Georgetown
Georgetown
4.5
About
A charming neighborhood that, with its upscale boutiques and notable residents, is more than a college hangout.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: Georgetown
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Restaurants
2,151 within 5 kms
Attractions
918 within 10 kms
See what travelers are saying
- Boyd JMaleny, Australia1,770 contributionsPleasant to Stroll AroundWe caught one of the Circulator buses from downtown DC. There are six routes upon which buses come along every 15 – 20 minutes and for $1.00 you can ride the bus wherever you want on the route. We took the one to Georgetown, where there is a pretty port side development along the Potomac River and where there are many little shops, boutiques etc. Pleasant to stroll around.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 24, 2024
- andyh67186334Coalville, United Kingdom11,008 contributionsBeautiful NeighbourhoodI was staying in Georgetown at the Fairmont Hotel, so it was the closest neighbourhood to my accommodation. Georgetown is an eclectic mix of colourful architecture in different styles and colours. There are lots of cafes, restaurants, high end shops and beautiful homes. The weather was poor for most of my stay, so I took the chance of taking photographs in the early evening when it was overcast with occasional drizzle, I don't think I scratched the surface of Georgetown as I didn't have the time to explore further. I recommend a visit to this neighbourhood when visiting Washington DC.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 13, 2024
- weary travellerGreater London, United Kingdom748 contributionsBeautiful townWe spent few hrs walking down the streets of George towns , it’s really very beautiful and quintessentially a village like in England with no high buildings but lots of small shops and restaurants. All in different styles. If someone blindfolded you and left you in middle of street, you would think you were in England. If you are in Washington, George Town is must visit.Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 17, 2024
- Jason BAtlanta, Georgia1 contributionVibrant Area in DCThe most busiest well reserved area in DC for shopping and leisure, I loved the great vibe here offering. The best thing was the Maison Lobster roll in the area and full of things to shop. One downside there is no direct metro to stop, you will need to get to Foggy Bottom metro then walk or take an extra bus to be here. From Union Station, you can take the Georgetown red bus to here directly. Great place for friends, family or personal time.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten June 17, 2024
- knowsnyc858 contributionsAlways worth a visitA historic neighborhood, .georgetown has brick sidewalks. It has unique retail stores on Wisconsin and Along M. There are many eateries, often with outdoor seating. Off the main streets,it is residential with lovely townhouses and stately single homes. There are two historic homes to visit. No Metro but walkable from part of DC…or bus or Uber. It has fantastic ice cream and, surprisingly, groves of bamboo growing!Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,036 reviews
Excellent
1,866
Very good
959
Average
167
Poor
27
Terrible
17
TonyK300
New Jersey1,883 contributions
Mar 2021
From the romantic to the vibrant and exciting feelings, this town provides smart and interesting memories for anyone who visits. From eclectic restaurants, historic buildings, gardens, weeping willow-lined canal paths, renown universities, and great places to shop, this town will stick in your memory forever.
Start at the Key Bridge end of Avenue 'M' heading East and visit Georgetown University and the famous 1789 Restaurant (historic and classy $$$$); ease back down to Avenue M and check out the canal (especially when full); stop by the Sea Catch Restaurant right on the Canal then walk back up to the avenue and have a breakfast or pick up some vegetables/fruits at Dean & Deluca Market. Stop at any of the clothing stores on either side of the avenue and head down to Wisconsin Avenue off of Ave M and grab some lunch at a bowling lane or bocci alley at Pinstripes. Close by are a beautiful mall, bookstores and the eclectic Filomena restaurant whose Sunday brunches are famously different.
After lunch grab a Garden tour through Georgetown Garden Club 202-965-1950. Wrap the day up (if you can still stand) art the La Chaumiere French restaurant if you can get a seat.
Start at the Key Bridge end of Avenue 'M' heading East and visit Georgetown University and the famous 1789 Restaurant (historic and classy $$$$); ease back down to Avenue M and check out the canal (especially when full); stop by the Sea Catch Restaurant right on the Canal then walk back up to the avenue and have a breakfast or pick up some vegetables/fruits at Dean & Deluca Market. Stop at any of the clothing stores on either side of the avenue and head down to Wisconsin Avenue off of Ave M and grab some lunch at a bowling lane or bocci alley at Pinstripes. Close by are a beautiful mall, bookstores and the eclectic Filomena restaurant whose Sunday brunches are famously different.
After lunch grab a Garden tour through Georgetown Garden Club 202-965-1950. Wrap the day up (if you can still stand) art the La Chaumiere French restaurant if you can get a seat.
Written April 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
csserious2
Chantilly, VA823 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
Georgetown has its own aura and colorful vibes with expensive shops, tourists milling around, cars looking for parking, traffic and long line for cupcakes. One can easily enjoy a good part of the day here. Georgetown is a wealthy aristocrat perched near Potomac river, and presents an entirely different aura from the museums, statues and government buildings for which Washington is famous for. Highly recommended, take a bus or Uber if you like to avoid parking headache.
Written June 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller
New York City, NY3,302 contributions
Aug 2021
I walked around Georgetown in August 2021 on a hot and humid day. I walked from 20th and E (Foggy Bottom / George Washington University) to Georgetown (M and 32nd). I had not been to Georgetown in a long time. It is still full of restaurants and stores and quite crowded, even on a weekday. My favorite restaurant Filomena's is still there although it was too crowded to eat there. I also looked quickly at the canal but did not walk down to the harbor. The challenge with Georgetown is getting there. My walk to Georgetown was 2 miles and took 40 minutes. I walked around Georgetown for around two hours and then took the Circulator bus to 20th and M. In the past we had always driven to Georgetown and parked at Wisconsin and M.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BASTripper
West Hartford, CT263 contributions
Dec 2019
Truly an area filled with overprice stores and marvelous 18th and 19th homes. A nice place to walk, but not a lot to sink your teeth into. We did enjoy the winter Glow exhibit and if the community can keep on bringing street art to the community then visiting this historic area will be a draw. Ice skating was nice and sitting along the water was most relaxing.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bergmom
Duluth, Minnesota473 contributions
May 2022 • Family
These neighborhoods are definitely worth a stroll around! Lots of shops- my daughter liked H & M, Aerie, Urban Outfitters but they have a TJ Maxx, lots of food options, a couple tourist-type stores, juice and coffee bars, etc. We got there from DV via MetroBus with one transfer (easy) and then got back to DC via MetroBus to the Rosslyn Station and then took the Metro back to DC. It’s easy to load money on the SmarTrip app and just tap your phone when you get on the MetroBus or train. Weekend trips are cheap or free and most day trips cost us $2- MUCH less than an Uber.
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anita J
Raleigh71 contributions
Jan 2020
We try never to miss a trip to Georgetown when in the area. We enjoy the cobbled streets, specialty boutiques and excellent restaurants. It is often possible to find a meal and live music ranging from jazz to blues to more contemporary.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC6,624 contributions
Jan 2020
It was a warm day so I decided to walk from the Cathedral of St. Matthews the Apostle
( located near 17th Street) to this neighborhood.
I took my time walking and admiring the beautiful sceneries I passed by along M Street, NW: hotels, restaurants, shops, gyms, etc. before reaching Georgetown.
Per Trip Advisor, I noted the various attractions located here, visited them and posted results of my visit: Old Stonehouse, Potomac River, Key Bridge, Francis Scott Memorial Park. Georgetown Waterfront Park, C & O Canal, Georgetown University, etc. There are many shops and restaurants located here as well.
Highly recommended to visit!
( located near 17th Street) to this neighborhood.
I took my time walking and admiring the beautiful sceneries I passed by along M Street, NW: hotels, restaurants, shops, gyms, etc. before reaching Georgetown.
Per Trip Advisor, I noted the various attractions located here, visited them and posted results of my visit: Old Stonehouse, Potomac River, Key Bridge, Francis Scott Memorial Park. Georgetown Waterfront Park, C & O Canal, Georgetown University, etc. There are many shops and restaurants located here as well.
Highly recommended to visit!
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan C
Cleveland, OH33 contributions
Aug 2019
I'm in DC a lot. Such a great city Georgetown has numerous great restaurants, walking areas, many different tours, stores, many historic homes . Italian restaurants on the canal, great restaurants on the river. Speaking of the Potomac, there are numerous tours. You can also rent kayaks and water toys.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Loup_Garou
Phoenix, AZ165,215 contributions
Mar 2020
A Lovely Neighborhood in Washington
I love Georgetown, and mostly due to its architecture, though its history is an important aspect too. On a gloomy March day, I strolled parts of Georgetown, and not for the first time. On previous trips, usually in the Autumn, I have walked the streets extensively, studying the architecture - some famous, but some just attractive. It seems that at least a quarter of the buildings are on the National Historical Register.
With restaurants and shopping, plus several hotels, and then Georgetown University, there is much more to draw one to this neighborhood, but for me, on this Spring day, it was just the architecture, and a nice stroll.
Normally, I will walk along the Georgetown Canal (an historical site, in its own right), but I stayed a little north. I only had about an hour for this part of my stroll, as I had to meet my wife back at our hotel, near the White House, so had quite a few blocks for my return trip. I would allow at least 4 hours to explore Georgetown, with all that it has to offer, and include lunch in one of the myriad restaurants, as well.
I love Georgetown, and mostly due to its architecture, though its history is an important aspect too. On a gloomy March day, I strolled parts of Georgetown, and not for the first time. On previous trips, usually in the Autumn, I have walked the streets extensively, studying the architecture - some famous, but some just attractive. It seems that at least a quarter of the buildings are on the National Historical Register.
With restaurants and shopping, plus several hotels, and then Georgetown University, there is much more to draw one to this neighborhood, but for me, on this Spring day, it was just the architecture, and a nice stroll.
Normally, I will walk along the Georgetown Canal (an historical site, in its own right), but I stayed a little north. I only had about an hour for this part of my stroll, as I had to meet my wife back at our hotel, near the White House, so had quite a few blocks for my return trip. I would allow at least 4 hours to explore Georgetown, with all that it has to offer, and include lunch in one of the myriad restaurants, as well.
Written October 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lalocadr19
Falls Church, VA6,730 contributions
Nov 2021
This place has plenty to see, the main streets is full of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. The waterfront park is great to take a stroll and enjoy the potomac river, which also has restaurant to dine in. The park has plenty of area where you can sit and enjoy the evening. The only hassle is the parking, fee to park.
Written January 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. How long does it take to walk the Georgetown Waterfront and the Canals?
Written October 9, 2018
Super easy. The Canals are about 2-3 blocks off M Street. You just stroll along them. The waterfront is another 3-4 blocks beyond that. Enjoy!
Written October 17, 2018
I have only 2 days in Washington and will stay close to the Union Station. Is it worth to visit Georgetown in a morning day?
Written September 24, 2018
You'd better get off at the Foggy Bottom station and walk to Pennsylvania Avenue heading to the Saint Stephen Martyr church (which is the Kenedy's church, and it's worth going in and getting some pictures of them inside) and from there keep going up to George Town
Written September 25, 2018
I’m staying in Cheater, Va for work. Should I drive a certain distance and then hop on the metro to get into Georgetown and downtown DC? If so is there a stop you recommend?
Written August 10, 2018
It has been a while; however, the metro stop at Key Bridge is an easy walk into the middle of Georgetown. May want to Google ‘Washington DC Metro’ to see the updated map. Hope you have fun!
Written August 11, 2018
1. If I am getting a uber to Georgetown, where should I ask him/her to drop me off at?
2. If I have a saturday morning there, what are the must go places?
3. Any nice restaurant for lunch?
Thanks a lot!
Written July 8, 2018
Spend some time on the waterfront! I love it as the sun goes down. And if it's not too hot and humid, and if you are up for it, it's worth walking to the Kennedy Center.
Written July 8, 2018
I'll be in DC for a few days and thought of going to Georgetown because of all the good reviews but when I search for stuff to do it looks like food and shopping (I'm going to DC for the museums but I do like historic areas). Is it worth the effort to make my way to Georgetown, any links/suggestions for things to do in the area? Thanks!
Written May 4, 2018
Hi! MS NW and Wisconsin Avenue brim with cafes, shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants, so its definitely worth spending a few hours there. If you like history, check out the Old Stone House, the oldest building in DC, founded in 1755. Have a look at the amazing gothic style university and the exorcist steps and house. If you have plenty of time, walk up Wisconsin Avenue until you reach the amazing Washington National Cathedral. Alternatively, take the metro to Tenley Town Station and walk down Wisconsin Avenue for about a mile and a half until you get to the Cathedral and all the shops and restaurants. Georgetown Waterfront Park is great in spring and summer for a drink or a meal by the Potomac River. Enjoy!
Written May 5, 2018
Best hotel for Memorial Day parade near route
Written March 28, 2018
I would suggest getting a place on AirBnB! We were there last week and I wish I would have done this instead of stay in a hotel. The AirBnb's are cheaper than the hotels and much nicer/homier.
Written March 29, 2018
we will be DC next month and try to go Georgetown, is taking a uber better than driving? Thank you.
Written July 23, 2016
We didn't have a car and used the metro which was easy to use and Lyft. Traffic was terrible. I wouldn't drive. I don't recall seeing parking so not even sure that situation. But Georgetown was cool. We walked around and ate at tony and joes seafood on the water overlooking Kennedy center. One of our best meals in town. Enjoy
Written July 24, 2016
hola Sue, gracias por la informacion de georgetown, dc. quisiera saber cuanto tiempo le dedicaria a esta pequeña ciudad cuando solo tengo una semana para conocer Washington. Hay lugares turisticos baratos?
gracias
Written June 28, 2016
Hello
For the part of Georgetown only you will need one day. Do not forget to visit the "Old stone house" and also the old water path in the south with the 4 locks. Have fun!"
Written July 1, 2016
We will be in Washington dc in July. I would like to walk around Georgetown for a couple hours in the late evening when the temperature cools down to look at some of the sights like the canal, the waterfront park and the old homes. Would the late evening (about 8-10pm) be a safe time to walk around those areas of Georgetown?
Written April 19, 2016
Yes... you might need to be aware of the drunks and homeless but plenty of police presence. You should look into Uber or lyfte if it gets to late.
Written April 19, 2016
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