Foggy Bottom Travel Guide

Washington
Foggy Bottom which includes a city, a memorial and a statue or sculpture
Foggy Bottom
Foggy Bottom featuring signage
Foggy Bottom
Foggy Bottom showing 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 Rp1.885.555 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
Rp1.885.555
Rp2.186.301 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 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! (2,071 reviews)
"Great location for the main sights of Washington. All walkable - 1 - 2 miles. AirCon played up a couple of times, which we see from reviews is recurring. Expensive to park at hotel - much cheaper options within a few mins walk."

Reviewed on 13 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 Rp1.527.300 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
Rp1.527.300
Rp1.770.904 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 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! (1,009 reviews)
"The property and hotel were great."

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Hotel Hive
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel
5 out of 5
2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp4.420.755 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
Rp4.420.755
Rp5.805.616 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 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)
"Very beautiful place, pleasant and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2024

The Watergate Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is Rp1.568.655 per night from 20 Dec to 21 Dec
Rp1.568.655
Rp1.818.855 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Dec - 21 Dec
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! (3,855 reviews)
Weekend Getaway
"My stay was great for it to have been a last minute weekend birthday trip for a friend. It’s my second time staying here and every time I stay my experience is nothing but great!!! It’s close to everything like the White House, shopping area and restaurants"

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2024

Washington Plaza Hotel
Wingate by Wyndham Springfield
Wingate by Wyndham Springfield
2.5 out of 5
6550 Loisdale Court, Springfield, VA
The price is Rp1.481.508 per night from 20 Dec to 21 Dec
Rp1.481.508
Rp1.674.103 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Dec - 21 Dec
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Springfield. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,035 reviews)
"Thank you for a great stay"

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Wingate by Wyndham Springfield
citizenM Washington DC NoMa
citizenM Washington DC NoMa
4 out of 5
1222 1ST STREET NE, Washington, DC
The price is Rp1.571.229 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
Rp1.571.229
Rp1.821.840 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 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! (1,540 reviews)
"Very nice. Clean and quiet."

Reviewed on 20 Nov 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

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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
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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.
International Spy Museum featuring interior views

Southwest Federal Center

While you're in Southwest Federal Center, take in top sights like National Mall or Smithsonian Institution, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.

Southwest Federal Center

Foggy Bottom Travel Guide