The charming Georgetown, a historic neighbourhood outside the hustle of Washington, DC, is a combination of a university town, retirement community and suburb of choice for political powerhouses.
Thanks to the slower pace of living and many out-door spaces, it enables a quaint, more relaxed lifestyle.
You may feel at times as if you have stepped back in history, but all the modern trappings are there; including six Michelin-starred restaurants, Georgetown Cupcake – which landed its own reality show – and trendy fashion labels such as Alice+Olivia.
If you find yourself in the laid back big-city suburb of Georgetown for only 48 hours we’ve got you covered with this must-read city guide.
Where To Eat
Eno Wine Bar
If you want a light lunch or a cool stop for pre-dinner drinks, head over to the wine bar of the Four Seasons Hotel. They serve cheese, charcuterie, bruschetta, salads, and, of course, wine.
Dietary preferences are easily accommodated as the menu indicates whether food has cow, sheep, goat or pork, and gluten-free options are offered.
America Eats Tavern
Don’t let the name mislead you into thinking this place serves beer and peanuts. America Eats Tavern is a bit casual in the décor but high-end on the cuisine – a restaurant that celebrates America’s culinary history.
Menu items include Chesapeake crab cakes, St Louis-style ribs, cheese grits, pulled pork and smoked brisket.
1789
If you can’t get a table at one of Georgetown’s Michelin-starred establishments, 1789 should be next on your list.
Located in a historic home from the mid-1800s, the restaurant exudes an air of sophistication and elegance.
You can choose from a five-course tasting menu that comes with or without wine pairings, or order seasonal à la carte offerings, which range from roasted duck breast to a peanut butter and jelly sundae.
Where To Stay
Melrose Georgetown Hotel
Its prime location makes this boutique place ideal for a short visit.
Though the suburb name of Foggy Bottom is humorous and silly, the address is prestigious given its proximity to landmark places like the White House, Georgetown University, and the Potomac Riverfront.
An in-house farm-to-fork restaurant and bar that overlook Pennsylvania Avenue add to the convenience of the Melrose Georgetown Hotel.
What to See
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Take a stroll along the banks of the Potomac River, or if you are up for an adventure, rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard at the Key Bridge Boathouse.
The Georgetown Waterfront Park area has great public seating that will allow you to take in the panoramic views of the flowing river as well as the skylines of DC and Virginia.
Book Hill
Named after the nearby Book Hill Park, this area is both residential and commercial. Along its tree-lined streets are beautiful mansions, and charming European-style row houses that house fine art galleries, antique shops and independent boutiques.
If you want a break from shopping, head to the Peabody Room at the Georgetown branch of the DC Public Library to read more about local history.
Tudor Place
From 1805 to 1983, six generations of descendants of George and Martha Washington lived in Tudor Place. Today, the historic landmark is open to the public for daily tours.
Inside the house, you can hear family stories, see the spaces where people lived and worked, and enjoy the outdoor gardens with their heirloom plants and flowers.
Where To Hang Out
Nick’s Riverside Grill
Grab a river-facing table, order a glass of bubbly plus their classic fish and chips, and you will truly feel like you are on holiday.
In addition to their great menu, Nick’s is great for people watching – from athletes taking their daily runs to paddleboarders on the river to other tourists taking set after set of selfies.
Blues Alley
Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Dizzy Gillespie are some of the legendary musicians who have performed at this establishment.
Founded in 1965, the Blues Alley is a supper-club-style jazz club that hosts live music for most nights of the year. Menu items include seafood gumbo soup, jambalaya and crab cakes.
On the drinks side, choose from The Alley Cat Rum Punch, the BeBop Bulliet Manhattan or the Artist of the Week, which is a drink special inspired by the weekend headliner.
Getting There
SAA flies to Washington, DC daily. From Washington Dulles International Airport, it is approximately a 45-minute drive to Georgetown.
