Foggy Bottom

Washington
Georgetown - Foggy Bottom which includes a memorial, a statue or sculpture and a city
Foggy Bottom
Georgetown - Foggy Bottom showing signage
Foggy Bottom
Georgetown - Foggy Bottom featuring a statue or sculpture and a memorial
One of Washington’s oldest districts is now an upscale urban neighborhood, home to important government buildings as well as a lively student and arts community.

The Foggy Bottom district, named for the fogs that collect above the Potomac River, was settled in the 1760s as a community of laborers and factory workers. Today it’s an urban residential district as well as a hub of iconic government buildings, including the US Department of State, the offices of the President and Vice President and a number of international embassies. The area has become so affiliated with State matters that the name Foggy Bottom is often used to mean the US Department of State.

While much of what happens in Foggy Bottom is Federal business and occurs behind firmly closed doors, there is still plenty to keep visitors happily occupied. Fans of political history can see the Watergate complex, site of the infamous Watergate burglaries that were the catalyst in President Nixon’s downfall.

Foggy Bottom is also an entertainment and cultural center of D.C. The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, one of the world’s premier arts venues, opened in 1971 and hosts more than 2,000 music, comedy, dance and theater performances each year. Head to the Millennium Stage at 6 p.m. for a free nightly performance. Not far away is the Cocoran Gallery of Art, which houses an extensive collection of American art from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, as well as masterpieces from Rembrandt, Degas, Monet and Picasso. There’s also a whimsical collection of outdoor sculptures throughout the neighborhood.

Foggy Bottom has been the site of the George Washington University campus since 1912, and the large population of students ensures that the area’s bars, restaurants and accommodations are not geared solely towards visiting dignitaries and diplomats. Catch the sunset and the best views of the nation’s capital from the P.O.V. (Point of View) Rooftop Lounge at the W Hotel.

Foggy Bottom’s location, between the National Mall to the south and Georgetown to the northwest, makes it a great base from which to explore the city. You can catch the MetroRail to Foggy Bottom from Federal Triangle Metro Station, or the L1 bus from Chevy Chase Circle stop.


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 HK$926 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
HK$926
HK$1,074 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Book a stay at this 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! (2,072 reviews)
"Comfortable hotel in a nice residential area with easy access to a nearby park."

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
Hotel Hive
Hotel Hive
3.5 out of 5
2224 F Street NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$741 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
HK$741
HK$859 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
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! (1,001 reviews)
"The property and hotel were great."

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Hotel Hive
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel
5 out of 5
2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC
The price is HK$2,171 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
HK$2,171
HK$2,852 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov
Book a stay at this spa 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Very beautiful place, pleasant and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2024

The Watergate Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is HK$771 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
HK$771
HK$893 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
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! (3,857 reviews)
"I love the area around the hotel, beautiful historical buildings, safe area tp walk"

Reviewed on 21 Nov 2024

Washington Plaza Hotel
Wingate by Wyndham Springfield
Wingate by Wyndham Springfield
2.5 out of 5
6550 Loisdale Court, Springfield, VA
The price is HK$728 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
HK$728
HK$822 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Dec - 4 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Springfield. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,035 reviews)
"Thank you for a great stay"

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Wingate by Wyndham Springfield
citizenM Washington DC NoMa
citizenM Washington DC NoMa
4 out of 5
1222 1ST STREET NE, Washington, DC
The price is HK$594 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
HK$594
HK$689 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,532 reviews)
"Small room but very neat"

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2024

citizenM Washington DC NoMa
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 Farragut Square or National Geographic Museum, 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 Georgetown Waterfront Park or Washington Harbour.

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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Rosslyn

4/5(12 area reviews)

The ample dining options and prominent monuments are just a few popular features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Freedom Park or Dark Star Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Rosslyn Station to get around town.

Rosslyn
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 Smithsonian Institution and Capital One Arena, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Washington D.C.
International Spy Museum featuring interior views

Southwest Federal Center

While you're in Southwest Federal Center, take in top sights like National Mall or Smithsonian Institution, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.

Southwest Federal Center

Foggy Bottom