Foggy Bottom

Washington

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

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 P6,941 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,941
P8,048 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,407 reviews)
Very comfortable stay awesome area
"The beds were super comfortable we really liked the pillow menu with all different types of pillows on both beds to choose from. Very clean nice staff, well organized would definitely go back"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
The River Inn

The River Inn

4 out of 5
924 25th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is P9,659 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
P9,659
P11,200 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
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! (1,754 reviews)
"The neighborhood was very historic and cute, and it was a quick easy walk to transit. The hotel was comfortable, and the staff was very accommodating."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

The River Inn
Hotel Hive

Hotel Hive

3.5 out of 5
2224 F Street NW, Washington, DC
The price is P7,885 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P7,885
P9,143 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
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! (1,238 reviews)
"It is simply the best option when considering the price level and the distance to white house. The room is very clean."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Hotel Hive
The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate Hotel

5 out of 5
2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC
The price is P14,339 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
P14,339
P19,096 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
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! (1,005 reviews)
"What was unique is all of the service wanting to set up your room service in your room actually have a table to eat. It was so elegant and so well put together. Everything we asked for was delivered to us. Even the microwave."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

The Watergate Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is P5,774 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,774
P6,695 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (4,519 reviews)
"Comfy beds and fast internet. Conveniently located close to McPherson Square station if you are coming from Reagan or Dulles."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel

Omni Shoreham Hotel

4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is P5,712 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P5,712
P8,293 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,020 reviews)
"Property was really nice all over. The bathrooms were small would be the only real issue with the property I would have. We had four in the room and it was a one person bathroom with not much room for one, however I know the property is older so I’m sure that’s the reason. I didn’t like the “destination” ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Omni Shoreham 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 the city at Farragut North Station or Farragut West Station.

Connecticut Ave - K Street
Georgetown which includes heritage architecture, a house and a city

Georgetown

Georgetown is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Georgetown Park and Washington Harbour while you're in town.

Georgetown
Dupont Circle which includes a monument and a statue or sculpture

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(2 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

Logan Circle is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Studio Theatre and National City Christian Church, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Washington.

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

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(3 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 FBI Headquarters and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.

Penn Quarter

Foggy Bottom