Katharine Rust

History buffs, art enthusiasts and people simply interested in America's past need to look no further than the best museums in D.C. The nation's capital has much to offer in the way of cultural institutions, many of which are free to enjoy, we might add. You'll find most of them within walking distance to one another, if not a short ride or drive away. Washington, D.C.'s best museums are housed in some of the country's most remarkable buildings. So, if what's inside doesn't pique your interest, marveling at the architecture will keep you busy for many hours. Visiting the best museums in D.C. can get a bit overwhelming, but we're here to guide you to the galleries and spaces you can't miss—whether you're into modern art, pop culture, African American history or old nuclear missiles. Trust us, there's something for you.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Washington, D.C.🏛️ The best Washington, D.C. attractions🍴 The best restaurants in D.C. right now🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Washington, D.C. This guide was written by Washington, D.C. locals. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

With so many bookish staffers pulling late nights on Capitol Hill and engineers pulling late nights in their start-up’s home office, you’d think DC would be rife with coffee shops. You’d be right. DC’s caffeine scene is not entirely 24/7—though some cafés, like Tryst in Adams Morgan, come close. With sprawling couches (and an occasional Washington Post), outdoor seating, and such elevated menu items as house-made fig scones, chocolate croissants and Virginia sausage sandwiches, these days coffee shops in the capital offer a lot more than a mere cup of joe. RECOMMENDED: See the best restaurants in DC

Despite the fact that just about half of DC’s transient population is conservative (give or take a few percentages depending on whoever’s in the White House), the LGBT community is not only thriving, it’s practically the majority leader. That is, if you live on 17th Street, H Street, in Adams Morgan, Shaw, Dupont Circle, NoMa, Navy Yards…Did we mention gay DC is on the rise? Until about 15 years ago, the most flavor you’d savor in the District came in the form of mumbo sauce. But, as with any city’s gentrification pattern, wherever gays and lesbians move, gay and lesbian bars are sure to follow.

The nation’s capital may have earned the nickname “Hollywood for Ugly People,” but when you need an escape from the ongoing political drama, DC movie theaters deliver, whether you want to catch the latest releases, or find art-house fare in screening rooms and auditoriums within some of the city’s best art museums.