Leslie Quander Wooldridge

Two of the major misconceptions about the people of D.C. have to do with our off-hours behavior: all we do is work and that we spend weekend nights huddled in our apartments. Okay, so people here do like enjoying the rent they pay a lot for and they do work hard, but Washingtonians don’t pass up chances to cut loose. People in D.C. have a lot of loyalty for their local bars, which include some of the best bars in D.C., and house parties are popular. Even on bitterly cold nights, bars and clubs are packed with people looking to unwind and have a good time.  Despite how popular bars and house parties are, clubs in D.C. are a major part of our going out scene, too. While the Covid-19 pandemic shuttered some beloved spots, the D.C. club scene is still going strong. Sure, we don’t have the sheer volume of clubs that nightlife hotspots like New York and Miami boast. But the clubs we do have span genres and price points, which makes it easy to find one that fits your vibe. Want a high-end lounge where you can sip elegant cocktails and wear your best threads? We’ve got it. How about a messy, multi-level club that plays music from different decades? We have that, too. Or an electronic dance hall that attracts major DJs and even has a retractable roof? If that’s your wish, consider it granted. Read on for the best clubs in Washington, D.C. right now.  May 2025: We've edited this list to remove clubs that have since closed, like U Street Music Hall, and venues that are more known as per

As something of a tourist hotspot—with a food, shopping and nightlife scene that's second to, if not none, then very few—Washington D.C. is awash with fine options when it comes to finding somewhere to rest your head. But while it’s lovely to reap the benefits of room service and tiny pillow mints, sometimes a trip calls for something a little more personalized. Luckily, Airbnb has a whole sweep of suites, apartments, rooms and houses available to rent, so you’ll soon be living your best life from the comfort of a lovely historic townhouse or taking in the views from your own private roof terrace. Experience the capital like a true local in one of the best Airbnbs in Washington D.C. RECOMMENDED: Best hotels in Washington D.C. This guide was written by Washington D.C.-based writer Leslie Quander Wooldridge. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Other cities might get all the shine as family-friendly destinations, but D.C. really holds its own here. The District offers activities that suit the whole family, especially little ones; think zoos, parks and botanical gardens—perfect for getting some fresh air while exploring the nation's capital. You can also keep it casual with a picnic at one of the many scenic parks, and escape inclement weather in one of the many (often free) world-class museums. The best part? Most attractions are free, and many of them are educational (but not in a way that would make them uninteresting to little ones). Here are 21 of the best things to do with kids in Washington, D.C. right now. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Washington, D.C.🍝 The best restaurants in Washington, D.C.🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Washington, D.C.🚌 The best day trips in Washington, D.C.