Stephanie Early Green

April is exciting because it's one of two bridge months (the other is September): It's the last gasp of spring before summertime, and with it comes varied weather. A particularly rainy and cold April gives extra credence to the old adage that April showers bring May flowers. As a result, we've been pushed inside and experienced less patio time than expected (or hoped, actually).  But that doesn't mean it's been a total reversion to colder days. The bounty of the season—lots of fresh vegetables and whimsical cocktails and mains that aren't just to stick to the bones and warm the belly—is on full display. I put together this list based on which restaurants struck the right balance of cozy hideaway and a fresh, forward-looking menu—perfect for this in-between season. There’s a mix of higher- and lower-cost spots, but each offers food that’s special enough to make it worth the time and money. Read on for the 19 best restaurants in Washington, D.C. this month. April 2025: In this most recent update that reflects which D.C. restaurants are the best in the city this month, we've removed Pascual, Lapis and Purple Patch. We added Service Bar, The Duck & The Peach and Lutèce. This guide was updated by D.C.-based writer Helen Carefoot. At Time Out, all our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate and review restaurants, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Washington, D.C.

We’ve sure had our share of April showers in D.C. this year, and with peak bloom well behind us we are fully in spring. Take a walk outside and you’ll see that the world is really waking up: school groups are touring the museums in full force, tulips and other flowers are blooming all over the city and the outdoor patios are packed with people who aren’t wearing puffer jackets. This is the time to gear up for much busier days ahead.April is a special time in D.C. because it’s the last respite before the craziness of summer, when the sweltering heat makes every venture outside into an undertaking. The coming months will bring many more tourists plus events with crowds that’ll reach the thousands like Passport DC and WorldPride DC 2025. Why not take advantage of the last gasp of mild weather and (relatively) small crowds to explore more of the city at a leisurely pace?  The best things to do this month in D.C. are perfect venues for just that—the kind of events where you grab a friend or two, and have a small adventure that won’t completely tire you. The final events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival will be a spectacle, but more chill events like a film festival and a leisurely bookstore crawl provide balance to the chaos. Ready to soak in the last bit of calm before the storm? Read on for the best things to do in Washington, D.C. right now.  D.C.-based writer Helen Carefoot updated this guide to reflect the best things to do in April and to refresh the listings with ne

Living in D.C. is pretty amazing because there's always something happening, and our list of free things to do in D.C. is pretty long. Whether you're exploring the iconic Smithsonian museums, catching a glimpse of Abraham Lincoln's marble statue, or joining the festivities at Mardi Gras at The Wharf, D.C. is packed with endless opportunities to do, see, and enjoy. So, why spend your weekend dwelling on the state of the Union? Get out there and explore some sights. These are the best attractions in Washington, D.C. to kick things off. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Washington, D.C.

A tour of DC’s art museums may have you wondering whether the capital has more paintings or politicians. Heavyweights such as the National Gallery of Art, which houses masterpieces from Monet, Cezanne and Renoir, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum with its impressive collection of large-scale contemporary works, are among the best museums in DC, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Even better for culture lovers, most of the city’s major museums don’t charge admission, making an afternoon of art appreciation one of the most gratifying free things to do in DC.

Washingtonians aren’t exactly known for flamboyant style—something you realize after moving to DC—but that doesn’t mean we lack fashion sense. Vintage aficionados unearth unique finds in 14th St NW emporiums, including Dr. K Vintage for menswear, Junction for funky clothing and accessories, and Blues Hard Goods for retro denim. If you're looking to revitalize your wardrobe, Ginger Root Design's tailoring service is renowned across town and the store also carries locally designed jewelry and accessories for men and women. Redeem is the place to go for edgy international designers. But there’s much more to prime shopping in DC than clothing. The city is strong on bookstores that offer more than the latest bestsellers—Kramerbooks also contains one of the city’s best coffee shops. If you’re looking to round out your vinyl collection, head to Adams Morgan for Crooked Beat Records and Smash Records.