Foggy Bottom, DC

Washington
Georgetown - Foggy Bottom showing outdoor art and a statue or sculpture
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


Foggy Bottom Hotel Deals

Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is ¥18,616 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥18,616
per night
May 27 - May 28
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! (3,245 reviews)
"Everything was good! Excellent employees!"

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Washington Plaza Hotel
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 ¥23,060 per night from May 30 to May 31
¥23,060
per night
May 30 - May 31
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! (1,009 reviews)
"Always a pleasure to stay here. Staff is wonderful and you can’t beat the location."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Hotel Hive
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel
5 out of 5
2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC
The price is ¥48,340 per night from May 23 to May 24
¥48,340
per night
May 23 - May 24
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Having been stationed in DC during the “Watergate “ scandal, I have always wanted to stay there, very happy we did ."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

The Watergate Hotel
ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
3 out of 5
824 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
The price is ¥20,950 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥20,950
per night
May 27 - May 28
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,772 reviews)
"Enjoyed my stay. Staff was super friendly and kind. Property is dated and could use upgrades in the common areas . Room was small but very clean and comfortable. Parking is valet only and $55 daily, I would park in a public lot next time."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
Capital Hilton
Capital Hilton
4 out of 5
1001 16th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is ¥24,361 per night from May 31 to Jun 1
¥24,361
per night
May 31 - Jun 1
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"This was my first visit to DC to celebrate my birthday and Mother’s Day, the people at The Capital Hilton made it wonderful. Roberto checked me in and set the tone. He was friendly, had great smiles and accommodating. Frank made sure I had what I needed and was very nice. He had smiles and kind words ..."

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Capital Hilton
Hotel Washington
Hotel Washington
4.5 out of 5
515 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
The price is ¥37,389 per night from May 24 to May 25
¥37,389
per night
May 24 - May 25
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,648 reviews)
"Great service at check in, all the restaurants and bar. Super location close to major sites."

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Hotel Washington
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 neighborhoods 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 K Street, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Farragut North Station or Farragut West Station.

Connecticut Ave - K Street
Georgetown showing a house, heritage architecture and a city

Georgetown

4.5/5(371 area reviews)

Georgetown is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Georgetown Waterfront Park and Washington Harbour while you're in town.

Georgetown
Dupont Circle which includes a monument and a statue or sculpture

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(2,793 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
A late night stroll through Logan Circle. Great flats and homes to appreciate while walking towards local restaurants and bars.

Logan Circle

5/5(3 area reviews)

Logan Circle is known for its popular shops, and with sights like National City Christian Church and Studio Theatre, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Washington.

Logan Circle
United States Marine Corps War Memorial showing military items

Rosslyn

4/5(812 area reviews)

The ample dining options and prominent monuments are just a few popular features of the neighborhood. 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, a city and night scenes

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(6,676 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.


Foggy Bottom, DC