When I think of Washington, D.C., I typically think of monuments, traffic, history, more traffic, high-end stores, and skyscrapers. But just outside of the busy metropolis of the nation’s capital lies a much quieter neighborhood that feels like a step back into history: Georgetown.
While there’s still a bit of that hustle and bustle (particularly during rush hour), Georgetown’s overall vibe is much more peaceful. The main streets have wonderful energy from boutique shops, high-end bakeries, and fancy restaurants with tucked-away patios or roof-top bars. But as soon as you leave the main strip, that energy becomes more serene.
Despite that calm, there is plenty to see and do in Georgetown for a weekend! While boutiques and restaurants can get pricey, you can certainly explore the town on a budget while capitalizing on cheap eats and free activities.
And don’t think budget means missing out. Many of the best things to do in town are free, which makes it absolutely ideal for every kind of traveler! Here are my top recommendations on how to spend the perfect weekend in Georgetown!
Watch our Georgetown Adventure on YouTube
Explore the Neighborhoods
There are few “new” buildings in Georgetown, aside from the glamorous shopping centers and apartments near the waterfront. For the most part, the homes and buildings date back to Georgetown’s beginnings in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
As a result, you can wander street after street of colorful row houses, trimmed in white gingerbread work, with little gardens and brick walls. There’s also a handful of boujie mansion-esque homes that stick out with all their glamour.
As a whole, it’s sight that you don’t often see in America, and the resulting atmosphere is similar to walking around in Europe. It doesn’t hurt that Vespas seem to be a popular vehicle of choice, and they fit right in with the historic buildings.
We particularly enjoyed the streets directly off M St. NW and Wisconsin Avenue NW. I’m sure there were plenty more, but we found no shortage of beautiful streets in those areas.
Investigate Cady’s Alley
Tucked away behind the main facades of M St NW, you’ll find the adorable Cady’s Alley. Known as the Georgetown Design District, this collection of shops and restaurants have a very upscale feel and features everything from furniture to fashion boutiques.
If you’re not looking for it on the main drag, you may walk right past the main entrance, which I absolutely loved. The entrance is through a set of double doors set inside a bright-orange brick building.
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself walking through an elegant alley toward a chic courtyard that provides seating for Kafe Leopold. (Which I highly recommend for dinner, btw!)
You can also access Cady’s Alley via the back street entrance on 33rd Street NW, but I loved the drama of going through the front.
Take a Foodie Tour
It’s a good thing Georgetown is so walkable because we needed to work off a lot of food! We found so many fantastic restaurants, cafes, and eateries during this trip that it’s a miracle we could walk at all!
I’ll be sharing specifics on a full Foodie Tour of Georgetown in a week or so, but here are a few of my top recommendations:
Breakfast: Call Your Mother
This bright pink bagel shop has artisanal bagel sandwiches and great coffee.
Lunch: George’s King of Falafel and Cheese Steak
We knew this place would be good just by the line! Great spot for cheap Mediterranean food. Definitely try the baklava!
Dinner: Kafe Leopold
This chic restaurant in Cady’s Alley features Austrian fare with great portions plated in style.
Desert: Olivia Macaron
I may be biased, but few things are tastier than a well-made macaron. I highly recommend the honey lavender and cherry blossom.
In the meantime, check out this great list of “streateries” from Georgetown’s tourism website.
Stroll down the Canal
One of the coolest things about Georgetown (IMO) is that it has a canal running through the south end! This lovely waterway runs the full length of Georgetown, then continues running alongside the Potomac River for miles.
The city made a nice walking path alongside the canal that I highly recommend checking out. You’ll see colorful row houses, brick walls, stone bridges, shops, and industrial buildings along the way. You’ll also pass the Francis Scott Key Memorial and have easy access to the Georgetown Waterfront Park in several places.
If you’d like a full history tour of the canal and a unique experience, you can also book a ride on the new C&O Canal Boat! These one-hour historical tours will give you all the details about the canal and some notable people associated with the canal over the past 2 centuries.
Shop the Boutiques
I definitely have my favorite chain stores, but I love checking out boutique shops. You never know what you’ll find, plus it’s always great to support local businesses.
You’ll find no shortage of one-off shops in Georgetown, from stores specializing in pet or baby products to rug stores, home decor, and women’s clothing.
For the best shopping spree, concentrate your efforts on M St NW and Wisconsin Ave NW.
Visit the Waterfront Park
Right along the Potomac River, you’ll find the expansive stretch of green space and benches known as the Waterfront Park. This is a great spot to just relax and enjoy the skyline of Virginia across the river.
There are a lot of stone bleachers built right into the side of the riverbank, overlooking the water, as well as some awnings and benches along the main pathway. Or, you can rent a kayak and head out onto the water instead of staying on land.
At the east end of the park, be sure to check out Washington Harbour. This trendy hotspot is right next to the marina and offers upscale shopping and dining.
Hit the Town at Night
Georgetown is just as vibrant at night as it is during the day! We loved walking around to see the old structures lit up with different colored lights as we scoped out someplace for dessert.
The town abounds in late-night eateries, several with rooftop seating. Plus, the views from the waterfront park are absolutely beautiful against the night sky.
Many of the shops will close at typical business hours, but you’ll find a select few open late as well.
Of course, the perfect weekend has to start with the perfect hotel. I highly recommend the Melrose Georgetown Hotel. I’ll share more details in the weeks ahead, but we had a fantastic stay there, and I would definitely visit again.
If you’re interested in more non-DC experiences in the DC area, be sure to check out my mini-series on Alexandria, Virginia, as well! It has similar vibes to Georgetown and is located about 15 minutes away, on the other side of the Potomac.
Got questions or comments? Drop them below, and I’ll get back to you asap.
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Hope to see you here again next week for a really special post! (Spoiler: the coolest art exhibit I’ve ever seen!) Happy travels!
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