The nation’s capital is a wealth of monuments and free museums, but travelers can also treat themselves to a different side of culture with extensive options for unique dining, performing arts and especially lesser-known historical tidbits. For instance, did you know that the members of Congress have their own private subway system for getting to work? Dupont Circle and Georgetown are great areas for trendy, upscale hotels. Looking for a more budget-friendly option? No worries -- just head downtown.

Where To Shop In Washington DC

• Open for a decade now, Urban Chic is a roomy boutique in the Georgetown neighborhood with a large selection of trendy fashions for both men and women. New stock is uploaded to Facebook, so shoppers can pick out their favorites before even stepping into the store.
• Voted DC’s best clothing boutique in 2013, Violet Boutique prides itself on its great customer service as well as its racks of affordable but quality styles, with new options every week, mostly priced under $100.

Points Of Interest In DC

• Right next to the Potomac River is the John. F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts, comprising three performance spaces and home to the National Symphony Orchestra, the Suzanne Farrell Ballet and the Washington National Opera, as well as many out-of-town acts.
• Well worth the price of admission, Newseum’s diverse displays show history through the eyes of news, whether it be momentous newspaper front pages or tongue-in-cheek journalism. A recent exhibit, dedicated to the movie Anchorman, contained a collection of props from the film.