Nightlife & the Arts in Washington, D.C.
- Overview
- Places to Explore
- Sights
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Entertainment
- Shopping
- Activities
- Travel Tips
- Features
- Fodor's Choice
- Deals
- Guidebooks
Fodor's Choice in Washington, D.C.
| Name | Category | Location |
American Film Institute Silver Theatre and Cultural Center
This state-of-the-art center for film is a restoration of architect... |
Film | Washington, D.C. |
Black Cat
Come here to see the latest local bands as well as indie stars... |
Music Clubs | U Street Corridor |
Blues Alley
Head here for a classy evening in an intimate setting, complete... |
Music Clubs | Georgetown |
Café Saint-Ex
Themed after the life of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, French... |
Bars | U Street Corridor |
Eighteenth Street Lounge
Home to Washington's chic set, ESL's unmarked visage might be... |
Bars | Dupont Circle |
|
| ||
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
On the bank of the Potomac River, the gem of the D.C. arts scene... |
Arts Centers | Washington, D.C. |
Music Center at Strathmore
Located just outside the Capital Beltway in North Bethesda, this... |
Arts Centers | Washington, D.C. |
Shakespeare Theatre
This acclaimed troupe crafts fantastically staged and acted performances... |
Theater | Washington, D.C. |
Smithsonian Institution
Throughout the year the Smithsonian Associates sponsor programs... |
Arts Centers | Washington, D.C. |
Woolly Mammoth
Unusual avant-garde shows with edgy staging and solid acting... |
Theater | Washington, D.C. |
Browse All Washington, D.C. Nightlife
Free Fodor's Newsletter
Subscribe today for weekly travel inspiration, tips, and special offers.
Fodor's Trip Planning Ideas
- Weekend Getaways: Fodor's Recommends the Best Weekend Escapes in the US
- Great American Vacation: Find Your Next U.S. Trip with Fodor's
- 80 Degrees: Fodor's Helps You Find Your Best Beach Vacation Spots
- Go List: Fodor's Top 25 Places to Go in 2013
- Hotel Awards 2012: Fodor's 100 Top Hotels
- Best of Europe: Fodor's Picks the Best Places to Visit in Europe
Travel Deals in Washington, D.C.
- $140* & up -- Nationwide Flights on American, R/T American Airlines
- $75-$79 -- Capitol Hill Hotel near Historic Sites, 65% Off BookIt.com
- $83 & up -- D.C. Hotel w/Wi-Fi & Daily Breakfast, 50% Off BookIt.com
- $18 & up -- Baltimore: Admission to 9 Museums, up to 25% Off Featured Destination: Baltimore
- $104* & up -- Flights for Next Weekend on American, R/T — $104 American Airlines
* Some taxes, fees additional


