Best Places in DC

🗓️ April 10, 2026

✍🏾 Jaymi Robinson 

DC is an amazing place to live, with its renowned world-class culture, museums, vibrant city life, and exquisite food. Individuality runs free in this city. This is one of its best parts, because there will always be a restaurant, activity, or event curated for each person, and, as the local section of How to Howard, it is imperative to keep people up to date on the “wheres” of DC. We've been providing substantial entertainment and activities in the area for two months, and it is time to present the ultimate list of the best places in D.C. 

Bookstores

This category is a tie between H Street Solid State books and Union Market Prose and Politics. Two amazing bookstores, both stocking the classics and notable newcomers. Solid State, specifically, is an independent, black-owned store that offers book lovers a vibrant experience, featuring an in-house coffee bar and weekly book clubs with intentional conversations about authors, books, and experiences. Union Market is already a fun area of DC, but this location, with its Politics and Prose, is definitely a gem. With poetry, author events, and open mic nights, Politics and Prose is never a bore, always aiming to create a special, community-filled environment. 

Retail Store

Finally, and this was a hard one to pinpoint because DC is so versatile, the best retail store is Golden Hour Collective, a unique vintage shop in Adams Morgan with pieces anyone would love. While it is a tiny store, the items found are larger than life; that's right, not only do they have clothes, but they also have shoes, jewelry, accessories, and even kitchenware. It is truly the best spot to pursue for hours. 

Restaurants 

Everyone knows that when visiting DC, Georgetown is a must-see. Because of that, it is only right that the best restaurant is Clyde’s of Georgetown, a classic American restaurant and bar. With fresh ingredients and a stunning interior design, Clyde's aims to please with friendly staff and even better food. A notable accomplishment of this establishment is that it was among the first DC restaurants to feature locally raised, sustainable food. They also have an extensive menu that caters to people of all diets.

Have an amazing time at one of these places in DC!