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 P6,278 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P6,278
P7,279 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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! (2,422 reviews)
"First time at ARC. Beautiful 3 nights. Especially being able to accommodate me on a lower floor was definitely a plus. Quick food options in the lobby. Would definitely book at ARC again."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 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 P9,397 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P9,397
P10,896 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (1,765 reviews)
"Great affordable option for families that need a kitchen for their trip to dc. It is a quick walk to the metro and grocery. The neighborhood seems safe and quiet do a city. The rooms are nice but could use some bathroom updates. The ac unit is loud, that would be my biggest complaint and if it matters, ..."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

The River Inn
Hotel Hive

Hotel Hive

3.5 out of 5
2224 F Street NW, Washington, DC
The price is P7,538 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
P7,538
P8,741 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,248 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Hotel Hive
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 P14,130 per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
P14,130
P18,819 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Amenities in the room were very nice quality, slippers, loofah, and toiletries. I was overcharged for car parking on check out when they asked if I had any extras. Hotel refunded it right away but my overseas bank took an extra procedure fee as a result of this misunderstanding. Room was a suite ..."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

The Watergate Hotel
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 P5,618 per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
P5,618
P6,514 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
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! (4,522 reviews)
"Very nice and helpful staff."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 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 P6,174 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P6,174
P8,876 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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! (2,624 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 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 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