Home / Destinations / Food Shopping and Recreation in DC

Food Shopping and Recreation in DC

Eating in DC

DC has a varied and developed food scene. It’s one of only 4 US cities with a Michelin Guide, which was renewed yet again this year.

DC specialties include:
- Half Smoke. This is no ordinary hot dog. It’s a spicy sausage, smoked and then grilled before laid on a soft white bun and topped with onions, cheese and chili. A DC must.
- Mambo Sauce – Also invented in DC, this is a sweet and tangy sauce, usually put on fried chicken and fries and immensely popular with local Washingtonians
- Rose – DC drinks more Rose than anywhere else in the country. But we have plenty of other spirits produced right here in the city.
- Ethiopian Food – DC has the largest population of Ethiopians outside of Ethiopia. Because of that, we’re a great place to find delicious, authentic Ethiopian food and culture. Don’t miss a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony while you’re here!

Cycling

Cycling:

DC is a flat and bike-friendly city and cycling is without a doubt one of the best ways to get around and see parts of the city that you may not otherwise. Bike and Segway tours are an option to discover all our attractions.

Ice Skating

Ice Skating:

During the wintertime, ice skating rinks pop up at various locations throughout the city. Perhaps the most popular is located within the sculpture garden of the National Gallery of Art (pictured here). Other popular rinks on are the water, especially on the Wharf and in Georgetown, but you can even ice-skate while overlooking the city on the rooftop of the Watergate Hotel.

Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park:

Rock Creek Park is a national park located right in the heart of DC and two times larger than New York’s Central Park. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees and wild animals.

Kayaking and Water Sports

Kayaking and Water Sports:

As you now know, DC is located on two rivers, the Potomac and the Anacostia. The waters are clean and used for a variety of sports, including kayaking and paddle-boarding. Kayak rentals run anywhere from 15 to 35 dollars an hour, while paddle boards are $22 per hour.

Shop till you drop

The sales tax in DC is 6%.

While you can go shopping all over the city, some of the most popular areas are Georgetown and City Center:

Georgetown Shopping: Georgetown’s famous M Street is one of the best streets for shopping in the city, with brands ranging from high-street to designer. The historic neighborhood provides a great atmosphere for an afternoon of shopping and indulgence.
City Center Shopping: As the name suggests, City Center is located right in the center of downtown DC and is a hub for luxury and designer brands.
DC also has two major shopping outlets located just outside of its borders:
- Tanger Outlets at National Harbor located in National Harbor, MD, a a 30-minute drive from downtown DC. It includes some 85 brand name outlets.
- Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets located near Dulles International Airport and just 35 miles from Washington, DC. Shop more than 110 designer and name-brand outlet stores.

Take a Quiz

Can't finish the course?