Foggy Bottom Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Foggy Bottom which includes a memorial, a city and a statue or sculpture
Foggy Bottom
Foggy Bottom featuring signage
Foggy Bottom
Foggy Bottom showing a memorial and a statue or sculpture
Once a crumbling DC district now a pleasant area where government buildings meet a cool student and artistic hub.

Named after the habitual fogs that hung above the Potomac River, Foggy Bottom was first settled by labourers and factory workers back in the 1760s. Nowadays, it has radically transformed to become an upmarket residential area, as well as becoming home to major government departments including the US Department of State, the offices of the President and Vice President, as well as many international embassies.

Here in this part of town you’ll also be able to see the Watergate complex, the place where the eponymous burglaries took place that would ultimately lead to the downfall of President Nixon in the 1970s. As well as the federal business that occurs here, there is plenty more for visitors to enjoy.

Head to the Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts, one of the world’s foremost venues for the arts, which opened back in 1971, to catch one of the 2,000 annual shows – everything from music and dance to comedy and theatre. Free nightly performances are held every evening at 6 pm. Nearby, you’ll find the Corcoran Gallery of Art, home to a wide range of American art dating back to the 18th century, as well as great works by Rembrandt and Degas, Monet and Picasso. Take some time to admire the outdoor sculptures in the area as well.

For over a century, Foggy Bottom has been home to the George Washington University campus, so plenty of students gather around the bars and restaurants in these parts. You can also see the rest of the capital at its finest from the P.O.V. (Point of View) Rooftop Lounge at the W Hotel.

Located between the National Mall to the south and Georgetown to the north, Foggy Bottom is an ideal base from which to explore the rest of DC. It is easy to reach on the MetroRail from Federal Triangle Metro Station, or on the L1 bus from Chevy Chase Circle.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Foggy Bottom Hotel Deals

The River Inn
The River Inn
4 out of 5
924 25th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$346 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
AU$346
includes taxes & fees
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,616 reviews)
"Very professional and helpful staff"

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

The River Inn
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel
5 out of 5
2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$560 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
AU$560
includes taxes & fees
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,015 reviews)
"Every employee we came in contact with provided exceptional service. From Doorman to Housekeeping, everyone was wonderful."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

The Watergate Hotel
Hotel Hive
Hotel Hive
3.5 out of 5
2224 F Street NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$274 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$274
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,132 reviews)
Excellent In-town Stay
"I came across Hotel Hive by pure chance. In fact it was not my first choice as we initially booked at the citizenM. However after reviewing the space, we determined that for our length of stay we wanted a little more breathing room and quality of amenities that Hotel Hive seemed to provide. We eventually ..."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

Hotel Hive
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$199 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
AU$199
includes taxes & fees
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,215 reviews)
"Comfortable. Friendly staff. There’s a Wawa market across Thomas Circle from the hotel. It’s not pool season yet, but the outdoor pool area looks very inviting."

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is AU$308 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
AU$308
includes taxes & fees
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,793 reviews)
"Excellent beautiful clean property .great location ! I will add -the service at Robert’s is very slow - and seemed disorganized (perhaps just under staffed) . The food there was pricey and just ok ."

Reviewed on 15 Apr. 2025

Omni Shoreham Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport
Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport
3.5 out of 5
2020 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA
The price is AU$175 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
AU$175
includes taxes & fees
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,592 reviews)
"Shower shower slop in 802 not good."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Foggy Bottom

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Connecticut Ave - K Street

While you're in Connecticut Ave - K Street, take in top sights like National Geographic Museum or K Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Farragut North Station or Farragut West Station.

Connecticut Ave - K Street
Georgetown which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a house

Georgetown

5/5(5 area reviews)

Georgetown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Washington Harbour or Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Georgetown
Dupont Circle showing a statue or sculpture and a monument

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

Visitors to Dupont Circle love its fantastic nightlife, and you can check out Dupont Circle and Mansion on O Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dupont Circle Station.

Dupont Circle
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Logan Circle

A noteworthy feature of Logan Circle is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Studio Theatre and National City Christian Church.

Logan Circle
Downtown Washington D.C. showing street scenes, night scenes and a city

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(95 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Washington D.C.. Check out top attractions like Capital One Arena and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Washington D.C.
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Penn Quarter

While you're in Penn Quarter, take in top sights like FBI Headquarters and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.

Penn Quarter


Foggy Bottom Travel Guide

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