Foggy Bottom Travel Guide

Washington
Foggy Bottom which includes a city, a memorial and a statue or sculpture
One of Washington’s oldest districts is now an upscale urban neighborhood, home to important government buildings as well as a lively student and arts community.

The Foggy Bottom district, named for the fogs that collect above the Potomac River, was settled in the 1760s as a community of labourers and factory workers. Today it’s an urban residential district as well as a hub of iconic government buildings, including the US Department of State, the offices of the President and Vice President and a number of international embassies. The area has become so affiliated with State matters that the name Foggy Bottom is often used to mean the US Department of State. 

While much of what happens in Foggy Bottom is Federal business and occurs behind firmly closed doors, there is still plenty to keep visitors happily occupied. Fans of political history can see the Watergate complex, site of the infamous Watergate burglaries that were the catalyst in President Nixon’s downfall. 

Foggy Bottom is also an entertainment and cultural centre of D.C. The Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts, one of the world’s premier arts venues, opened in 1971 and hosts more than 2,000 music, comedy, dance and theatre performances each year. Head to the Millennium Stage at 6 p.m. for a free nightly performance. Not far away is the Cocoran Gallery of Art, which houses an extensive collection of American art from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, as well as masterpieces from Rembrandt, Degas, Monet and Picasso. There’s also a whimsical collection of outdoor sculptures throughout the neighbourhood.

Foggy Bottom has been the site of the George Washington University campus since 1912, and the large population of students ensures that the area’s bars, restaurants and accommodation are not geared solely towards visiting dignitaries and diplomats. Catch the sunset and the best views of the nation’s capital from the P.O.V. (Point of View) Rooftop Lounge at the W Hotel. 

Foggy Bottom’s location, between the National Mall to the south and Georgetown to the northwest, makes it a great base from which to explore the city. You can catch the MetroRail to Foggy Bottom from Federal Triangle Metro Station, or the L1 bus from Chevy Chase Circle stop.




Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Foggy Bottom

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
3 out of 5
824 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
The price is ฿4,074 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
฿4,074
฿4,723 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,051 reviews)
"Very friendly and attentive staff, and perfect location for doing business and visiting DC"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
Hotel Hive
Hotel Hive
3.5 out of 5
2224 F Street NW, Washington, DC
The price is ฿3,362 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿3,362
฿3,899 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,016 reviews)
"Hotel Hive is great. Everyone I interacted with was super friendly. Room while small has everything you need- let's be real you're not there to sit in your room anyways. Will stay again next time I'm in DC."

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2024

Hotel Hive
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel
5 out of 5
2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC
The price is ฿9,424 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
฿9,424
฿12,376 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Stay at this spa hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The Watergate is the most luxurious hotel I have stayed in to date, and it definitely reflects that. I think while the exterior is showing its age with the dated architecture, the interior and the staff do all they can and then some to make up for it. The lobby is beautiful, and so are the rooms. ..."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

The Watergate Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is ฿3,344 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
฿3,344
฿3,877 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,812 reviews)
"Everyone was friendly and courteous. Room was clean and roomy. Love the underground parking."

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2024

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is ฿3,756 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
฿3,756
฿5,335 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Nov - 22 Nov
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! (1,634 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Omni Shoreham Hotel
citizenM Washington DC NoMa
citizenM Washington DC NoMa
4 out of 5
1222 1ST STREET NE, Washington, DC
The price is ฿3,344 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
฿3,344
฿3,877 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,498 reviews)
Designed carefully to be "enough" luxury
"This place was designed precisely. The bed, shower, sink and nightstand is exactly where they wanted it to be. Bring an extension cord to reach the window side of the bed because there's no outlet over there. That's really the biggest design flaw, imo. Also, just accept that you'll have to crawl ..."

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

citizenM Washington DC NoMa
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

Default Image

Connecticut Ave - K Street

While you're in Connecticut Ave - K Street, take in top sights like Farragut Square or National Geographic Museum, 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

4.5/5(14 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 Georgetown Waterfront Park or Washington Harbour.

Georgetown
Dupont Circle showing a statue or sculpture and a monument

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(91 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Rosslyn

4/5(12 area reviews)

The ample dining options and prominent monuments are just a few popular features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Freedom Park or Dark Star Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Rosslyn Station to get around town.

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

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(156 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 Smithsonian Institution and Capital One Arena, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Washington D.C.

Foggy Bottom Travel Guide