Foggy Bottom

Washington

Foggy Bottom featuring a memorial, a statue or sculpture and a city
Foggy Bottom
Foggy Bottom showing signage
Foggy Bottom
Foggy Bottom showing a statue or sculpture and a memorial

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Foggy Bottom

The River Inn
The River Inn
4 out of 5
924 25th St NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$324 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$324
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (1,717 reviews)
"It was perfect for for stay in DC. Love the location the most."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

The River Inn
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel
5 out of 5
2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC
The price is S$422 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
S$422
1 Aug - 2 Aug
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Nothing to add"

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

The Watergate Hotel
Hotel Hive
Hotel Hive
3.5 out of 5
2224 F Street NW, Washington, DC
The price is S$191 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$191
6 Jul - 7 Jul
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! (1,216 reviews)
"Absolutely loved the area, price, roof top bar, rooms, cleanliness, theme, and service."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Hotel Hive
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is S$161 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$161
6 Jul - 7 Jul
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! (4,415 reviews)
"I love the location, my room the view, balcony fabulous"

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 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 S$204 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
S$204
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,446 reviews)
"Great location, hotel is good"

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
3.5 out of 5
900 S Orme St, Arlington, VA
The price is S$144 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
S$144
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,314 reviews)
"Courteous and always-smiling reception desk staff. Well-designed lobby. Good-sized room and toilet. Hotel entrance from street is hard to identify (no sign & not well-lighted). There's one light switch (for the overhead wall light) that is very hard to identify (a small black button)."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
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, 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 Washington Harbour or Embassy Row.

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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Logan Circle

A noteworthy feature of Logan Circle is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out National City Christian Church and Studio Theatre.

Logan Circle
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 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.
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Penn Quarter

While you're in Penn Quarter, take in top sights like Navy Memorial & Naval Heritage Center and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.

Penn Quarter

Foggy Bottom