Top 20 Best Hidden Gems to Explore in Washington, DC

This eclectic restaurant is one of the most underrated hidden gem restaurants in DC. And even though it's a popular spot among locals, it's almost always possible to get a reservation. Chloe is found in the trendy and hip Navy Yard district and serves up internationally inspired dishes that were thoughtfully created by Chef Haidar Karoum. The happening eatery is open for brunch and dinner and boasts an impressive selection of wine and cocktails. In terms of food, hungry guests can choose from brunch items like crispy churros, spiced French toast, chorizo and egg hash, warm banana bread, and more. The dinner menu is just as tasty!

There are few things more satisfying than sinking your teeth into a fresh, thick sandwich after a day of sightseeing. Bar Boheme, located inside Union Market (1309 5th Street), serves seasonal European sandwiches, wine, and aperitivos to hungry guests. Sandwiches at Bar Boheme are topped with ingredients like housemade mozzarella, roasted ham and turkey breast, charred leeks, and soppressata. If you're thinking of grabbing an affordable and tasty lunch to take with you on your sightseeing adventures, this is definitely the place to go.

This open-air structure is unlike anything else in Washington, DC. It was constructed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1881 with the purpose of providing shelter and a spot to rest for travelers. You can kill two birds with one stone while visiting the Summerhouse as it's sitting outside of the Capitol Building. It's free to visit and is a great historical monument to add to your self-guided walking or biking tour.

When traveling, dining out for every meal can certainly add up, which is why you should try to visit some restaurants that provide delicious food at a fair price. This hidden gem, City Kabob & Curry House in Trinity Square (204 Michigan Avenue), serves halal Pakistani food in a laid-back setting. Those who frequently visit the casual restaurant note that it's incredibly budget-friendly and recommend the biryani.

There are tons to do in Washington at night, like visiting the Allegory for a fancy cocktail and live music. This cocktail bar offers small plates and charcuterie that perfectly accompany its selection of craft cocktails. It has a swanky vibe that mixes art and advocacy with cocktails, and the interior is worthy of a photoshoot. Allegory doesn't require reservations so you can swing by whenever you're feeling thirsty.

If you're visiting Washington, DC, with your family, the Rock Creek Park Horse Center will make for a memorable experience. This public riding facility is one of the city's best-kept secrets and is the go-to spot for equestrian activities like trail rides and lessons. The outdoor spot is found in Rock Creek Park, which provides a gorgeous backdrop for trail rides on a friendly horse.

Bet you didn't expect to see a bookstore on this list! This indie spot is a haven for bookworms who love to browse through shelves one book at a time. In addition to a carefully curated collection of books that guests can purchase, Kramers features a cafe that serves quality American food, draft beer, and wine. It's located near Columbus Circle, which is also home to a small and affordable movie theater where visitors can catch a flick on a rainy day.

When you visit a large city, it can be easy to get swept up in sightseeing within the downtown core. Once you finally need a break from admiring buildings and monuments, take a trip to the Arboretum. This green space spans over 446 acres and features a vast variety of plants and trees. The Arboretum was established back in 1927 and is well known for its collections of Asian species, conifer, and azalea. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the Arboretum for free.

If you don't enjoy an authentic half-smoke when you're in DC, then you aren't doing it right. For those who aren't well versed in the realm of hot dogs, a half-smoke is a hot dog variation that's found in Washington, DC. A half-smoke is filled with meat that's more coarsely ground and is typically made with half beef and half pork. This hip BBQ spot serves combo platters, sandwiches, sides, and bourbon drinks that are all to die for. On the DCity Smokehouse menu, you'll have a tough time choosing between items like the brisket half-smoke, turkey and pork belly sandwich, and the ribs and wings combo platter. Mouthwatering sides include: classic coleslaw, mac 'n' jack cheese, potato salad, fried brussels sprouts, hush puppies, jalapeno cheddar grits, and more!

Now this is what we call a hidden gem, especially for scary movie fanatics. In Georgetown, you'll find a steep, long staircase that you might recognize from the cult classic scary movie: The Exorcist. These stairs are featured in the final showdown between the priest and demon in the 1973 cinematic masterpiece. And these really aren't just any old stairs -- they are narrow and steep and are surrounded by ivy-covered stone walls. The Exorcist Steps descend from Prospect Street and 36th Street NW. But if you have trouble finding them, a local will surely point you in the right direction.

Once you've recovered from the bone-chilling experience that is climbing the Exorcist Steps, visit this cupcake shop for a sweet treat. Georgetown Cupcake became famous on a 2010 reality show called DC Cupcakes, which followed the two sisters who opened the shop. While flavors change on a daily and seasonal basis, there are some staple creations that never leave the menu. These include red velvet, vanilla birthday, chocolate and vanilla, milk chocolate birthday, and chocolate ganache. It would be a crime to limit yourself to just one cupcake, so we recommend taking half a dozen to go. You can always snack on one later when you're lounging in your hotel room.

Washington, DC, is much more than its half-smokes and cupcakes. At Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart, hungry guests can enjoy large plates covered with traditional injera bread, and meat and vegetable dishes. Guests then pick off pieces of the injera to use as a vehicle for the curries and stews piled on top. The low-key restaurant also serves a selection of wine, beer, and vegan dishes, and can be found at 1334 9th Street NW.

And lastly, this free historic art museum will not disappoint. The National Portrait Gallery is home to an astounding number of portraits -- approximately 220,000 works that date back to the 8th century. Many of the portraits featured are of famous Americans like Dolley Madison, Abraham Lincoln, and Alexander Hamilton. It is located at 8th Street NW and G Street NW.

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