy Joe's and Flanagan's Harp and Fiddle fit right into the city's classy feel.

As a major transportation hub, the most-visited destination in D.C. also doubles as a shopping mall, featuring a multitude of classy shops with beaux-arts architecture-the ideal setting for window shoppers.

This Georgetown intersection has become the hub for high-end shopping in D.C. The Shops at Georgetown Park offer a unique D.C. experience with Victorian-influenced architecture, while the charming brick-fronted boutiques are themselves cultural gems.

Stunningly charming, this upscale shopping mall epitomizes the restrained elegance of D.C. style. Relatively small with 25 stores, the center features a beautiful sky-lit atrium that beckons tired shoppers to sit back and relax.

While in DC, make a trip to The Shops at Georgetown Park for the best in shopping, entertainment and dining. Whether you enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of the mall's restaurants or spend the day shopping at all your favorite stores, The Shops at Georgetown Park offers a complete entertainment experience.

In addition to the grand Neiman Marcus, luxury retailers such as Burberry, Versace, and Chanel have made their homes here, making the mall one of the best places to spruce up your wardrobe.