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 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 AU$510 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$510
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,044 reviews)
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Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

The Watergate Hotel
ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

3 out of 5
824 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
The price is AU$287 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
AU$287
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,505 reviews)
"Great hospitality! From the first interaction at the entrance to last at the exit, wonderful and kind staff."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
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$231 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$231
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,306 reviews)
"We loved everything about this hotel from the decor to the amazing staff. It was the perfect hotel for our trip. It was clean, modern, and comfortable. We can’t wait to go back and stay here again."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Hotel Hive
The River Inn

The River Inn

4 out of 5
924 25th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$332 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
AU$332
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,821 reviews)
"clean room, helpful staff"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

The River Inn
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$194 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$194
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (4,726 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$239 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
AU$239
14 Nov - 15 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,876 reviews)
"The area in which I was in was a little noisy and there a ticking or trickling noise that kept me up or awakened me during my stay. I’m not sure where this stemmed from."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
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, a city 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 Georgetown Park or Washington Harbour.

Georgetown
Dupont Circle featuring a monument and a statue or sculpture

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 Mary McLeod Bethune Council House.

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

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.
International Spy Museum which includes interior views

Southwest Federal Center

While you're in Southwest Federal Center, take in top sights like Smithsonian Institution or L'Enfant Plaza, 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

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