Older than Washington DC itself, the historic neighbourhood of Georgetown is home to some of the U.S capital’s top restaurants, best shops and most beautiful tree-lined streets.
With new developments and hotels on the horizon, there are plenty of reasons why Georgetown should be pencilled in on every visit to the nation’s capital.
The district’s shuttered Georgetown Market has been given a new a lease of life, with the opening of the new 20,000-sq ft Osteria Mozza restaurant and market at the close of 2024. The market has a pizza grill, and bars dedicated to granita and juice, mozzarella, salumi and cocktails, as well as a produce and grocery area showcasing specialty olive oils, spices and Italian delicacies.
Due to be completed in February 2025, The Canal House of Georgetown is a five-story former office building that will be combined with adjacent townhouses to create a 108-key property under the Marriott’s Tribute brand. Located in the heart of Georgetown, between Washington Harbour and bustling M Street, the hotel will feature a lobby bar/lounge, courtyard and two two-bedroom rowhouses.
Just east of Key Bridge, along the Georgetown waterfront, the Netherlands-based chain citizenM plans to open its third DC property, citizenM Georgetown, this year. A 100-year-old building will be expanded, renovated and converted into a stylish 230-room, seven-story hotel.
Situated on one of the last development sites between Nationals Park and Audi Field, the 163-room Moxy Hotel Southwest will also start welcoming guests this year.
Georgetown’s main attractions include Georgetown University, with its historic campus, Healy Hall and Gothic architecture, and Dumbarton Oaks, an historic estate with landscaped gardens and a museum with Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art.
Its cobblestone streets are also best discovered by foot, with dining options ranging from chic and casual cafes to upscale dining.
A Georgetown icon is Martin’s Tavern, established in 1933. It has been patroned by presidents, senators and stars and is thought to be where JFK proposed to Jacki O, where former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright once said she thinks of Martin’s “as an extension of her living room” and where every U.S president from Harry Truman to George W Bush has come to dine.
On the menu is upscale American cuisine and comfort food such as bison burgers, classic Rueben sandwiches and New England clam chowder.
