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

The River Inn
The River Inn
4 out of 5
924 25th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is HK$1,471 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
HK$1,471
HK$1,706 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Apr - 20 Apr
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! (1,603 reviews)
"Loved our stay in Foggy Bottom!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2025

The River Inn
Hotel Hive
Hotel Hive
3.5 out of 5
2224 F Street NW, Washington, DC
The price is HK$1,199 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
HK$1,199
HK$1,390 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
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! (1,110 reviews)
"Very kind and welcoming staff."

Reviewed on 2 Apr 2025

Hotel Hive
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel
5 out of 5
2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC
The price is HK$2,094 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
HK$2,094
HK$2,762 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Apr - 18 Apr
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)
Stay here - also convenient location
"Really liked this hotel. Modern, yet retro and still up to date and very clean. Really liked it."

Reviewed on 1 Apr 2025

The Watergate Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is HK$887 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
HK$887
HK$1,029 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Apr - 20 Apr
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! (4,181 reviews)
"Excellent location for walking to the Metro or bus to all DC points of interest. High end bedding and towels. Daily maid service. All staff are congenial and efficient. Room is clean and beautifully decorated."

Reviewed on 2 Apr 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
State Plaza Hotel
State Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2116 E Street NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$1,160 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
HK$1,160
HK$1,345 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,154 reviews)
"Overall great place I would stay here again for sure!"

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2025

State Plaza Hotel
Generator Hotel Washington DC
Generator Hotel Washington DC
3 out of 5
1900 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
The price is HK$1,044 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
HK$1,044
HK$1,436 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,158 reviews)
"Nice security, just nice all the way around."

Reviewed on 2 Apr 2025

Generator 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 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 Studio Theatre and National City Christian Church.

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 FBI Headquarters and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.

Penn Quarter

Foggy Bottom